How Much Does Merry Maids Cost?

Merry Maids, founded in 1979, currently operates more than 1,300 franchises and corporate-owned locations within the United States.

As the company continues to grow, their core values, as per the company, remain at heart as to what they do and who they are.

Recognized nationally, the company offers satisfaction you can trust, only hiring screened and well-trained employees, a proprietary cleaning system, safe cleaning products and a service guarantee.

“Merry Maids Bug” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by qnr

How much does Merry Maids cost?

The cost of Merry Maids, as with any professional cleaning service, will greatly depend on so many factors, including your geographical region, the number of rooms that need to be cleaned, the type of rooms that need to be cleaned, the square footage of your home, the number of pets inside of the home and if any additional services are required such as refrigerator cleanings, window washing, oven cleaning and carpet cleaning, to name a few.  As per the company’s official FAQ, they do not offer packages; instead, the company will tailor their quote to your individual needs and home requirements.

We were able to play around with the online calculator online and were able to come up with an estimate that we included in the table below if you wanted recurring service.  However, if this is a first-time visit, then you will need to multiply these numbers by at least four for a deep cleaning session as this will require more work and the company will offer more inclusions as we note below.  For each room that needs to be cleaned, add the total at the right to come up with an estimate for your home.

NOTE:  This is just an estimate we received online and should only be used as such for follow-up visits only.  For more information for exact pricing, we recommend you contact a local office directly for a quote and do keep in mind all jobs for first-time visits will have a price that’s four to five times the amount mentioned above.

On this Yelp review for the Poway, California location, she mentioned that she was quoted $130 an hour, while another reviewer on this same page stated she paid $566 to clean an entire rental house, including the blinds, window tracks and the refrigerator.

Your first and recurring visits – what’s included?

On your first ever visit from Merry Maids, the company will detail all of the rooms inside of your home as per the order report and will also wash all cabinets, baseboards, doors, frames, doors and window sills.  Aside from this, the company will dust all light fixtures, fans, blinds and furniture inside of the home.  If you ordered any special house cleaning services, then this will be done at this time as well.

If you opt for a recurring package, which can be weekly, every other week or monthly, then on these visits, the company will vacuum all carpets and furniture, wash floors, with the exception of the carpets and dust all light fixtures, fan blades, blinds and furniture.

The company notes that if you’re not satisfied with your service, you can contact your local office within 24 hours to schedule another appointment at no charge.  For a more in-depth report as to what the company will do during your visit, you can refer to the company’s official website “cleaning services” page.

Tips to know

To know if a Merry Maids is in your area, visit the official locator tool.

The company is noted to be very environmentally friendly, using SHINEFFECTIVE maintenance products, which are products known to be lower in volatile organic compounds and better for the environment.

The company commonly offers discounts and coupons, so be sure to check out the official website before signing up if you choose the company as your option.

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Cost to Eat at Hell’s Kitchen

If you’re a fan of the hit T.V. show Hell’s Kitchen, then you may be wondering how much it costs to eat at Gordan Ramsey’s restaurant you see on T.V.

While in the past, you couldn’t eat at the “Hell’s Kitchen” as seen on the T.V. since it was a television set, you can now visit the Hell’s Kitchen at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Pork” (CC BY 2.0) by Nick J Webb

How much does it cost to eat at Hell’s Kitchen?

If you want to eat at the Hell’s Kitchen as seen on the hit T.V. show, then you have to get on a waiting list, as with any television show, to receive a spot inside of the restaurant during the taping.  With many ways to get on the show, which we will talk about later, if you do get a ticket to the show, then you will not have to pay anything to eat while being taped.  In fact, Today.com reported that you can often get paid as an extra — about $50 each — if the show decides to invite you to a taping, but for the most part, be prepared to enjoy a taping of the show and a random meal.

Now, if we are talking about the newly opened Hell’s Kitchen inside of the Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, then like all restaurants, the menu prices will greatly vary depending upon your choice.  As the restaurant is fairly new, we were able to get ahold of a menu for the soft opening, along with the prices, which we included in the table below, but granted, these prices can change as the restaurant progresses.  You can view the official menu here.

How to get tickets to Hell’s Kitchen

Send an email:  We found an email online that was related to casting calls directly tied to Hell’s Kitchen broadcasts, hellskitchen@theconlincompany.com.  You can use this email to request tickets, however, your request should include your full name, the number of tickets needed and any contact information outside of your email address such as a phone number and your mailing address.

