Cost to Remove Tile Floor

Tile, a popular flooring choice among homeowners, is often considered for a renovation project.  The problem, however, is that tile flooring already exists, and, unfortunately, it will need to be removed in order to lay new flooring.

“Slow Progress” (CC BY 2.0) by John Loo

How much does it cost to remove tile floor?

The cost to remove tile will depend on a few factors, including how the tile was laid, what kind of subfloor it is fastened to, the contractor you decide to hire and your geographical region.  Based on all of these factors, the average price, from the quotes we gathered online, tend to be in the $2 to $5 per square foot range.   Again, this is for the removal only and will not include any new tile installation.   With other factors available, which we will discuss in our “tile removal methods” subheading below, there are other ways to save.

While most jobs are fairly straightforward, some obstacles can exist, and for that reason, we recommend you gather as many quotes as you can from free quote comparison services such as HomeAdvisor.com.  Here, all you need to do is describe your job and licensed contractors in your area will contact you with a free, no-obligation quote.

What is included in this quote?

The estimates mentioned prior should include all of the labor costs, as well as the disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul away the material from the job site.  A reputable and licensed contractor will always provide you with a written quote, detailing exactly what your payment will cover.  As always, if you have any questions, be sure to ask your contractor before the job begins and you decide to sign on the dotted line.

Tile removal methods

DIY method:  Removing tile isn’t a hard job — it’s just tedious and can be a slow back-aching process.  According to Uptownfloors.com, the average time spent to remove tile floors can average about 25 square feet per hour on a concrete subfloor, but this removal would not include the disposal as you will need to factor in this cost since most local garbage companies will not take it away for you, meaning you will have to pay local dump fees.  If you’re determined to do it on your own, you will need to rent a demo hammer from a local rental store and be sure to use as much protection as possible, including earplugs, long pants, long sleeves, gloves and anything else to protect any tile from flinging up and harming you.  In the end, a demo hammer can cost you $100 and the labor will essentially be free since you’re doing the job.

Day labor:  A risky choice, this can include hiring a few guys at a local day laboring office.  While some of these workers may have experience removing tile, many won’t, plus, they will not have the appropriate insurance while performing the work inside of your home.  Again, being risky, day laborers often cost $10 to $15 an hour, but you will have to provide all of the supplies, meaning the total price for this job will equate to $10 to $15 an hour plus the demo hammers for each worker.  If the workers work like you would, this means you should be prepared to spend about $30 an hour for two workers for every 25 square feet.

Specialty company:  Some specialty companies operate with heavy machinery which can remove hundreds of square feet of tile in less than a day in most cases.  These massive battery operated machines can fit through standard doorways and even up a few steps, destroying tile as it moves over it, similar to how a vacuum would.  These companies could charge more, but in the end, it could actually be cheaper since most companies do charge on an hourly basis.  From the companies we talked to online, the average rate seemed to be in the $3 to $4 per square foot range, but the job, most of the time, could be tackled in less than a day as long as your home was smaller than 1,500 square feet.

Retail store:  From our research, hiring a local retailer will actually be your costliest option since they will have to outsource the work to a locally screened candidate.  Averaging about $4 to $5 per square foot, most of the time, you will save money finding the contractor on your own.

Tips to know

Tile removal is going to create a lot of dust and will end up in kitchen cabinets, drapes and your furniture.  It will even find its ways into other areas that are not even part of the demo processing, so because of this, it’s so important to prep ahead of time by covering everything in sight with a plastic liner.  While a contractor can do this for you, it can lead to additional costs.

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Cost to Install Baseboard

Also commonly referred to as base molding, baseboards can add an attractive final touch, covering the gap between your walls and the flooring.

Aside from aesthetic purposes, it can also help protect the wall’s finish from furniture moving, vacuums and other related bumps and knicks.

“Baseboard” (CC BY 2.0) by Stradablog

How much does it cost to install baseboard trim?

The cost of just the baseboards will depend on a few factors, including the size of the baseboard, the type of wood and the finish, such as a rounded, grooved, sloped, or plain, you desire.  With sizes ranging from as little as one inch to as tall as six inches high, the taller and more detailed it is, the more you should be prepared to budget for the baseboards.

