Apples and Oranges: Comparing Estimates

Jesse Stone • June 12, 2024

“Put your home in the hands of the experts”

 - Tolman Home Solutions


Tolman Home Solutions hopes everyone had a great Mother’s Day and that your Memorial Day was just as equally fun. The beautiful weather in New England is perfect for apple picking. You can always enjoy apple picking and it lets the kids run around. Apples and oranges may be different, but sometimes it’s good to compare them. Today, we’ll look at the importance of comparing estimates when deciding on a contractor for your next project.


If you hired a contractor or HVAC technician, chances are you’ve seen an estimate. Now, estimates are different from invoices. Estimates should be a rough detail of the amount of work quoted by the contractor. In other words, an estimate foretells the amount of work to be charged to the client. Everything in this document should be discussed with the client before they agree to the work being done, so they know in detail what work is expected and the outcome.


Even though an invoice details the products or services billed, both documents differ in some ways. While estimates can be discussed and negotiated, invoices are non-negotiable. An invoice details the work that was completed, not the work to be completed. Secondly, invoices also detail the payment method for the client, like card payments or checks.


As a client, it’s crucial to read the estimate carefully and discuss every detail inside. As a homeowner, you approve the work that's done. Don’t hesitate to compare the fruits of different contractors and ask questions. If you come across a contractor who only writes an estimate down without providing further details, discuss it with them.


Let’s say you have a kitchen renovation estimate. Contractor1's estimate reads “Kitchen Renovation: $45,000. New cabinets, custom built island, etc”. As a homeowner, you want to know what this entails and the work they’ll do. Contractor2 sends you an estimate that reads “Kitchen Renovation: New brand-name cabinets painted white, subway tile backslash, new bar style hardware for cabinets, new light fixtures, custom built island, new quartz countertops(cut to size), plumbing for new faucets, electrical work for new light fixtures, garbage disposal installation, and labor. $55,000”. In the second estimate, the contractor detailed the work that would be done and discussed what needed to be done with the homeowner. The second estimate is higher than the first but provides the information to justify an increase.


Always remember to ask questions and discuss the estimate you’re provided with your contractor. It’s important to compare estimates so that, as a homeowner, you know the quality of work you’re receiving. The team at Tolman has properly trained contractors who are happy to discuss every detail of your estimate to your satisfaction. Be sure to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us on our site at www.tolman.pro if you have any questions. Watch our apples and oranges vlog video which can be found here as well

Home Tips to Get Ready for Fall

By Jesse Stone • September 20, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions Like entering any New England season, having a Fall home checklist is a good idea. As with the summer and spring months, these checklists ensure your home is ready to withstand the harsh weather. Typical checklists are Spring (to get your home ready for summer) and Fall (to get your home ready for winter). This article doesn’t have everything on a regular Fall checklist but should be used as a baseline for what to look for. Tolman Home Solutions wants everyone to be able to inspect their home that way it can be the safest and most welcoming home it can be. Insulate A properly insulated home is a big component of staying warm in the cold winter ahead. Last year, Worcester’s coldest temperature was recorded at -13 degrees! Window treatments like sealing film and other weather-stripping products can help seal window drafts. Inspect your exterior doors for air drafts that can be sealed with caulk. Some windows are too old to be efficient and, in that case, we at Tolman can install new energy-efficient and insulated windows in your home. Homes can also be so old that the insulation inside needs to be replaced. This happens when the insulation no longer meets the current R-value grade for homes. Depending on the amount of work, our insulation can start at around $68/square feet for installation. Gutters Part of owning a home is having gutters. Gutters are important in moving water away from your home so it doesn’t pool and create a giant puddle in front of your house. Excess water leakage can cause damage to your home and basement if not properly addressed. Every season, you should regularly clean your gutters to dislodge leaves and other debris that can potentially clog the gutter system. A simple estimate on gutter replacement can start at $281 per linear foot. HVAC If you believe your home isn’t properly heated and cooled, call a professional to inspect your HVAC system. No one wants their heat to die out during winter and it’s better safe than sorry. If your HVAC system is working as it should, then inspect the air filter to determine if it needs to be replaced or not. This is a simple task that should be able to be completed in less than 15 minutes. Making sure your home is operating how it should is an essential part of being a homeowner. Every season, always take the time to inspect the interior and exterior parts of your home. This is when problems can be found and addressed before they get worse. Our team at Tolamn Home Solutions is professionally trained in construction and can ensure that your home is standing where it should be. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro .

