Author Archives: admin

Custom Home Builder in NJ Discusses Types of Homes

Custom home builder in NJ, family sitting on porch steps of white house with black shutters

When you begin the journey of building your own home, there is an almost endless list of decisions to be made. But decision number one is what type of home you want. From ranch to Tudor, colonial to contemporary, there is a home design for everyone. The key to building your own custom home is selecting the right builder. The best thing about working with an experienced custom home builder in NJ like Monetti Custom Homes is that you’ll be able to customize just about everything in your home.

Select the Right Custom Home Builder in NJ

Make sure when you are deciding on which builder to go with that the builder is going to listen to your ideas and desires. Some builders only like to build certain types of buildings and may try to push your decisions one way or another. The only time a builder should try to talk you out of something is if it is not structurally sound or they have experience in why what you want would not work. We would suggest having multiple conversations with each builder that you are researching to give you a good idea if you will work well together. Also, review their portfolios to see if their designs and tastes mesh with yours.

Types of Homes

The list of home design types is nearly endless. We’ve chosen a dozen types for this article and we’ll give a brief overview of each.

Ranch

Also known as rancher, this style home is very popular in the US. A few of the key characteristics are being a single story, having a long, low-pitch roofline, attached garage, and having an asymmetrical rectangular, L-shaped, or a U-shaped design.

Bungalow

Typically, a single-story home, but may have a half or partial second story built into the sloped roof. This is one of the smaller designs of homes with a limited number of rooms which makes them easy to maintain

Cape Cod

There can be a few variations of this style. You can have a full, half, or three-quarter cape. No matter which type of cape you have there are a few standard features. The Cape Cod design is symmetrical with steep roofs, gable dormers, and a simple exterior.

Colonial

One of the key characteristics of a Colonial home is symmetry. They are most often multi-level homes in a rectangular shape with steep, side-gabled roofs.

Federal Colonial

Sometimes also called an Adam style home. This is a large style home with wings extending off both sides of the main structure and commonly has more decorative accents than other colonial styles.

Georgian Colonial

A strict box shaped home. Typically has a line of 5 shuttered windows across the second floor. Normally has a paneled front door with a decorative crown adorned by columns. This style home is always symmetrical.

Dutch Colonial

A bit different than other colonial styles, a Dutch colonial has a broad gambrel roof. Typical of the colonial style though, the front of the home is symmetrical on either side of the front door which is often covered in a decorative portico. Sometimes referred to as a barn home due to how much it resembles a barn.

Spanish

Not very popular in New Jersey, Spanish style homes are more prevalent in desert areas like Arizona and New Mexico. Typically, they are covered fully in stucco with flat, clay tile roofs, have extended patio areas that extend the living area, and contain lots of arches in the design.

Tudor

When you see a Tudor home, you know it. It is a very distinctive design. Most known for having steep, pitched roof with multiple dormers with varying heights, a majority of the exterior is covered in brick, but with decorative half-timber details, and tall, narrow, multi-pane windows.

Craftsman

The craftsman style is similar to the bungalow style in that use’s natural materials like wood and stone. They commonly have low pitched roofs and large front porches.

Victorian

The design of a Victorian home is based solely on beauty, not function. A Victorian home is asymmetrical with a lot of architectural details, large porches, and bright colors.

Log Cabin

Ok, this one hardly needs a description. Most often found in wooded areas, the log cabin is a very specific type of home that very few are looking for. They are very rustic in appearance and the interior walls look just like the exterior. Size and design are totally up to the homeowner

Knowing What You Like Helps You Choose a Custom Home Builder in NJ

That’s really only a handful of home designs. Having a general idea in your head before you talk to a custom home builder in NJ is a good idea. This gives you and the designer a jumping off point. Having some solid starting points will make your conversations a lot easier and much more productive. If you have a preference for something as specific as a log cabin, this will certainly limit the builders that you can work with. Knowing what you want will help you narrow down your choices of builders. A lot can be learned from perusing a builder’s portfolio. If all the homes look the same, they are maybe not the best custom home builder. You want your custom home builder in NJ to be open to your ideas, your wants, and your needs.

We have tips and information on all sorts of subjects so be sure to check out our other articles. Come back often to see what’s new!

