How Much Does Registering a Dog Cost?

Registering a dog is the process of obtaining papers for pet owners which serve as documentation that they are the rightful owner of the dog.   Failing to license your dog can hinder your chances of getting it back if you were to lose it.  In most cities, it’s the law, and if you were caught without a license, then you could be paying fines that could be much more than the initial registration fees.

The price comes down to where you live since most local cities require that dog owners register with the local government.

“Angie” (CC BY 2.0) by blumenbiene

How much does registering a dog cost?

On average, registering a dog can cost anywhere from $9 to $50 depending on your geographical location; however, most cities, from what we saw with our research, are within the $10 to $20 range as long as the dog is spayed/neutered.  We went ahead and researched some of the most popular counties/cities and listed the prices for registering a dog below.

Registering a dog overview

When licensed, your dog will receive a small tag that needs to be worn around its collar.  That way, if your dog were to get lost, you would have a much better chance of finding your dog if it ended up at a local pound or shelter because of the identification number that’s on the tag.

To get your dog licensed, simply head to your local county licensing department.  To find your local licensing department, simply search for something along the lines of “your city + dog registration” to see where you have to go.  Worst case scenario, you can always call your local government office to get more information.  In some cities, your animal can also be registered at approved shelters, vet offices and the Humane Society.

What are the extra costs?

This license needs to be renewed at least once per year depending on the state law that governs it.  Most of the time, these fees can be renewed by having a credit card on file.

Local city boards may charge more for a dog that is un-neutered or un-spayed.  For example, in Sacramento, an unaltered dog will cost $50 per year, while an altered dog would cost $15 per year.

Failing to register your dog, as explained above, could lead to hefty fines if your local government were to find out about it.  These fines, according to Cesar’s Way, could be up to $250.  In addition to this, some cities consider owning a dog without a license a class IV misdemeanor.

Before you’re able to get your dog licensed, you will not be able to do it until you have proven your dog is up to date with its vaccination.   If your dog isn’t up to date, then you will need to factor in these vaccinations at the local vet’s office.

If you were to move from one city to another, then you would have to re-license your dog once again.

Late fees may apply if you don’t meet the city’s deadlines.  Sometimes, a city may require you renew by a certain period.

Tips to know:

Check with your local city as some cities are going to have restrictions on how many dogs you can register.  On average, most cities may only allow up to three dogs per household.

Before a registration is administered, a health record may be needed.  If your animal is not up to date with its shots, consider getting this done before registration.

How can I save money?

If you would just like to have your dog registered, you can visit the nearest local registering office provided by the government rather than have your dog registered through a private organization as they tend to be more expensive due to the exclusivity of the membership.

Local cities can offer discounts to those that are over a certain age or meet certain income requirements.

In some cities, service dogs can be registered for free.

Some states offer a “lifetime” license, which allows you to pay a one-time fee, and oftentimes, this could save you quite a bit of money if you were to go this route.  Some counties may even allow you to pay two, three or four years at a time, helping you save close to 30 percent or more.

Those who breed may be able to apply for a “kennel license,” a license that allows you to apply a license to a certain amount of animals each year.

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How Much Does Periodontal Surgery Cost?

Periodontal disease infects the supporting tissues and bones that hold your bones in place and will primarily affect those who are in their 30s and 40s.  According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it’s caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, chronic illnesses or using certain medications.

The price for this type of surgery depends on how many teeth need to be treated, the severity of the issue, which treatment option you have done, where you live and the dentist performing the procedure.

“Military Medical Professionals Team-Up,” (Public Domain) by USAFRICOM

How much does periodontal surgery cost?

On average, periodontal surgery is going to cost anywhere from $500 to as much as $5,000 without insurance.   This won’t include the costs if you were to need a bone graft, new implants and/or a tooth extraction. Since each situation is going to be unique, the costs can greatly vary.  Refer to our table below for the most common types of procedures, along with the price range we have found.

Laser periodontal surgery, unlike traditional periodontal surgery, will allow the tartar to remain in the pockets, but the process will attempt to kill the bacteria.  Laser sessions could cost $250 to $400 each, and Periopeak.com says you should expect at least six to eight sessions, at a minimum, to see desirable results.  A full mouth treatment, for example, could cost between $4,000 to more than $15,000 without dental insurance.

NOTE:  Special thanks to PerioPeak Innovations, the website we sourced above, for providing a lot of this information.

Periodontal surgery overview

Surgery can either be performed via a non-surgical method, known as scaling and root planing, via gum flap surgery or by using laser therapy.  During the non-surgical method, the dentist will clean the surface of the teeth and will expose the root so that he or she can remove any tartar, plaque or bacteria surrounding the root.  Alternatively, if this procedure doesn’t work, then they may perform a gum flap surgery, which is the process of cutting back the gums and deep cleaning the roots beneath.  With laser therapy, the dentist will use a laser to access and remove the inflamed gum tissue around the root of the tooth.  When the tissue is removed, the scaling will begin.  According to Colgate, the dentist will smooth the root with an instrument to remove any rough spots that may be attracting bacteria, and after this has been done, the gum and root will regenerate during the healing process.