Basement Renovation Basics

By Jesse Stone • September 13, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions Sometimes when homeowners can’t add an addition to their home they search for other ways to increase their living space. A common way to do this is by refinishing their basement. This means the basement has been completely renovated into a new living area for homeowners. The construction of another bedroom and bathroom, or even an office and living room/entertainment area is just one example. A renovated basement is great for expanding families or those with a smaller home but can’t build an addition. Layout A big part of how much your basement renovation is going to cost is in the layout. Will the basement consist of two bedrooms, one bedroom, one bathroom, etc? Once you have an idea of this it’ll be easier for us to estimate the work needed. Furthermore, if the layout requires multiple walls to be put up with their respective trim added, this could drive up the cost. Typically, during a basement renovation, implementing natural light is a big thing to consider. Every homeowner chooses a different layout that coincides with their home. Some owners have an in-law apartment built so family members can live under the same roof. Others opt for a larger entertaining area for guests. Work Layout, work, and cost all intermingle with each other in any construction project out there. With the layout in mind, our team of experts can determine the work that needs to be done. This is far more than just putting up some walls and painting them. Walls must be framed, electrical components wired throughout, a heating and cooling system installed, insulation installed, trim, doors, windows, and paint. If the basement’s going to have a bathroom, plumbing will need to be installed as well. All of these small details of the construction project matter. Cost Time to discuss cost. As previously stated, the cost of this basement renovation largely depends on the work needed to be done. I’ll be listing general aspects for you to take into consideration. If the basement is basic with little work that needs to be done and on a budget, the cost could be between $30,000-$40,000. If the basement needs to be completely renovated and turned into a livable area, the starting price increases to $80,000 and can reach up to $120,000. Many homeowners choose to renovate their basements and for good reason. Being more comfortable and happy in your home is always worth the price of a renovation. Turning your basement into something livable and nice can start around $30,000 and quickly climb due to the amount of work needed. Our team at Tolamn Home Solutions is professionally trained in construction and can turn your next renovation need into a masterpiece. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro .

ABC Cost Analysis of a Bathroom Remodel

By Jesse Stone • September 6, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions As many of you already know, at Tolman Home Solutions we like to be transparent on the cost of home renovations. We don’t surprise our clients with hidden fees or charges. Upsetting clients is never a goal of ours and everyone at Tolman strives to make our clients happy. This blog post will be formatted a little differently than our usual ones but will be just as informative. Today, we’ll be tackling the cost analysis of a bathroom remodel. Keep in mind that all these numbers are rough estimates and can change. The price of a bathroom remodel depends on many factors. First and foremost, will the bathroom be completely gutted? What I mean by this is that will everything need to be ripped out? This includes the vanity, lighting, flooring, tub/shower, tile, and walls removed from the bathroom to expose all the raw plumbing. If the plumbing is damaged and needs to be replaced, the cost of this remodel will quickly increase. A complete plumbing overhaul can run roughly $10,000. Now that the plumbing is all taken care of, will the bathroom require all new electrical components as well? Older bathrooms need this and an electrical revamp can cost around $6,000-$9,000. This causes your plumbing and electrical to be around $16,000. Custom features for your dream bathroom will also sharply increase the cost of your remodel. A bathroom with a custom shower and custom glass could quickly cost $50,000. As a client, don’t be scared of these numbers either because they can vary greatly. A remodel of any size can be a value build or a luxury build. If your bathroom doesn’t have a custom shower with marble tile throughout and a custom vanity without plumbing and electrical work, then $30,000-$50,000 for the remodel is doable. The pricing of bathroom fixtures can also greatly increase the price of a remodel. Our clients can pick their own and this can save a lot of money in the long haul. We also offer lighting hookup for the new fixtures which could be around $350. Custom vanities and mirrors can start around $1,500 and reach up to $7,000. All of these numbers depend on the work our clients want done and the luxuriousness of the remodel. Remodels can seem pretty daunting when you look at the numbers. Every remodel costs different because every home is different. Our bathroom remodels for budget builds can cost between $17,000 and $25,000 while the luxury builds start at $30,000 and reach upwards of $50,000. Our team at Tolamn Home Solutions is expertly trained and dedicated to making your house feel more like home. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro .

What To Know About Replacing Your Home’s Doors

By Jesse Stone • August 30, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions Replacing the exterior doors to your home often goes overlooked when homeowners think about new season updates and maintenance. At some point in your home’s life, the exterior doors must be replaced. Many homes have more than just the front and back doors, side doors and bulkheads are also common. For the sake of this article, bulkheads will only be touched upon since we’re talking about traditional exterior doors. Most homes in New England have bulkheads and if yours is over 25 years old, it’s worth getting it replaced. The metal on these doors can be rotted away exposing your home to water damage. Warning Signs Knowing the warning signs of needing a door replaced is always in your best interest. This could save you thousands in the long run and prevent damage to your home from water or pests. Water damage is one of the biggest signs of needing a door replaced. Worn-out doors allow air drafts to enter your home and increase energy consumption. Doors that are dented or cracked should also be replaced. Other signs of needing a new door are if the door is rough to open or close and if the door isn’t the right size for its frame. Material Nowadays, multiple door materials exist for you to choose from. Wood will always be timeless no matter what. Wood doors are still popular in today’s day and age, but metal or fiberglass has become extremely common. These metal doors are just as good if not better than their wood counterparts. Aluminum and steel doors are fitted with insulation on the inside for those cold nights. Fiberglass doors are also popular because of their strong nature and are virtually maintenance-free. Cost At Tolman Home Solutions, we like to be transparent about our pricing. The price of having your door replaced depends on a few things first. These are the door material, since more luxurious doors cost more, for instance, a solid mahogany door could be over $5,000 for the door itself. Will the door need to be painted? This could add another $150 to your estimate. Will the trim need to be replaced inside and outside with the trash hauled away also? With trim replaced and trash removal, replacing one of your doors could be around $3,000. Replacing your home’s exterior doors is an important job that needs to get done. Knowing when it’s time to replace your door is crucial, and sometimes a homeowner simply not liking their door is a great reason. Your front door doesn’t have to be broken for it to be replaced. Our team at Tolamn Home Solutions is expertly trained and dedicated to making your house feel more like home. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro.

Upgrade Your Home With a Bathroom Remodel

By Jesse Stone • August 22, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions Every year, thousands of homeowners dream of renovating their homes but don’t know where to start. Should you remodel your kitchen, or maybe your bathroom? And if you have more than one bathroom, do you want both bathrooms remodeled or only one? Some homeowners don’t know where to begin. First, you must have an idea or rough plan as to what you want, along with a desired budget. Not having a set budget or idea of what you want your result to be is where the trouble begins. Luckily, our team at Tolman Home Solutions can work with many budgets to achieve a professional look that won’t tarnish your wallet with unaffordable pricing. When deciding on a budget, every aspect has to be accounted for. If you don’t want heated floors, do you want another heat source in the bathroom or no heating at all? Is a standard vanity sufficient or do you want a custom one? Furthermore, will this remodel require the bathroom plumbing to be entirely reworked or will the existing plumbing components be used? All of the details of your remodel should be thought out and planned by a professional. Budget-Friendly Also known as a value build, a budget bathroom renovation can be an estimated range of $15,000 - $30,000. An example of a bathroom of this budget is one where every aspect is not fully custom. This means the vanity may be a standard vanity fitted with a basic mirror and light fixtures. A value bathroom may also not have heating installed, of course, this depends on other components the homeowner wishes for. Budget bathrooms make use of the original plumbing so the whole plumbing system won't have to be reworked. Basic tub/shower combos are seen here or a smaller tiled shower fitted with ceramic tiles. Luxury Class Custom features are typically seen in higher-priced bathrooms. These bathrooms have heated floors with marble tile or another natural stone. Custom vanities and vanity countertops along with luxury bathroom fixtures make higher-tier bathrooms noticeable. Above the vanity may not be a regular mirror but one that has a backlight installed for seamless light transitions. The bathroom may have a medicine cabinet and linen closed as well. These rooms may also have completely reworked plumbing and a custom walk-in shower. Luxury-grade bathrooms can range from $50,000 -$70,000. Upgrading your bathroom is a choice no homeowner will regret. Some bathrooms can start at $20,000 while others will exceed $70,000. This all depends on the client’s budget. At Tolman, we know budgets matter and we’re here to help with any questions you have. Our team is expertly trained and dedicated to making your house feel more like home. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro.