Toms River Website Designer Selection

Toms River website designer, hand poised over keyboard with green technology graphic on monitor

No matter how new or established your business is, we all need a website these days. Long gone are the days of scanning the yellow pages for an ad that catches your eye to find a company. Now, almost all searches are done online. From doctors to contractors, if you need to hire someone or find a professional, you will most likely enter what you’re looking for into a search bar instead of digging out the phone book (do they even make them anymore?). If your business doesn’t have an online presence, the chances of new clients finding you are slim. In addition, even if you do have a website, is it being buried in the results under a bunch of ads? Not only do you need to have a website, but you also need your website to be seen. A professional Toms River website designer that is experienced in a variety of specialties can help. Where do you start your search? Is it worth the money? We’ll try to cover these, plus many more questions in this article.

Where to Start

Well, online probably! You will most likely benefit the most from a website designer that is in your area. Websites aren’t a one-and-done type of thing. There are usually updates, changes, technical issues and other items that need to be dealt with. You’ll want someone who is local so they will be available for meetings and calls when you need them.

Once you’ve compiled a list of some possible enterprises in your area, time to start narrowing the field. Talk to other businesses around you and see who designed their site. Getting personal recommendations can be very helpful in finding the right company or designer for you. Reading testimonials, reviews, and checking sites like the Better Business Bureau can assist you in making your selection.

Next, it’s time to get personal. Making phone calls or filling out contact forms for the businesses you are considering is the next step. This helps for a few reasons. One, you’ll get to see their response time. If it takes them 3 days to get back to you, how seriously do they take their own business. Are they too busy to deal with you? A great business will put as much emphasis on new clients as it does to existing ones. Secondly, you’ll get a good feeling if they will work well with you. Keep in mind that you want your Toms River website designer to be a partner, not someone who works for you, but someone who works with you. Your website should be a collaboration of ideas. You want a business who is going to be honest with you if your ideas won’t work, but also someone who is good at melding lots of concepts into an eye-catching and functional site.

Is it Worth the Money to Hire a Toms River Website Designer?

The short answer, sometimes. While we do feel it is important to hire a professional, you also shouldn’t be spending a fortune. Be careful when selecting a team or company whose quote may be significantly higher than others you’ve received. On the flip side, be wary of those who only seem to be charging you a portion of what others are. You don’t want to spend too much, but you do want your money to be well spent.

Always ask for quotes from any potential designers. Make sure to include things like updates, changes, re-designs, logos, etc. in the quote. It’s important for you to know what you’re paying for. Watch out for hidden fees and ensure you fully understand what all the charges would be for. Also, ask them how they deal with things like updates and errors. Will they be teaching you how to handle it if you want? How do you get in touch with them for an emergency like your site being down? All of these things are important to know before selecting a company.

Who do You Choose?

This is where ultimately the choice is yours. Select a company who listens to you and your ideas. Obviously, you want a business who you get along with because your relationship with them will most likely be long term. Make sure the person or enterprise you choose isn’t just about the look of the site. You need your site to function also. Whether it is an online shopping platform or you have multiple contact forms, your site can’t just look good. It has to do good too. The whole point of having a website is to increase your business and make you money. If the site doesn’t work, it won’t do either.

That being said, you do want a site that is representative of you and your brand. Don’t hire a company that is going to steamroll your ideas over with theirs. You want your site to be something you are proud of. The best websites are compilations of ideas that helps to portray who your company is, what services you provide, and why clients should choose you.

Picking the Right Toms River Website Designer is Important

It is not only important to have a website designer, but it’s also important to have the right one. You want a website designer that is experienced in a lot of different fields. Be sure to peruse their portfolio to see that they have a wide range of clients. Also, look at all the sites they have done and make sure they all look unique. The last thing you want to spend money on is a site that looks like everyone else’s. Lastly, select a company that is going to work with you well. You want someone you can get along with and trust to give your website the attention it deserves. Picking a company that doesn’t hire third-party designers, that has the experience, and that is talented in a variety of ways is the best choice for a Toms River website designer.

More on Selecting the Right Toms River Website Designer

An update for our readers on what services are important to look for when picking a web designer

When selecting a Toms River website designer, business owners should prioritize a few key aspects. The first consideration is the designer’s understanding of the local market. A designer who is familiar with Toms River and its unique demographics can tailor a website to appeal to local customers more effectively. This local insight is invaluable for making a website stand out in a competitive market.