Send mail:  If you’re old-fashioned, then you could consider sending a letter to increase your chances as the email address mentioned prior probably does receive quite a few inquiries.   Just like the email address, if you were to request tickets via the mail, then you will want to include the same information along with a self-addressed return envelope for the company to send you the tickets in case they do choose you.  The mailing address, as per the company, is as follows:

ATTN: Hell’s Kitchen Reservation Tickets
FOX BROADCASTING Publicity Dept.
P.O. Box 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900

Check the official website:  On the show’s official website, locate the “reservations” tab near the bottom of the screen where you may be able to reserve your spot on a future show.  However, as Wikihow.com notates, the producers did remove the tab due to the overwhelming success of the show, but like anything, they may add the tab in the near future for future guests.

Tips to know

Don’t fall for any scams for those who promise they can give you tickets.  The only tickets you can receive will come directly from Fox Broadcasting and nowhere else.  While you may find that many second-hand providers can get ahold of tickets, more often than not, it’s a scam as tickets to the show will not cost you a dime.

The actual Hell’s Kitchen you see on T.V. is not an actual restaurant, but rather, it’s a set that is designed to look as if it could be an actual restaurant.  The Today show actually stated the building was converted into a restaurant and dorm area for producers.  If you do obtain tickets, those who have been cast in the past note you should be expected to wait for at least three to four hours before you even receive your food, if any at all; however, as you do wait, they did note you could eat free bread and drink free alcohol.  Also, those who did visit also noted the food was “okay” and it was better as an entertainment experience.  You won’t find much, however, from previous casting members as you do have to sign a non-disclosure if you did want to participate.  Amber at MotherofKnights.com was able to attend and talked about her experience.

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Convenia Injection Cost

Convenia, an injection used for a range of skin infections for both dogs and cats older than four months, is commonly prescribed for abscesses, wounds often caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus intermedius and Streptococcus canis in dogs or susceptible strains of Pasteurella multocida in cats, all conditions which can cause excessive itching, scratching, licking and/or biting.

Once your pet’s skin is damaged or broken by the rubbing, chewing and/or scratching, then it can create the opportunity for bacteria to penetrate your pet’s skin.

It’s easy to dose, provides 14 days of treatment and is quite effective, working within a few hours after administering, but according to Dr. Lisa A. Pierson, it can stay in the body for more than two months.

Convenia is available by prescription only.

“Vet.” (CC BY 2.0) by jfiess

How much does a Convenia injection cost?

The costs of Convenia greatly depends on the vet and your geographical region, but on average, to put things into perspective, a 10-milliliter bottle retails for anywhere from $350 to $450 from most of the online pharmacies we quoted online for the veterinarian and the total costs will greatly depend on the size of your pet, according to Zoetis.  But for most pet owners, they reported paying anywhere from $18 for a cat to more than $100+ for a large sized dog.

This price would not include the veterinarian office examination fee for the prescription or the additional lab work required before the injection is even considered.  In some cases, we have heard pet owners have paid upwards of $2,000+ once the injections, lab work and vet examinations are factored in.

The EntirelyPets Pharmacy, for example, , but if you signed up for the auto-ship option, you could save an additional 5%.  Again, this just shows you how much the vet pays at wholesale for their clinic.

However, on this TheCatSite.com thread, a few cat owners chimed in and said they paid anywhere from $20 per cc to as much as $65 for a 20-pound cat.

Dr. Jennifer Coates at PetMD.com notes the average Convenia injection for a large dog can cost $100.

How does it work?

The injection will first work by breaking down the bacterium by cracking down the cell wall and usually, within 30 minutes after being injected, Convenia will find its way to the center of the infections, effectively killing off most of the bacteria within four hours but all pets will respond differently based on the severity of the infection.  The injection, for the next 14 days, will continue to kill the bacteria in the infected tissue.  These injections can only be administered by a veterinarian professional.

Dosage recommendations

According to the drug label, the recommended dosage is 3.6 milligrams per pound and a single injection can provide up to 14 days of relief.  However, on some occasions, some pets may need a repeat dosage for a complete resolution.  In a U.S. efficacy study, only 14 percent of dogs with skin infections required a second injection.