In the table below, we compiled the average prices of the baseboards only that we found at various retailers online:

Now that we know what the costs of the baseboards could be for your home, you will also want to factor in the installation costs if you were to hire a professional to install the baseboards for you.  When hiring a professional, these factors can include the scope of the job, your geographical region and the contractor you choose.  Regardless of the type of baseboards you choose, it’s best to budget at least $1.50 to $2.50 a linear foot to install the baseboard, plus the costs of the baseboards, which you can take an estimate in our table above.  A simple composite wood, plus installation, for example, could be about $2.50 to $3.50 a linear foot, whereas a premium baseboard could be as much as $10.50 a linear foot.  When obtaining quotes, you will always find a carpenter will charge about 30 to 40 percent more than that of a handyman, but for good reason.

As some obstacles can arise in some baseboard install jobs, we highly recommend you consider free quotes from the online service, HomeAdvisor.com.  Here, you can explain your job and contractors in your area will contact you with a no-obligation quote.  This is a great way to gather as many quotes as possible, all while hiring someone who is not only qualified and licensed, but able to do it at a reasonable price, saving you time.

According to one member on this Jlconline.com forum thread, for example, he noted he would charge $2 a foot for two to five-inch baseboards that will be painted, but to remove and tear out, it would be another $0.50 to $1.50 per foot.

On this City-data.com forum thread, a member said he received a quote for $4.60 per linear foot for a basic tongue-and-groove pine in a smaller room.  This was a quote for the labor only as he was already providing the materials.

The extra costs to think about

Removal:  Many contractors will charge a removal fee in the case of existing baseboards.  Often charging by the hour, be prepared to spend anywhere from $40 to $60+ an hour or about $1 per foot to remove the baseboards or even more if the existing baseboards were not installed correctly.  The speed of the job will greatly depend on how the existing baseboards were installed, usually being either glued or nailed to the wall.

Unusual obstacles:  During the install, any obstacles, crooked walls and/or uneven flooring can increase the labor time, often meaning a higher-than-average quote as the contractor will have to adjust the cuts in order for the boards to conform to the wall.  This scenario often presents itself in older homes.

Paint:  Most baseboards will need to be painted upon purchasing, and while your installer can do it, you may have to either consider doing it yourself or hiring a painter to do so once they are either installed or before the job begins.

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The Perfect Sleep Chair Cost

The Perfect Sleep Chair, according to the company, allows you to lay flat, help you stand up and everything in between, making it a perfect solution for those who suffer from heartburn, backaches or cardiac problems, to name a few.

It’s known as a sleeper chair, lift chair and a medical recliner all in one, offering amazing comfort due to the breathable, ultra-soft Duralux Microfiber its made from, giving you the option to recline in virtually any position you choose.

Whether it’s the lifting you out of the chair or used for sitting, television watching, zero-gravity mode to relieve you from stress or sleeping, the company claims this is the last recliner chair you will ever buy.

How much does The Perfect Sleep Chair cost?

The cost of The Perfect Sleep Chair, regardless as to where you purchase and the materials you choose, from what we researched, appears to be in the $2,000 range, plus an additional $199 in shipping.  Sales tax, depending on your geographical location, need to be considered as well.  While optional, a quick ship option is available for an additional charge.

On Amazon.com, for example, the official company has a variety of colors selling for about $2,000 at the time of this publishing, plus another $199 for shipping.

What’s included in the estimate?

The recliner, as stated, is made of a breathable Duralux Microfiber, a material considered to be very breathable and durable, and all chairs are overstuffed for maximum comfort.  Aside from the high-quality material, the entire recliner is made from a sturdy, hardwood frame and heavy gauge springs, all handcrafted in the United States, according to the company.  Customers, aside from the microfiber option, can also choose a leather option for the same cost.

Each chair comes equipped with an easy-to-use remote control, allowing you to control all functions, even if the power went out as it has a battery backup control.   The entire chair is fully adjustable, allowing you to either sit upright, kick back or recline in a sleeping position.  You can sit upright or lay flat if you choose, providing maximum relief for aching body parts.

Unless otherwise noted, the chair will come with an adjustable heat and massage function to keep you warm and muscles relaxed, all with the push of a button.

