How Much Do Gel Nails Cost?

A gel nail application provides the same strength of acrylic nails but offers the appearance of natural nails.

Unlike acrylic nails, however, gel nails are only able to harden when exposed to a UV light.

Regardless of which option you do choose at a local salon, gel nails will offer similar results to acrylic nails.  Gel nails will make your fingers look longer, strengthen the nails and lengthen shorter nails.

Fing’rs UV-Gel System by Fing
Fing’rs UV-Gel System” (CC BY 2.0) by Fing’rs

How much does it cost to get gel nails?

The cost of gel nails will depend on if you use an at-home kit or a local professional, where you live and the salon you choose.  A basic one-color gel manicure, on average, can cost $35 to $50, whereas a highly customized set can cost upwards of $100+ depending on the style.

An at-home kit, on the other hand, will depend on the brand.  Even though these kits won’t last as long as a professional application, it can still be done with ease, even if you don’t have any experience.  A highly-rated kit, according to these Amazon.com listings, can cost $25 to $35 but do keep in mind that these kits can be used multiple times.  As for just the gel nail polish, the popular Oli brand, for instance, retails for less than $6 to $9 per bottle.

Diffen.com, explaining the difference between acrylic and gel nails, says you should be prepared to spend $25 to $60 at a local salon.

According to WJLA in Washington, D.C., salons noted you should be prepared to budget $35 to $45 for a gel nail polish manicure or less than $10 for just the gel if you wanted to apply it at home.

Members on this WeddingBee.com forum thread discussed the costs of a gel manicure, with most stating their local salons charged anywhere from $30 to $40.




Gel nails overview

With a gel manicure, the manicurist will trim and file your nails similar to a typical manicure. After that, a special base coat will applied and cured underneath a UV or LED light.  Next, two coats of gel polish will be applied, with each coat being cured under a UV light.  Lastly, the final coat is applied to protect the polish.

In terms of appearance, gel nails, from a distance, will look glossier and more natural when compared to other methods.  Being a thick nail-polish type, they are considered to be stronger than most methods but not as thick.

At most salons, you will be able to choose from more than 141 colors.

Most at-home kits will include a small LED lamp, one bottle of a base and top coat, a gel cleanser, cuticle oil, primer, a buffer/file, and/or lint-free wipes.

What are the extra costs?

Every two to three weeks, you will have to pay the same prices mentioned above if you were to have the gel reapplied.  As they don’t last as long as acrylics, you should be prepared to go to the salon every 10 to 14 days for a fresh look.

If you want to remove the nail polish, you may want to have it professionally done as it isn’t as easy as a regular manicure.  You can remove your nails at home, however.  In order to do so, you will need either 100 percent acetone or a gel remover.  To have them removed at a salon, it often costs $10 to $20.

Be sure to budget in a tip.  Most stylists will appreciate a 15 to 20 percent tip.

Tips to know:

If using an at-home kit, Seventeen Magazine highly advises you read the ingredient label as some brands so contain cancer-causing ingredients such as dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.

Since gel nails do lack the fumes that are associated with acrylic nails, they are often considered a safer and eco-friendly option.

For those who don’t want to use the UV light, there are kits available on the market that don’t require the light.  Amazon.com, for instance, offers a top 15 list of the highest rated gel nail polish kits without a UV light needed.

How can I save money?

No matter where you live, salons will often compete by offering decent deals on Groupon.com and even via local coupon circulars.  If you’re looking for gel nails, be sure to look out for great deals, but before purchasing, always make sure the salon has reputable reviews.

How Much Does a John Deere Combine Cost?

 

John Deere Combine by j.bohnsack, on Flickr
John Deere Combine” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by j.bohnsack

How much does a John Deere combine cost?

The price of a brand new John Deere combine will greatly depend on the series, options added and dealer you choose.  Similar to that of a car, the costs can greatly vary, but to make budgeting easier, refer to our table below to see what the popular models “start” at.  Do keep in mind these are the starting prices and often include the basic value packages.