Modernizing a Kitchen with an Open Concept Design

By Jesse Stone • August 16, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions Tolman Home Solutions hopes everyone is having a great start to their week. It may be warm outside now but the New England weather is unpredictable and fall is just around the corner. Modernizing your home doesn’t have to be stressful or hard in any season. Open-concept designs are becoming increasingly popular and with good reason. These design concepts are built upon an open layout to expand the area of the room. The concepts use open shelving and bright colors to remove kitchen clutter. Why don't we look at the design above and see how Tolman can replicate it? Open Shelving Open shelving is the biggest resource for drawing up an open-concept kitchen design. Yes, traditional cabinets will always be in style but some homeowners crave difference. Removing a kitchen's upper cabinets and replacing them with floating shelves is a great way to do this. It will instantly make the room feel much more open compared to how it was before. For those of you with a smaller kitchen, don’t worry about losing cabinet space because the amount of shelves in your cabinet can be installed on the wall. Expanded Layout When people think of an open kitchen, the first thing that comes to mind is a big kitchen. Big kitchens are perfect for making an area feel more open but not necessarily needed. Contractors can craft small kitchens in a way that makes them feel bigger. The major difference between a smaller open-concept kitchen and a bigger one is an island. Built-in kitchen islands offer an elegant look and increase surface area. These small kitchens without islands utilize open shelving more to accommodate. Bright Colors The simplest way to change the feel of a room is by changing the color of it. Depending on the color, location, and design, rooms can appear wider, taller, or smaller. It's safe to say that paint can drastically change a room. Modern kitchens are typically painted in a bright white accompanied by secondary colors. The kitchen above has brighter colors that draw in more light to make the kitchen appear bigger. Natural wood tones and sage green cabinets give this kitchen a perfect pair with the bright white countertops and walls.  Open-concept kitchens have been around for some time now and are easy to design. Having our professional contractors at Tolman Home Solutions complete your kitchen remodel is a decision you won’t regret. Kitchen prices can range from around $30,000 to $65,000 for budget/value builds. On the other hand, a luxury kitchen can cost up to $120,000 but can also be as cheap as $75,000. Our team is expertly trained and dedicated to making your house feel more like home. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro.