Tips to know

The injection is unique for two reasons, according to the manufacturer’s official website:  For one, it’s injectable, and secondly, it actively fights infections for a long time, often as long as 14 days according to various medical studies.

Possible primary side effects for both cats and dogs include diarrhea, a decrease in appetite, vomiting and/or lethargy.  If any serious side effects are suspected, talk with your veterinarian immediately for more information.

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How Much Does the Hoveround Cost?

For more than 25 years, the Hoveround Corporation has been the largest direct-to-consumer manufacturer of the most maneuverable, reliable, and compact power chairs available in the United States, according to the official website.  To date, the company, based in Sarasota, Florida, has over 100 facilities and 140 fully stocked repair vans throughout the country.

Controlling the design, delivery and service process, the company holds itself 100 percent responsible for the quality and reliability of the product and is known for many of the advertisements as seen on TV.

“My Hoveround and me” (CC BY 2.0) by nobleday

How much does the Hoveround cost?

According to the company’s official website, the prices for their standard and power wheelchairs are listed if you were to pay cash or credit; however, if you wanted to use your private insurance coverage or Medicare, you would have to see if you qualify as the products may be eligible for insurance at a discounted rate if you do qualify.  To know if you qualify, they simply ask that you fill out the form on their website, and from there, a representative will contact you with more information.  If you do not want to fill out the form and would rather talk with someone immediately, then you can call the company directly at 1-800-542-7236.

In conclusion, the costs will depend on the current availability, insurance, the configuration, the exact size/model, the condition and the additional options if you were to add them.

NOTE:  These prices were sourced from the official website and can only be deemed accurate at the time of this publishing.  For more information in regards to the official pricing, we encourage that you visit the official website for more up-to-date pricing.

Will insurance, including Medicare, cover the Hoveround?

According to the official company, they note that you must be able to provide medical documentation from your patient charts which note your continued use and the medical need for the equipment.  If you do decide to use your Medicare benefits, then the company will not be able to provide service until documentation is received from your doctors but have the option to pay out of pocket for the said repairs if you so choose.  They also note that you must provide any new documentation about the continued use every 12 months.

In conclusion, in order to be approved, you must meet the Medicare guidelines, which includes a physician’s order that contains specific elements, which must be received within 45 days after the order, and a face-to-face mobility examination.  9 out of 10 customers will meet the criteria as long as you have met your deductibles.

The optional additional costs to consider

Accessories:  According to the accessories subsection, the company also offers a myriad of accessories, such as a collapsible grabber, Hoveround backpack, drink holder, rear basket and/or an armrest bag, with each item retailing for $35 to $100.

Car Carrier:  The company’s official website offers a range of car carriers, with each offering a different setup and weight capacity.  Each carrier comes with an easy-to-use three position loading ramp that folds into the carrier when not being used.  Costs ranged anywhere from $599 to $899+ if purchased from the official website.

Cover:  To protect the Hoveround from the outdoor elements, the company offers a weather-resistant nylon cover retailing for about $99 if purchased from the official website.

Shipping:  Standard shipping, as long as you make a purchase larger than $50, will be free; however, if you want to take advantage of the “Hoveround White Glove Delivery” service, then an additional $250 fee will apply and will include someone personally delivering the chair to your home, setting it up and helping you with training.

Vehicle Lifts:  The company offers a powered lift that retails for $1,900 to $2,500 depending on the setup.

Wheelchair Ramps:  The company does offer a variety of wheelchair ramps, ranging from a foldable type to a sturdy ramp with handrails, and depending on your choice and length, the costs can range from $75 to more than $1,500+

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Gypcrete Cost per Square Foot

The brand name, Gypcrete, a Maxxon Corporation trademark, is a form of building material that is commonly used as a floor underlayment, sound reduction and in wood-frame and concrete construction for fire ratings and is highly popular in apartments, condominium projects and hotel constructions.

A mixture of sand, Portland cement and gypsum plaster, Gypcrete, today, has been the commonly used term by construction professionals and was started in the early 190s.

“Pouring the shed slab” (CC BY 2.0) by davef3138

Gypcrete cost per square foot

The costs of Gypcrete will greatly vary on your geographical location, the current market, the installer you choose and the scope of your project in the case of hiring a professional contractor.  From most of the quotes we did research, the average price, when hiring a professional contractor, seemed to be in the $2.50 to $6+ per square foot range.

