TIPS to keep YOU safe during your next Construction Project. 
            Contributed by Emanuel Schwartz
                     Ex Amish Construction, LLC

The snow is melting and the income tax refunds are coming in.... If you are considering replacing your roof, adding a deck or renovating your home - Here are 3 must know tips for residents of Conneaut, to protect yourself during your next construction/renovation project.....

TIP # 1 - NO PERMIT = LARGE FINES

If you are planning to work with
a local contractor to complete your
next project - ask your contractor if a permit is needed. According to the City of Conneaut the best rule to follow is call before you build... From installing a pool to building a pole barn - permits, zoning and other costly fines could occur if you do not obtain prior approval from the city. 

In addition, If a permit is needed - make sure to ask your contractor if they are planning on obtaining the permit for you or if you need to obtain it yourself. Often, 
permits are not included in estimates and there is a fee acquired with receiving permits.  For your next project, play it safe...You can reach the City of Conneaut Building Department at 440-593-7406.


TIP # 2 - INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT

I cannot stress this simple fact enough.
Your renovation project could cost you thousands of dollars in costly repairs and attorney fees if something goes wrong on the job and your contractor does not have insurance. Protect yourself and ask your contractor for a copy of their insurance(s).

Any reputable contractor will be glad to provide you with this infomation - as they pay for this service to protect their business and their clients.

TIP # 3 - GUARANTEE IS THE WORD.

Every contractor will tell you that they stand behind their workmanship, but what does that mean if you have a problem down the road and they are nowhere to be found.

Research local companies, ask for insurance, ask for their guarantee, see if they have a website, check their references or testimonials from previous jobs they have completed.

A true professional will be glad to provide you with both references and additional information on their business, expertise, manufacturer guarantees, etc...

Remember - you pay for what you get.
A reputable contractor may come in with
a higher bid, but in the end ... it cost save you thousands of dollars.
___________________________________
Domestic Workers & Coverage Gaps
                     Contributed by Chuck Hanson
                      Anchor Insurance Group

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 1.5 million domestic workers across the country. But a definitive count is nearly impossible since many of these workers are in the country illegally, and many collect income that goes unreported on taxes. Thus, this number may be on the low end. There are many insurance implications for homeowners in the hiring of domestic workers. So what are the chief homeowners coverage gaps associated with this exposure for the homeowner/employer?

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude bodily injury losses under the personal liability and medical payments sections to any persons eligible to receive any benefits voluntarily provided, or required to be provided, by an "insured" under the Workers Compensation Act. State workers compensation laws can vary on this requirement. In many states, domestic employees are not covered by the Act. However, in a number of states, employers of domestic employees are subject to the Act if they employ these workers for more than a specified number of hours per week or if the employee is paid more than a specified sum over a certain period of time. In two states -- New Hampshire and New Jersey -- not only are domestic employees covered under the Act, regardless of the pay or the number of hours worked, but all homeowners policies must provide workers compensation coverage for these workers.

Insurers and agents need to be aware of these laws for their clients who are apt to hire domestic workers. For example, assume John and Mary Wilson, residents of the wealthy suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland, directly employ a domestic worker who works 8 hours every Monday at $12 per hour. The worker, who has no health insurance, suffers a serious head injury when she falls from a ladder she is using to clean the top shelf of a bookcase at the Wilsons' home.

Assume further that the Wilsons have a homeowners policy but no workers compensation policy for this worker. Maryland law stipulates that domestic workers who earn less than $1,000 per quarter are excluded from the Act but the worker in this loss scenario earns about $1,200 per quarter. Thus, the Wilsons are required by law to procure workers compensation for this worker. The Wilsons' homeowners policy, however, excludes bodily injury to domestic employees if the insured is required to procure workers compensation (which is the case in this example). As a result of this serious injury, the domestic worker's husband files a lawsuit against the Wilsons. Unfortunately, the Wilsons are now looking at a huge coverage gap.

So the best advice is to be aware of the workers compensation laws concerning domestics in your state.

