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Choosing Rugs And Carpet Flooring

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Tips for Making Your Carpet Floors Last

Carpets get replaced on average every seven years. Most replacements involve a home remodeling either prior to a home being sold or after it is purchased. If you plan to keep your wall to wall carpeting for more than a few years, here are some tips that will help keep your expensive carpeting looking new.

Keep the dirt outside.

Many cultures remove their shoes when entering a home. This habit really helps keep a carpet looking new. If you want to wear your shoes inside, entry mats also cut down on dirt coming into your home.

You may not realize it, but tests show that it takes up to 17 steps before the soles of your shoes are clean. Dirt tracked onto a carpet eventually sifts down to the carpet backing and grinds away at the fibers, literally wearing it out. Surface soil also dulls the carpet color by covering it up. Fine grit scratches the carpet fiber, just the way a diamond scratches glass. So after you clean the carpet, the carpet still looks dull and dirty because the fiber surface is distorted.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!

Did I mention that you have to vacuum your carpets? Buying the “best” vacuum isn’t enough– you have to take it out of the closet and use it on a regular basis. First, make sure it works properly: the bag (or bagless cylinder) should be less than half full; the belt that turns the brushes should be tight; and the brushes shouldn’t be worn or full of hair/lint. Vacuuming up the visible crumbs and dirt isn’t good enough, either. With an active family, you should vacuum two to three times a week. You’ll need to use 4-6 passes in the high traffic lanes, 2-3 passes in the low traffic areas.

Spot Clean.

Many carpets come with “Stain Warranties.” But guess what? You still have to clean up spills and spots from the carpet. If a spot stays in the fabric indefinitely it can oxidize into a permanent stain. (A stain is a spot that won’t come out.)

Some carpet warranties have a spot removal chart included. These charts list various substances and give specific methods to remove spots from your carpet. If you don’t have a spotting chart available, go to the Carpet and Rug Institute’s website at www.carpet-rug.org and look under Approved Products to find safe carpet spotters.

Remember, carpeting is a delicate fabric. Always blot gently to remove a spill. Never rub or scrub. Apply just a little spotting solution (mist it on, if possible) and gently blot. You may need to repeat this process two or three times before the carpet is clean. Do not over-wet the carpet.

Limit direct sunlight to your carpet

Many of you will already be aware that direct sunlight can cause fading of your carpet’s colour. This is particularly a problem for darker coloured carpets, which is why it’s often a good idea to choose a lighter carpet in rooms with large windows, or conservatories.

The easiest (and cheapest) way to tackle this problem is to ensure your curtains or blinds stay shut when the sun rays are hitting it directly – at least most of the time. It’s also possible to find ultraviolet-blocking window coatings, which can be purchased in clear so that the appearance of your windows doesn’t change.

Fluorocarbon protectors can also be purchased, which can be applied to your carpets and rugs. Just be sure to purchase a product that’s safe for your specific carpet material.

Move furniture around every now and again

Heavy furniture will, over time, cause flattening of certain parts of your carpet, which is why it’s a good idea to rearrange now and again. Even if the rearrangement is only temporary, this can go a long way. Placing ice cubes or water on the flatted areas is a good way to bring the carpets back up, due to their ability to expand as they absorb moisture.

Don’t Let Stains Sit Around

It’s hard to prevent spills entirely, but not every spill has to become a stain. Pick up anything solid and dab a towel to clean up any excess liquid right away.

Once you’ve cleaned up the initial spill, dilute it with club soda and then blot it up, remembering not to rub it. Another good cleaning solution can be made with a tablespoon of clear ammonia (not blue) in a cup of water. Fill a spray bottle with that mixture and use it for fatty stains like cheese or chocolate.

Vacuum Multiple Times

In addition to following a cleaning routine, you also need to vacuum the carpet multiple times. Cleaning the carpets can be a tiring task which is the reason why most of us roll the vacuum cleaner on the carpet just once. However, many of us are not aware of the fact that vacuuming the carpet just once is not good enough to remove the dust, dirt and allergens from the carpets. Make sure that you vacuum the carpets at least twice or thrice to thoroughly clean it and remove dust build up.

Use Club Soda & Vinegar for Stains

Your friends must have enjoyed your last night’s party, but the spills on your carpet have surely given you nightmares. Well, not anymore. Here is a trick to rid of those arrogant stains from your carpet. Blot the stains with some club soda. And if that doesn’t work, use one-part vinegar with one-part water and spray it over the stains. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then with the help of a sponge or cloth soak it up.

Use the Freezing Technique

Imagine a chewing gum getting stuck on your carpet and you have no idea to get rid of that sticky mess. Such a mess can play havoc for your carpet’s longevity. Try using an ice cube for the same. Freeze the chewing gum for approximately 30 seconds. Once the gum is hard, use a spoon to take the gum off from your carpet.

Professionally Clean.

Most carpet warranties require you to professionally clean your carpets every 18-24 months. This is the same as regularly changing the oil in your car. Maintenance is important. (Save your cleaning receipts. You’ll need them if you put in a claim under the carpet warranty.)

There are several ways to clean a carpet. Most major carpet mills want you to have their carpets cleaned using the hot water extraction method. That’s the industry’s way to say “steam cleaning”. This method removes more soil and more types of spots than other methods.

You need to know several things about hot water extraction. Like anything else, if it’s not done correctly, it can harm or even ruin the carpet. ! Look for cleaners who are Certified Carpet Cleaners. This shows that they are highly trained. They are required to clean your carpets according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

They will use chemicals that are safe for your carpet and your family. They will remove excess water so the carpet dries faster — in hours, not days. They will rinse the carpet fibers to remove residues that would otherwise attract dirt and make the carpet re-soil quickly.

What You Need To Know About Event Videographer

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Reasons You Should Hire A Video Production Agency For Your Brand Videos

If you’re looking for a great way to get your brand noticed when you’ve decided that you want to create videos either for use on social media channels or to run a commercial lot on television, you are going to want your videos to look good.

You may not know how to begin the process of creating a video but the idea of hiring someone may give you pause. Your cell phone videos are pretty good, aren’t they? Why should you hire a team to make your video for you?

If you are hemming and hawing over whether hiring a company to produce your videos is a good idea take a look at these five reasons why a professional video production  team is the best possible choice for you.

1. YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT

When you take the step to outsourcing the production of a video you essentially free up a lot of your time. Professional companies went into the business of making videos because they enjoy it, and so long as you’ve found a reputable company, they’re probably good at their job. 

There is a lot of work that goes into making videos that you’ve probably not even considered. Before anyone goes to hit record there is a lot of prep work involved. Not only does a script need to be written but also every shot, or image, needs to be figured out ahead of time to ensure that the footage is going to accomplish the task at hand.

If you decided to take on the work yourself imagine how much time you would spend getting ready for the video shoot. (Not to mention the editing process which is time-consuming all on its own.) Unless making videos is a hobby of yours you may become frustrated during the process when you begin to see how much time you’re taking away from your business and brand.

Hiring a company to do the video work for you frees you up to continue to run your business the way you want to so that the commercial will only enhance your business and won’t distract from the important aspects that you could be working on instead. Save yourself the time and hire professionals.

2. ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT

You probably already know that the videos you can take on your cell phone aren’t as good as professional equipment can capture. Even if your phone camera has a high-quality lens professional cameras are going to have the capacity to store more footage and have a steadier shot in the first place.

If you are going to make an effort to create a video for your small business don’t waste your time and money on a project that you will be embarrassed by in the end. Hiring a company that can bring their experience to your video is the solution. Home videos are great for capturing school concerts and children opening gifts.