Experience and portfolio quality are crucial. A reputable website designer will provide a portfolio of previous work that showcases their skills across various industries. This will give you an insight into their design style, versatility, and ability to deliver results that could align with your business objectives. It’s also essential to select a designer who has experience in creating responsive websites. These sites are optimized for mobile devices because a significant portion of internet traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets.

Another critical factor is the designer’s proficiency in search engine optimization (SEO). A website that ranks well on search engine results pages can drive more organic traffic to your site, increasing your business’s visibility online. The designer should understand how to optimize site structure, content, and tags to improve your site’s SEO performance.

Lastly, consider the level of support and maintenance services offered by the designer. A good website design service in Toms River includes ongoing support to handle any issues that arise. Furthermore, updates to keep the site secure and functioning optimally and advice on how to refresh content to keep the site engaging for returning visitors are extremely helpful.

By focusing on local market understanding, portfolio quality, responsiveness and SEO proficiency, and post-launch support, business owners in Toms River can select a website designer who will help establish a strong online presence that attracts and retains customers.

Ortley Beach Real Estate Agents Security Tips

Ortley Beach Real Estate, Ortley Beach summer rental home with green padlock superimposed over home

Owning a getaway rental within the Ortley Beach real estate marketplace comes with a complete list of responsibilities and stressors. Safety is a huge one. There are several approaches to take to make your property secure. From smart locks to alarm systems, it is always a good idea to invest in security features for your rental house. Loads of time and money go into owning a vacation house and among the worst things that could take place is theft. There is certainly no way to ever guarantee that a house is theft-resistant. However, you’ll find loads of factors that you could do to aid in protecting against it.

Retain Individual Information to a Minimum

When a prospective renter inquires about your home, keep the facts strictly about the home. Try to hold as many specific details to yourself till payment is received and the booking is completed. When decorating your vacation rental, stay clear of putting photos of yourself as well as your family members. Regarding the listing for the home, keep photos generic. For those who can avoid providing the exact address till booking is concluded, that may be advised. When taking exterior images, try not to give away too much in regards to the exact location of your household.

Ortley Beach Real Estate Agents Say Set up an Alarm

No matter whether it consists of cameras or just an alarm system, any variety of residence safety technologies is a very good idea. Not merely does it assist in keeping your investment safe, it aids in maintaining the safety of your renters at the same time. Be certain to leave detailed directions on how to operate the system and that renters are comfortable using it.

Keyless Entry

As opposed to having to modify the lock immediately after every renter or go with a fingers-crossed method that no one has produced a copy of the key, installing a keyless entry lock on your home can help. These locks allow you to change the entry code right after each and every renter. This helps maintain the safety of your property, your possessions, and your future renters. Some of these locks can be accessed by an app on your phone. While that is an enormous convenience it also makes them potentially vulnerable to cyber hacking.

Make Your Ortley Beach Real Estate Home Appear Occupied

Even when you will find no occupants, it is ideal to create it look like the residence has inhabitants. Keep the yard uncluttered and neatly manicured. Put lights on timers, and exterior lights should be on a timer or motion-sensors. This way there is no place for anyone to hide on the property. All these items assist in making a property look like there’s an individual coming and going often. Small things like this aid in deterring would-be thieves. An additional tip is to not place a sign out front that advertises that the home is empty like a vacancy sign.

There is certainly so much that goes into owning a summer rental in the Ortley Beach real estate market. From bookings and cleaning to challenges and security, an owner always has something to complete. Among the best actions you can do to safeguard your house is investing in safety of all forms. A less is much more approach does not apply on the subject of safety.

Additional Security Tips From Ortley Beach Real Estate Agents

Property owner trimming overgrown ivy in Ortley Beach real estate

There are many other ways property owners can keep their rental homes and renters safe during both the on and off-season. For one, performing regular inspections and keeping the property well-maintained can prevent safety hazards and help identify potential security issues before they escalate. For example, ensuring that windows, doors, and other entry points are secure and that outdoor lighting functions properly can deter potential intruders. Maintenance also extends to landscaping; trimming overgrown shrubs and trees can eliminate potential hiding spots around the property.