For example, on this JohnBridge.com forum thread, we did find one member who was quoted $2.33 per square foot for a 4,500 square foot flooring project, poured 1.25 inches deep.   This quote was coming from a contractor who was offering a “special” sale and had to travel 150 miles to the job site.

Pros and cons of Gypcrete

Light and fire-resistant: It’s light in weight and resistant to fires, with the average 1.5-inch slab weighing close to 13 pounds a square foot in comparison to 18 pounds a square foot for traditional concrete.  Even though it is lighter in weight, it’s still similar in strength when compared to concrete, especially when used as either as an underlayment and/or top coat flooring.

Sound:  Aside from being fire resistant, Gypcrete is said to be better at drowning out sounds.

Fast labor time: For labor time, the average experienced labor professional can install up to six times the amount of Gypcrete in comparison to regular poured concrete because of the runny gypsum.

No subfloor chipping: Nails are able to be forced into the subflooring without any chipping.  Cracking, however, can be noticeable on some projects, depending on the install.

Sealing:  The company does note that Gypcrete can seal better than traditional concrete.

Higher costs: The costs, as mentioned, can be higher than regular concrete, which often can cost $2.50 to $4+ per square foot.  Also, due to the higher costs, some say you may find it harder to find a local supplier who carries this product.

Curing:  Gypcrete takes less time to cure at about 90 minutes.

Shrinking:  Professionals who have worked with the material claim that the concrete will shrink about any tubing where temperatures fluctuate, essentially creating a less efficient heat transfer from the tubes to the flooring slab.

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How Much Does a GenerLink Cost?

The GenerLink, according to the company’s official product description, is a plug and play generator transfer switch that gives you the ability to use anything inside of the electrical panel, up to the capacity of the generator you’re using.

UL listed, GenerLink is considered to be a safe way to use a portable generator in the case of a power outage, offering peace of mind.

How much does a GenerLink cost?

The cost of a GenerLink will depend on a few factors, including the amperage, which is based on the size of your generator (30 or 40 amps), which retailer it’s purchased from and in the case you need a professional help to install it, the scope of the project and your geographical region.

For just the GenerLink, the costs, based on the factors above, can range anywhere from $650 for a 30-amp mounted transfer switch to as much as $900+ for a 40-amp meter mounted transfer switch with 75kA per phase surge protection.  These prices would not include the additional generator power cord, which, depending on the length needed, can add another $100 to $250+ to the total.

At the Home Depot, for instance, the costs of a 30-amp meter mounted transfer switch, model# MA23-N, , whereas the higher-end model, the 40-amp meter mounted transfer switch with 75kA per phase surge protection .  The same price range was found on these Amazon listings as well.

As for the professional installation, the company claims the entire install job takes less than 30 minutes, which, most of the time, means an electrician, when installing it, will only charge a minimal home visit fee, which will greatly vary on your local location.  From the quotes we researched online, if you were to hire a professional electrician, it would be best to budget another $150 to $200+ on top of the parts fees mentioned prior.

One member on this Houzz.com thread, for instance, stated he paid $1,100 for his install.

How does GenerLink work?

The GenerLink is a five-inch device which is installed behind your electrical meter, and when you connect your generator to the device, it will start up, automatically disconnecting your home from the electric utility grid, essentially preventing the possibility of any back feed, which can oftentimes, cause damage to electrical equipment and even cause harm.  Since the device can be installed to just about any standard household electric service of 200 amps or less, all you will need to do to use it is flip a breaker once the generator is running.

Benefits

According to the company’s official website, they claim the following benefits:

A 200 amp continuous, UL listed meter transfer switch that’s able to prevent back feeding into a utility line

No subpanel or rewiring installation will be required, with the average install time being 30 minutes

The system works with most portable generators on the market

Once installed, it’s ready to use when needed

Tips to know

Before you consider the purchase, refer to this official GenerLink PDF to see if your generator is compatible with the switch.  To put it simply, if you already have a generator, you will want to see if it matches any of the connectors found here.  If you do not have one of these connectors, then it cannot be used with the product.

According to one member on this DSLReports.com forum thread, he stated his local electric company does not allow this device.  To play it safe and while not confirmed, it may be wise to contact your electric company for more information in regards to the legality of this product.

