Moving
Services
The state of Connecticut Public Utility Control Authority regulates
movers in Connecticut. The authority ensures that licensed movers
have proper general liability, auto and workers compensation insurance
and files. It also ensures that movers adhere to an approved rate.
Movers may charge you only in accordance with their rate filings.
Because they are regulated, movers cannot pass on discounts or price
incentives to customers on in-state moves. Local Moves occur within
the state. Local movers generally charge an hourly rate. Remember,
you are buying a service. You need to decide how much service you
want. You play a key role in making the move a success. Local movers
offer a variety of services, from the very basic "two men and a van"
to a complete executive-style full pack, move, store, deliver, unpack
and even maid service. After you decide what services you need, you
need to schedule a survey of your home. The next step is too schedule
a survey of your home. During that appointment, be sure to show the
movers everything you want them to do. You should document at this
time whatever you agree that you are going to do. At this time you
should document everything you and the mover have agreed upon. Because
movers charge generally by the hour, here are some important things
to remember: Because movers generally charge by the hour here are
some important things to remember. Reputable moving companies are
very good at supplying accurate estimates. However, since the estimate
is calculated on the approximate time to move, you play a critical
role in what the final invoice will be. When a mover meets with you
to provide an estimate, consider the following: Whatever you agree
that you are going to do yourself reduces the estimate. Whatever you
have agreed to handle yourself helps reduce the estimate. This includes
packing your own boxes, moving furniture downstairs, or up from a
basement, etc . If you fail to complete these items, the mover will
complete them for you, although your costs will go up.. It is essential
to be organized and focused when the movers arrive. Indecision on
moving day may cause delays loading the van. You will pay more while
the movers wait. Do not schedule any other activities or errands while
your movers are there. Any changes you make or delays you create will
impact the final invoice. Keep all valuables on your person or put
away in a safe place. Two very important steps: When the driver says.
"We're all loaded" at loading, it is critical that you do a last walk
through. Check the entire house. Be sure the movers have all you want
on board. Also, look at the walls, doorways and entrance ways. Make
sure there is no damage by the movers. It is too late to make a claim
after the mover leaves. The second critical time is at delivery, when
the driver says, "Everything is delivered." Walk around your house,
make sure all the furniture is where you want it. Also, check the
walls, hallways and entranceways of your new house. Make sure everything
is in good shape. If not, note it in writing on the mover's paper
work. It is too late to make a claim after the mover leaves. Most
carriers offer printed moving guides. Take a few minutes to read those
brochures. Practice what they advise to save time and money. For a
full service move, movers will charge their packing service by the
box. Packing can run as much as 60 to 70% of the cost of the move.
Most movers have one charge for the carton, paper, bubble and tape
required to wrap and box items and a separate labor charge to pack
items. Interstate Moves (state-to-state) - while these moves are discounted,
there are other variables you need to weigh when making your decision:
Single point of contact service Peak season rates Cost of replacement
insurance Pick-up and delivery guaranteed
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Oil Vendors
Selecting an oil company is about more than the price of
the oil. If you shop around for every tank of oil, you may
save a few pennies, but you are likely to end up with an unreliable
company and poor service. If you have never had a home with oil heat,
here are some suggestions:
- Loss of heat almost always happens after business hours.
If your home is over 10 years old, you will probably require at
least one service call a season. If your system malfunctions, the
chances are it will not occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Therefore,
you should make sure your oil company is highly reliable and will
be there for you in the middle of the night. Find out the company's
average response time for an emergency service call. Ask if they
use an answering service or 24-hour office staff. Call them after
5 pm and see who answers the phone. How many service technicians
do they have? Since pipes can freeze and burst in one cold night,
these are important things to consider.
- All oil is not the same. There are different
grades of heating oil. An inferior grade is more likely to create
sediment in your oil tank, resulting in more frequent service calls.
Many good oil companies treat their oil with special oil additives
that prevent sediment formation and improve operating efficiency.
- Get a comprehensive service plan. Service plans
are usually well worth the cost. Make sure you get a service plan
that includes an annual tune-up, 24 hour service* and coverage for
both parts and labor. Be sure the service plan also covers heat-related
plumbing items. These items can be very expensive.
*Make sure you are not going to get an Answering Service, but the
actual oil company.
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Re-keying Services
The former owner of your new home may have given extra keys over
the years to neighbors, friends, relatives, etc. Depending upon the
condition of your current locksets, you may want to re-key, replace
or upgrade them to a level appropriate to your security needs. You
also may want to have all your locks working with the same key, making
entry and exit from your home more convenient. Door viewers, which
allow you to see your visitors before letting them in, add an additional
measure of security. A professional locksmith service can help you
make these decisions and provide installation.
Locksmith companies also may offer additional services such as installing
and repairing safes, custom lockset installation, keyless entry systems
and remote control entry.
The level of security a lockset offers depends on its construction
for low, medium or high security. A lock with only a key in the knob
or handle is marginally secure: a burglar can easily foil it. For
increased security, install a deadbolt lockset on each entry door.