Aside from the aforementioned, all chairs come with contoured seating, the overstuffed biscuit back design, footrest, side pockets for storage, no-sag back springs and an array of color choices.

The shipping fee, often in the $199 range, will come with a white glove delivery service, regardless of who you purchase through.  This delivery service will unpack your chair, inspect it and place it exactly inside of the home where you want it.  Once unpacked, they will even take and throw away any packaging.

The color options

If you choose the Duralux leather option, color options, as of this publishing, include tan, burgundy, chocolate, blue and black.

If you choose the Duralux microfiber option, color options include cashmere, burgundy, chocolate, indigo and fern.

Do note, however, that the company does offer new colors from time to time, according to the FAQ.

Tips to know

The company claims it can clean up easily with a simple mixture of soap and water.

The chair measures 20” wide, 21.5” deep, and 20” high, while the top of the seat back is 29” from the seat, according to the official product description.

Designed to last, the weight capacity is 375 pounds and is built for those up to 6′ 5″.  If you’re of a smaller stature, the company does offer the “Petite Perfect Sleep Chair,” which can accommodate those who are 5′ 2″ and below.

A lifetime warranty is included with the purchase, which covers the lift frame and the recline mechanism.  The electronic components are covered for the first three years.

These chairs do not rock like rocking chairs nor do they swivel like traditional rocking chairs.

As all chairs are built to order, the average delivery time can range anywhere from six to eight weeks, however, if you choose the “quick ship” option, then it could arrive in as little as four weeks.

If you want to try out the chair in person, they, unfortunately, do not have any brick and mortar locations you can visit.  Rentals are not available, either.

At the time of this publishing, the chair currently has a 3.3 out of 5 star review on Amazon.com.

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Tankless Water Heater Cost

Tankless water heaters, in comparison to the traditional water heaters, offers a variety of perks, such as endless hot water, additional storage space and lower utility bills, often helping homeowners save up to $100 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“Bollente Companies Inc trutankless” (CC BY 2.0) by hnnbz

How much does a tankless water heater cost?

The cost of a tankless water heater will all depend on the professional company you hire, the brand they install, the type (gas vs. electric), your current setup and geographical location.  For proper installation, many factors come into play, such as the climate, the local building code requirements, safety issues and the fuel type, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

In comparison to a traditional water heater, a whole house tankless water heater can cost as $1,000 for an electric version to as much as $3,000+ for a gas powered, including professional installation.   As many jobs can be so unique, we highly advise you use HomeAdvisor.com to get as many free quotes from local contractors in your area.  Here, you simply describe your job and contractors will reach out to you for free.

Smaller point-of-use tankless water tanks, only designed for a single sink or faucet, for example, can cost as little as $150 to $350, depending on the brand.

This price estimate, however, can greatly increase, depending on your home’s setup.  Angie’s List, for instance, notes that not all homes are equipped for a tankless water heater, and in some cases, your home’s electrical system may need to be upgraded, essentially adding as much as $5,000+ to the estimates mentioned prior.

The Chicago Tribune states the average gas-fueled tankless water heater can cost $1,470 to $2,500 in comparison to $865 for a 50-gallon storage tank.

With a variety of brands of tankless water heaters on the market, we did our research to see what the most popular brands cost and included our findings in the table below:

NOTE:  Each brand has its own variety of models, with the total cost based on the size, the fuel type, energy efficiency and where you purchase it.

Tankless vs. a traditional water heater

A traditional water heater, depending upon the size, can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 50 gallons and the heated water will sit inside of the tank until you need it.  Once the tank empties, then the tank will refill and the re-heating process will begin again.  A tankless water heater, on the other hand, will use either gas or electricity to warm the water on demand, heating the water at the source, making it immediately able to use, meaning you will never run out of hot water again. On average, a tankless water heater will provide hot water at a rate of two to five gallons per minutes, and gas-powered, according to Home Depot, will produce a higher flow rate than an electric.

Pros of a tankless water heater

While the installation costs seem to be high, this can often be offset by the energy savings in the future and will typically last longer because of it.

A tankless water heater, in comparison to a traditional water heater, will only lose 5 percent of its heating costs, while a traditional will lose up to 30.

With some models, you may need to wait up to a few seconds for the hot water to arrive, but unlike a traditional water heater, you will never run out of hot water.