Regardless of which procedure you choose, it will always be done in an outpatient center by either a dentist or periodontist.  Most procedures will take one to two hours to complete.

What are the extra costs?

Before the treatment plan is considered, the dentist will want to consult with you to discuss your options and take x-rays.  This exam, along with the x-rays, could be an additional $100 to $400.

A full mouth cleaning may be required before the procedure begins, and this could or could not be included in the initial quote.

A follow-up appointment will be required to make sure the patient is healing properly.  A follow-up dentist appointment will be no different than any other exams and may or may not be included in the initial quote. If not, this could be an additional $40 to $100 for the office visit.

Some treatments will require special medication.  For example, the perioscopy procedure will require antibiotics such as Arestin and Atridox.   These medications, depending on the office billing policy, may be charged separately.  Arestin, for example, can cost another $50 to $110 if it has to be administered on site.

In some cases, an extraction and/or bone graft may be required, depending on the patient’s condition.  For example, extracting a tooth and replacing it with an implant and performing surgery can cost close to $5,000 per quadrant.

Tips to know:

Periodontal surgery will not be a cure for this disease and can reoccur if not cared for properly.  Instead, this surgery is designed to help keep the area clean from allowing the bacteria to spread.  If the bacteria builds back up after the healing process, surgery may be needed again.

While the surgery tends to be painless, soreness may occur one to two days after the surgery has been performed.  One of the most common complaints includes sensitivity to hot and cold liquids.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, using a laser carries a lot of benefits:  no general anesthetic is needed, the laser can precisely target the targeted area and the recovery time will be a lot shorter when compared to traditional methods.

How can I save money?

Even though it could be too late, prevention is always better than a cure.  Always visit your dentist at least every six months, and be sure to floss and brush your teeth daily to prevent the bacteria buildup.

If you do have a dental insurance plan, talk with your provider to see if this type of procedure is covered.  As long as it’s deemed medically necessary, you shouldn’t have a hard time getting your claims approved.  Even if you don’t have insurance, consider checking with DentalPlans.com to see if you can use it at a local dentist office to save more than 60 percent.

Local dental school clinics may be able to offer guidance and/or even perform some of the procedures mentioned above for a lower cost.  While you will be working with students, do keep in mind they will be monitored by an experienced dentist.

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How Much Does It Cost to Reline a Chimney?

Relining a chimney is a procedure performed to protect chimney walls from heat and corrosion, and these liners will be installed into the flue of your chimney to restore the sealed vent system.  A new liner will be needed because your chimney may not have a liner, the liner is damaged or maybe because the current liner isn’t setup for optimal performance if you were to install a new heating unit such as a stove.

The cost to reline a chimney depends on the materials that will be used by the contractor, the size of the chimney, the type of chimney and where you live.

“Sunlit Chimneys” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by mikecogh

How much does it cost to reline a chimney?

On average, it can cost anywhere from $45 to $85 per linear foot to reline a chimney, and since most chimneys are going to be 20 to 25 linear feet, on average, the total costs can be anywhere from $900 to $2,100+for a professional install.

Other factors, however, may affect the total cost of the chimney relining.  Multi-level homes, for example, will be more than a single story home.  The same can be said about the pitch of the roof.  Steeper roofs can cost more due to difficulty.  Lastly, the number of connections to the flue can affect the price since each gas or vented appliance will need to be re-fitted and sealed.

For those who want to do the job themselves, chimney liners can cost anywhere from $80 to $500 depending on the length and brand.  For example, the 25-foot stainless steel Simpson DuraFlex retails for $265 to $310.  Experts recommend looking into the Flex King or Flex King Pro if you’re considering doing the job on your own.

According to one forum member on Hearth.com, he was quoted $1,800 to replace a 4″ by 20 foot liner and was to have it replaced with a heavy wall flex liner.  Those on the same thread said this was a fair price to pay.

Relining a chimney overview

The professional quotes mentioned above should include the cost for all of the materials and labor, including the chimney liner kit, permits if required, all tools and supplies.

There are three common types of liners used on the market:  clay tile liners, cast-in-place liners and metal flue liners.  The clay tile liners can last for close to 50 years and will be the cheapest option out of all types.  This liner can withstand deposits of heat and any corrosive byproducts when being burned.  Cast-in-place liners is a poured cement process that creates a new flue, which is able to withstand all of the harmful effects of heat, acids and condensation.  This type of liner helps the fireplace burn cleaner and can even reduce the accumulation of creosote.  A metal flue is highly recommended by fire experts because of its durability.  Commonly made of a stainless steel, this liner tends to be rigid, flexible and can be a very good investment if you want a safe and well functioning fireplace.