Secondly, a thorough tenant screening process is critical to ensuring the safety of the property. Rental property owners should conduct background checks, including criminal history and credit reports, to ensure that prospective tenants are trustworthy and responsible. Additionally, verifying previous rental history and employment can offer insight into a tenant’s reliability. An Ortley Beach real estate agent can assist property owners with all of this.

Furthermore, building relationships within the local community is another valuable way to enhance security. Rental property owners can encourage tenants to participate in neighborhood watch programs or keep open lines of communication with local law enforcement. Being involved in community activities and staying informed about local safety concerns can help property owners and tenants remain alert to potential dangers in the area. This communal approach creates an additional layer of vigilance, making it easier to identify suspicious activities early on.

By combining these strategies with more common security features, rental property owners can create a safe environment for tenants while protecting their investment. These proactive steps, along with fostering strong tenant relationships and maintaining vigilance, go a long way in ensuring property safety.

South Brunswick Gutter Cleaning is Necessary

South Brunswick gutter cleaning, yellow house with lots of windows and well kept gutters

We all know what gutters are, why we have them, and how they work, but why do they need to be cleaned? South Brunswick gutter cleaning is so important because if your gutters are clogged, they can no longer effectively do their job. When gutters are unable to adequately guide water away from your home, major damages may not be far behind. While gutters may seem like an insignificant item on your home, it is vital to keep them clean. They are an important line of defense for your home.

What Clogs Gutters

It may seem odd that something whose job is to transport water needs to be cleaned. When it comes to unprotected gutters, however, they can collect a variety of items other than water.

Debris – Let’s say that you don’t have a single tree on your property. What could possibly clog your gutters? Dirt and debris. Whether it is asphalt shingle debris or dirt run-off, anything that isn’t water can clog your gutters. One of the other bad side-effects of clogged gutters is that they can become home to mold, birds, and pests. Not only can these cause damage to your actual gutters, but they also hold the potential to cause damage to your home’s roofline which can lead to leaks and water damage inside.

Snow and Ice – Yes, products made of water. The major component of ice damming your gutter is proper attic ventilation. When an attic is not properly ventilated, it will be warmer than it should be. If your roof is covered in snow, the warmth of the attic melts the snow. It then flows into the cold gutters where the sudden change in temperature freezes the melted snow, ultimately jamming your gutter. The weight of snow also poses a problem. Heavy snow can pull gutters away from the roof and misshape them allowing snow and water to leak along the fascia boards potentially causing interior water damage.

Leaves are an obvious one. If your home is surrounded by trees, leaves in your gutters is a common problem for you. When there is an abundance of leaves clogging your gutters, rainwater has nowhere to go other than over the sides instead of down the downspout. This waterfall effect can have a number of negative effects on your home. It can destroy your landscape with flooding and erode the soil in your gardens. Following this comes possible damage to your foundation which can put your home at risk of structural damage.

South Brunswick Gutter Cleaning is a Necessity

One way to avoid all of these problems is to have your gutters cleaned out thoroughly by a professional. You can certainly attempt the task on your own, but when you hire someone to do it, they will also be inspecting your gutters for damage. A professional gutter cleaning company is familiar with early warning signs that could lead to trouble down the road. They are able to bring these potential issues to your attention before they become a real problem. It is recommended to have your gutters properly cleaned at least twice a year. If your home is encompassed by trees, however, you may have to perform this task more often. When you hire a well-qualified company to provide South Brunswick gutter cleaning, you are ensuring the safety of your home for years to come.

Furnace Repair Rumson

Given that it is that time of year when turning on the heat is really a necessity, not an alternative, it’s time to have a closer look at your furnace. While there are some things you are able to verify yourself, there are lots of parts of one’s furnace and HVAC system that demands a professional. We’ll deal with a couple of troubleshooting things that you can do on your own along with some challenges that might call for you to definitely get in touch with a technician from a company that does furnace repair Rumson.

Things you are able to check yourself to troubleshoot furnace repair Rumson

Verify and replace your air filter if necessary

The air filter in your furnace needs to be checked to make sure that it truly is clear and will not need to be changed. When you have a clogged air filter, it could very seriously affect the performance of your furnace. Should you need to change your air filter, be sure to turn the furnace off first.