ModelsHPEngineGrain Tank SizeTotal Cleaning AreaList Price (starts at...)
S760 Combine333John Deere 6 cyl. 9.0L300 bu7905 sq. in.$408,491
S770 Combine391John Deere 6 cyl. 9.0L300 bu7905 sq. in.$451,413
S780 Combine473John Deere 6 cyl. 13.5L400 bu9145 sq. in.$489,437
S790 Combine543John Deere 6 cyl. 13.5L400 bu9145 sq. in.$512,361
S670 Combine391John Deere 6 cyl. 9.0L300 bu7905 sq. in.$406,759

This News-Gazette.com article says you should be prepared to spend $330,000 to $500,000 if you plan on purchasing brand new.  Most John Deere combines, as mentioned, are priced from $380,000 to $480,000, according to a dealer they had talked to.  With add-on features, it’s not hard to reach the $600,000 price tag, either.

John Deere combine overview

The 2018 models offered by John Deere often offer guidance systems that can help farmers steer through the field.  They are also monitored that can tell a farmer how much moisture is in the crops and even the yield figures for that particular portion of the field.  Newer models, depending on the add-ons, can be equipped with brighter LED lights, built-in refrigerators, laptop computers, Sirius XM radio, heated leather seats and quieter cabs.

What are the extra costs?

As with customizing a car, many upgrades can greatly increase the costs.  Again, to make budgeting easier, here are some upgrades we were quoted for:

Premium Leather Seat with Swivel+ $2,132
LED Lighting Package & Header Extremity Lights+ $3,615
Generation 4 CommandCenter 10 in. Color Display with Extended Monitor+ $1,500
StarFire 6000 Receiver+$3,895 for SF1
+$7,895 for SF3
+$8,945 for SF3 Ready with 1 year SF3 Subscription
+$11,395 for SF3 Ready and RTK Ready
CommandCenter AutoTrac Activation- +$1,000 for AutoTrac Activation
- +$3,500 for Premium Activation
JDLink Connect+ $1,600 for 5 year subscription
+ $5,299 for 5 year subscription and machine communication radio
ActiveYield PLUS Moisture and Yield Sensors+ $2,079
Extended Wear Grain Handling System+ $4,269
Rust Protection for Transit+ $302
Unloading Auger+ $523 to $5,963
Deluxe Residue - In-cab operator controlled PowerCast Powered Tailboard with wind compensation+ $7,113
ProDrive Transmission with Harvest Smart Feedrate Control+ $13,130
Powered Rear Axle, 2-Speed 4-Wheel Drive+ $24,181
Steering Wheel Upgrade+ $554 to $5,400
Wheels, Tires and Tracks Upgrade+ $3,200 to $25,018

NOTE:  These are all just sample prices we acquired when playing around with the official John Deere configure tool.  This is a great tool that allows you to build a combine and get an idea of what it may cost to buy new.

Aside from the optional add-ons, this still won’t include the attachments, such as the corn header and/or soybean handler.  Each of these attachments, again, depending on a variety of factors, can cost another $50,000 to $100,000 each.

How can I save money?

Buying used, as with any farming equipment, can save you thousands.  Depending on the number of hours on the combine, older models, even one to two years old, can cost up to $50,000 less with fewer than 1,000 hours on the engine.  If you were to buy a six to seven-year-old combine with more than 2,000 miles, then the costs could be up to $200,000+ less.  Fastline.com, for example, offers a variety of combine listings to browse through to show you what it may cost to buy used in your area.

There are often promotional discounts and trade-in incentives for those who already own farming equipment.  Much like purchasing a car, be sure to talk with a few dealers to see what kind of discount you can take advantage of.

If financing, be sure to check with a local credit union, online loan options and even John Deere to see which company offers the best rate.

How Much Does the Barona Buffet Cost?

One of the three major Indian casinos in the San Diego area, the Barona Resort and Casino, is located north of the city of El Cajon, a suburb of San Diego.

The Barona buffet, also known as the Seasons Fresh Buffet, has several sections with each representing a different cuisine such as Chinese, Italian and Mexican.

How much does the Barona Casino buffet cost per person?

According to the official website, the costs per person are as follows:

Diamond MembersFREE
Platinum Members$14.99
Gold Members$20.99
Classic MembersEarn 500 points in a calendar day and pay $23.99
All Non-members$44.99

NOTE:  These prices are accurate as of 2017.  To know what the prices are at this time, we highly recommend viewing the official pricing page.