These units are much smaller than a traditional unit, meaning it will take up much less space.  Just like a traditional unit, it can be installed in the attic, basement, garage or even outdoors.

Depending on the unit you purchase, an electric can last up to 10 years, while a gas-powered can last up to 20 years, according to Bankrate.com.

A tankless water heater is known up to use up to 50 percent less energy than a traditional water, helping homeowners save more than $100 a year.

Cons of a tankless water heater

Not known for many disadvantages, for some, the price can be a turn off as it can be up to twice as much as a conventional unit, whereas others complain that the installation process can be much longer, often taking more than 10 hours to install for even the most experienced.

Some brands do not have the capacity to handle high demands if you were to run more than one water source at a time, simply meaning you will not be able to do laundry and run the dishwasher at the same time, for instance.

In some cases, some brands will take a longer time to deliver the hot water initially as the water needs to enter the exchanger tubing in order to start the heating process.  In comparison to a traditional water heater, the water is sitting at the top of the tank, ready to go at all time.  Due to this, you may encounter what’s known as a “cold water sandwich,” something that doesn’t happen with a traditional heater.

According to the Star Tribune, hard water is known to destroy waterless heaters as the lime and mineral buildup can often cause malfunctions and will not be covered by manufacturer warranties.

Tankless water heaters need to be drained and the filters need to be cleaned every month in order to increase its shelf life.

What size tankless water heater do I need?

First, you need to calculate the gallons per minute of hot water each of your fixtures inside of your home is going to use, and with this information, you will be able to determine your total gallons per minute.  Refer to the table below to see the typical flow rates.

Next, determine the difference between your groundwater and the hot water temperature you desire, which is often 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  This number will be referred to as your required temperature rise.  If your ground water was 60 degrees, for example, and you wanted a desired 120 degrees Fahrenheit temperature, then you would subtract 60 from 120 to get 60 as your temperature rise number.  Use this image to determine your ground temperature.

Lastly, use your GMP and the temperature rise to determine which tankless water heater will fit your needs.  Any unit you want to purchase will often have labels on either packaging, on display inside the store or online.

Tips to know

Your local city or the federal government may be offering tax credits at the time of installation.  Check with your local utility to see if you qualify.

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Soolantra Cost

Soolantra is an antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory medicine which is used as a topical treatment to help treat bumps and pimples due to rosacea.

During a 12-week clinical study, according to the company, subjects who used the cream saw a reduction in their symptoms in as little as two weeks, with many seeing their skin improved greatly over the course of the study.

As of the time of this publishing, there are no generic alternatives available at this time.

“beautiful faces” (CC BY 2.0) by tommerton2010

How much does Soolantra cost?

The cost of Soolantra will sometimes depend on which pharmacy you choose, and from what we researched, the costs seem to be the same, regardless of which one you do decide to go with.

To budget, the average 45-gram tube of 1% Soolantra cream costs about $400 to $600 without any health insurance coverage.  However, even with health insurance, it appears as if almost all insurance policies, including Medicare, will not cover the prescription, meaning you should be prepared to spend cash out of pocket without any discounts.  Be sure to check with your local pharmacy and insurance company to make sure you know of your restrictions and if the cream is actually covered by your policy as there are multiple policies on the market and they will all greatly vary.

According to multiple members on this rosacea-support.org forum thread, albeit a bit older, they did note they paid anywhere from $235 to $350+, but some were able to get a savings card/coupon and pay as little as $25.

How to save on Soolantra

Free prescription coupons:  There’s a good chance your health insurance plan will not cover the cream, but there are some prescription coupon based websites online that can help you save, working just like a health insurance policy.  GoodRX.com, for example, had a few coupons available for popular pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens and Costco, to name a few.  Saving you up to $100, all you need to do is print the coupon and present it at your local pharmacy to save the quoted price.  There are other related coupon websites online, but always research the reputation before downloading the coupon to make sure it will actually work at your local pharmacy.

Savings card via the official company:  The official website of Soolantra does offer a savings card for those who qualify.  If you do qualify, according to the specifications, your co-pay could be reduced to as little as $0 to $75, all depending on your coverage.  This savings card, if you were approved, could be used up to 12 times.

What is Soolantra cream?