Not only is the film quality better with professional cameras but the tripods, camera stands or equipment needed to get the shots you require will be better without worrying about a camera shaking or dropping. Professional equipment is just all around going to give the best results in standards of video quality, you cannot compete with it with everyday cameras.

3. KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD LIGHTING

Perhaps you don’t know that one of the key technical aspects of getting great film footage is having excellent lighting. Cameras don’t react to lighting the same way our human eyes do, so in order to capture similar lighting qualities on film, you have to add artificial lighting to achieve the right look.

Since lighting can set the mood or even just make your product look better you will want to hire someone with expert knowledge of good lighting and will have the necessary equipment to make it happen. Business interviews will need different lighting setups than product shots. Even outdoor shots need to be artificially lit in order to look good on camera.

Having great lighting helps the camera draw focus on the important things in the shot whatever that may be. Unless you already have lighting equipment to use already, getting the equipment could be an expense you hadn’t planned for. While you may be able to rent what you need, you may also have to purchase lights and that may not be an item you’ve budgeted for.

A professional video production agency already has the knowledge of how to light different setups to have each situation look great on camera and they already have the equipment needed to achieve these well-lit shots.

4. GREAT SOUND

Have you ever watched a movie or clip without any sound? Sound elements add a more complex emotional quality to video imagery and being able to capture the best quality sound is important to reducing background noise and getting your message across.

You may have experience listening to music through a speaker that sounds “tinny” compared to a speaker that has a higher quality sound. The better the speaker the more pure sound will come through. The same will hold true with recording the sound in the first place, the better the equipment, the better the sound. (And the easier editing will be as well.)

Professional video companies understand how to get the best sound and have everything they need to do so at their disposal. Making a video production agency the best solution for your brand’s video. They can also help you add great background music to your video if you so choose.

5. POST-PRODUCTION SPEED

After all the video has been captured, your shoot has been cleaned up and packed away you’ll be excited to get your video out there for the world to see. But the bulk of the work is just beginning since your video footage needs to be edited in order for your optimal narrative to be told.

If you aren’t well versed in video editing you may be underestimating the time it takes to properly edit the raw footage into the stunning final product. What you consider a “simple three-minute video” could translate to hours of editing time to get it just right. And that is for professionals who are trained on specific editing software and understand the footage that was taken.

Editing can be complicated because you need to be sure the images match up with the audio seamlessly. Adding in cuts, taking out those “ums” and “likes” out of conversations can be difficult without the knowledge of how to best go about editing.

Tips on Choosing a Videographer

With all the low-cost video equipment available today, it’s easy for someone to buy equipment and claim to be in the video business. Understanding your goals, planning properly, being professional, flexible and easy to work with, having done successful similar work, having satisfied clients and having the experience to solve problems during your project are traits you should look for when choosing a company for your video project.

With all the low-cost video equipment available today, it’s easy for someone to buy equipment and claim to be in the video business. Understanding your goals, planning properly, being professional, flexible and easy to work with, having done successful similar work, having satisfied clients and having the experience to solve problems during your project are traits you should look for when choosing a company for your video project.

Don’t get dazzled by a demo reel.

A lot of production companies host a demo reel on their homepage. Typically, it’s a minute-long series of clips from past projects set to music. The purpose is to prove to you that they’re an established company with a variety clients. Sounds good, right?  What demo reels don’t show you is what those finished projects really looked like. You need a video that does more than look pretty: It needs to be effective for your business and communicate the message you’re intending to send. Dig deeper into their website and find the actual videos they were hired to create. Don’t see any? It’s a red flag.

Find their most recent projects.

I’ll admit it: The company I work for — Plum Productions — doesn’t always showcase our most recent projects on our website.  Updating our website is time consuming, so we only refresh the videos every few months. Our most recent projects can be found on our Vimeo and Facebook pages, because it takes just a few clicks to upload them to those sites, and I can easily send direct links to specific videos to potential clients.

Visit a production company’s social-media sites to see what their most recent works look like. Recent projects deliver an accurate representation of the current equipment and talent they’ll bring to your shoot.

Experience

A company without experience may know how to do a certain task very well, however, if they are faced with any technical issues or changing requirements they’ve never faced and most likely aren’t equipped for, they won’t be able to cope and your project can be ruined.

Inexperienced videographers are basically using your video project as a learning experience or to be able to add something to their portfolio, and often the results can be disappointing or not exactly what you were expecting.

Understand Your Goals & Planning

If you meet or get in contact with the videographer to discuss your project, they should prioritize learning what your objectives are and be willing to learn as much about your company and the subject as possible.

The majority of a video project effort goes into the planning, known as the pre-production phase. Inexperienced video companies often don’t realize the importance of this. Without proper planning, they may shoot first and then realize that the storyline doesn’t work properly and they don’t have the footage you need. It’s never advised to shoot first, ask questions later!

Every video project is different and if you’re given a quote without discussing your details, it can lead to a product that doesn’t achieve your goals or extra costs being tacked on later.

Never ask a videographer to just show up and shoot without having a plan. If you need help developing a plan, a good video production company should be willing to help you with this.

What exactly is a freelance videographer?

In essence, a freelance videographer captures video content for various brands and clients on an ongoing or project-to-project basis. They work under a producer, alone, or as part of a small team to record footage for anything from a long-form documentary to a short music video or TV advert. They are responsible for maintaining and operating their equipment, shooting the actual footage, and usually editing the content themselves afterwards.

What types of freelance videographers are there?

The list is endless, but here are some examples of videographer types to be aware of:

  • Camera Operator – Strictly speaking, anyone operating a camera on a shoot or in the studio is given the title of videographer. Depending on the size of the production, they may also be responsible for the video’s lighting and sound work.
  • Corporate Videographer – Many videographers specialise in corporate content, which covers any kind of non-advert based video footage commissioned by a business or large corporation, e.g. training videos or shareholder updates.
  • Documentary Videographer – These video creatives shoot footage specifically for documentaries, whether for film, TV or branded content purposes.
  • ‘One Man Band’ – The ‘one man band’ videographer owns all their own shooting equipment, and will transport it themself to the shoot location. They function as a solo production crew, shooting and editing all their own footage for paid gigs such as weddings, music videos, adverts and short films.
  • Real Estate Videographer – These videographers meet with clients looking to sell their homes or are commissioned by real estate companies, filming interior and exterior shots of properties for use in digital home tour videos.
  • Travel Videographer – This specialism means essentially travelling for a living, creating promotional, educational or cultural videos for the tourism industry.
  • Video Editor – The role of a video editor often falls within or overlaps with the role of a videographer. For an in-depth definition of what this role involves

Video Editor Interview Questions

To hire a talented video editor, begin with their portfolio. Use their work samples as a conversation starter and ask questions that delve into their work process and specific technical skills. In some circumstances, employers ask candidates to edit raw video as a take home test, and schedule interviews with the most promising candidates.

If there are skills you need beyond the scope of basic video editing, be sure to address these in the interview. If you want your new  hire to shoot additional video, add motion graphics, use special equipment or work under specific conditions, be sure to address these in the interview, go ahead and add your own questions about these topics.

Interviews are also a great opportunity to learn about your candidates’ soft skills. How well do they take feedback? How comfortable are they with presenting their work to management and stakeholders? All of this is valuable information that you can use to hire the right video editor for your team.