Barona Casino overview

The award-winning buffet takes you around the world, offering 13 stations, including seafood-themed, pho, rotisseries, Italian, omelets, crepes, Chinese, Mexican, Mongolian and American choices.  With more than 200 choices to choose from, the buffet rotates its menu with the Seasons Selection station and offers daily specials at the Rotisserie station.  Some of the daily specials, for example, includes chicken teriyaki, roasted leg of lamb, lobster, brown sugar-glazed ham and beef pot roast.  Visitors can also find the “Ship of Seafood,” an 18-foot-long seafood bar, featuring all-you-can-eat crab legs and shrimp, smoked fish and oysters, and the “Baked Potato Bar,” which offers freshly baked potatoes and a variety of toppings, including chili, gravy, garlic butter and blue cheese.

Tips to know

The hours of operations are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Guests younger than 18 years old are allowed at the buffet; however, because the minimum gambling age is 18, the resort only allows children on the casino floor before 8:00 p.m. to dine at the resort.

The buffet seats 850 and waiting times vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.

How can I save money?

As noted in the pricing above, highly consider joining Club Borona to save on the costs of the buffet.

Refer to the promotions page as they do offer nightly promotions occasionally.

How Much Does Bagster Pickup Cost?

The Bagster is a Waste Management product and can be described as a “dumpster in a bag.”

This product is considered to be an innovation in waste removal and is quite the cost-effective, on-demand solution for both DIY (do-it-yourself) enthusiasts as well as professional contractors in case a dumpster is too large for the task.

It is big enough to hold full-sized items such as drywall, cabinets, doors, windows, bathtubs and even hardwood flooring.

Using the Bagster bags, as opposed to contacting a local company to rent a dumpster, could save you time, money, aggravation, and potential property damage.

It serves as an alternative to the large metal roll-off trash dumpsters.

Waste Management by fdenardo1, on Flickr
Waste Management” (CC BY 2.0) by fdenardo1

How much does the Waste Management Bagster pickup cost?

With a Bagster, according to Waste Management and those who used one, you simply pay a pickup fee to Waste Management during the time you schedule your collection. Waste management charges a standard flat-rate collection fee, which ranges anywhere from $79 to $189 per bag, depending on your area. For the most part, most of the quotes we received ranged from $99 to $129.

Before a pickup, however, you do need to purchase an official Bagster bag.  The Bagster bag itself costs about $30, and the bag is available at the majority of retailers such as Lowes, Home Depot, Amazon.com, and Walmart, for example.

Waste Management claims the average cost can start at $140.

Sherry at YoungHouseLove.com talked about her experience with the Bagster bag and noted it cost her $80 for pickup after using a $20 off coupon she found.  This didn’t include the initial $29 bag cost.




Bagster overview

To use it, buy the bag at a local retailer, fill it with up to 3,300 pounds of waste, and lastly, schedule your collection either online or via phone.  Pickups, depending on the schedule, will be anywhere from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.  You won’t have to be present when the truck comes to pick it up.

The Bagster bag is made of a highly durable, woven bag which will not tear when punctured and is capable of holding three cubic-yards of debris and up to 3,300 pounds of construction or project debris.  It only comes in one size, measuring eight feet long by four feet wide.

The Bagster has no time limit.

Tips to know:

The Bagster can hold one cubic-yard of heavy materials (brick, rock, dirt, concrete, sand, asphalt, gravel and sod) and can be placed in areas that a dumpster cannot access. It can be placed anywhere within 16 feet of the driveway or street.

Waste Management will collect your Bagster bag using a large truck mounted with an overhead crane which can reach up to 16 feet away from the edge of the street, driveway or alley, even over a five-foot fence. However, the Bagster bag needs to be placed in close proximity to the street so the Waste Management truck can easily access it with a hook. The fence structure must be within five feet of the street, driveway or alley.

Waste Management does have some exceptions for items customers CANNOT place inside the Bagster bags. These items include mostly toxic and hazardous items such as paint, batteries, oil, fluorescent light bulbs or ballasts, electronics, appliances, railroad ties, tires, food waste, medical waste, chemicals, and pesticides. In some areas, yard waste is unacceptable.

This service is only available in some areas.  Check out their official website to see if they service your zip code.

For safety reasons, Waste Management will keep the bag upon collection.

How can I save money?

The company does offer discounts for additional bags at the time of pickup. Each additional bag is usually about 40 percent less than the first one.