Check your thermostat to make certain that it is on and it is set on heat

Though this may possibly look like a silly suggestion, you would be shocked how several furnace repair calls are just a matter of a wrong setting. This is definitely the equivalent to any technology professional telling you to be sure your computer is plugged in also to flip your personal computer off and to turn it on again. To totally examine your thermostat yourself you must guarantee your thermostat has functioning batteries, be sure it really is free of dust and debris inside the cover, and ensure the date and time are correct so that any programmed options are scheduled appropriately.

Verify any and all safety switches

Most furnaces possess a safety switch around the front panel so that the fan and blower can not turn on once the panel is lacking. Making sure the front panel is seated properly and not triggering the safety switch is a very easy step to rule out.

Check circuit breakers to be sure no fuses have been tripped

Another easy item for you personally to check on your own is to ensure any breakers related with your furnace are set to the ON setting and are able to remain on. If any in the fuses seem faulty or you have got an ongoing difficulty immediately after resetting the circuit, it is time to call in a technician who does furnace repair in Rumson.

Make sure location around your furnace is clean and unobstructed

Related to the air filter challenge, for those who have a lot of things encompassing your furnace, it may impact the proficiency of the furnace. You want to be sure the location in and around your furnace is clear of particles and that you find no obstructions. One essential factor to be one hundred percent confident in is the fact that there’s nothing flammable anyplace near your furnace.

Contact Professionals for Reliable Furnace Repair Rumson

Whilst checking any and all the previously mentioned items is helpful and may assist in narrowing down any possible furnace troubles, the best point you could do is to get in touch with a furnace repair Rumson service organization to care for any issues you might have. It is actually essential to contact the pros in terms of suspected troubles pertaining to electrical challenges, any time you detect the odor of gas, or for those who look in the inspection window and see the indicator light that should be glowing green is actually red. Also, should you detect any odd noises coming from any a part of your furnace, it also could possibly be ideal for you to contact a furnace repair Rumson technician.

Why the Right Filter is Crucial for Avoiding Furnace Repair Rumson

homeowner installing an air filter in their furnace to avoid furnace repair in Rumson

Installing the correct filter in your furnace is crucial for maintaining both the efficiency and safety of your heating system. The filter plays a crucial role in capturing dust, debris, and other airborne particles. It ensures that the air circulated throughout your home is clean and safe. Using the correct filter reduces the need for furnace repair Rumson and extends the lifespan of your system.

Using a filter that is rated too low can lead to various problems. Low-rated filters can fail to capture smaller particles, allowing dust and allergens to circulate freely in your home. This significantly impacts indoor air quality posing health risks. Moreover, a low-rated filter may become clogged quickly, restricting airflow and forcing your furnace to work harder. This increased strain can lead to higher energy bills and potential damage to the furnace’s components.

On the other hand, installing a filter that is rated too high can be just as problematic. High-rated filters, such as HEPA filters, are designed to capture very fine particles and are often used in environments that require stringent air quality standards. While these filters are excellent at trapping contaminants, they can also be too restrictive for residential furnaces. The reduced airflow caused by an overly restrictive filter can cause the furnace to overheat. This potentially leads to system malfunctions and even poses a fire hazard. Additionally, the furnace may cycle on and off more frequently, reducing its efficiency and increasing wear and tear.

Selecting the correct furnace filter is essential for maintaining both air quality and system efficiency. Homeowners should always refer to their furnace manufacturer’s guidelines when choosing a filter. By doing so, they can ensure their furnace operates smoothly, providing clean air and efficient heating while avoiding the risks associated with using an improperly rated filter.

NCR ATM Service NJ

Automated Teller Machines, or ATMs, have been around since the late 1960s. The primary goal initially was to allow users to access their bank accounts while the bank was closed or without the assistance of a teller or a bank representative. Through the years, the purpose of the ATM has evolved. This is mostly due to the ever-changing field of technology, hacking, robbery, and society itself. The needs of consumers have transformed drastically since their initial introduction. Therefore, the ability and range of NCR ATM service NJ has improved as well.

NCR ATM service in NJ needs to advance as well right along with technological advancements

The model of ATM determines which services are provided. As with any technology, there is a range of types of ATMs. They range from the baseline models that only allow withdrawals and access to basic account information to higher-end machines that allow withdrawals, deposits, the purchase of stamps, and many other amenities. Regardless of the purpose of the machine, most of them have the same basic parts.