Basic lock construction Mortise entry locksets have
a large, rectangular body that slides into a mortise (a cavity carved
into the edge of the door made to receive the lock mechanism). A mortise
lockset contains the workings for the knob, lever, or grip handle,
latch and deadbolt in a single unit. Mounting a mortise lockset requires
some carpentry work and it is recommended that a professional locksmith
be hired for this type of installation.
Tubular deadbolt locksets have a rounded body designed to fit into
intersecting holes bored into the door. The deadbolt bar, which slides
into a corresponding opening in the doorjamb, is the main source of
your security. Jimmy-proof deadbolt locksets operate by inserting
two "teeth" into a corresponding sleeve attached to the inside of
the doorframe.
Double-sided deadbolts are illegal in Connecticut unless the state
building inspector or the fire marshal grants special permission.
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Security Systems
Security System Monitoring is the connection of your security system
to a remote central station. When your system trips, the signal transmits
via the phone lines to the Central Station where the operator will
verify the alarm and call the appropriate authorities. This is a must
if you have a fire system installed or want Panic or Medical monitoring.
When you have a monitored system, you can specify what action the
monitoring company should take when it receives a signal. In addition
to calling the police or fire departments, the company also will notify
people on your call list (neighbor or family). The monitoring company
will also establish a "pass-code" or "code word" with you that will
enable them to verify that the person they are speaking with is the
authorized person. Any other code word than the one authorized, will
tell the Central Station that you are under "duress" and the company
will notify police.
For home use, the most common approach is to use your phone line to
transmit the signal. If you decide to use this, make sure that the
Security Company installs a phone line monitor. If a phone line is
cut, this will cause the keypad to buzz, or set off a siren. To ensure
that your system is working properly, have your security company enable
the test signal. This is a special signal that your control can send
to the Central System weekly, confirming that your system is working.
Remember to test your system at least once a week.
The best systems today use cellular backup. In the event your phone
line is down, the system uses the cellular network to transmit alarm
signals.
Improper operation and improper maintenance cause most false alarms.
Many local police departments fine homeowners for false alarms.
Things to consider when selecting a company:
- Reduced insurance premiums
- Quality of the monitoring (Central Station should be UL certified*)
- How many years the company has been in business
- 24-hour availability.
*UL listing assures back-up power in the event of any power outage.
UL Central Stations also maintain the strictest security measures.
Before purchasing a home security system, there are a few key points
you should consider. If you currently have a system in place, it is
good to know that any alarm company can monitor your existing system.
It does not have to be the same company who installed it.
There are different types of security systems you can use. There are
systems you can install yourself, in which case, you will need to
find a company to monitor it.
Whether the system is standalone or monitored, the hardware for residential
alarms comes in two basic configurations: wired and wireless.
Wired systems require the installer to run low-voltage
electrical wires from a master control panel to the sensors on all
entry doors, windows, and motion detectors and to all of the system's
keypads and sirens. The wires are concealed inside walls and crawl
spaces to make the system as inconspicuous as possible, but these
are tricky installation tasks often best left to a professional.
Wireless systems use miniature radio transmitters
instead of wires to send signals between the main control panel and
the system's sensors, keypads, and sirens. This eliminates drilling
holes and fishing wires behind walls, making it possible to do the
installation yourself.(professional security companies install them,
too). Wireless systems also are portable: You can take the components
with you when you move.
If you install a system yourself, be certain to understand and comply
with all national, state, and local electrical codes that pertain
to home-security systems. Even then, it is best to have a professional
install the wiring for around-the-clock monitoring.
Check out the companies with your state's licensing agencies, consumer-protection
agencies and the Better Business Bureau, to verify proper licensure
and complaint histories.
Do not overlook the importance of monitored smoke detectors. Battery
operated smoke detectors frequently do not work. A monitored smoke
detector in the basement will trip the siren in the main part of the
house.
Other helpful sensors include:
- Low Temperature Sensors
- Burner Monitors
- Water Detectors
- Wireless key fobs for arming/disarming/panic buttons
All electronic alarm systems include the master control panel, at
least one keypad for arming and disarming the system, a selection
of sensors (entry sensors at perimeter doors and windows plus motion
detectors for areas inside the home), and a warning signal such as
a siren and/or strobe lights.
The master control panel is home to the CPU (Central
Processing Unit), the brains of the system. Based on information it
receives from the keypad and alarm sensors, it decides when to sound
the sirens or report to the central monitoring station.
The keypad is the system's command center. It is
where you arm and disarm the system and also where you silence a sounding
alarm, usually by entering your system's code number on a keypad.
Sensors are essentially magnetic switches that trigger
the alarm whenever a door or window is opened. One part of the switch
is on the door or window frame; the matching part attaches to the
door or the window sashes. When the unit is open, separating the parts,
the interruption in current triggers the alarm.
- Door sensors
- Window sensors
- Passive infrared motion sensors (PIRs) are electronic devices
that are able to detect motion
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