Customers stated you can often find a $20 off coupon online if you search.  Searching for “Bagster coupon code” on Google, for example, should yield some results.

How Much Does a Beach Wave Perm Cost?

The beach wave perm uses the same perm solution type as a traditional perm, but instead, it is parted and rolled differently in order to create a more natural, looser permanent curl.

The main aim is to create a hairstyle that indicates an unperturbed day at the beach, hence, the name.

How much does a beach wave perm cost?

The beach wave perm is considered to be a more artistic and labor-intensive treatment that usually needs two or more perming solution bottles, and for these reasons, the cost of beach wave perm can ranges anywhere from $80 to $380.  Ultimately, the costs depend on the salon, your type of hair and the length.

According to one user on this Yahoo! Answers question/answer page, she said she spent $85 for her perm.

My Salon 21, a salon located in Draper, Utah, says a perm can cost $120 to $180, according to their official pricing list.

This Glamour article, however, says the costs can start at $350.

Beach wave perm overview

The beach wave perm is a semi-permanent texture infusion which is color-safe, thio-free, easy and fast to use. The beach wave is formulated using keratin fusion restructuring serum and infuses the hair with human hair keratin and silk to protect, strengthen and add shine to the new hairstyle.  The beach wave blocks allow for soft subtle waves, which can be worn styled or natural using a curling iron for a more stylish, tighter curl.  According to Byrdie.com, the difference between a traditional perm and beach wave lies in the technique, which uses special products and a soft, sponge-like roller instead of rods.

This procedure is only available through a salon professional who deals with the product.

The service takes about 1.5 to 2 of hours total service time, but this can vary depending on the hair length.

After the perm is done, you will be asked to refrain from washing it for up to 48 hours, allowing it to dry without using a hair dryer or even touching it.

What are the extra costs?

Shampoos and conditioners formulated particularly for curly or permed hair should be used.  A good product, as indicated by Observer.com, can cost $22 to $35.  The waves will remain tight for about two to three weeks after the procedure, but then, as time goes on, you will start to notice a 20 percent reduction in the bend, according to stylists.  Even though you can use a curling iron anytime you want after the procedure, a frothy mousse, while the hair is wet, can encourage a wavy look.

Tips to know:

Stylists recommend this perm for those with coarse, heavy or straight hair due to the intensive chemicals being used.  Also, if your hair is fine in texture and/or bleached, you may run the risk of breakage or damage.

The results of the perm, being semi-permanent, will last about four months, but this will depend on how well you take care of it.  As long as you keep intense heat off of it, allowing the hair to dry naturally whenever possible, it can last much longer.

Pinterest has hundreds of beach wave perm before and after pictures to browse through.

How can I save money?

Compare prices with a few salons in your area.  Inquire about coupons and promotions to see if you can save even more money.  Many salons will offer deals on their website or if you want to find a new salon that’s offering deals, consider checking out Groupon.com.

How Much Does a Balloon Sinuplasty Cost?

A balloon sinuplasty, also referred to as a balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure designed to clear out any blockage inside the sinuses.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005, doctors often call it the “smart sinus” procedure.

Day 59, Project 365 - 12.18.09 by William Brawley, on Flickr
Day 59, Project 365 – 12.18.09” (CC BY 2.0) by William Brawley

How much does a balloon sinuplasty cost?

The cost of a balloon sinuplasty procedure, without any insurance, can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $13,500 from the research we conducted.  These fees will greatly depend on the doctor you choose, where the surgery is performed and the geographical location.  As the surgery can be performed in two places, either a hospital or outpatient setting, a hospital setting will almost always be more than an outpatient procedure.

As mentioned by Healthline.com, some insurance carriers may not cover the procedure since it’s still deemed relatively new.  As such, an insurance company may deem it either experimental or not medically necessary.  So, even if you have health insurance, you may find the company won’t cover it.

Balloon sinuplasty overview

The procedure is reasonably straightforward, with no cutting or removal of the bones and/or tissue being required.  Commonly conducted in a hospital or inside the office of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, it can be performed either via local or general anesthesia, depending on your circumstances.