This cream, according to the company, will help fight off any bumps or blemishes with a powerful medication that is formulated with a gentle moisturizing cream.  The active ingredient, ivermectin, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties, but the exact mechanism as to the action in the treatment of rosacea, at this time, is unknown.

To use, the cream, about a pea-sized worth, is applied to the affected area once a day such as the nose, chin or cheek, to name a few.  A thin layer needs to be applied, all while avoiding the eyes and lips.  After applying, you should wash your hands thoroughly and cosmetics can only be applied once the cream dries.

Tips to know

In clinical trials, the most common side effects reported, less than 1%, noted a skin burning sensation and irritation.  Always talk with your doctor if experiencing any unwanted side effects while using the cream.

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Shotcrete Cost

Shotcrete, typically referred to as Gunite, is a specialty type of wet mix concrete, with the biggest difference, in comparison to traditional concrete, is the placement method.   You will find that these type of application is commonly used for a swimming pool installation as this material is known to be more durable and longer lasting in compared to other conventional methods.  Additionally, shotcrete can also help define the shape, style, and depth, often not found in traditional pool kits.

Concrete, as you may know, is discharged from a ready-mixed truck, spit out on the ground and then vibrated for compaction, while Shotcrete, unlike concrete, will not require any forming or compaction, and because of this, it can enhance the application flexibility and design creativity, according to YoderLaserConcrete.com.

Being different, this process has been said to help save time and money.

“CM009 – Installed Shotcrete Final Lining” (CC BY 2.0) by NYMTACC

How much does shotcrete cost?

The costs of shotcrete per square foot all depend on the contractor you choose, your geographical location and the scope of the job.

For pool jobs, the costs of hiring a professional contractor, from multiple quotes we found via online forum threads, can range anywhere from $125 to $195 per yard, again, all depending on the scope of the job.  This quote should include the delivery, shooting and forming.

For example, a forum member on this PoolSpaForum.com forum thread noted he was a contractor in South Carolina who worked with shotcrete, and according to his response, he said most of his pool shell jobs, when using shotcrete, would be about $65 to $85 per yard.  This price range would usually include the application and the finishing of the concrete, but it will not include the material or additional features such as adding a fountain or edges, for example.  Aside from this, he also warned that some contractors will charge a setup fee, often around $300, depending on the difficulty of accessing the job, as well as charing a mileage surcharge if they have to travel beyond a certain radius.   Keep in mind that this quote he mentioned was for the pool shell only and would not include any other additional fees.

On another forum thread at Houzz.com, a member said hew as quoted $185 per yard for a total of 58 yards.

Via TroublefreePool.com, a member said he was quoted $170 to $190 a yard for it to be shot and formed.

The pros of shotcrete

In comparison to other methods, builders who use it will not need technical training as the concrete is already premixed.

When forming, it creates a strong and consistent coating.

The entire process, in comparison to a traditional concrete job, requires much less time.

According to knowlesindustrial.com, the physical properties are known to be much stronger to conventional concrete at a much lower water-cement ratio.

The cons of shotcrete

As it is premixed, it needs to be applied as quick as possible, meaning you have to finish the job once you start or else it will not bond.

If too much water is added to the mix, cracks can form due to the shrinkage.

It can be more expensive than other options considered.

When builders bring shotcrete to the job site, they often mix with water to keep it from hardening, just like any other concrete.  However, as mentioned, this can reduce the strength of the concrete or even cause shrinkage in some cases if done improperly.

Shotcrete vs. gunite — what is the difference?

Originally, gunite was the trademark name which referred to the dry-mix shotcrete process, a process in which the dry sand and the cement mixture is blasted via a hose using restricted air with water to moisten the mixture as its being discharged.  Trademarked in 1909 by Akeley, the phrase”Gunite” is a trademark of the company, Allentown Equipment, a company known to be the original corporation of the gunite-based equipment.

In the 1930s, the term shotcrete started to arise; hower, it was often used improperly to determine the difference between the wet-mix or dry-mix method.  By the 1950s, the term “shotcrete” become the official generic term of the sprayed concrete process, whether being dry or wet.