Siding, Roof, & Gutters: Your Next Summer Project

By Jesse Stone • August 10, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions Every year, thousands of homeowners need their siding, roof, or gutter repaired. Multiple factors determine why these things need to be repaired. Sometimes it could be due to failure in maintaining the home’s exterior or a harsh weather environment. Some of you may say that any homeowner can work on their gutters but that’s not always the case, and it’s always best to leave work to the professionals. Those unable or unwilling to step on a ladder count on contractors for repairs. Home repairs like the roof and siding should always be done by professionals, at Tolman Home Solutions, we’re always here to help. Siding Siding is a major component of any home. Different siding options are available for homes across the globe to combat not only weather but also pests. After all, the siding we have here in New England can differ greatly from the ones in Mexico. One of the most popular siding options nowadays is vinyl. Vinyl siding is practically maintenance-free and lasts for years to come. Low maintenance for a 20+ year life expectancy is a no-brainer. The cost of siding depends heavily on the material you want. Basic siding will be different from vinyl cedar shake style or stone veneer. Due to the differences, you can expect to spend $1,200 + per 100 square feet used. Roofing Your home’s roof is one of the most important parts of the infrastructure. Roofs are made to shield the inside of your home from rain, snow, and nature itself. Together, siding and roofs do their best to protect the building. Of course, different roofing materials exist, meaning you have options to think about. Common types of roofing materials are metal, rubber, and asphalt. Asphalt’s the most common material used in America, but we’re seeing a rise in metal roofs all around. Depending on the material, you can expect an estimate of about $1,200+ per roofing square (roughly 100 square feet). Rubber roofs can start at around $1,600 per square. Gutters Most homeowners have if their gutters are working properly. Gutters protect your home by preventing water damage from rain that falls on your roof by running the water away from the house. Without gutters, the water would pool on the outside of your home and cause damage to the exterior, foundation, and basement. A basic estimate from our professionals can start at $281 per linear foot. Maintaining your home’s exterior is a crucial part of being a homeowner. The siding, roof, and gutters should be inspected every spring to verify proper function. Always be safe and call a professional to work on your home. Our team at Tolman Home Solutions is expertly trained and dedicated to your home’s needs. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro.

A Kitchen Remodel that Transforms Your Summer

By Jesse Stone • August 1, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions The team at Tolman hopes everyone is having a nice week and that you all are staying dry in this rainy week. Since the weather is perfect for working outside, summer is a busy time for contractors like us. Many people want to get their kitchen or bathroom remodeled, an addition built onto their home, or windows replaced with more high-efficiency versions. Today we’ll be analyzing this gorgeous kitchen remodel our team previously completed. What’s a better way to spruce up a home than a new kitchen? Cabinets This welcoming kitchen starts with the cabinets. Since some kitchens need more storage space than others, the team designed and built floor-to-ceiling cabinets next to the refrigerator. This is a perfect option for a pantry in a smaller space. Next, we have black cabinet pulls that show contrast and support to the black countertop. A solid color scheme matters in any kitchen, and this one was planned accordingly. The grey, white, and black tones make our eyes notice the kitchen. Brown is also used to create an open concept with open shelving, praising the home's natural wood tones. Backsplash Since white is part of the color scheme for this kitchen, the backsplash is placed beautifully. Sophistication and charm are brought to us by the herringbone pattern of the tiled backsplash. To offset the darker tones of grey and black, a white backsplash keeps a simple look without overstimulating the eyes with one color. A white backsplash and white ceiling can brighten a space in a home with darker wood. Countertops Some may say the stainless steel appliances or the grey cabinets are the stars of this kitchen. I feel it’s the countertop. In a world of all-white kitchens and white countertops, change is good. Many stones can be purchased in black, for instance, quartz, marble, or granite can bought in black. Since every stone is different, each one shows a slightly different pattern/design. In marble, these are called “veins” as they are similar to human veins running through the body. Every homeowner has a different style for their home and kitchen. Color schemes play an important part in kitchen design. The price of a kitchen renovation can differ greatly depending on the materials used. Going for a budget build with laminate countertops and simple cabinets can be an estimated $30,000 while a luxury kitchen build with marble and custom cabinets could spike that number up to $150,000. As you can see, these prices are on both ends of the spectrum. Remember that there are different tiers of remodels: budget, medium, and luxury. Our team at Tolman Home Solutions can help with your next home project. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro . What will you decide, budget or luxury?