GenerLink will not work with an A Base meter as the GenerLink, even with the S base adaptor, will lack a grounding location as per GeneratorSolutions.ca.

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Eze-Breeze Windows Cost

Eze-Breeze, a trusted porch and deck enclosure system, is a completely customized fitted system tailored to your home, and according to the company’s official website, they are now an authorized distributor, which means they make the Eze-Breeze 3 season room windows available directly to homeowners to purchase and install on their own.

Helping create three-season rooms for decades, Eze-Breeze, a family-owned business, they are considered to be the first and “best” porch, patio and deck enclosure windows, trusted across all of the United States and Canada.

How much do Eze-Breeze windows cost?

According to the official website of the Eze-Breeze, the answer is not as simple as you think as the windows are custom to your opening and many factors, regarding both the style and mounting preference, can affect your price estimate.  However, according to that page, they did note the larger units are less expensive per square foot than smaller units, and potential customers should be prepared to spend anywhere between $2,700 to $3,700 for an Eze-Breeze 4 track vertical outside mount unit, for example.

As for just a track venting window, the material costs can range anywhere between $75 to $175, whereas a cabana door with a kickplate retails as high as $550, according to Menards.

In this HandymanHowTo.com article, they claimed the price would depend on the style, with very little variation in the price.  According to the simple price sheet they did list, the costs could range anywhere from $55 to $60 for a trapezoid fixed lite Lip Frame to as much as $240 for a vertical four track panel, with his total cost being $3,000 for 19 windows and a Cabana door.

On this TheFunTimesGuide.com article, the author talked about what her parents had paid for their Eze-Breeze windows, with their 11′ x 24′ screened-in porch, equipped with 20 four-track windows with screens on the top portion and another 20 fully glazed windows on the half, costing them $4,000, including the installation.  Aside from the windows, the install price also included two non Eze-Breeze metal doors.

Eze-Breeze product options

PGT Eze-Breeze™ sliding panel three season windows:  This unique three-season window unit, according to the company, has been installed by professionals for more than 35 years.  Known as a cost-effective solution for those looking to enclose their porch, deck, patio or hot tub, the Eze-Breeze™ sliding panel helps fill the disparity between the screen enclosures and the insulated season rooms.  This particular setup includes four sliding vents that are constructed to nest up or down over the attached screen and when you open it up in its entirety, you have 75 percent of the screen, but when you remove the vents, you have access to 100 percent of the screen.  When closed, you then have 100 percent protection from the outdoor elements such as pollen, wind and weather.

Vertical four-track panels:  Customized to any space, the clean lines and proportions can compliment any home decor, according to the official website.  These panels can either be raised or dropped smoothly to open up 75 percent of the window to allow in a breeze or can be removed in its entirety to be stored for the season.  The panels are able to tilt for easy cleaning and can be ordered in tinted colors to help reduce the solar heat gain.  All outside-based vertical four tracks will come with a screen attached, whereas the inside mount can come with or without the screen.

Slider panels:  Available in either a two- or four-track version, these full-length panels are able to motion back and forth with a touch of a button on its corrosion-free nylon rollers.  These panels can also be easily removed for storage and can be ordered in tinted colors for optimal comfort control.  According to the official description, the two-track version offers 50 percent ventilation, while the four-track version offers 75 percent ventilation.

Fixed windows:  Designed for a transom over a door or even an opening in the gable end of the roof, these fix windows can complement other Eze-Breeze products and are sometimes used on lower openings of the decks with pickets, to name a few.  The company does note that custom shapes are available for specific porch or enclosure needs.

Wall of windows:  Able to create an entire wall filled with windows, the Eze-Breeze wall of windows, built with a high-quality aluminum frame, can be custom built to fit lengths up to 240 inches wide.  The company’s description notes there are multiple configurations available, allowing you to create an all screen, all vinyl or a combination in between, for instance.  These panels, once installed, are able to glide easily on the large, neoprene wheels and are then able to latch securely into place.

Benefits

As per the company, all windows are customized at their factory, ensuring an exact fit in each rough opening

All frames are made from a lightweight aluminum

The vinyl glazing, from afar, looks like glass and is tough, flexible and lightweight.  While the glazing can be punctured by a sharp object in some cases, it will not shatter or break

The vents, as explained in the descriptions above, can be raised or lowered in any position, allowing in 75 percent airflow or even removed 100 percent

Closing all of the vents can help keep any rain, dust, pollen or wind out

Tips to know

All Eze-Breeze products come with a 10-year warranty on the frames and a 10-year warranty on the vinyl, screen and the moving parts.