Do you really need flood insurance ?

Contributed by Chuck Hanson
             Anchor Insurance Group  

When insurance agents
discuss flood insurance, a common refrain from customers is “I don’t need it.”  Everyone needs flood insurance states Chuck Hanson of Anchor Insurance Group regardless of where they live for the following reasons:

 

·      Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States.

·      Everyone lives in a flood zone; just the degree of risk varies.

·      Floods and flash floods happen in all fifty states and Ohio is

       certainly not exempt as evidenced by the “1 in 500 year” flooding

       that occurred in Lake & Geauga counties on July 26, 2006

·      Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

·      Just one inch of water can cause significant and costly property   

       damage.

                         
Consumers can go to www.Floodmart.gov and type in their address to learn their property's degree of flood risk and get valueable information about types floods and what types of insuance policies are available to protect them. They can even get a ballpark figure on what flood insurance may cost.    

 

 

DO's & DONT's of Driving 
                Contributed by Chuck Hanson
                Anchor Insurance Group
Our experience has shown that a significant percentage of losses occur at the hands of friends operating your car.

 

Every time you’re in a hurry, remember just how expensive accidents and speeding tickets can be.  Your coverage could even be canceled for certain kinds of tickets.

 

Need we tell you; never, ever, ever drink and drive.  A sunny day is much prettier to look at than the lid of a casket (to you ….. or those you put there).

 

Be careful to not over-control the car.  You don’t always have to “slam” on the brakes or “yank” the car back onto the road.  Careful application of steering, braking, and accelerator give you better control for reacting to situations as they arise.

         

Driving is serious business.  Focus on it.  Don’t allow the passengers in your car to disrupt your focus.  Imagine the results if an airline pilot had to land a plane with passengers screaming in the seat behind him.   

 

Always lock your car, whether you’re in it or not in it.  You minimize theft and keep yourself and your passengers safer.

 

If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, consider a higher deductible.  It has two effects:

            1 - it reduces your insurance costs

            2 - since you share in a greater portion of a loss, you think twice prior to doing anything that would increase your chances of a loss.

 

As your car ages, consider dropping collision (and maybe comprehensive) coverage altogether.The potential value of your older car may no longer be worth insuring.

 

If you are involved in an accident:

Don't move your car unless instructed by law enforcement. 

Get the names, addresses, phone numbers (including cell phones), email address,make and model of the other vehicles and write down your opinion of what happened.

Take pictures of the accident scene with your cell phone if you have one.

 Never admit guilt or negligence (whether you're negligent in the accident or not).

Don't lose your temper at anyone.  It only makes the situation worse.
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Join us in welcoming our site partners!

Sanford's Sandwich Shop
Great Food, Reasonable Prices, Full Bar and Awesome Entertainment on the Weekends. Stop by Sanford's (located in the Golden Anchor) on Friday night from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. for Karaoke,  Saturday Night - they have a DJ Spinning the hottest tunes. Sanford's is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Conneaut's Best Sandwich is at Sanford's Sandwich Shop.

Community Auto Center
Your one-stop for all of your automotive needs. From 24 hour towing services to a complete autobody shop - Community Auto Center goes the extra mile to make sure all Conneaut Motorists are covered. Free Shuttle Services, Winch Services, and more..

Lighthouse Retreats
Conneaut's Hidden Gem. Exquisite Private Rentals with Breathtaking views of Lake Erie and all of the amenities of home. If you are looking for an affordable but amazing place to stay during your next visit to Conneaut, Ohio call Lighthouse Retreats. Enjoy a relaxing gateway in a private rental only feet away from Lake Erie.. did we mention private beach access.

JD's Pizza
Are you hungry for mouth watering wings, fresh out the oven pizza or a cool, green salad... Your fresh meal is only a phone call away! JD's Pizza offers convenient carry-out or delivery options and a full menu to satisfy your tastebuds. No long wait, they have a 30 minute guarantee - that will satisfy 
your hunger in no time flat.  