If hiring a professional contractor, the job can take six to eight hours, depending on how many people are working on the job.

Name brand liners will often include warranties that can last up to a lifetime.  If having a professional install it for you, ask them about the warranty that may be included.

What are the extra costs?

Aside from the liner quote, some contractors may charge an additional fee for every connection they need to make, usually around $75 to $150 per connection.  This will all depend on the connection size.

Additional work may need to be done to a chimney if other problems exist.  For example, the top of the chimney may have to be reflashed.  See:  “How much does flashing a chimney cost?”

Tips to know:

A liner is an option for any homeowner to consider when they want to have a safer atmosphere.  Without a liner, the chimney tile can tend to crack or even mess with the house foundation, and with these cracks, carbon monoxide can get into the home.

A chimney liner can also increase the performance of your fireplace.  A liner is going to perform adequate ventilation, allowing it to draft hotter gasses.

How can I save money?

If you plan on hiring a contractor, try to get as many quotes as possible.  To make the job easy, consider using HomeAdvisor.com.  With this service, you simply describe your project and contractors will offer you a ballpark estimate over the phone and/or via email for free.

If a chimney liner has already been installed in the past, a new one may not be required.  Instead, a simple cleaning may be needed to ensure that the liner is working the way it should.  A sweep should cost no more than $300.

This is often a popular DIY job.  If you feel you have some handy skills, consider watching some how-to videos online to see if it’s a job you’re comfortable with.  There are chimney liner kits on the market that cost anywhere from $100 to $500+

Consider using the contractor during their slower season to maybe save a few dollars.  With chimney work, September to October tends to be the slowest season.

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How Much Does Flashing a Chimney Cost?

Flashing a chimney is a waterproofing procedure where thin continuous pieces of sheet metal are installed to prevent water from getting into the chimney, and one of the most common places for a leak to occur will be around the chimney.  Even if the chimney has been flashed in the past, it doesn’t mean it will last forever, and that is why it’s so important to have a chimney inspection annualy to make sure the flashing is in tip-top shape.

“Chimney” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by ChodHound

How much does it cost to replace chimney flashing?

On average, flashing a chimney can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000.  This price really is going to depend on the type of chimney you have, the flashing you have, the type of flashing you and the contractor you hire.  The type of flashing you choose can also affect the price.  For instance, galvanized steel and aluminum will be the most standard choices and will be near the lower end of the price range, but if you were to choose a higher quality material such as copper, then it could be 40 to 50 percent more.

If you were to have a metal chimney with a stainless steel flue duct inside, then the costs can be around $300 to $600 to flash the outside of the chimney where it penetrates the roof.  Now if the chimney is made of brick and the existing flashing has to be replaced, then the costs can be in the $500 to $1,500 range, depending on the sides.  For instance, if you have a large multi-flue chimney the needs flashing down the sides, the costs could easily be close to $1,000.   The cheapest option, which is usually done if you’re getting your roof replaced, can cost as little as $150 to $250.

According to one commenter on Angie’s List, he said he would expect most flashing jobs to be within the $250 to $400 range if it’s a base flashing job.

Baumgardt Home Inspections, located in Wisconsin, said the average chimney flashing job could be in the $200 to $500 range, depending on the type of chimney you have.  For example, a sloped asphalt could cost $200 to $400, while a flat built-up could be in the $300 to $500 range.

Flashing a chimney overview

The term “flashing” refers to a sheet of metal that’s installed for the sole purpose of making sure the connection between the chimney and the roof is watertight.  Typically, the flashing will have two metal panel parts:  the first part, known as step flashing, will be installed underneath the shingles and bent upward against the chimney, and the second part, referred to as counter flashing, will be the piece bent down over the first part and then cut back to become embedded into the chimney mortar joint near the top.  It will then be sealed off at the top near the step flashing.

Most contractors will first clean the chimney of any existing flashing, and the deck built around the chimney will be inspected for any sort of damage such as wood rot.  If any of these problems are present, the issue will be resolved and a small peak, referred to as a cricket, will be built on the back of the chimney if it’s positioned in the center of the roof.  This will be done to prevent water from hitting the chimney directly.  The next step involves grinding the mortar joints to secure the new counter flashing to the chimney.  It will then be wrapped with a water barrier, followed by step flashing the shingles around the sides and back of the chimney.  Lastly, the counter flashing will be installed and all of the joints will be re-mortared.

What are the extra costs?

Customized flashing material that matches up to the exact material on the roof can cost more.  Many contractors will just carry a standard material that can closely match what is already there.

This process is often done with a chimney sweep, but sometimes, the contractor may not include this service in their initial quote.

If you’re having the flashing done due to moisture damage inside the home, the contractor may find serious structural damage if you waited too long.  As this moisture enters through the roofing material and into the attic, it can cause roof damage, wood rot and/or drywall damage, all of which could be an additional cost to consider.