All machines have a card reader where the user puts their bank card in to determine their identity and account information. The keypad on the machine allows the cardholder to enter their personal identification number (PIN) to verify their identity and tell the machine what sort of transaction the user would like to complete. The screen will display information, ask questions to determine an action, and sometimes allows the consumer to input information. The cash dispenser is where the money comes out after all security measures are met. Also, most machines will have a printer where the user can print a receipt of their transaction or other bank account information such as balances.

NCR ATM service in NJ is provided by authorized, verified, trustworthy partners

NCR is a global provider of ATMs and banking software, hardware, and services. If you visit an ATM in the US, chances are good that the machine is provided by an NCR supplier. They remain on the leading edge of technology. Furthermore, they are constantly updating security features to stay ahead of thieves and hackers. The implementation of the chip in credit and banking cards was a big step in the advancement of security. However, there are still factions out there that can beat even the most advanced security features. ATM suppliers and service companies need to be ever vigilant and try to stay ahead of criminals that are constantly trying to get ahead of them.

The security that an NCR ATM provides is only as good as the company that provides the service. An authorized NCR partner means that the company has passed a strict set of criteria in order to sell and service the products. NCR ATM service in NJ is offered by trustworthy partners like RMC ATM Solutions that have to abide by strict guidelines. They also have to uphold the highest levels of security. When you visit an ATM in New Jersey, you want to feel secure in the fact that you can trust the machine you are using. In order to trust the machine, you have to trust the NCR ATM service in NJ that maintains that machine.

The Evolution of ATM Technology and Its Impact on User Experience

ATMs have undergone significant transformations, evolving from simple cash dispensers to multifunctional banking terminals. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer expectations, leading to enhanced user experiences and expanded functionalities.

Initially, ATMs were designed solely for cash withdrawals, providing customers with access to their funds outside of traditional banking hours. As technology progressed, these machines began to offer additional services. These services include balance inquiries and fund transfers, gradually becoming integral components of everyday banking.

The integration of touchscreens, envelope-free deposits, and check imaging has further expanded the capabilities of ATMs. Modern machines now support a wide range of transactions. This includes bill payments, mobile phone top-ups, and even ticket purchases, offering customers greater convenience and flexibility.

With the rise of digital banking, security has become a paramount concern. ATMs have incorporated advanced security features such as EMV chip card readers, biometric authentication (including fingerprint and facial recognition), and encryption technologies. All of this protects users from fraud and unauthorized access.

Modern ATMs are designed with user experience in mind, featuring intuitive interfaces, multilingual support, and accessibility options for individuals with disabilities. These enhancements ensure that a diverse range of customers can efficiently and comfortably perform their banking transactions.

In summary, the evolution of ATM technology has significantly enhanced NCR ATM service NJ and the user experience. This was done by expanding functionalities, improving security, and adopting user-centric designs. As technology continues to advance, ATMs will likely play an even more integral role in the banking landscape, offering innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Teeth Whitening Tips from an Ocean County Dental Office

Teeth Whitening Tips You Can Try At Home

We’re sure you want brighter and whiter teeth. You wouldn’t be reading this or visiting your Ocean County dental office if you didn’t! Though the best results will only come from a visit to your dentist, there are some things you can do yourself right in your own home to assist with making your teeth whiter. Here are some ideas:

What To Do:

Brush Your Tongue

If you thought brushing your tongue was purely about keeping your breath fresh, think again. Your tongue suffers from bacterial buildup, and that buildup that can result in staining on your teeth. Brushing your tongue helps alleviate that problem.

Eat Raw Fruits and Vegetables

The saying that an apple a day keeps the dentist away is true! Raw fruits and vegetables – think apples, pears, crisp celery, carrots, and others like them – help scrub away plaque and things that can stain, making them a delicious way to maintain whiter teeth with a visit to your Ocean County dentist.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a simple, organic teeth whitening approach you can do at home. Just rinse with apple cider vinegar. That’s it! Though not as effective as the professional treatments you’ll get from your dentist, it can have pretty good results and help you maintain some brightness. All you need to do is mix two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar and rinse.

Replace Your Toothbrush

You should be doing this no matter what! Keep in mind that due to bacterial buildup, you should replace your brush every three months, just like your Ocean County dentist says. Aside from that, worn bristles become increasingly less effective at cleaning your teeth as they wear down.