Operational questions

Video Editing Questions

  • As a video editor, whose work do you admire? What do you like to watch in your own time?
  • How do you stay updated on the latest tools and trends?
  • Do you have any side projects you’d like to mention?
  • Who would be your ideal client to work for?
  • What video editing software have you used before?
  • Describe a time you encountered a technical challenge in your career. How did you overcome it?
  • How do you present your work at client or stakeholder meetings?
  • What would you do if your most important client hated your work?
  • How do you know when a project is a success?

Portfolio Questions

  • Which of your work samples do you consider to be your best work?
  • Where did you start on [this work sample?] What images, copy, budget, or guidelines were you given to begin?
  • How much time did it take to create this piece?
  • How do you start a project like this? How do you know when you are done?
  • Describe a time you worked with a multidisciplinary team on a complex project.

Fast & Convenient Residential Electrical Remodel

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Home Remodel

Customized Electrical Plans for Every Living Space

Remodeling your home’s electrical system requires careful planning, coordination, and expertise. electricians can work with your contractor to develop a home electrical design plan based on your specific needs. We assist with determining the scope of your electrical project and help guide you through the process with our extensive knowledge of building standards and regulations, saving you time, money, and headaches down the road. Our wiring design plan will include where to place wire routes, light fixtures, outlets, and switch boxes. 

Electrical Rewiring and Remodeling

Updating or expanding your electrical wiring is a big job. If your home is older or you’re planning a major remodel, working with a licensed electrician is essential for safety and the overall reliability and performance of your electrical system. can help rewire your home to accommodate new or higher power demands, update old or faulty wiring, or bring your electrical system up to code.

Electrical Wiring Customized for Your Home

Electrical wiring is one of the most important aspects of building a new home. A high-quality electrical system provides comfort and convenience, as well as increases the long-term value of your home. offers whole house wiring services to meet all your current or future needs. From decorative and accent lighting to luxury home entertainment systems or electric car charging stations, we conform to the highest standards of service to ensure your project is done right the first time

Dedicated Appliance Wiring for the Whole House

Let’s face it – modern appliances make our lives easy, comfortable, and convenient. But with the amount of usage by a typical American household, dedicated circuitry is essential, so your appliances can operate safely and at peak performance. offers complete appliance wiring and dedicated circuit installation services for all your needs. We’ll assess your current electrical systems and create the perfect wiring solution based on your current and future goals, timeline, and budget. Our certified electricians stay up to date on industry trends and changes so you can rest assured you’ll receive the best guidance for your project. All our work is completed in an efficient, timely manner with no leftover mess.

Your Electrical Service Panel Experts

Your electrical service panel is the central nervous system of your home. It keeps electricity flowing and systems running smoothly and efficiently. While service panels are designed to last a long time, they do need to be replaced occasionally. Using an old or outdated service panel can be dangerous and costly in the long run. master electricians can upgrade or install a new electrical panel quickly and efficiently with as little downtime as possible. We inspect and assess your current unit, then provide the best solution given your situation, timeline, and budget. Our trained professionals will have you up and running in no time.

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICE

Whether you’re looking to install something new or repair something old Remodel and Handyman can do it all. After experiencing every electrical problem imaginable, our experts know what to do to make sure all the outlets, light switches and breakers in your home function flawlessly.

Looking for residential electrical services? We specialize in:

Installing landscape lighting

Putting in ceiling fans

Snaking wires into walls

Hanging chandeliers

Mounting recessed lighting

Remodel and Handyman has the experience and skill you need to make everything in your house run smoothly. Minor electrical problems in your home might be easy to ignore, but those minor problems often transform into major problems.

electricians provide excellent customer service and attention to detail to every job we do, including:

Installing pendant lights

Remodeling recessed lighting

Troubleshooting breaker panels

Changing out switches and outlets

Placing light fixtures

Expert Remodeling & Renovation Electrical

Undertaking a remodeling project or renovating your home can be complicated when you consider the many decisions you will need to make. You may have an idea of the design you want, but what about specific issues like outlet placement, lighting, circuit breakers for new appliances, or new wiring?

Custom Solutions for Your Remodeling Electrical Needs

We love collaborating with our clients on their remodels and renovations to meet their design needs, no matter how specific. For example, you may be renovating your kitchen and would like to add under-cabinet lights, recessed lights in the ceiling and pendant lights over the island. You may be remodeling your master bathroom and are interested in putting in an outlet in your cabinet so you do not have to constantly put your hair dryer or electric razor away. You may have small children and would like to make sure your new outlets will not endanger them in any way. Convenience, design, and safety can all be addressed with our residential electrical services. We can work as closely with you as you desire to ensure every aspect of your electrical system meets your needs and is done right the first time.

remodeling & renovation electrical services include:

Kitchen remodels

Bathroom remodels

Lighting upgrades

Landscape electrical wiring and lighting

Home additions

Home theater conversions

Outdoor kitchens or other entertaining spaces

All other remodels, renovations and upgrades

Electrical Remodeling

One of the first things you need to consider when you are planning a home renovation is the existing electrical system in place. Is the condition of the existing electrical wiring and the capacity (in amps) of the system up to code? Along with plumbing and heating and cooling systems, updating the electrical system in a house will be one of the most expensive remodeling tasks.

Electrical Remodeling Contractor Provides

Electrical Remodeling

Electrical Home Repair

Electrical Remodel

Electric Service Upgrade

Residential Remodel

Electrical Services

Electrical Service

Electrical Service Wiring

Electrical Wiring

Electrical Service Upgrade

Electrical Home Improvement

Home Remodeling

take pride in every project we begin. This pride shows in our finished projects with professional quality each and every time. Our professionals have years of experience in the electrical remodeling field. This experience allows us to complete our projects on time and with unmatched quality.

ELECTRICAL REMODELING

FAST & CONVENIENT ELECTRICAL REMODELING

Looking to spruce up your home with a new look and need the electricity to be up to par? You’ve come to the right place! Our electrician experts know exactly what it takes to come up with the remodel plan that you need for smooth-running home. Our remodeling skills and results will leave you with no worries, no stress, and no regrets

understand that struggle of waiting for a remodel. That is why we will work quickly, allowing you to continue to live your life, rather than waiting an extensive period of time for your remodeled home or facility.

professional licensed electricians and estimators will let you know exactly what needs to be done for your remodeling project and will give you the best service possible. We provide nothing but the finest when it comes to remodeling and renovating.

Your electrical system in your home or other property is important and we will make sure that it is up to par for your specific needs.

want your remodeling process to be a good experience and we will work with you to come up with the best solutions for your new remodeled space with affordable prices and excellent results

Tips On Finding A Top Personal Injury Lawyer

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Things to Know Before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a work-related injury or you were the victim of malpractice, you shouldn’t handle the recovery on your own. Hiring a Sarasota personal injury lawyer allows you to receive the counsel and protection that you need. Before you hire a personal injury attorney, here are a few things that you should know.

  • Most initial consultations are free. It doesn’t matter if you were bitten by a dog or were involved in a car accident, you deserve proper representation. For this reason, most attorneys provide a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. Based on your discussion, your attorney can tell you whether or not you have a viable case.
  • Choosing an experienced attorney is important. There are plenty of attorneys out there who are willing to take on your case. Before retaining the expertise of a lawyer, it’s important to verify that they specialize in personal injury cases. This increases your chances of winning your suit.
  • Beware of ambulance chasers. If you’ve been injured, it’s important to hire an attorney to handle your case. However, if you find that attorneys are contacting you to represent your suit, beware. Ambulance chasing is illegal in most states. Instead of hiring the first attorney that comes knocking, speak with friends and family members about practitioners that they have hired.
  • A trial isn’t always necessary. If your injury was caused due to the negligence of someone else, your case could be settled outside of the courtroom. While a trial isn’t always necessary to settle your suit, it’s still important to hire an attorney to file the necessary paperwork, deal with the insurance companies, and act as a liaison between you and the guilty party.