Tips to know:

One of the main reasons that a chimney flash goes bad is due to the installation in the first place.  It is crucial that a professional is hired so that more damage is not caused in the future.  There are many contractors out there that do not know what they are doing.

Before hiring a contractor, be sure to ask to see what kind of jobs have been done in the past.  It also doesn’t hurt to ask for before and after pictures since these pictures will offer you a better idea of what the contractor can do for your home.

This job often has to be left to the professionals due to the vulnerable areas where water can still enter, even if you think you installed the flashing properly.  Even with a high-quality installation job, there are certain small spots that require special urethane caulking/sealant to prevent leakage around the flashing.

How can I save money?

To save money, you can ask your insurance provider if they can cover the cost completely or partially depending on the coverage the insurance provider gives.  Many homeowner’s insurance policies can cover damage that has been done because of storms, etc.

Look for contractors that can install a metal that will last longer such as stainless steel or copper.  You will be able to save money in the long run by doing this even though the upfront costs may be more.

If you do want to hire a professional, consider getting multiple quotes from HomeAdvisor.com for free. Simply describe your job and contractors will contact you with ballpark estimates for free.

This can be a DIY job if you want to do the job on your own.  The Family Handyman says materials should cost about $20 to $100 and most people can finish within the day; however, the job is marked as a “complex” job, so proceed at your own risk.  To make the process easier, chimney flashing kits are available online for less than $100.

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How Much Does Neuropsychological Testing Cost?

A neuropsychological test is considered to be a comprehensive evaluation that evaluates your behavioral, cognitive, learning style and emotional function.  This test, according to WebMD, is designed to help a doctor find out how a problem, such as concentrating, solving problems or remembering things, may be affecting your brain.  Your doctor may recommend this test if they believe you have a disease affecting the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease, a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or epilepsy.

“Exams Start… Now” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by shinealight

How much does neuropsychological testing cost?

On average, the price for neuropsychological testing for pediatrics/children or adults can range anywhere from $700 to as much as $3,000+.  This price will depend on the type of tests being taken, the complexity of the case, the time required, where you live and what the doctor is going to include with their fees.  If you need to discuss anything related to neuropsychological services, then plan on spending about $200 to $300 per hour for a private consultation.

WebMD, for instance, says the costs will start at $1,000 and insurance may not cover it.

Neurodynamics.biz breaks down why these tests cost so much and states it can require at least 14 hours of the doctor’s time, bringing the total to $2,100 to $3,000 when you’re charged $150 per hour.  This would include the telephone intake, initial consultation, review, one-on-one testing, scoring write up and feedback session.

The Brain Clinic notes that most evaluations should be in the $2,500 to $3,500 range, and a co-pay could be in the $500 range if your insurance were to accept it.

Neuropsychological testing overview

According to NeuroDynamics.biz, the key areas that are assessed during this type of test will include your IQ, academic achievement, language-based abilities, executive functioning, attention capacities, memory abilities and social functioning.   Doctors will use a variety of testing strategies and most will involve a series of tests that may be spread out throughout multiple appointments.  Refer to our subheading below to see what may be tested.  Most tests will be performed by a licensed psychologist with special training, and regardless of the test you take, most will involve answering questions and/or performing tests.

If the doctor is testing you for attention span, you may be asked to repeat a series of words or look at a drawing and then re-draw it from memory.  On the other hand, if they were testing for language skills, then he or she may make you name pictures, point to a picture or name as many words that begin with a certain letter.

These assessments will offer detailed information about your functions in areas to help guide you for strategies you can use at home, in the community or even at home.  Children, for instance, may often have problems that are hard to be sorted out at the doctor’s office, while adults who have experienced neurological changes or other conditions may benefit with this sort of evaluation since it can pinpoint the exact issue.  This assessment can help evaluate your overall functions, isolate the problem areas and create a solution for the said problem.  The doctor, once they receive the results, will be able to create a tailored plan to help you succeed.

Most assessments will involve multiple appointments, which could take up to 12 hours combined when everything is said and done.  The first appointment will be considered a consultation where the doctor will review your medical and academic history.  The second appointment will usually be the testing appointment and will usually last two to four hours, depending on the testing strategy being used.  After the testing, a third appointment will involve discussing the findings and recommend a treatment plan.  Depending on the doctor’s workload, it can take up to six weeks to develop a report for this follow-up appointment.