During the procedure, the doctor will first insert a small flashlight at the tip of a line inside your sinus cavity to observe what they are doing during the procedure.  Next, they will insert a narrow and adjustable balloon catheter into your sinuses, slowly inflating it to expand your sinus opening.  Then, as the pus and mucus build up inside the cavity, the doctor will wash it out using a saline solution.  Finally, the balloon will restructure the bones around your sinuses, leaving a widened passage clear of built-up pressure.

The average time in a waiting room, according to a study, was 73 minutes.

What are the extra costs?

After the surgery, you will more than likely be prescribed an antibiotic to discourage an infection.  This prescription is often an additional charge, but for the most part, it will cost less than $25, even without insurance.

The fees mentioned above often don’t include follow-up appointments.

Tips to know:

This procedure is often recommended for people who either suffer from chronic sinusitis after other alternative treatments have been deemed ineffective.

After the procedure, most patients will be capable to return to daily activities almost immediately, but some people may find themselves taking it easy for the next one or two days due to the anesthesia after effects.

Risks and complications may include intracranial complications, which is the connection between the nose and the brain.  In some cases, albeit rare, brain fluid may leak into your nose.  Other risks may include a change in structure, swelling or an infection that requires medical attention.

The three major balloon sinuplasty companies, as per Dr. Nachlas, includes Acclarent, Entellus and Medtronic.  Most surgeons will use two or more of the balloon options as there may be preferences based on clinical and anatomic issues.

It has been said Medicare will cover a balloon sinuplasty in both an office or hospital setting.

With more than 100 balloon sinuplasty patient reviews on RealSelf.com, 95 percent said it was worth it.

The balloon sinuplasty success rate, according to DukeHealth, far exceeds 90 percent.

How can I save money?

As mentioned, a health insurance policy may or may not cover the procedure.  Always talk with your provider ahead of time to know what will and what won’t be covered.  It also doesn’t hurt to choose a doctor that’s inside the insurance company’s network if they were to cover the procedure.  If you don’t have a health insurance policy or even want to switch, we recommend browsing through policies for free at eHealthInsurance.com.

Even without health insurance, many medical providers will offer a cash discount if paid in full.  Ask the billing office is any discounts are available.

How Much Does a Bakers Square Pie Cost?

Bakers Square Restaurant and Pies — commonly referred to as Bakers Square — is a casual dining chain of restaurants in the United States commonly found in the Midwest.

The chain is owned and operated by American Blue Ribbon Holdings and is known for its great tasting pies.  Aside from baking pies, Bakers Square also offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

As of today, Bakers Square has more than 50 locations.

French Silk Pie by edenpictures, on Flickr
French Silk Pie” (CC BY 2.0) by edenpictures

How much does a Bakers Square pie cost?

On average, a whole Bakers Square pie will run you around $9 to $14 for a 39-ounce pie.  The costs will depend on the flavor of pie you’re looking to purchase.  To make things easy, we extracted all of the costs listed on their official website and included the prices below.

FlavorPrice Range
Banana Cream$13
Blueberry$11
Brownie$11
Caramel Pecan$15
Carrot Cake$20
Cherry$11
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup$15
Coconut Cream$13
Country Apple$11
French Apple$11
French Apple w/
Cream Cheese
$13
French Silk$13
Harvest Berry$12
Lemon Meringue$13
Lemon Supreme$13
OREO$13
Peach$11
Peach Supreme$14
Pecan$13
Pumpkin$11
Strawberry Rhubarb$11
Triple Berry$11

NOTE:  All of these prices were extracted from the online ordering feature on BakersSquare.PieReservations.com.  However, these prices may vary.  We encourage you to use the following URL to know exactly what a pie can cost at your local location.

As for a slice of pie, the prices can range from $2.99 to $3.99, again, depending on the flavor.

What are the extra costs?

Additional toppings can cost an extra $2 to $3.  A pint of ice cream can cost $3, a cherry/strawberry topping can cost $4, while a whipped cream topping can cost an extra $2.50.

Tips to know:

If you act like you’re going to buy a pie online, you can see what the prices are going to cost.

Bakers Square became a downtown fixture ever since it replaced the Sambo’s restaurant in 1985. At one point during the 1980s, this establishment was also called “Seasons,” not to be confused with the existing Seasons-upscale restaurant.

How can I save money?

Consider buying discounted gift cards on Raise.com.

Look for special offers, which are commonly found on the official website.  For example, there is an offer every Wednesday, known as “Free Pie Wednesday™.”  With a purchase of a menu item, you will receive a slice of pie for free.