What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney?

Knowledge of the Law

A personal injury attorney has a deep understanding of personal injury law. They can be able to decipher what accident laws pertain to your particular case and calculate how much compensation you are entitled to.

Handling Negotiations on Your Behalf

Many personal injury cases are resolved outside of court. In such a case, your injury attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance companies and ensure that you get fair compensation. The lawyer knows the insurance laws that may impact an accident case. They can interpret the provisions of an insurance policy’s language that apply to coverage, exclusions and limitations. Note that insurance companies will often automatically lower their settlement offer to plaintiffs who don’t have an attorney representing them.

Representation in Court

Although the law allows accident victims to represent themselves in court, it’s imperative to enlist the services of an attorney. A lawyer is conversant with the various court rules and procedures and will ensure that they are followed to prevent the case from getting dismissed. In court, the lawyer will present all the available evidence and use their tricks and tactics to fight for the rights of their client. They will answer any questions on your behalf and keep you updated on the court proceedings. All this will help you to increase the odds of getting the rightful compensation.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Should Limit Specialization

Personal injury lawyers focus their attention on cases that involve the negligent or reckless acts of others. As such, hiring a lawyer who focuses on family law and dabbles in personal injury law, will not likely lead to a client getting the best bang for his or her buck.

Furthermore, personal injury lawyers often focus on a very limited aspect of personal injuries. When a personal injury lawyer focuses on a niche in the law, his or her knowledge and experience is often much more extensive than someone who works all kinds of personal injury cases. Therefore, a personal injury lawyer who has more experience in truck accident cases is likely more qualified than a person who focuses on medical malpractice cases and vice versa.

Avoid Ambulance Chasers

Avoid lawyers who solicit clients after they have been involved in an accident. Many jurisdictions specifically ban this practice, and conscientious lawyers will not try to take advantage of someone who just went through a serious ordeal.

Try an Initial Consultation

Before agreeing to sign up for a particular lawyer’s services, go through an initial consultation with the prospective lawyer. This service is often free from personal injury lawyers. Even if it is not, it is well worth the money to interview and assess whether a particular lawyer will be a good fit with you.

Questions you should ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer

When you’re faced with the dilemma of having to file a personal injury case, this can be filled with so much stress and anxiety. There’s no other way to put it. Whatever the case is, it’s a big turning point in your life. This fact means that the act of filing a personal injury case also shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The person who can be your best friend during such an important yet challenging phase is your lawyer. Because they have experience in the field of personal injury, these lawyers know the ins and outs of the law, as well as the things you should and shouldn’t do. But, the success of your personal injury case is also dependent on your choice of personal injury lawyer.

To help you along this line, here’s a list of questions that you should ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring their services:

What Are Your Fees?

When you’re presented with a wide variety of options, one of the most important considerations for you to make has to do with the fees. Most people think that hiring a lawyer is going to be expensive. Indeed, this can be true for some. So, as you filter out your options for potential personal injury lawyers, ask about the fees first and foremost. That way, you have an early determination as to whether or not the lawyer fits your budget.

The good news with personal injury lawyers, however, is that most charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay a fee until you recover a sum of money as your settlement, which is a compensation owed to you by the other party. When there are monetary rewards to you, the lawyer recovers a percentage of this amount as their contingency fee.

Have You Handled Personal Injury Cases Related To Mine?

Even when you’re dealing with a specialized personal injury lawyer, it’s also worth asking whether or not they’ve handled personal injury cases with the same circumstances as yours. Asking this question can give you an overall idea of whether or not the lawyer is equipped with the right skills to settle your case.

As you ask this question, do take it a step further by asking what the outcome of the cases were. If it isn’t favorable, then, perhaps, that can be considered as a red flag, and the best thing for you to do then is to look for another lawyer instead.

How Much Time Can You Devote To My Case?

Especially for personal injury lawyers in your locality who are known to have a heavy caseload, you’ve also got to ask how much time they can devote to your case. That way, you know whether or not proper attention can be given. Some lawyers tackle too many cases at once that they’re having a difficult time focusing on one client. Some may even assign your case to an associate in the firm or team. When you’re particular about this certain lawyer handling your case, then you have to make this request clear beforehand, as well.

How often will I receive updates about the status of my case?

The attorney should be able to tell you how their office handles a case from start to finish. They should be able to explain to you the life-cycle of a case and who will be working on your case during the different stages.

Do I have any responsibilities while you work on my case?

Beside keeping your doctor’s appointments and following their instructions with regard to your treatment, you should be doing very little work for your own case. You hire a a law firm to work for you, not the other way around, so if an attorney gives you a long to-do list, be suspicious.

Do you work with experts and professionals that can strengthen my case?

Personal injury cases that involve traumatic injuries will sometimes require expert testimony from professionals in a variety of fields, including medicine, accident reconstruction, economic analysis, etc. The law firm you select should have successful working relationships with experts of all types.

Removing Lime Scale With Commercial Water Testing

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Well Water Testing and Inspection Course

Well Water Testing and Inspection Course is an online training program we have developed to teach home inspectors the health, safety, and welfare issues surrounding Well Water Testing as part of the home inspection process. Home inspectors who complete this course will learn how to perform well water testing, details surrounding Well Water Testing procedures, and what to do if you detect the presence of bacteria or pollutants while performing your well water testing as part of a home inspection.

For the most part Well Water Testing falls outside of the standards of practice for common home inspection. That said, you will have home inspection clients from time to time who will ask questions about the water quality and the condition of their well during a home inspection. As a home inspector you will want to be able to provide answers to those questions. Below you’ll find a sample of our Well Water Testing and Inspection course.

who complete our Well Water Testing and Inspection course will be able to automatically print the certificate of completion after passing the included exams. The Well Water Testing and Inspection Course is included free of charge for students who enroll in our online home inspection course or any of our classroom home inspection training courses.

Home Inspection

The most popular service we offer, a general home inspection is a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the visible and accessible major elements of the home, performed in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Inspection time is usually 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Attending the inspection is a great visual and hands on learning experience for first time and veteran buyers. Clients receive a combination checklist and narrative report at the conclusion of the inspection.

Individual Element Inspection

Occasionally, a lender may require a single element be evaluated prior to closing. We can provide quick service to inspect a roof, foundation, electrical panel, etc. and fax or e-mail to the client, agent or lender to expedite the transaction.

EIFS Inspection

The best way to get an unbiased, accurate evaluation of the EIFS cladding on your home is to have a qualified third party inspector test for moisture in the substrate behind the cladding. Wells has been certified by the Exterior Design Institute and Moisture Warranty Corporation to perform EIFS inspections according to protocol they developed to evaluate the condition and performance of the cladding

Radon Testing

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that radon causes between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. The Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation Committee concludes that after smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S.

Well Inspection

In conjunction with a general inspection, we can provide a cursory evaluation of the private water system on-site. This includes drawing a measured volume of water to check flow rate and cycle time of well pump, if applicable. A visual inspection is made of well casing, pressure tank and accessible equipment.

Water Potability Testing

Potability testing is a checking for the presence of the most common bacteria found in private water sources (Coliform, E-coli, & Fecal coliform). A water sample from the subject property is delivered to EPA approved lab for analysis. Results are generally available from lab in 24 to 48 hours and are forwarded to client immediately upon receipt.