Rinse Your Mouth After Eating Citrus

Oranges lemons, limes and others are delicious, but they can be murder on your teeth due to their high acidity. Eat them as much as you want – they’re good for you, after all – but rinse with water after you’re done. Your teeth (and your Stafford Township dentist) will thank you for it.

Visit Your Dentist

All of the above suggestions will help ease the staining effects that time, eating, and drinking will have on your teeth, but if you desire noticeably whiter and brighter teeth, you’re going to want to ask your dentist about whitening.

What NOT to do:

Do Not Use Baking Soda

This all-purpose cleaning agent is often suggested as a product that can help you clean your teeth, but proceed with caution! Baking soda can be very abrasive, wearing away the enamel of your teeth and eventually causing them to darken.

Drink Too Many Energy Drinks

You already know to avoid staining drinks like coffee and tea, but did you know that energy drinks can wear at your teeth color, too? Your Stafford Township dentist will confirm that these drinks are highly acidic, causing them to wear at your tooth enamel. If you have to drink them, consider using a straw to help avoid your teeth.

Don’t Gorge on Dark Foods

Marinara sauce, blackberries and blueberries, dark sauces for your pastes and meats, and similar foods may be yummy, but they can stain your teeth and set your whitening efforts back. If you do eat them, brush promptly afterward!

Finally, the best thing you can do for your white teeth? Have regular checkups with your dentist!

9 Facts You Didn’t Know About Long Beach Island

Anyone who has been to Long Beach Island knows it’s a warm, cozy community that thrives during the summer. Whether you own a home there, you stay at a local Long Beach Island hotel, or you just take day trips to the beach, you probably love to visit.

So if you love to visit Long Beach Island, you might enjoy knowing a little more about it. With that in mind, we have some interesting facts for you. Take a look:

Long Beach Island has been battered by some major storms. In 1920, most of the island was destroyed by a devastating winter storm that even reopened a once closed inlet in Holgate, including several Long Beach Island hotels. In 1923, another storm smashed the island and knocked out rail service for a full three years, and in 1935, a storm washed out the railroad bridge to the mainland.
Perhaps the worst storm was the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. That storm split the island into several pieces and causes the USS Monssen, a Navy destroyer, to run aground. The storm is considered one of the 10 worst storms of the 20^th Century in the United States, and almost destroyed all of Long Beach Island.
Long Beach Island was also battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm flooded the island and cause the bridge to the island to be closed for 13 days.
The current causeway that connects Long Beach Island to the mainland was constructed in the late 1950s.
Long Beach Island is known as a fairly well to do area of New Jersey. Even as far back as 1970, Philadelphia Magazine joked that “the haves turn right and the have mores turn left,” referring to the turns south and north people make after arriving on the island. Anyone, of course, can be part of the community at an LBI hotel.
The communities on the north of the island, including Loveladies and North Beach, feature sprawling Victorian homes that often spark rumors of celebrities vacationing there.
Though Long Beach Island is a highly desirable resort and vacation area, it is not comparable to nearby Jersey Shore communities like Seaside Heights, Wildwood, and Belmar. Instead of a thriving night club scene and rides and boardwalks, it’s a family oriented vacation spot with more focus on restaurants, museums, and beaches. Long Beach Island hotels thrive on this.
Long Beach Island is home to many fishing and charter boats, some of which get 100 or more miles off the coast.
Long Beach Island was once home to the famed Surflight Theater. Built in 1950 by Joseph P. Hayes, for decades the theater offered a place for the local arts to be performed, including music, dance, theater, and comedy. The theater closed in 2015 after declaring bankruptcy.

What do you know about the Long Beach Island community? How in touch with its history are you? If you know some interesting facts we didn’t mention, tell us about them in the com

4 Reasons To Remove Your Underground Oil Tank

Nobody wants to begin a project that will entail having their yard dug up by heavy machinery. Nobody wants to put money out for such a project if they can avoid it, either.

And nobody wants to do any of these things when it involves removing an underground oil tank.

But the fact is, sometimes NJ oil tank removal is a necessity. Sometimes you have to do it because the law tells you you must, and sometimes you feel like it’s your best option because you hope to sell your property. Or in the worst case scenario, sometimes you have to do it because a leak has been discovered in your underground oil tank, necessitating removal in order to avoid a larger spill and contamination.