Anchor Insurance
The specialists at Anchor Insurance are ready to assist you with all of your insurance needs. Anchor Insurance is proud to provide Conneaut with Commercial, Auto, Home, Life and Motorcycle Insurance - to name a few.
Call Anchor Insurance for a competitive quote on all of your insurance needs.

Crazy Dave's Sugar Bowl
Conneaut is going Crazy for Crazy Dave's Sugar Bowl. Offering a large menu of items at great prices. Their family friendly restaurant is non-smoking, and offers a large selection of home baked deserts. Visit Crazy Dave's and tell them your friend's at Everything Conneaut sent you..


Northshore Coin & Bullion
Buy and Sell Coins with a local Conneaut
Ohio Coin Dealer. Top Prices are paid for
your old silver, gold and platinum jewelry,
flatware sets and coins. Get paid cash the
same day you sell. A local, experienced
coin dealer that you can trust.

Snap Fitness
Conneaut's #1 Fitness Facility, conveniently located on Main Street with state-of-the-art  workout facility and personal trainers on site to help you meet your fitness goals. Visit their banner ad at the bottom of the page to get a free one-week trail to their Conneaut Gym.  Get fit today at Snap Fitness.

Son Construction
Son Construction provides Conneaut, Ohio will local construction services including superior custom woodwork, deck construction, RV repair and Mobile Home Repair. Free Estimates and Superior Workmanship. Son Construction is fully licensed and a local Conneaut, Ohio Contractor.

Evergreen Lake Park
With over 250 campsites, WiFi Hot spots, ponds for fishing and swimming, as well as, entertainment every weekend - Evergreen Lake Park is Conneaut's preferred Campground. Stay for a day, a week, a month or an entire season. Evergreen Lake Park has a package to fit all of your camping needs.  Are you looking to purchase an RV, Golf Cart or Trailer ? If so, look no further - Evergreen Lake Park offers used and new RV, Golf Carts and Trailers. In addition, you can purchase propane on the grounds. We invite you to check out Everygreen Lake Park for all of your camping needs.

Century 21 HomeStar
The sweet sound of Sold... If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Conneaut, Ohio - The licensed realtors at Century 21 Homestar would be glad to assist you with all of your real estate needs. From Residential and Commercial to Industrial and Land... Century 21 HomeStar is your premier source for Real Estate in Conneaut, Ohio.

Mucci's Restaurant
Everyone Loves Italian! Enjoy a delicious dinner and a glass of fine wine at Mucci's Restaurant. Mucci's also serves authentic brick oven pizza with a variety of toppings to choose from. Enjoy a taste of Italy in Conneaut, a full bar paired with an open dining atmosphere will have you singing it's amore. Visit our coupon page for exclusive offers at Mucci's Restaurant.


Hynoon Charters
Fish Lake Erie with one of Conneaut's most experienced Fishing Charters - with over 40 years of experience, they will make sure your next fishing trip is a blast.

Basil's Cafe
Home Cooked Meals in Conneaut. Basil's Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch offering great food at affordable prices. Have a cup of coffee with friends or enjoy a hot meal cooked just for you. 

Carter Lumber
Building Conneaut one board at a time. Carter Lumber offers you building a new home to residential renovations, stop by and see the guys at Carter Lumber for quality expertise, you can count on.

Anthony's Pizza & Food
Great Food and Exceptional Service are a guarantee at Anthony's Pizza and Food. Anthony's is local favorite for lunch and dinner serving up pizza as well as a variety of other menu items including subs, sandwiches and a large selection of wings.
Visit our coupon page for exclusive offers from Anthony's Pizza & Food. 

Ex Amish Construction
If you are looking for a local contractor you can trust, look no further. Ex Amish Construction, is Conneaut's premier residential contractor offering superior workmanship and reasonable prices.
Ex Amish Construction offers Pole Barn Construction, Deck Building, Concrete, Roofing and Siding Services to Conneaut Ohio. Insured, free estimates, 5% senior discount.