Water Testing

When buying or selling a home, water quality testing is an essential part of health and safety inspections. The findings of a water testing inspection could make or break a successful sale. If it is determined that the water is not potable, the home’s entire plumbing system could need to be replaced, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

During a water testing inspection, members of the Inspect-It 1st team will use a water quality test to measure the following:

Acidity levels

Chlorine levels

Water Hardness

Iron

Copper

Nitrates & nitrites

Water Testing

Home water testing basics

Water is one of our earth’s most valuable natural resources and the United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world. But water quality and treatment varies depending upon location. We often take for granted that the water coming out of the kitchen faucet is clean and safe to drink

Where does water come from?

Water can be found in lakes, rivers or reservoirs and lots of other places like mountain springs for example. Aquifers are one of the earth’s most precious natural resources and the water in them is often referred to simply as groundwater.  These aquifers can be thought of as enormous underground lakes, or porous deposits of gravel or sediment containing the ground water.

The water flows through the permeable layers and people extract the water using a variety of methods such as the private water wells and cisterns that supply homes in rural areas where access to a public water supply does not exist.  The supply of water to a private home can be supplied from lots of different sources. The geographic areas where aquifers are located can be very large, in fact, as large as hundreds of miles and can stretch across state lines.

It’s easy to say, oh no, it’s raining but remember, precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail for example acts to replenish the supply of water in the aquifers.  The supply of water available is always important for home dwellers.  A water shortage can result when the rate of water usage exceeds the amount of precipitation that is capable of replenishing the water supply which is why you may see in certain areas of your own state, signs that say: “water your grass on odd days if your address is an odd number; water your grass on even days if your address is even.”

What is the difference between well water and a public water supplier?

Public water suppliers are regulated by organizations such as the EPA and DEP and state agencies.  On the other hand a private well is just one of several methods home owners may utilize to supply a home with water.  Private well water is not regulated. Therefore the maintenance and protection of the well is the sole responsibility of the home owner.  Home owners may want to consider having their private well tested on an annual basis which for most folks can simply be a matter of adding this activity to the usual basic home maintenance items.  It’s probably a good idea to be aware of any current activities in your local area that may affect your water quality and quantity as well.

Well Water Testing

Private Well Users

Well Water Users should test their water regularly to ensure clean quality water. If you are purchasing a home or if your water quality hasn’t been tested for a while,  we recommend that you schedule a well water quality test right away. All Private Well Users, at the minimum,  should check for Coliform Bacteria every year, and every other year for Nitrates. All Well Water Testing  lab results are emailed, normally within 2-3 business days.

Real Estate Transactions

Well Water testing as a requirement for real estate loan processing is becoming more common. In the real estate market, we understand that time is money.  Real Estate transactions including the loans, whether conventional, FHA or VA require testing of well water as a condition of the mortgage. State certified lab Results will be available in 2-3 days depending on testing requirements.  Get peace of mind about the water safety in your new home.

Which Test is Required for Loan processing?

Q:Which water tests are required for a Conventional Loan?

A: The water test requirement is at the home loan provider’s discretion. In most cases it is at least Coliform Bacteria and Nitrates.

Q: Which water tests are required for HUD, FHA, VA and Rural Development home loans?

A: Coliform Bacteria, E-Coli, Nitrites, Nitrates, Lead and Arsenic.

Pricing

Conventional Loans

Cost for this test is $125.00 when bundled together with a home inspection or $150.00 as an individual water test, which includes trip charges.

FHA/VA

FHA/VA requirements require lead and Arsenic to also be tested. The cost for this test is $200.00 when bundled together with home Inspection, or $225.00 as an individual water test, which includes trip charges.

Global Accountant Alliance

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Accounting Transactions

What are Accounting Transactions?

Accounting transactions refer to any business activity that results in a direct effect on the financial status and financial statements of the business. Such transactions come in many forms, including:

  • Sales in cash and credit to customers
  • Receipt of cash from a customer by sending an invoice
  • Purchase of fixed assets and movable assets
  • Borrowing funds from a creditor
  • Paying off borrowed funds from a creditor
  • Payment of cash to a supplier from a sent invoice

It is imperative to remember that every transaction should show the balance between the assets and the liabilities, or the debit and the credit, such that a receipt of cash from a customer equals an increase in revenue or that a purchase from a supplier equals an increase in expenses and a decrease in cash.

Types Of Accounting Transactions Based On Institutional Relationship

The types of accounting transactions may be based on various points of view. The first one that we will discuss is the types of accounting transactions according to institutional relationships, namely external and internal transactions.

1. External transactions

These involve the trading of goods and services with money. Therefore, it can be said that any transaction that is entered into by two persons or two organizations with one buying and the other one selling is considered an external transaction. It is also called a business transaction.

Example: If Company A buys raw materials for its production from Company B, then this is called an external transaction.

2. Internal transactions

They don’t involve any sales but rather other processes within the organization. This may include computing the salary of the employees and estimating the depreciation value of a certain asset.

Types of Accounting Transactions based on the Exchange of Cash

Based on the exchange of cash, there are three types of accounting transactions, namely cash transactions, non-cash transactions, and credit transactions.

1. Cash transactions

They are the most common forms of transactions, which refer to those that are dealt with cash. For example, if a company purchases office supplies and pays for them with cash, a debit card, or a check, then that is a cash transaction.

2. Non-cash transactions

They are unrelated to transactions that specify if cash’s been paid or if it will be paid in the future. For example, if Company A purchases a machine from Company B and sees that it is defective, returning it will not entail any cash spent, so it falls under non-cash transactions. In other words, transactions that are not cash or credit are non-cash transactions.

3. Credit transactions

They are deferred cash transactions because payment is promised and completed at a future date. Companies often extend credit terms for payment, such as 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days, depending on the product or service being sold or industry norms.

Types of Accounting Transactions based on Objective

There are two types of accounting transactions based on objective, namely business or non-business.

1. Business transactions

These are everyday transactions that keep the business running, such as sales and purchases, rent for office space, advertisements, and other expenses.

2. Non-business transactions

These are transactions that don’t involve a sale or purchase but may involve donations and social responsibility.

3. Personal transactions

Personal transactions are those that are performed for personal purposes such as birthday expenditures.

What Are the Different Types of Accountants?

Despite what many believe, an accounting career can involve far more diverse work than adding piles of receipts or dealing with tax returns all day. If filling out tax forms doesn’t appeal to you, we have some great news: the world of accounting has expanded—pursuing a future as an accountant doesn’t mean you’ll do nothing but calculate people’s deductions every year (although managing tax returns is still a very important role for most accountant positions). This profession continues to grow, and it provides interested individuals the opportunity to work in exciting industries, each with its own earning potential.

Staff Accountant

A staff accountant is a great option for anyone who has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and who wants a variety of work. Staff accountants generally report to a CPA, creating financial reports and analyzing financial data. Depending on the size of the organization, a staff accountant may also be tasked with both accounts payable and accounts receivable management, creating a budget, and reconciling bank accounts. Generally, staff accountants also work to ensure that the organization is compliant with financial regulations that affect their particular industry. As a staff accountant gets more experience in an industry, they may also be called on to create financial forecasts.

Certified Public Accountant

Although certified public accountants (CPAs) are best known for their work on both federal and state taxes, they manage much more than that. In many industries, a CPA may be hired to manage the organization’s staff accountants. Because a CPA has an extensive, focused education that required the passage of specialized exams, they’re often treated as an organization’s financial advisor. They may also oversee audits or reviews. CPAs may also specialize in certain fields, such as forensic accounting.