So what are the major reasons why someone would want to have their underground oil tank removed? Here are the five biggest reasons:

Because of a Leak – This is the obvious one. If you somehow discover a leak in your underground oil tank, you’re going to want to get it removed and/or repaired as soon as possible. Even if you’re not the sort to worry about the environmental damage such a spill would do – and it will do damage – you should at least worry about the steep fines you’ll face, not to mention the cost of cleanup, which can be many times the cost of just removing the tank in the first place.

In Order to Sell the Property – Sometimes, finalizing a real estate transaction is contingent upon NJ oil tank removal. It’s not unusual for buyers to want any such tanks removed before purchasing a piece of property, in large part to protect themselves from the cost of cleanup in the case of a leak – and given enough time in the ground, all tanks will eventually leak. So often, property owners looking to sell will find themselves seeking out contractors to get these tanks removed prior to a sale.

Switching to an Above Ground Tank – Sometimes, the reason to do NJ oil tank removal is as simple as a desire to cut problems off at the pass by switching to an above ground tank before there is a problem. People began putting their oil tanks underground because they were considered unsightly, but these days creative landscaping and attractive fencing can render that a non-issue for people with enough yard space.

Because There Are Grants Available – These days, property owners no longer need to bear the entire cost of underground oil tank removal. There are grants available from the State of New Jersey that can offset some (and sometimes even all) of the cost of oil tank removal. Your chosen contractor can often help with these grants, which makes the task that much easier. With money out there and available, many property owners are taking the plunge now before funding dries up.

There may be many other reasons why people would look to have underground oil tanks removed on their property. Whatever the reason, what is important is that it is more cost effective than ever to do it, and there are more experts in oil tank removal than ever operating in New Jersey.

So even people who don’t want to pursue a project like this are doing it because the timing has never been better.

6 Essential Pet Sitting Tips

If you’re like us, just about everyone in your life has a beloved pet or three at home. Life just isn’t complete without some furry companionship!

Having loveable critters at home does pose one problem, though: it makes traveling difficult. It means if you want to go on vacation you’re either going to have to choose someplace that is pet-friendly or you’re going to need someone watch your fuzzy friend for you.

You know that the best choice is to use a dog trainer in Ocean County, but your friends might not make that same choice. Everyone knows you’re a pet lover, and that means you might find yourself in a situation in which you’re asked to do some pet sitting.

No worries. Follow this advice and you’ll be like a seasoned pro:

Always Maintain A Safe Environment – The first and most important thing you need to do is to ensure you have a safe environment for your temporary guests. That means getting the sticker bushes and debris cleaned out of the yard. If it’s summer time, it also means ensuring your A/C is working, because those blazingly hot days are bad for the pets you’ll be sitting.
Prepare A Sleeping Place For Your Guests – Think of your home as a hotel. That means ensuring you have bedding set up for your new guests, just like any dog training in Ocean County service would do. Ideally, the friend or family member will provide you with their pet’s preferred bedding. If not, it’s up to you to provide a comfy, safe place to rest. A crate with a soft old blanket inside may be all you need.
Get Outside and Exercise! – Follow the lead of your Ocean County dog training service and be sure to help your furry guest get some exercise. Get outside and throw the ball around. Take them for walks in the park. Get them some social interaction, if appropriate for the pet. Anything to keep them active!
Do You Have Some Pet Toys On Hand? – Dogs and cats need activity, but you can’t be with them 24 hours a day. This is especially true if they’re going to be parted from their masters for a few days. Keep Rover busy with some doggy toys to play with. Help Kitty entertain herself with some toy mice. Anything to keep them active and busy during those moments when you can’t.
Consider A Little Pampering – If you want to make fast friends with your guest, consider a quick afternoon trip to a pet salon for a bit of pampering. Most animals LOVE to be groomed. Even better, your friends/family will love you for it, too!
Don’t Forget The Water! – No doubt your guest’s master has given you the rundown on how and when to feed your guest, but maybe more important is to remember the water. Lots of water – and ensure it’s fresh! This is vital to keeping your guests healthy.

It’s true that most of this advice falls under the category of common sense, but it’s good to get a reminder every now and then. Life can be busy, after all, and it’s sometimes easy to overlook the small stuff. As a dog trainer in Ocean County, we know!

Happy pet sitting!