Types of neuropsychological tests

• Ammons Quick Test
• Beck Depression Inventory, Anxiety Inventory, and Hopelessness Scale
• Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test
• Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination
• Boston Naming Test
• California Verbal Learning Test
• Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery
• CDR Computerized Assessment System
• Clinical Dementia Rating
• CNS Vital Signs
• Cognitive Assessment Screening Instrument
• Cognitive Function Scanner
• Cognitive Symptom Checklists
• Comprehensive Aphasia Test
• Cognistat
• CogScreen: Aeromedical Edition
• Controlled Oral Word Association Test
• Continuous Performance Task
• d2 Test of Attention
• Dean-Woodcock Neuropsychology Assessment System
• Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System
• Dementia Rating Scale
• Digit Vigilance Test
• Figural Fluency Test
• Finger Tapping (Oscillation) Test
• General Practitioner Assessment Of Cognition
• Grooved Pegboard
• Halstead Category Test
• Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery
• Hayling and Brixton tests
• Hooper Visual Organization Test
• Iowa gambling task
• Kaplan Baycrest Neurocognitive Assessment
• Kaufman Functional Academic Skills Test
• Kaufman Short Neuropsychological Assessment
• Lexical decision task
• Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological battery
• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
• MCI Screen
• Memory Assessment Scales
• MicroCog
• Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory
• Mini mental state examination
• Mooney Problem Checklist
• Multilingual Aphasia Examination
• NEPSY
• North American Reading Test
• Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test
• Pediatric Attention Disorders Diagnostic Screener
• Paulhus Deception Scales
• Personality Adjective Checklist
• Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status
• Quick Neurological Screening Test
• Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test
• Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure
• Rivermead Behavioural memory Test
• Rogers Criminal Responsibility Scale
• Rorschach test
• Ruff Figural Fluency Test
• Sensory Screening Test
• SCL-90 (Symptom Checklist 90)
• Shipley Institute of Living Scale
• Stroop Task
• Symbol Digit Modalities Test
• Tactual Performance Test
• Test of Memory Malingering
• Test of Memory and Learning
• Test of Variables of Attention
• Tower of London Test
• Trail-Making Test
• Validity Indicator Profile
• Verbal fluency tests
• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
• Wechsler Memory Scale
• Wechsler Test of Adult Reading
• Wide Range Achievement Tes
• Wisconsin card sorting task
• Wonderlic Personnel Test
• Word Memory Test

Source:  Mentalhelp.net

What are the extra costs?

Depending on the situation, other tests may be required if the doctor were to find something during the tests.  For example, if the doctor wasn’t able to find the root cause of the issue, then they may need to order another type of test that could be more specific for the issue.  Other tests commonly ordered can include an MRI and/or PET scan.  Bapta.com says these types of tests are highly accurate, with a predictive accuracy rate in the 80 to 95 percent range.

Tips to know

To view a neuropsychological evaluation sample report, neuropsychologysketches.com posted a sample template online, showing you what may be included in the report.

How can I save money?

Neuropsychological testing can sometimes be covered by insurance depending on the diagnosis.  Check with your insurance provider regarding how much they can cover so that you will be able to identify how much you can save as every policy will be very different.  Medicaid, for instance, will only cover neuropsychological testing if it’s for a certain diagnosis such as ADHA, dyslexia or for a speech disorder.

If you cannot afford the testing, check with local health services to see if there are any grants or discounts available.  If you are able to pay out of pocket, check with the doctor’s office to see if they can provide you with a full cash discount or even off your a simple payment plan.  Since most insurance companies won’t cover this testing, most offices know this and setup payment plans because of it.

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How Much Does a Recycling Bin Cost?

A recycling bin is a type of container used to store or hold recyclable materials and waste.  These bins are taken to recycling centers where the items are processed to become usable once again.

Recycling bins come in different sizes and can be color coded to identify the contents of the bin without having to open it.  The bins look like an ordinary trash can but have the recycle symbol that sets them apart from ordinary trash bins.  The price for these bins depends on the size of the container and where you purchase it.

“Neat recycling bins” (CC BY 2.0) by  Dano

How much does a recycling bin cost?

On average, a recycling bin can cost anywhere from $10 to $170; however, your local city or garbage service may offer your one for free.  For example, in Mesa, Arizona, they will provide its citizens with a recycling bin at no charge.

For example, the popular Rubbermaid FG571873 18-gallon bin retails for $30 to $60, while this nine star can with an auto motion sensor lid retails for $80 to $120.

The Simple Human recycling bin, another popular bin designed for home use, can cost $70 to $160, depending on the size.

Tips to know:

If you live in an apartment or condo, ask your local city department about areas where you can recycle items.  Many cities will have local recycling centers where you can drop off items for free.

How can I save money?

See how many items you plan on recycling.  This way, you will be able to identify the size of the recycling bin that you will purchase depending on the number of recyclables you are throwing out.

Check with your local garbage company or city to see if they can offer a recycling bin for either free or at a steep discount.

Check local city recycling programs.  There are some towns that offer incentives to those that recycle.  They will offer points that can be used through various local retailers.

Consider a public recycling bin instead of using a service to save on monthly bills.

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How Much Does Refacing a Fireplace Cost?

Refacing a fireplace is a procedure where the front side of a fireplace is remodeled to add a new layer of design around it.