Investment Accountant

Another excellent accounting career option outside of the tax realm is that of an investment accountant. An investment accountant works in the financial industry, usually with an investment brokerage or asset management firm. In addition to knowing the basics of accounting (including how certain assets and investments may impact a client’s taxes), they must also be knowledgeable about the investment opportunities that the organization offers. It is often the responsibility of the investment accountant to ensure that the organization is in compliance with state and federal regulations that impact the industry. They may also help the organization improve its financial strategy.

Individuals interested in becoming an investment accountant would benefit from taking economics, financial management, financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, corporate accounting, and taxation. It’s also important to review the requirements in the state where they wish to work to learn whether they will need a specific license because they are working with or for an investment company.

Project Accountants

Project accountants are hired to work on specific projects. Depending on the organization for which they are hired, they may be a long-term employee or a contractor brought in specifically to manage one specific objective. Of course, a great working relationship for a single project could also result in both repeat work and referrals. Project accountants oversee anything that might be involved with the effort. This includes, but may not be limited to, preparing invoices, collecting on invoices, approving expenses, approving billable hours provided by others, planning and maintaining project budgets, and helping ensure that the project is completed by the deadline.

Cost Accountant

A cost accountant is similar to a project accountant in that their goal is to help ensure that cost efficiency is met. However, a cost accountant isn’t usually hired on a per-project basis, but rather by organizations that require assistance in managing their supply chain profitability and their budgets. Cost accountants analyze labor costs, the cost of materials, the costs associated with shipping, production costs, and other costs related to the supply chain. The purpose of their efforts is to identify areas that can be made more efficient.

Individuals interested in becoming a cost accountant would benefit from taking cost accounting, auditing, corporate accounting, risk management, supply chain management, and managerial accounting.

Management Accountant

A management accountant analyzes the financial standing of an organization and how it could impact the company. The management account may also then provide specific advice on how to improve the organization’s financial health. Management accountants are directly involving in budgeting, external financial reporting, risk management, and performing profitability analyses. It is also important for a management accountant to have the interpersonal and professional skills required to present their information to executives in a manner that is easily understandable.

Individuals interested in becoming a management accountant should study risk management, managerial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, corporate finance, taxation, and interpersonal communications. After completing a bachelor’s degree, individuals must then take and pass the certified management accountant (CMA) exam.

Forensic accounting is a special area of practice in accountancy where accounting, auditing, and investigative skills are used to assist the court in legal matters.  Forensic accountants are also known as forensic auditors or investigative auditors.  They investigate white-collar crimes including issues like securities fraud, embezzlement and bankruptcies.

Accounting consultants are persons with high subject matter expertise in preparing financial reports, pro-forma financial statements and reports.  They also analyze, interpret and evaluate financial statements and reports for various regulatory and statutory authorities and internal management of organizations.  Accounting consultants can help a business with all of its financial needs.

Auditor

Auditors ensure that organizations are correctly recording their financial information. Many industries require that organizations operating within them perform at least one external audit, conducted by someone who is not an employee, each year. Auditors review financial statements, account books, accounting systems, and fiscal records to ensure that the business is complying with all applicable financial regulations. They also generally provide recommendations to the organization if there are issues that must be resolved or recommendations to help prevent future issues.

Individuals interested in becoming an auditor would want to take courses in auditing, risk management, forensic accounting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, and corporate accounting. They may also wish to seek certification as an auditor after completing their degree program.

Financial Advisor

Individuals looking to do something different with their accounting degree may find a fulfilling and successful career as a financial advisor. Financial advisors provide investment and financial-planning services to individuals as well as to businesses. The goal of a financial advisor is that of a CPA: their goal is to improve their client’s financial standing. Financial advisors talk with their clients, create plans that assists clients in meeting their financial goals, and follows up with them over time to adjust plans as needed. Financial advisors who work for businesses will look at the company’s financial statements and other information to determine how best to improve the company’s financial standing.

Individuals interested in becoming a financial advisor would want to study risk management, taxation, supply chain management, financial management, corporate finance, and managerial accounting. They may also be required to obtain specific licenses to work as a financial advisor.

Financial Consultant

A financial consultant is an individual who is skilled in finance and who can help individuals or organizations make sound financial decisions. A financial consultant may be self-employed, be hired by a particular organization because of their skill set, or work for a company that provides financial consulting. They may prepare and review financial reports, analyze financial statements, and help ensure compliance with regulations where necessary.

Taxation, risk management, supply chain management, cost management, managerial accounting, and auditing are courses useful to future financial consultants.

Upholstery Cleaning And Care

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A Guide to Cleaning Upholstery: When Should You Call a Professional?

Whether it takes two days or two years, at some point someone in your family will spill something on your new sofa or armchair. When this happens, you should have some idea of the best way to treat a stain and also know when it’s the right time to call a professional.

At-Home Tips for Cleaning Upholstery

To keep your upholstered furniture looking new, remove dust regularly using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment. Do not wait until you see dust on the fabric, but rather, try to keep up a regular cleaning schedule. Should spills occur, blot the stain, but avoid rubbing it further into the fabric.

Crack the Code

Upholstered fabrics vary widely in types of fiber and resiliency, so be sure to read the care and use instructions on the tag before applying any soap or solution. No matter which code is listed on the furniture tag, always test any cleaning solutions on a hidden area of your furniture before using it on a visible stain. Most manufacturers use a voluntary coding system to inform consumers about the recommended cleaning methods of individual fabrics

Check your furniture for a tag with a code indicating the best way to clean. “W” means you can spot-clean the fabric with water or a water-based detergent such as mild dishwashing liquid. “S” means a water-free solvent must be used to clean stains. “SW” means you can try either water or solvents. “X” means the fabric should only be vacuumed. If this type of fabric is stained, you will need to consult a professional for assistance.

The technicians will properly measure the amount of liquid cleaning solution needed and prevent accidental overwetting of your furniture that could result in permanent damage. Lastly, professional cleaning systems will clean away odor-causing residue on your furniture rather than masking musty smells with scented cleaning formulas.

Best Upholstery Cleaner Machines & Sprays

Do you need to clean your home furniture? Do you want to find the natural and best upholstery cleaner machine or spray that would make the fabric covered seats look like new?

Then this is the right place! A professional upholstery cleaner refreshes and cleans your furniture, bringing new life to your living space.

Before you invest in a couch cleaning machine, you all want to keep in mind exceptional circumstances. Upholstery cleaner restores manufacturer-applied stain guard that breaks down and fades over time. It repels most stains, allowing a window of opportunity for you to soak up the spill on your own before it adheres to the furniture fiber.

An upholstery cleaner cleans the entire piece of furniture, on spot treatments to remove pet, food, drink, or oil and grease stains. Whether you have kids or pets, frequently host friends and family, or are at home a lot, you know your upholstered furniture is getting a workout. Diseases like coronavirus, dust, pollen, germs, food crumbs, stains, and blemishes can’t be avoided.

Do you want the best of the best? Are you looking for easy cleaning with sustainable power?

The Spot Clean Pro is the most powerful spot and stain cleaner. Combines superior suction, scrubbing action, and professional cleaning solution to remove stubborn pet stains, embedded dirt, and more. It provides a deep clean that leaves you with professional-style results.

This carpet and upholstery best spot cleaner was designed with a large-capacity tank that holds a gallon of cleaning solution, so you can clean more area without having to refill the tank as often. SpotClean Pro also comes with a 5-foot hose and 22-foot power cord. Just like a professional carpet cleaner can, SpotClean Pro removes stains like wine, tea, coffee, mud, and blood.

Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Machines

Keeping a house clean requires every part of the house to stay clean. If you have a carpet, it will get dirty at some point and alter your house-cleaning objectives. To achieve your cleanliness goals, you will need to consider the carpet cleaning options around you. A portable carpet spot cleaner will surely form one of the cleaning options.

Best Portable Carpet Cleaner

This portable carpet purifier gives you a professional clean in a compact package. The SpotClean refreshes upholstery, stairs, and, of course, carpet in the main room. The five-flex hose on this machine lets you get tough spots that refuse to be removed with standard vacuuming, and the 6-stair tool makes it that much easier to clear dust and debris on the family’s staircase.

Best Upholstery Cleaning Machine

Thousands of ordinary consumers and professionals in the cleaning industry seek after products and for a good reason. This portable spot cleaner has two times the suction power to rid your carpet of the toughest stains. The motorized brush on this machine lets you pay particular attention to blemishes, and the retractable handle makes the more convenient to use.

Step into the new millennium with the Hoover portable cleaner. This machine specializes in attacking stubborn spots on upholstery and carpet. Just spray and employ the device to scrub and suction stains away. The Hoover carpet cleaner does all of the work so that you can move on to more desirable tasks around the house.

SpotBot is a deep cleaning system that includes a 2-year warranty and a host of accessories. This portable machine can store up to 30 ounces of dirty water, which lets you completely clean a medium-sized area rug before having to pour out waste. A 15-inch power cord also lets you do more by eliminating the need to switch outlets every time you decide to cover a new area of the house

A Guide to Cleaning Car Upholstery

When you speak of fabric car upholstery, it is a fact that it serves for an undeniably beautiful inside view of your car. However,remember that it is extremely easy for fabric car upholstery to tarnish . Regardless of whether it is a stain from your morning coffee or a crayon stain, your fabric car upholstery needs care, with vigilance, if the inside of your car is to continuously give a spotless view.

However, there can be such times when you end up spoiling your upholstery, regardless of all of the care and precautions you might exercise. Bearing that in mind, here are some of the methods that you can use as a guide to cleaning car upholstery in the best possible way

Use a Vacuum Cleaner

The first thing that you need to do, before getting up close and personal with your seats, is to use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of all kinds of dirt, dust and debris inside your car. The vacuum is supposed to not only be used on the seats but on the rest of the car’s interior as well.

The Cleaning Job

Once you are done with your cleaning round with the vacuum cleaner. It is time for you to get to work on really cleaning car upholstery. For this purpose, you will need to fill one bucket with hot water and one bucket with cold water. The cleaning job takes place mainly with hot water. While the cold water gives the finishing touch. Add a scoop of laundry detergent into your bucket of hot water. This solution serves as the upholstery cleaner for your car.

Take a sponge or rag and dip it into the solution that you have just made. It is advisable for you to use a sponge, since it will not only make the job more effective, but quicker as well. With the sponge, you scrub each and every individual seat thoroughly. So that all of the stains plaguing your seats are taken care of.

The Tough Stains

When you are speaking of cleaning car upholstery, especially the kind that of fabric. Note that there are certain stains that you will be unable to get rid of. What this means is that you will need to make use of the various cleaning products that are available in the market, precisely for this purpose.

How to Identify Cleaning Codes on Furniture and Upholstery

Ever wonder what all those symbols on fabric and upholstery tags mean? When you have to remove stains or routine-clean your upholstery, fabric cleaning codes provide valuable advice. However, not everyone is well versed in laundry hieroglyphics

Where to Find Fabric Care Symbols

Look for the tags on your furniture or upholstery. You may have to undo a few zippers or buttons to find them, or they may be crinkled in small creases or underneath the furniture. Don’t assume your couch or chair only has one tag – sometime the seat cushions, back cushions and pillows have different instructions.

Deciphering Fabric & Upholstery Cleaning Codes

“W” – Use a water-based cleaner on the fabric or upholstery. You may also use an upholstery fabric steam cleaner to remove dirt and stains. This symbol does not mean the fabric is washing-machine safe.

“S” – The fabric or upholstery is dry-clean only. It is safe to spot-clean the fabric with cleaning solvents to avoid stains and dirt buildup.

“S/W” – Water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe for spot-cleaning stains. For a deeper clean, have the fabric professionally dry-cleaned.

“WASH” – Wash the fabric in the washing machine, in cold water and on a delicate setting. Air-dry or tumble dry on a low heat setting.

“X” – The item can only be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner

In-House Dry Cleaning

You won’t have to remove the covers, drop them off at the dry-cleaners or arrange to pick them up. Our experts will arrive at your home or business with all the equipment and expertise to clean your upholstery and fabrics. We can even professionally steam clean water-safe fabrics for a deep clean you won’t find anywhere else.

Become A Veterinarian

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Essential Questions To Ask When Choosing A New Vet Clinic

Are you thinking about getting a new pet for your family? Do you perhaps already have a pet and are either about to move or have just moved to a new area? Regardless of exactly why you need one, finding a new veterinarian can seem overwhelming at first. In a single area, there may be dozens of vet practices. So picking the right one can feel like trying to guess the winning lottery numbers. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that difficult. By having a list of questions ready to ask, you can determine whether or not a particular clinic is actually the right one for you and your pet. Some of the first questions you should be asking include:

  • What type of animals do you see? If you have a pet that is not a cat or a dog, it’s essential to ask this question up front. In many instances, a vet clinic will refuse to take in so-called exotic animals that include rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, lizards, and so on. Even if you have an ordinary cat or dog, some clinics will specialize in one or the other. It won’t do anyone any good if you take your pet to a clinic and it turns out that it is an animal that they are unable to treat.
  • What services do you provide? In some instances, a vet clinic may only do spays/neuters and vaccinations. If you need anything else, you’d have to find another clinic that provides more services. If all you need is a spay/neuter or vaccinations right now, that’s fine. But you should also find a clinic that can see your pet if it’s actually sick and in need of some kind of medical assistance. This way, you won’t have to spend more time searching when your pet needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
  • Do you have any sort of payment plans? Depending on what services are provided, a vet clinic may only take payment up front for services rendered. You may be able to put the treatment on a credit card, but there are many people who can’t or who don’t want to get a credit card for any reason. For these people, some clinics will allow you to make payments over a number of months. They’ll generally expect you to pay something now as a down payment with the rest due depending on whatever terms the clinic has for owners. Not all clinics do this, and some that do don’t advertise so the best way to find out whether or not this is possible is to ask.

Questions You Need To Ask Your Vet

It can be a bit intimidating when going to the vet with your beloved pet. They are the expert, so how do you know what to ask or what to expect from them in return?

When it comes down to it, they are animal lovers just like you. The care about your pet and will want to provide you with the best resources for their health. Below are some of the most important questions and topics you should broach with your vet.

What services does the practice provide?

This is an important concept to go over when visiting a new vet practice. You need to make sure that the practice will be able to cater to your specific needs and provide the best care for your fur baby. Most practices will offer tours of the practice so you can see what goes on behind the scenes.

They will let you know the extent of the surgeries they will be able to provide and when it would be necessary to seek an outside specialist.

What do you do in case of an emergency with your pet?

Most practices are not open 24-hours, seven days a week. So what do you do if an injury or illness springs up on a Sunday night? Your vet should be able to give you a list of recommended emergency animal clinics in the area. If an emergency does occur and you need to seek outside treatment. It is important to keep your primary vet updated on the situation. They may be able to transfer your pet back into their care once normal business hours resume.

What policies and procedures are upheld by the clinic?