Also, by joining their eClub, you can receive deals, coupons, events and even a free coupon when signing up for the first time.

If you’re looking for additional ways to save, search for printable coupons from Bakers Square, which can commonly be found online.

Top 12 Most Expensive Hotel Rooms Per Night

TIP:  Use the search box above to find out what unknown things cost in life

For most of us who want to travel on vacation, we often hop on Hotels.com (this link goes to a rebate coupon that can save you more than $100 on most hotels)  and look for a reasonably priced hotel, which most of the time, is less than $100 to $150 per night.  Yes, while the destination does affect the price, did you know there are some hotel rooms out there that fetch nightly price tags that cost more than a brand new car?

If you’re finding it hard to believe, let’s explore 15 hotel rooms most us wouldn’t dare book:

12.  Burj Al Arab:  Royal Suite — $23,000 per night

Equipped with five rain showers and a bathroom experience you’ll never forget, the Royal Suite in Burj Al Arab features a rotating bed, full-size Jacuzzi, private butler, and if you need to, you can access your own 24-carat gold-plated iPad.

11.  Tokyo:  Presidential Suite at the Ritz-Carlton — $25,000 per night

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Arguably the best hotel in Japan, the presidential suite in Tokyo is located on the 53rd floor, making it the highest hotel room in all of Tokyo.  The room features a private den, a dining room that can cater 16 guests and a bathroom equipped with beautiful rainforest shower heads.

10.  London, England:  The Apartment at the Connaught Hotel — $23,500 per night

h1

Designed by the late David Collins, this hotel apartment features a collection of customized furniture and limited edition books and antiques.

9.  Porto Cervo, Italy:  The Presidential Suite at the Hotel Cala di Volpe — $26,000 per night

This luxurious suite is equipped with three bedrooms, a solarium, gym and yes, even your own private swimming pool.

8.  St. Barths:  Villa Rockstar at Eden Rock — $34,000 per night

This massive five-bedroom hotel suite is equipped with more than what you’d imagined in a hotel room:  a screening room, theater and recording studio just to name a few.  The hotel also provides a four person staff and two personal Jeeps that will take you anywhere you want to go.

7.  New York, New York:  Presidential Suite at the St. Regis — $35,000 per night

h2

This five-star suite measure in at more than 3,400 square feet and features two bedrooms, kitchen, class wood-paneled library and stunning views of Central Park.  Still not enough?  The room comes with a butler who there to serve you 24 hours a day.

6.  Martinez, France:  Penthouse Suite at Cannes Hotel — $37,000 per night

Offering views of the Lerins Islands and Cannes Bay, this private suite comes with a 24-hour butler, on-call car service and Art Deco- inspired silk furniture.

5.  Fiji:  Hilltop Estate at Laucala Island Resort — $40,000 per night

Owned by the Red Bull billionaire, this resort features 25 luxurious villas.  The resort features horse riding lessons, a 72-hole golf course, a spa that creates its own products, and if you need it — a nanny, chef or housekeeper.

4.  Las Vegas:  Sky Villa at Palms — $40,000 per night

h6

Covering more than 9,000 square feet, the Sky Villa the Palms includes a 12-person jacuzzi, private terraces, a private glass elevator and amazing views of the Vegas skyline.

3.  New York City:  Ty Warner Penthouse Suite at the Four Seasons — $45,000 per night

h4

This 4,300 square foot suite isn’t about the location, but rather the experience.  Each guest who stays here will be given a 24/7 butler, a Rolls-Royce, along with a chauffeur, and yes, even a personal trainer who will whip you into shape.

2.  Jipur, India:  Shahi Mahal Suite at Raj Palace — $60,000 per night

This lavish hotel includes six bedrooms, a private library, astrology room and even a private kitchen staff.

1.  Wilson, Geneva:  Royal Penthouse at Hotel President — $60,000 per night

h3

Known to be on the one of the most expensive hotel rooms ever, this 19,000 square foot suite has been visited by Bill Gates, Rihanna and Bill Clinton.  The hotel room features four bedrooms, 12 bathrooms with marble floors, a billiard room and an outdoor patio that offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva.  For A-list guests, they also get extras like security guards, private elevators, bulletproof windows and a limo that is always waiting.