Refacing or remodeling a fireplace involves several steps depending on the type of materials that will be used for the project.  Refacing can not only help maintain the look of a fireplace, but it can also make it look a lot better than what it was before.

The price for refacing a fireplace depends on how large the fireplace is, the complexity of the design, how much tearout is required, the materials that will be used to remodel it and contractor performing the job.

“Fireplace – After” (CC BY 2.0) by Jeremy Levine Design

How much does it cost to remodel a fireplace?

On average, refacing a fireplace can cost anywhere from as little as $200 if you were to do it yourself to as much as $4,200 installed.  This price range can go significantly higher if a customized design is desired or if the fireplace is larger than average.  For example, if you were to use in-stock materials, plan on spending about $10 to $15 per square foot to hire a professional such as a mason to install an artificial stone; however, if you were to need customized materials, then costs could skyrocket to more than $25 per square foot to reface a fireplace with stone, especially if you were using real stone.  Stacked or full-depth stone could be closer to $50 to $80 per square foot.

For a refacing kit that can be completed by the homeowner without any professional help can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,700.

For instance, on this House Logic post, they showcased four fireplace refacing projects that ranged anywhere from $150 to $880.  The cheaper job, which cost about $150 for the materials, simply involved painting the brick and replacing the worn-out wood, while the $880 job involved adding shingles and wood shims to the wall and re-facing the fireplace with new stone, mortar and wire mesh.

Refacing a fireplace overview

Before the job starts, the contractor will help you pick out materials that they can use to replace the current fireplace and/or show you past jobs to help you decide what you want.  You can also refer to the Internet to find previous refacing jobs done by other homeowners.  For instance, this Houzz page has hundreds of ideas.  Contractors can commonly replace older fireplaces with tile, painted bricks, etc.  The fireplace can also receive additions such as mantels and new doors.

During the procedure, the surface will be prepared, and during this preparation process, the entire surface will be cleaned of any dents or scratches and the previous materials will be removed.  Afterward, the fireplace will either be painted or the fireplace will be completely resurfaced with new materials such as brick, veneer or whichever material you decide to choose.  If the fireplace is resurfaced, it can have material such as stucco applied, with a mantel installed after the procedure has been completed at 100%.

What are the extra costs?

Fireplace doors that can enhance the appearance of the fireplace will not usually be included in the refacing and will, therefore, be an additional cost.  These doors can start at $500 depending on the size, design and make.

A fireplace mantel will be an additional cost if you want to have a new one installed after the entire process has been done.  See: “How much does a fireplace mantel cost?”

According to this answer on Angie’s List, if your new fireplace can’t hold the new weight, then you may have to “beef” up your foundation to be able to support it.  If this were the case, then this could add another few thousand to your cost.

How can I save money?

Consider doing the job on your own, and check and compare prices between different stores that sell refacing kits.  Some kits can be as little as a few hundred dollars and will come with simple step-by-step instructions.

If you want to hire a contractor, consider getting multiple quotes for free from HomeAdvisor.com.  Here, you simply explain your job and contractors will reach out to you with a ballpark estimate for free.  Most contractors will be more than happy to provide a free in-home consultation and quote on what they can do in your specific situation.

Consider cheaper alternatives such as painting the fireplace rather than refacing it with tile or stone.  Even if hiring a contractor to paint the fireplace, this entire process can cost less than $500.

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How Much Does a Refrigerator Cost?

A refrigerator, or commonly known as a fridge, is a household appliance that cools food below the ambient temperature of the room to extend its shelf life.  The price of a refrigerator is going to depend on the type, the features that the fridge has, brand and the store selling it.

“Introducing….My Fridge” (CC BY 2.0) by  armigeress

How much are typical refrigerator prices?

Depending on the size and type of the fridge, the price can vary.   On average, the price of a refrigerator can be as low as $300 to as much as $3,000.

A French door model, for instance, can cost anywhere from $850 to $1,800, while a side-by-side model can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,110.

A bottom freezer based model can cost anywhere from $900 to $2,000, or a common type, such as a top freezer, can cost anywhere from $400 to $900.

A mini refrigerator can cost anywhere from $60 to $330.   For example, the Sanyo SR-A2480M retails for $162 to $190.

Higher end refrigerators, such as a stainless steel model, can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,300.

A wine refrigerator that stores wine can cost anywhere from $150 to $600.  This will depend on how many bottles the refrigerator can hold.  Common capacities include 12, 18 and 24.

Refrigerator overview

Common types of refrigerators include french doors, side-by-side, a bottom freezer and a top freezer.

Most of the refrigerators sold on the market include a freezer, but depending on the brand, there are models that have an ice maker as well as a water dispenser.

Newer models will be energy star qualified to help ease the effect on your energy bill.

What are the extra costs?

Refrigerators that have built-in water dispensers will need new water filters after so many uses.  Newer models will have lights that can show when the filters go bad by turning red.  These filters can start $25 depending on the brand.