In general, when ordering from the factory direct, it can take anywhere from two to three weeks to receive the shipment, all depending on how busy they are.

The frame color choices for both the windows and doors can be made with white, beige, pebble khaki, or bronze, according to ArchGlass.com.  Most providers, from what we did research, would not charge an additional cost for a different frame color.

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Dekton Countertop Cost

Dekton, according to the company, is a sophisticated blend of raw materials which are used to produce the very latest in glass and porcelain as well as the highest in quartz work surface quality.

In the CEO’s interview with Consumer Reports, he simply described the counters as a combination of glass, porcelain and quartz, making it a hybrid of the best materials available on the market today.

Employing what is known as Sinterized Particle Technology, this process represents an accelerated version of the metamorphic change natural stone undergoes when in high temperatures and pressure over thousands of years.

Dekton countertop cost per square foot

In general, you will not find the exact prices on the official Dekton website, but according to many third-party sources we found online, which we will source below, we found the average costs, when a professional installer was chosen, was in the $60 to $100 per square foot range installed.  This price will greatly depend on the contractor you hire, the scope of the project, how many cutouts you need, the retailer you purchase the countertops from and your geographical region.

As for the parts, when we talked to a countertop expert, who wished to remain anonymous, he stated the materials can be based on the colors, with the first level averaging $30 to $40 a square foot, with the premium levels retailing closer to $75 depending on the colors.

With so many factors that can affect the price, we do recommend you compare quotes via the free comparison tool, HomeAdvisor.com.  With this service, you can explain your job, and with this information, locally and licensed contractors will contact you with a quote.  No credit card is needed and you can receive multiple quotes within 24 hours.

A few members talked about what they paid for their Dekton countertops on this Houzz.com thread, with one member stating he paid $75 per square foot installed, while another said they were quoted close to $100 per square foot in New York City.

Factors affecting the cost

Cuts and/or holes:  How many cuts and/or holes will you need installed?  For any countertop install, plan on budgeting at least $100+ per cut off.

Seams:  Are you able to install the entire countertop in one slab without a seam?  If so, you can skip this factor; however, if more than one slab is required, then strategically installing the second slab to hide the seam can increase the costs.

Colors and pattern:  The company does offer a variety of colors and patterns, with each varying in pricing as mentioned above.

Thickness:  The thicker you want the slab to be, the more you should be prepared to spend.  The company does offer thicknesses ranging from eight to 30 millimeters.

Tear out:  If you have an existing countertop, then most contractors will charge a disposal fee, often in the hundred+ dollar range.

Pros

In the Consumer Reports study mentioned prior, they did find the counters, when compared to other brands, was great at resisting staining, cuts, heat and abrasions.

Home Depot, as per its review, noted it is complete scratch resistant and cannot be stained or scorched.

It’s known to stand up to UV rays, making it ideal for an outdoor project.

Unlike many counter materials, such as granite and marble, it doesn’t need to be sealed.

In terms of price, as you can see from the price quotes above, it’s much less than comparable counter materials such as granite, quartzite, quartz and marble.  In fact, according to Apartment Therapy, the costs of Dekton counters installed can be less than just these comparable counter materials.

Aside from countertop material, it can be used as siding or floor, to name a few.

The company, as long as the counters were professionally installed, do offer a great 25-year warranty.

With the average slab size measuring 126” x 56”, it is usually large enough to cover your entire countertop area without the need for a seam.

Cons

In the same Consumer Reports study above, they did find that the Dekton counters, in comparison to the other countertops it tested, would chip on its edges when heavy objects were dropped on it.

It isn’s the cheapest option on the market as laminate and concrete can be a cheaper option for homeowners.

The counters must be professionally installed to take advantage of the warranty offered by the company.

In terms of availability, it’s limited in terms of retailers, with Home Depot being one of the only bigger retailers carrying it.

Some people do claim the edge styles are limited with certain textures and patterns.

Dekton colors and patterns

According to the official website, the company has more than 40+ colors available, with samples of each found here.  Most of the colors, as you can see through the link, tend to be earth, without many “loud” color options available.