Today, shotcrete has become the industry standard to properly describe the “wet or dry process,” with Gunite being a noun, used at the product name.  Today, according to the American Shotcrete Association, the correct term is “shotcrete—wet mix” or “shotcrete—dry mix.”

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Nose Cauterization Cost

A nose cauterization is a quick medical procedure designed to help prevent any nosebleeds you may see on a frequent basis.

Aside from nose bleeds, this procedure is often recommended to help fight any infections and close any open wounds.

Depending on your doctor’s preference, he or she will either use a chemical swab or an electric current to cauterize the inside of your nose to help build scar tissue around your blood vessels to essentially seal them and prevent nosebleeds from happening in the future.

“Sleepy.” (CC BY 2.0) by Caitlinator

How much does a nose cauterization cost?

The cost of a nose cauterization will depend on a few factors, including which method is used, your doctor, your geographical location and health insurance coverage.  As the procedure is often quick and done inside of a doctor’s office, the procedure itself usually ranges anywhere from $75 to $150 for a chemical nose cauterization to as much as $250 to $450 for an electrical cauterization process, including your doctor visit fee without any health insurance coverage.  This price could increase if your doctor wanted to take blood work prior to the procedure to check for any underlying issues.

As long as the medical procedure is deemed medically necessary, your health insurance should cover the procedure, leaving you responsible for your co-pays and deductibles.  For more information, check with your doctor’s office and health insurance policy to know what you would be responsible for.

According , for instance, he said the costs will vary regionally; however, the average price should be around $50 to $100 for a chemical cautery or up to a few hundred for an electrical cautery procedure.

The procedure

Before the procedure even begins, your doctor will want to examine the nostrils to determine the cause of bleeding.  They may also want to take a sample of the blood to determine if there are any underlying issues such as anemia.

As for the actual procedure,  it is considered to be quick and painless, with two methods considered.  If an electric current is used, then your doctor will insert a heated needle with electricity into your nostrils to help seal the blood tissues, while a caustic agent will use chemical reactions to help seal the blood tissues.  Each doctor has his or her method and reasoning for their choice, so you will find the methods will vary from doctor to doctor.  Before each procedure, your nose will be numbed with a local anesthetic.

As detailed by Dan Dickinson on his blog, he stated the procedure at his ENT specialist was quick and essentially painless.  During the procedure, a Q-tip-like device is inserted into your affected nostril and a substance, which is at the end of the Q-tip, will be rubbed on the affected area, toughening the tissue.  In some cases, as mentioned in the introduction, your doctor may use an electric current as well.  When applied, he did note you may feel a burning like sensation; however, the entire process is quite painless as mentioned.  From that point forward, about three years later, he did not encounter another nosebleed, with the exception of rare instances when the weather would shift, sometimes causing his nose to bleed.

Your recovery

After the process, you may feel an itching and/or slight pain in the affected area, according to MyHealth.Alberta.ca.  While most over-the-counter medication can help with the pain, you may feel as if you’re going to want to touch, itch or even pick at the inside of your nose; however, this should be highly avoided as this can cause the nose to bleed.

To ensure your procedure is healing as should, you should not touch the nose, particularly inside your nostrils, avoid bumping it, stop any nose-blowing for at least two weeks and if you do encounter a nosebleed, pinch your nose shut for about 10 minutes to stop the blood flow.

For the next 10 days prior to the procedure, you will be asked to apply an antibacterial ointment or a saline nasal spray inside of your nose a few times a day to keep the area moist.

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Nissen Fundoplication Surgery Cost

Surgery performed for GERD is commonly referred to as “anti-reflux surgery” and will often involve a procedure known as fundoplication, a surgical procedure which will reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter by wrapping a portion of your stomach around the bottom of the esophagus, according to the Tampa Bay Reflux Center.

The most popular type of fundoplication, the Lap Nissen procedure, will allow surgeons the opportunity to recreate the sphincter, creating a longer, tighter sphincter by taking a portion of your stomach and wrapping it around your existing sphincter, allowing for a full 360-degree wrap around the stomach, essentially reinforcing your sphincter, not allowing any food to come back up.

Known as the oldest and most well-known procedure of all GERD treatments out there, it’s considered to be a good option for those who do suffer from server GERD.

“DSC06003” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Andy G

How much does the Lap Nissen fundoplication cost?