How Much Does an Otter Cost?

Otters are any of 13 aquatic or amphibious species of mammals in the subfamily, lutrinae, and these carnivorous mammals are related to weasels and feed on fish, shellfish as well as small mammals.

Known as the “ferret on crack,” these animals will go through every square inch fo your home, often destroying everything they can get into.

Most otters often adopted as a pet are referred to as Asian clawed otter.

Otter looking innocent by amitp, on Flickr
Otter looking innocent” (CC BY 2.0) by amitp

How much does a pet otter cost?

If an otter is legal in your state, the average costs to adopt one usually hover around $3,500 to $5,000.  Before considering adoption, always refer to the local laws to ensure you can legally house one.

What are the extra costs?

Otters often feed on live crayfish and a low pH cat food when in captivity.  Plan on budgeting around $50 to $70 per month as they will eat about 20 percent of their body weight daily.  Aside from food, vitamin supplements will be required weekly.

Enclosures will be an additional expense to consider.  The enclosure for one otter should be at least five by six feet and should include a shallow pond that closely mimics their native habitat.  These habitats should be outdoors, with a top and fencing that needs to extend into the ground to prevent a potential escape.  If you don’t live in a warmer climate, then heat will need to be supplied to keep the atmosphere comfortable.  The ideal temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Captive otters play with various toys such as Frisbees and balls. Some otters are known to have favorite toys that they guard as possessions.  This entertainment is crucial to offer a diverse enrichment environment to keep your otter entertained.

Vet bills will be necessary for routine checkups and if health issues arise.  Being an exotic animal, it may be hard to find a local vet who can care for it, so you may be paying more than your average household pet.

You may need a license depending upon the state you live in, which cost about $20 to $50+ a year. This needs to be paid every year, but it allows you legally house the animal.

Due to this exotic animal being extremely uncommon to find, you will often need to export one from either another state or country, which, in turn, can lead to additional shipping costs.

Tips to know:

The 13 extant sea otter species are all aquatic or semi-aquatic, with diets based on invertebrates and fish. Otters possess long, slim bodies and somewhat short limbs with webbed-paws. The majority of otters possess sharp claws over their feet. All, except for the sea otter, possess long, muscular tails. The thirteen species range in adult-size from 2.0 to 5.9 feet in length and 2.2 to 99 pounds in weight.

Otters can live up to 25 years, even though the average lifespan is between 10 and 12 years.

Otters are believed by a number of experts to possess consistently playful personalities. Animal observations have shown that the otters will repeatedly slide down snow-covered slopes for no apparent reason other than pleasure.

Some river otter species seem to be monogamous, at least in captive environments.

Sea otters are coastal, shallow water-dwellers. Their habitats consist of two areas in these waters – the ocean floor where otters find their food, as well as the ocean surface where they feed, groom and rest and where social interactions occur. The remaining 12 otter species are typically classified together as being river otters. All 12 have long, powerful tails that are lacking in the marine species. All otter species have high metabolic rates, implying that they must consume food constantly to maintain body temperature and also function in the water. A good number of species consume around 15% to 25% of their body-weight every day. Unlike the sea otters, which stay in the ocean nearly constantly, river otters are likely to stay close to land.

Due to an otter smearing their dropping to mark their territory, this can cause a faint odor, which is often unpleasant to most.

Otters are sociable animals that can float together in groups composed of less than 10 individuals to over 100, known as rafts. Typically, the groups are usually separated by sex; females and their pups spend time in one group, while males are found in another group. Usually, otters swim over their backs, but while traveling, they are known to swim on their stomachs. Otters will only feed while floating, but they might also rest, groom, and nurse young ones. It’s also common for otters to cover themselves in kelp beds when sleeping or resting. Otters live in oceans and rivers throughout the world and are dearly loved for their charming appearance as well as abilities. Pups live with their family for roughly one year.

Where can you find an otter for sale?  The only reputable website, ExoticAnimalsforSale.net offer listings from time to time; however, it’s rare.

Is it legal to own an otter?

States, from what we researched, may be legal in Nevada, Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, Indiana, Ohio, Tennesse, New York, Minnesota, North Carolina and Oklahoma.  There are a number of laws in regards to “exotic” animals in each state, so it’s hard to say if an otter is, for certain, legal where you reside.  To know for certain if an otter is legal in your area, refer to your state’s Department of Fish and Game to know for sure.