As for the texture finish, the company offers a few choices, including matte, glossy, oxide, slate, bush hammered and leathered, and each finish type can vary depending on the color you decide to go with.

Edge styles

As mentioned in the “cons” section, the edge styles are limited, but choices include chamfered, half bullnose, full bullnose, decorative beveled, standard square and mitered profeils.  In some cases, however, some of these edged styles may not work with a surface you’re looking to purchase.  As the colors do extend through the entire slab but not the texture and pattern itself, the edges may not be present with certain cuts and patterns.

Dekton vs. Quartz — the difference?

A common comparison search we often see is, “What is the difference between Dekton vs. Quartz?”  While there are some differences, let’s take a look at the key differences:

Quartz is known to be resistant to stains, while Dekton is considered stainproof.

Quartz is vulnerable to heat, while Dekton is not.

Quartz, over time, can begin to discolor when it’s exposed to the sun, while Dekton is considered UV-proof.

In most cases, Quartz shouldn’t chip, but as mentioned in the cons above, Dekton counters can chip with enough force.

Quartz, for just the material, can average $80 a square foot uninstalled, while Dekton can be in this price range… installed.

Tips to know

Home Depot, being the largest retailer that carries the brand, offers .  If you do not want to commit to the samples, you can also see the samples in person at a local Home Depot location.

Thickness options range from 8 to 30 millimeters thick.

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COREtec Flooring Cost

COREtec, considered to be a luxury vinyl plank flooring/tile manufactured by USFloors, from afar, looks quite realistic and even feels like it to the touch.

Much like hardwood, COREtec uses real texture, real graining and also has a micro bevel edge to create a true hardwood look.

However, unlike hardwood, the flooring doesn’t require as much in terms of maintenance.

COREtec flooring cost per square foot

The costs of COREtec flooring will greatly depend on the retailer you purchase from, the specific style and the exact design/size you’re interested in purchasing as the company does offer a variety of wood designs and size options, ranging from extra wide to extra long.  For just the flooring, the costs tend to range anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot, but if you needed a professional to help install it, then the total costs could be in the $5 to $10 per square foot range, but this price would greatly depend on the scope of your job, the contractor you hire, your geographical region, the specific line of COREtec flooring you choose and if any obstacles present itself during the job.

As each job can be so unique, we highly recommend you use the free contractor quote service tool, HomeAdvisor.com.  With this tool, you can simply state what you want, your job specifications, and with this information, licensed and reputable contractors in your area will contact you with a free quote.  It’s 100 percent free to use and no credit card is required to receive your quote.

On this Houzz.com forum thread, more than 800+ members talked about their experiences, with one member claiming she paid $10,047 for a 1,733 square foot home professionally installed, while another said they were quoted $7 per square foot for both materials and labor.

Carpet Express, a retailer we found online, sold the flooring for anywhere from $2.99 to $4.99+ per square foot for just the materials only.

The design

Each piece of COREtec flooring, regardless of which option you choose, features a 0.5 millimeter of “wear” layer, which is designed to protect your flooring in high trafficked places and make it easier to clean and maintain.  Beneath this “wear” layer, the planks include a luxury vinyl top layer, considered to be highly resilient and made of a virgin vinyl, with yet another layer beneath this layer, being the “heart” of the matter — the core structure, which is the stable and well-constructed layer that is designed to prevent expanding or contracting like normal hardwood floors would.  Lastly, the underlayment, made of a cork material, adds the additional extra insulation designed to absorb sounds to create a quiet atmosphere when walked upon.  The entire design process, as per USFloors, is patented.   All four of these layers are waterproof, including the cork underlayment.

The company offers a variety of colors, designs and sizes, with the Plus line coming in as five or seven inches wide and four inches long, while the Plus HD, which uses an embossing technique, has a thicker 8.5-millimeter plank, equipped with a four-side painted micro-beleved edge.  The more premium lines, the Plus XL and XL, are nine inches wide and six feet long.  Listed below are the current options available as per the official company’s website.