The cost of Lap Nissen fundoplication will greatly depend on a few factors, including the surgeon you choose, the type of surgery, the geographical region and your health insurance policy.  Based on these factors and from the quotes we found online, it appeared that most patients paid an average of $11,500 for the laparoscopic procedure to as much as $20,000 to $30,000 for an open surgical procedure without any health insurance coverage.

Do keep in mind, however, that additional fees may attribute to the total such as facility fees, surgeon fees, anesthesia fees and more, all depending on the facility’s billing policy.  In some cases, an extended stay at a hospital could increase these prices by more than 40%+

While this procedure is commonly covered by most private health insurance providers, including Medicaid, there could be some cases, depending on your health insurance policy where you may be denied.  To be certain your policy covers the procedure, it’s highly recommended you talk with both your doctor’s office and health insurance company to know your restrictions and what you will be responsible for.

According to this medical study, for example, they found the open surgical group had an average 6.1-day hospital stay, in comparison to the laparoscopy group, which only had a 1.5-day hospital stay average.  The total hospital group costs, $8,616 for the open surgery versus $4,331 for the laparoscopy procedure, was based on 232 who underwent this exact procedure.

One member on this HealingWell.com forum thread noted he was quoted $20,000 for the procedure, while other members, on this same thread, stated their insurance company covered it and they were only responsible for their co-pay.  Via another HealingWell.com forum thread, a member said she was billed $32,000 at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.

The estimated average, as per MDSave.com, is said to be $25,453, but the providers who posted their quotes ranged anywhere from $8,772 to $14,935.

The procedure

During the surgical procedure, your surgeon will completely wrap the upper portion of your stomach around the bottom part of your lower esophagus, stitching it into place to create a strong barrier, which is designed to prevent any stomach acid from entering back into the esophagus.

Depending on your doctor’s preferences, there are two common surgical options:  either via open surgery, which is done through a long incision created in the abdomen, or, via laparoscopic surgery, the most common approach used today, which will create three to four smaller incisions in the abdomen.

Nissen fundoplication recovery process

Most patients, after the surgery completes, can immediately stop taking their heartburn medications, rather than being weaned off, when in comparison to other procedures.

After the surgery completes, you will often be asked to stay at the hospital for up to 24 hours to be observed.

Two weeks following the surgery, you will be restricted to a liquid diet, followed by a semi-liquid diet during weeks three and four.  By week eight, most patients are able to resume normal eating habits and return to normal activities.

The pros of Lap Nissen fundoplication

According to the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, the company we cited earlier, they mention this is one of the most widely studied procedures, with over 60 years of data.

Up to 95 percent of patients with heartburn are able to get rid of their daily heartburn medicine after the surgery is performed.  Unlike other procedures where patients have to wean off their medications, patients can simply stop the medication post-surgery.

Aside from heartburn, the procedure is known to help treat other symptoms.

The cons of Lap Nissen fundoplication

Of all GERD surgeries, the Lap Nissen fundoplication, unfortunately, is one of the most invasive surgeries.  Commonly performed laparoscopically, scarring is minimal.

Post-operation, bloating, as well as other side effects, can last for months, with some patients reporting symptoms lasting more than eight weeks.

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Keloid Removal Cost

A keloid scar is an overgrowth of the scar tissue which formed around the skin after an injury, such as a pierced ear, for instance, and according to the Henry Ford Health System, most keloids will be found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes following an ear piercing, the upper arms or cheeks.

Growing around the borders of this injury, a keloid is often raised and will have a shiny-like appearance, ranging in colors from pink to red.   If not taken care of, they can begin to itch, become tender and even be painful when touched.

“Look closely!” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by n_sapiens

Keloid removal surgery cost

The cost of a keloid removal will depend on the method used, your geographical region, the size of the keloid, the keloid location, the doctor you hire, the facility, medical insurance policy and the facility’s billing practice.  Based on these factors and the quotes we found online, the costs for keloid removal can range anywhere from as little as $75 for one injection to much more than $2,000+ for surgery.

Depending on the severity of the keloid and the reason for removal, your insurance company may cover the procedure.  Check with your doctor’s office and insurance policy to know the restrictions and what you may be responsible for.