With this being said, most states will ban the possession of the river otter, which is protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.  On the other hand, the Asian small-clawed otter may be legal, again, depending on the state’s law.

How Much Does a Bath Fitter Cost?

Need a pro near you? Get multiple quotes for free online. Get your quote now >>

Bath Fitter, a popular brand name for a bath liner, consists of a sheet of acrylic mold that fits over the existing tub, offering it a fresher look.  Its seamless wall system completes with a watertight fit.

Shower May 22 - 31, 2010 by osseous, on Flickr
Shower May 22 – 31, 2010” (CC BY 2.0) by osseous

How much does a Bath Fitter cost?

From what we researched, receiving a quote from the Bath Fitter company, other than having an in-home consultation, is next to possible, even if you were to call them over the phone.  The quotes for a remodel, from what we gathered, will greatly depend on your measurements, style choices, accessories, fixtures and conversion.   To budget, it’s safe to say most quotes for a basic bathtub liner with minimal accessories will cost anywhere from $4,000 to $7,000+, but if you were to add premium accessories and create modifications to your bathroom walls, the costs could then easily double.

With so many factors to consider, we scoured the Internet and included all of the quotes other people received in our table below:

Type of JobThe Quote Received
Removed the old wall, wood rot and replaced with new surrounding walls to the ceiling. Converted the tub to a new shower$3,800
Replace the tub liner, shower walls and window fitting$4,000
Convert a cast iron tub to a shower with premium upgrades$8,200
Take out tub and put in a new shower$4,500
Replace the tub liner and the surrounding walls$4,300
Replacing the tub and installing a new side wall in one bathroom. In another bathroom, the company replaced a neo-angle shower with a new liner$14,000
Brand new bath liner$5,200
Replacing the tub and shower surround with some wall modifications to fit the new bathtub size$5,600
New conversion with new shelving and shower rod$5,100
Straightforward liner replacement over an existing tub only$1,900
Old bathtub removed and a new shower installed$6,000

According to one member on this MrLandlord.com forum thread, he said the same thing in regards to no quotes unless you have someone visit your home.  In the end, he did have someone come out and was quoted $7,121 to remove the fiberglass tub and surround with no other renovations.

Bath Fitter overview

The installation steps, as per the official company’s website, includes first removing the faucet, followed by installing the new wall, protecting it, installing the new bathtub, adding any accessories requested and cleaning up the job site.

The company stands behind its product, offering a lifetime warranty.  This warranty guarantees all acrylic as long as no third-party accessories or non-approved cleaners are used.  You can view a Bath Fitter approved cleaners list here.

What are the extra costs?

Aside from a brand new bathtub liner, the company also offers a variety of accessories for an additional price.  These popular accessories include new shelves, soap dishes, faucets, shower rods, grab bars and shower seats.  Their licensed contractors can also add new trim, install new ceilings and/or modify bathroom walls.

Tips to know:

The company does offer a free in-home consultation.  While it may be high pressured in sales, from what we read, this is the only way to receive an exact quote for your situation.

On the official website, the company allows you to create your own bathtub with their interactive tool.  Here, you can either modify an existing bathtub, wall and/or faucet with new accessories, doors and rods.  While the tool doesn’t offer an estimate, it can show you a finalized product based on your preferences.

Since every Bath Fitter franchise is locally owned and operated, check out your local contractor’s reviews to ensure they are established and highly rated.  A good place to check for honest reviews would be Yelp or Google.

Pinterest has more than 50+ Bath Fitter before and after pictures.

How can I save money?

As mentioned, Bath Fitters is simply a brand name, and according to those who have received a quote, they tend to be on the higher end when it comes to quotes.  If at all possible, try your best to look at two to three alternatives because there’s a good chance you will be able to receive a similar product at a cheaper price.

If you do decide to choose Bath Fitters, don’t settle for the first quote given.  According to those who did receive a quote in person, they were able to drop the quote by more than 20 to 30 percent by haggling.

Sometimes, hiring a local handyman may be much cheaper than using a franchise-based company.  Consider using HomeAdvisor.com to receive multiple quotes for your job for free.

Depending on your local location, Bath Fitter coupons and/or specials may be available.  Be sure to ask your local representative if any options are available at the moment.

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