Upgrading your Home with an Attic Renovation

By Jesse Stone • July 25, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions With the heat in Massachusetts steadily climbing, the team at Tolman Home Solutions hopes everyone is taking the proper precautions to stay safe. Heat stroke isn’t something to take lightly, so drink plenty of fluids and take breaks from being in the sun all day. Many homeowners have attics above their homes for extra storage. What many forget about is that their attic can be renovated into a living space. Today, we’ll be using this wonderful attic renovation that our team did as an example. Hardwood floors and crisp white walls can make any space feel like home. Why Renovate Your Attic? While renovating your home is commonplace nowadays, many don’t even consider renovating their attic. Renovating your attic is a great idea for homeowners who plan on staying in their house long-term, that way they can maximize the ROI of the remodel. First, refinishing your attic will increase the living space of your home. This, of course, will increase the home value, meaning that when it’s time to sell your home you’ll have more money in your pocket. It’s always important to speak with a professional contractor about renovating your attic since attics help regulate the home's internal temperature to prevent rotting. Uses of a Renovated Attic Of course, since the attic is now a livable area, the possibilities are almost endless. Attics can be renovated and split off from the house to create an apartment above the home with its own entrance. A fully functional studio apartment would make amazing supplemental income. I understand that being a landlord isn’t for everyone and that’s why we can take the beautifully crafted attic up above as an example. This attic was renovated to create a game/living area, tailoring to those that need the extra space. Heating & Cooling I know one of the things on your mind must be “Won’t a refinished attic still be stuffy?” and that makes sense. As I said before, attics help regulate the home’s temperature. This means that you want everything to be created correctly to prevent any rotting or mold. Often, the insulation inside of the attic can be replaced and drywall installed. Heating and cooling can be maintained by various resources that can be installed. These can be electrical mini-splits or even baseboard heating. Ceiling fans are also advised to increase air circulation. Renovating your attic can be beneficial due to the possible rental income or the additional space. Every attic renovation should be discussed with a professional like ours at Tolman Home Solutions. We also understand that attic renovations aren’t for everyone and not everyone has an attic. Our team of seasoned contractors are dedicated and want to help make your dream home come true. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro.

5 Reasons to Expand Your Living Space

By Jesse Stone • July 18, 2024
“Put your home in the hands of the experts” - Tolman Home Solutions Tolman Home Solutions hopes everyone's having an amazing summer. Unsurprisingly, summer is a busy time for construction companies like us. I mean, projects can be completed in the summer without having the freezing temperatures of a New England winter against you. One of the most requested summer projects we get asked about is additions. Having an addition built onto your home is truly the perfect way to expand your living space. Today, we’ll be examining the most popular reasons for these expansions. Increase Property Value It’s no secret that expanding your living space will increase the value of your home. Needless to say, the ROI depends on multiple factors. These could be the materials used or even the type of addition constructed. Regardless of the ROI, you’re sure to increase your home value with added an addition to it. Added Space Some might say it's common knowledge that expanding your living area adds space to your home, but it’s true! As a homeowner, you can do multiple things with added space. Increasing your living space could create additional rental income, an art studio, or can also be used as storage. Storage Expanding your storage space with an addition is a great reason for having one. Some homes aren’t built with an attic and adding an addition is a failproof way around this. Even if your home has an attic, expanding can still be beneficial. Attics can be converted into living spaces and an addition can add an extra bedroom or larger living room. Personalization Personalization is a big factor in expanding your living space by adding an addition. Unless you had your home custom-built, you most likely never got to personalize it. Being able to personalize your home isn’t something to take lightly. Now, you’ll be able to have that special flooring or architecture you wanted. Your home can be customized to accommodate your family's needs or style. Solution to Moving Instead of selling their home, many people renovate it and add an addition. Depending on your desires, this could be an option for you and your family. Expanding your living space can welcome a newborn or create an in-law apartment. With the personalization and added space, you could have the home of your dreams. Everyone chooses to expand their living space for a variety of reasons. Whatever your reason for wanting an addition is, Tolman is here to help. Additions can vary in cost due to the size and materials used, whether the build is a budget build or a luxurious build. A generalized estimate by us could range between $450-$750 per square foot. Tolman Home Solutions has a great team of professional contractors who are dedicated and want to help. If you have any questions regarding your next home project, don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-277-0120 or contact us via our site at www.tolman.pro.
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