Locks are ideal for those who either have children or for those that do not want people entering because of alcohol, etc.  Locks can cost anywhere from $5 to $30.  For example, the Safety 1st Lock retails for $7.

If purchasing a refrigerator with a built-in water dispenser, a water hook-up will be necessary to ensure that the water line can be connected.  If one is not present in your home, this will have to be installed by a professional, and the price of water line installation will greatly vary depending on the complexity of the job.  Most jobs will be in the $100 to $300 range.

Be prepared to any sort of repairs in the future.

Tips to know:

Be sure to measure the area before a fridge is purchased.  Refrigerators can come in many shapes and sizes, so you are going to want to make sure that you have adequate space in which to fit the refrigerator.

What kind of features do you want?  Make sure that you find one that fits your budget.  Higher end, stainless steel refrigerators are going to cost more than a top freezer based model with no ice maker.  Features can include temperature controls, ice makers, a reversible door, drawers, glass shelving, deli keepers, gallon jug bins, butter keepers, and more.

Look at your family size and know how much space you are going to need for your family.  A family of two will not need as much as space as a family of six.  Refrigerators will come in all sorts of capacities.

Questions to ask yourself:

How much electricity is this refrigerator going to use?

Did you know that more than eight percent of electricity goes towards a fridge?  If you’re going to spend the money, you may want to consider an energy efficient model.

How much space is available? 

Take a close look at the refrigerators in any aisle and what you will notice is that they come in all shapes and sizes.  Refrigerators will be measured by cubic feet.  Be sure to study the dimensions

What is the size?

Aside from the space that is available within the refrigerator, it’s also important to take a look at the dimensions.  Just make sure that this new refrigerator will fit in the space designated in your kitchen.

Top brands to consider:

• Bosch
• GE
• Maytag
• Samsung
• Whirlpool

How can I save money?

Buy a refrigerator that has a high energy rating.  This will allow you to save on electricity and will enable you to save money in the long run.

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How Much Does Hair Rebonding Cost?

Hair rebonding, also referred to as Japanese straightening or thermal reconditioning, is a hair styling technique that involves flattening and straightening the hair to give it a smooth and sleek appearance.  This procedure was popular during the 1990s and continues its popularity in the 2000s as it lessens the need for every day combing since the hair is already conditioned.

Developed in Japan, the rebonding process will use different chemicals and heat to straighten the hair to give you the silky hair you have been looking for.

The price for hair rebonding will depend on the length of the hair, the type of rebounding required, and the hair salon that is going to perform the job.

“celine inspired 4” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Idhren

How much does hair rebonding cost?

On average, hair rebonding can cost anywhere from $350 to as much as $900+.  One of the main factors considered for the price of hair rebonding is the thickness and length of hair, so keep in mind that each situation is going to be unique.  The price tends to be much higher than other procedures due to the time it can take.

For example, shoulder-length hair could cost anywhere from $300 to $450, while hair that is slightly past the ears can cost anywhere from $150 to $250.

According to HairResources.com, the price for hair rebonding can range anywhere from $700 to $750.

HairSalonAllure.com, a hair salon located in Hollywood, Florida, shows that the price for their hair rebonding service can range anywhere from $95 to $500, with Japanese rebonding being the most expensive.

Hair rebonding overview

Before the process begins, a special lotion solution will be applied to the hair to ensure that the chemicals do not react negatively with each other.  This lotion will help with softening the hair.  Once the lotion has been applied, a straightener will be used to bond hair that is broken or it can rearrange the hair and bond it back together.

During most procedures, the hair will be washed with a shampoo, and after the shampoo has been applied, the hair will then be separated into parts.  A cream softener will be placed on the hair for up to an hour, and this will all depend on the hair type.  After this cream has been applied, the hair will be steamed for up to 50 minutes.  After this is all done, it will be blow dried and a flat iron will be used to flatten and straighten out the hair.  Lifestyle of a Professional does a nice job telling us how the procedure went.

Rebonding is a chemical treatment that is going to make your hair straight as well as shiny, and each type of bond can do its own thing to the hair.  For example, it can make it either curly or wavy.  This is an irreversible procedure and can cause quite a bit of damage if you don’t use a professional who knows what they are doing.

The average job can take upwards of four to eight hours to complete, with shorter hair taking about four hours and longer hair, usually at the shoulder or longer, can be closer to the six to eight-hour range.  This is a very long procedure, so be prepared to be at the salon for most of the day.

The process, if done correctly, can last up to eight months.

What are the extra costs?

Before the process begins, the salon may want to cut, wash, and shampoo the hair.   While this may be optional with some salons, it may be an additional fee to consider.

In order to keep your hair looking shiny and wavy, salons will recommend that you come in at least every three to six months, and this will all depend on the growth of your hair.  The faster that your hair grows, the more often you may have to go.