• COREtec Plus Premium
• COREtec Plus HD
• COREtec Plus Design
• COREtec Plus XL Enhanced
• COREtec Plus XL
• COREtec Plus Enhanced Planks
• COREtec Plus Enhanced Tiles
• COREtec Plus 5-inch Plank
• COREtec Plus 7-inch Plank
• COREtec Plus Tile
• COREtec ONE
• COREtec Pro Plus Enhanced
• COREtec Pro Plus

Color options

As mentioned, the line does offer a variety of colors, with colors ranging from light to dark, with some reds and gray/whitewashes mixed in between.  The seven-inch line, as per TheFlooringGirl.com, offers more whitewash/gray options.   From retailers, we did look at, the most popular colors tend to be gray, beige/tan, mocha, orange/amber, brown and gold. To see all of the colors available within each line, we recommend you visit the official manufacturer’s website, USFloorsLLC.com.

Tips to know

Unlike comparable luxury vinyl brands, COREtec flooring will not require any acclimation and very little preparation is required before installing the planks.  The only tools an installer will need, most of the time, will include a hammer, tape measurer, tapping block and crosscut power saw.  And plus, since the flooring is considered to be a floating floor, it means you can install it over an existing flooring surface.  Even if there are any discrepancies in the flooring, installers will not need to worry about the preparation as the flooring is rigid and thicker, helping hide these imperfections as it’s being installed.

Products used on residential use will either come with a Lifetime Limited or 25-year Limited warranty.

All floors, one of the safest LVT products on the market, received the GreenGuard Gold Certification.

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AFCI Breaker Cost

An AFCI breaker, known as an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, is important because the part is able to cut power when it detects an “arc fault,” something a standard breaker is unable to do, essentially protecting you from an electrical fire.

In a standard breaker, the electric current will run safely along the wiring enclosed within the insulation of your home, and as long as everything is working as it should, the insulation will act similar to that of a jack, keeping the electrical current contained and on track to allow to it travel as it should.

However, if your insulation becomes damaged for whatever reason, then the current can escape this “jacket,” a term referred to as arching in the electrical world.  Once this arc is created, the temperatures can exceed 10,000°F, making it the perfect condition for an electrical fire.

Aside from damaged insulation, an arc fault can also be caused by faulty appliances, loose/damaged wires and/or overloaded outlets.

“New 200A panel” (CC BY 2.0) by davef3138

How much does an AFCI breaker cost?

The costs of an AFCI breaker will depend on a few factors, including the professional you choose, the type of breaker purchased and the geographical region you live in.

For just the AFCI breaker part, without any professional installation factored in, the costs can range anywhere from $25 to $45, but if you were to need a professional electrician to install one, then the costs, depending on the scope of the job could increase to as much as $165 to $290 for a straightforward install or replacement.  If any complications were to arise, such as an outdated fuse box and/or the wiring needs to be re-routed, then the prices could increase based on the scope of the job.   For a simple install, a good electrician can often install four of them in less than two hours.

As most jobs are fairly straightforward, some jobs may need more work than others, effectively increasing the costs of your quote, and for that reason, you may want to gather a few quotes from contractors in your area to ensure you’re not paying too much.  If you do not know where to start or simply do not have the time, we highly recommend the free quote comparison tool, HomeAdvisor.com.  It’s free and very easy to start using.  Simply explain your job, and with that information, contractors will contact you, sometimes within minutes or hours, with a quote ballpark on your job.

Plumbline Services, a professional HVAC provider in the Denver, Colorado area, noted you should be prepared to spend $160 to $260 per breaker, but there are two factors which affect the cost:  the quality of the electrician you hire and the difficulties your electrician may come across such as re-running wires, adding an AFCI-protected circuit to an outdated box and/or the existing electronics were poorly installed.

A professional interviewed via Angie’s List stated you should be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars unless there are some troubleshooting problems.  But in some cases, according to the electrician, you may need to upgrade the electrical panel as many of these panels will not accept the new AFCI devices.  If this were the case, then upgrading could cost anywhere from a few hundred to more than $1,000+

Do I need a new AFCI breaker inside of my home?

The National Electric Code states you are not required (but it’s highly suggested) to replace a standard breaker with an AFCI breaker if your home was built before 2002; however, all homes built today and if you’re completely replacing a new circuit, then the code does require a new AFCI breaker.

Most electricians, however, recommend replacing when you’re upgrading the main electrical panel, you plan on selling your home, you’re renovating and/or you just want a peace of mind from an electrical fire occurring in the future.

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