According to Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS, a West Palm Beach plastic surgeon, noted the average cost at his facility would be about $750, plus any anesthesia-related costs if needed.

The additional costs to consider

Skin grafts:  Even if the keloid removal surgery is considered successful, some instances may require a skin graft, which, depending on the severity of the removal, can reach well into the thousands.  This is rare, however.

Facility fees:  Most keloid can be done in an outpatient setting or even inside your doctor’s office, all of which can affect the pricing.  Typically, a hospital setting will be the priciest option, followed by an authorized outpatient center, but most removals will be done inside your doctor’s office, with the exception of surgery.  Also, since each center will have its own billing policies, some facilities may send more than one bill from outside professionals such as the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist, for example.

Anesthesiologist fees:  If needed, either local or general anesthesia may be required during the procedure, which is often billed separately from the surgery itself.  Depending on the length of the surgery, anesthesia bills can easily exceed $800.

Size and location of the keloid:  The smaller the keloid is, the easier it will be for the surgeon to remove it, hence, a shorter surgery time and the need for anesthesia, for instance.  However, if the keloid is larger than average and is located in a hard-to-reach place, then the surgery could take much longer, leading to higher-than-average fees.

Tips to know

Do keep in mind that using surgery as an option can lead to more scars if the surgery wasn’t handled appropriately.

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Cost to Reupholster a Chair

Just because your chair looks old doesn’t mean you have to throw it to the curb.

Thankfully for upholstery professionals, they are able to freshen up your chair with new fabric, springs, foam and/or a completely new style.

Using a specialized skill, reupholstering your chair is a great way to restyle a set or preserve a family heirloom.

“77_1_b” (CC BY 2.0) by lynetter

How much does it cost to reupholster a chair?

The cost to reupholster a chair is based on a few factors, including the type of chair you want to be upholstered, the details involved, the professional you have and your geographical region.  Generally, the more detail that’s involved with the reupholstering job, the more you should be prepared to pay, but check out the factors affecting the pricing below for more details as to what you may pay.  With so many factors, again, based on the size of the chair, as well as the details, we created a table of the average costs we found, as well as prices we found online from those who were willing to share the costs they paid.

The table above mentions the prices you should be prepared to pay on average, and as you can see, the price range is quite large, making it hard to decipher exactly what you should budget.  To make it even easier, we compiled the many quotes we found online and included the price they paid, as well as a description of the job.

JHConklin.net, for instance, posted a variety of their past jobs, along with the price quoted for each job.  This is a good resource for those who actually want to see the before and after pictures, along with the prices their customers paid.

Factors that affect the pricing

Fabric:  One of the biggest factors, according to Thumbtack.com, will be the fabric.  For example, a single dining room seat often requires less than one yard per fabric, simply meaning the labor and the materials will be much less than replacing the fabric on the entire seat, including the seat and the back, which can often require more than five yards, all depending on the fabric and the pattern.  As for lounge chairs, again, depending on the size, can take an average of five to eight yards in the fabric.  Just like clothing or any materials for that matter, chair fabric can range from as little as $10 to more than $125+ per yard for just the material.

Labor:  The more experienced an upholster is, the more you should be prepared to pay.  Emphasizing the factors mentioned prior, the size and the detail involved can greatly affect the overall costs, including both the fabric, mentioned prior, and the labor fees.  If only the seat of the chair needs to be upholstered and the seats are removable, then this is a much faster job than a seat which requires the backing and the seat upholstered.

Discounts:  In some cases, there is a good chance you may need to bring in more than one chair that needs to be reupholstered, and most professionals, from the estimates we saw online, will often offer a bulk chair discount.  This discount, depending on the professional’s policy, may require a minimum before the discount is applied, however.

Geographical location:  All locations, as with any professional service, will not be created equal in price, meaning you will pay much more in a metropolitan city than you would in a rural small town.

Repairs:  What kind of repairs need to be done to the chair? Aside from the fabric, does the wood need to be replaced due to rotting?  What about the spring system?  Do the springs and the wood need to be replaced?  As you can imagine, all of these repairs, while the chair is being torn apart, will need to be replaced and can increase the labor time.  Typically, the frame in a solid chair will last up to 15 years, so if your chair is older than this, then you may want to be prepared for this repair.

How to reupholster a chair

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