Additional products, which will be used with your newly rebonded hair, can cost another $20 to $45, depending on the brand you purchase.  This eBay guide breaks down the best hair rebonding products.

Tips to know

Bellatory.com recommends finding a stylist who has done the procedure at least 50 times.  The website also mentions that you should be certain you want the look you’re getting before leaving the salon since you won’t be able to change your look for the next few months.  Failing to wait may damage your newly straightened hair.

If you have had intensive treatments done in the past few months, such as a hair coloring, bleaching and/or straightening session, then your hair may not be able to handle the chemicals and won’t be able to produce the look you’re looking for.

You won’t be able to tie back your hair for a few weeks after the procedure due to the fragileness of your hair.

In some cases, the heat being used during the treatment can cause damage to your skin or scalp.

How can I save money?

Rebonding is a common service performed by several salons and the prices will greatly vary.  Check with at least three to five salons to see who offers the best price.  Keep in mind that hair rebonding can do great damage to hair, so do your research before the process starts.

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How Much Does a Real Estate School Cost?

A real estate school is a school that offers different courses to enhance the ability and knowledge of an individual in order to jumpstart his or her career in the real estate industry.   This training will be required in order to become licensed in your state, and a basic course, at a minimum, will prepare you for the state’s licensing exam.

There are different courses offered by real estate schools, focusing on topics such as sales and/or becoming a licensed broker.  Real estate schools are traditionally held in a school setting, but with recent advancements in technology, students are able to take all of their courses online.

The cost of real estate school will depend on the number of classes taken, the school, geographical location and if the broker helps with the payment.

“House for sale across the street” (CC BY 2.0) by asianjournalusa

How much does real estate school cost?

On average, real estate school can cost anywhere from $250 to as much as $600 depending on the school and course.

Coldwell Banker, for instance, says the pre-licensing courses will often be in the $400 to $500 range, depending on where you take the course, according to the company’s website.

For example, RealEstate.com shows that the price of admission for this type of school can range anywhere from $169 to $307.

We researched a few of the most popular real estate schools in the United States and listed the prices they charge in our table below.

Real estate school overview

Training will greatly vary depending on the school you choose.  As stated in our introduction, classes can either be taught in a classroom setting or it can be done entirely online.  Most states, according to ActiveRain.com, will require 30 hours at a minimum, but some states may require up to 90 or more.  Texas, for instance, requires 108 hours, while New York only requires 45.  To know exactly how many hours are required, check your state’s real estate commission’s website.  If you were to take advantage of an in-classroom atmosphere, then you can plan on taking two classes per week for about eight to 10 weeks total.  Intense classes may be available which may require you show up to class four to six times per week, cutting the duration of the program by more than 70 percent.

The course will teach real estate terms such as a lien, escrow and encumbrance, along with legal issues and real estate practices, for example.   There will also be basic math courses to help calculate commission, the price per square foot and how to figure out property taxes.

After you finish the courses, you will then have a specific time frame in order to take the exam and receive your license.  The length of the exam will vary depending on the state you live in, but most will take one to three hours and you must score a 70 percent at a minimum to pass.  Most exams will have anywhere from 75 to 150 multiple choice questions on national and state real estate laws and principles.

What are the extra costs?

After you graduate from the school program, licensing and test fees will be separate.  In Pennsylvania, for instance, the cost to take the test is $56, and it’s another $131 for a two-year license.  The cost of the licensing exam will usually be in the $50 to $150 range, and these tests will often have to be taken at a third-party testing center.  Most states, regardless of where you live, will require you renew your license every few years.  If you want to become licensed in more than one state, then it’s safe to multiply this number by the number of states you want to become licensed in.

An FBI background check can cost $60 to $110 and fingerprinting can be another $30 to $60.

Board fees are another fee to think about and can cost close to $300+ per year.  For example, an MLS membership, state dues and using the Centralized Showing Services can cost close to $900 per year.

Advanced designations, while optional, can require additional educational.  The SRES, ABR, GRI and CRS, for example, can cost up to $100 per designation, plus the cost of continuing your education.  Some states may require you to take continuing education courses every two years to keep your license active.

If you were to join a brokerage, which is required if you want to practice real estate, then you should be prepared to spend anywhere from $25 to $500+ per month for a desk fee.

Most courses will include the books and necessary learning materials; however, some courses may require you purchase the book separately.  Some students opt to purchase optional additional books to help them prepare for the exam.

Tips to know:

Before choosing a school, always make sure that the school is accredited by a qualifying accrediting agency.  If you don’t choose an accredited school, you may not be able to become a licensed agent.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate agents make an average of $45,000 per year, and the top 10 percent earned close to $166,000.

How can I save money?

Consider checking with your local community college as many offer these types of courses for a price that’s a lot lower than a third-party school.  When searching for a school, talk with at least three to five schools to see what they can offer.

If applying to a community college, see if you’re eligible for any financial aid to help with the costs.

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