It is important to know all the policies and procedures that a clinic enforces. This helps to ensure that there are no surprises. Almost always, payment is due at the time of service. The clinic staff should review this with you on your first visit and should be able to provide an estimate of services before they are provided if special treatment is required.

How much should your pet weigh?

Healthy weight is just as important for pets as it is for us. So many pet owners are in the habit of rewarding their pets treats throughout the day and overfeeding them. Being overweight can greatly effect their health. Obesity can cause joint problems among other serious illnesses. You vet should be able to guide you on what your pet’s optimal weight is and the best way to reach it. This may require switching up foods and increasing their exercise. PetMD reviews the risks of obesity and what you can do to prevent it.

How important is dental care in pets?

Dental health is definitely something that needs to be more encouraged. Good dental health can help prevent other serious illnesses such as heart disease. Your vet will be able to provide you with a timeline on when your pet will need cleanings, what you can do at home for preventative care, and if any concerns are present. Some animals will be more susceptible to periodontal disease and may require extractions in the future. Preventative methods are a great way to help you avoid extravagant dental costs and will keep your pet’s breath nice and fresh! The AVMA provides more information on what to look for regarding dental problems and also provides a great video instructing on how to clean your pet’s teeth.

What testing is required for your pet?

At certain stages of your pets life they will need various testing beyond the general vaccines and parasite testing. It is important that your pet gets their yearly vaccines along with being tested for parasites such as heart worms, hookworms, roundworms, etc.

However, as your pet ages it becomes necessary for occasional blood tests just to make sure they are in good health and there are no underlying conditions to worry about. PetMD provides a great guide to further explain the necessity of blood testing.

How often should your pet be visiting the vet?

How frequently your pet should visit the vet will depend on their age and any conditions they may have. Yearly checkups are key for good health. If your pet is overweight, your vet may suggest coming in for weight checks.

There are other conditions that may require additional blood tests for maintenance of the condition. VCA is a great source and reviews the importance of wellness exams and what exactly your vet will be looking for and why.

Is pet insurance right for you?

There is no doubt that vet expenses can escalate quickly. Your vet should be able to offer you options for pet insurance and review the benefits with you.

This can help to make maintenance expenses more affordable and if unforeseen issues arise, insurance can help tremendously. PetMD provides the expanded benefits of investing in pet insurance.

Why are vaccines and parasite prevention important?

It is hard to have concern for things that you do not see. When it comes to parasite infestations and diseases it usually gets to the point of being a serious matter by the time an owner notices.

This is why getting annual tests, vaccines, and keeping up with parasite prevention is so important. It is not worth going through the stress and heartache later and it will keep your pet in optimal health.

Many of the vaccinations are for diseases that are contagious. American Humane reviews the essential and optional vaccines available for your pet and what they are preventing.

Does your pet need behavior training?

Often times when you adopt a pet, especially with a puppy, they have some bad habits they bring along with them. It may be necessary to bring in additional help in order to remedy these behavioral problems.

Your vet will be able to review with you what problems need corrected and should have recommendations on training and even tips. The ASPCA provides a great guide on picking out the right trainer for your pet’s needs.

Prepare Yourself Before Visiting Your Vet

Being a pet owner is a true commitment. Your vet is there to guide you through it and it is important that you build a bond with them and feel like you can trust them.

These vet questions provide a general guide on some of the topics you should review with your vet to get your pet to be at their best and live and long and healthy life. Never be afraid to keep asking questions.

They want you to be knowledgeable and confident with your pet’s health.

How To Control And Prevent Possums

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How To Get Rid Of Opossums

Marsupials are truly unique animal species and people usually find them very adorable. The most popular representatives of the family – the kangaroo and the koala – have long been an object of amazement and admiration throughout the world. However, the only marsupial native

These nocturnal scavengers are omnivorous and often find shelter in human-made structures. They usually live under a shed, a porch, or in an attic, and they are known to forage in trash bins for food and to steal pet food left outside. The small marsupials are not very aggressive, nor are they particularly dangerous, but they can cause real havoc and spread contagious diseases

that have ventured onto your property as soon as possible is an urgent matter because they leave large droppings all over the place they inhabit and carry a very strong odor. If you decide to just leave the little intruders alone, they will not go away but will take up permanent residence in your attic and will raise young ones there, causing significant damage in the meantime.

Is Opossum Control Possible?

Without a doubt, keeping opossums away will save you from a lot of trouble. There are several simple precautionary measures you can take to block their access to your home but mind the fact that opossums are resourceful animals, especially when it comes to food and safety. They are well-known for “playing possum” – feigning death when encountered with serious danger

Keep your yard perfectly clean – possums don’t find clean and tidy areas attractive, so you have a chance to discourage them from entering in the first place;

Take pet food inside – needless to say, tasty treats provoke much interest in various critters and opossums make no exception;

Possums in your rental: Responsibility and treatment

If you’ve ever had a possum living above your ceiling, you’d know about it. They’re known to be noisy while they walk along your roof cavity. Here are a few tips to help you keep the critters at bay.

What’s the deal with possums?

Possums may decide to nest in your roof void and will leave droppings and urine around the nest. They’re also territorial so the smell of that urine can be particularly potent and could permeate ceilings. Much like rats and mice, possums will gnaw on just about anything that comes their way – and that includes easily accessible electrical wire and circuits.

You might have a problem with possums if…

You hear them scratching or scurrying around in your ceiling. Possums are nocturnal creatures, so if they’re around, they’re most likely to make noise at night. It’s important to note that the presence of rats can also be identified by scratching and scurrying, which can make it had to distinguish between the two. Another thing to look out for is possum droppings which will typically be larger than those that come from a rat.

Why are there possums in and around my house?

These adaptable (and usually unwanted) house guests are highly attracted to human houses. Possums like to make their nests in ceilings and wall cavities. Urban possums seem to like human-built structures like houses – even choosing them over a hollow tree. One single roof can be an excellent space for cohabiting possums, but when raucous disputes occur you’ll hear it. People often describe a ‘thump, thump, thump’ noise while possums make their way across the roof cavity, combined with screeching, crashing and scraping sounds throughout the night. Some people don’t mind having possums around, but for most, they’re considered a pest because of the noise and damage they can cause.

Steps to take against possums

Once you’ve had a possum removed from your property, there may be a need to take some preventive measures to ensure it does not return. This could involve sealing all possible possum entry points in and around your building. Remember, trees that overhang your rental property can also be an issue because they provide easy access for opportunistic possums looking for shelter in your roof.

Possums

What does it look like?

Possums are furry animals of medium to stout build with thick, bushy tails.  Their bodies are 38-45cm long (65-95cm long including the tail) and their weight varies greatly but averages 2-3kg.  There are two main colour forms, grey and black.  Possums have large eyes and catlike whiskers, which are characteristic of nocturnal animals.

Possums can live anywhere that has shelter and a varied food supply.  Forests are their favoured habitat but forest/pasture margins can also support very dense populations of possums.  Possums feed mainly on leaves but also take buds and flowers, fruits, ferns, bark, fungi, invertebrates (including land snails and weta), native birds and their eggs, and carrion.  They are nocturnal, but in winter starving or sick animals may emerge to feed in the afternoon.

Why is it a problem?

Possums are able to occupy a range of habitats and can survive on poor or irregular food supplies. By eating plant foliage they damage and destroy forests, and affect pasture, vegetable and horticultural crops.  Possums can be a vector in the spread of diseases that affect domestic animals and humans, such as tuberculosis.

Possum populations expand their range by the gradual spread of female offspring on the edge of occupied home ranges.  Their ability to produce more than one offspring per year and the enhanced survival of juvenile females when conditions are good, allows possum populations to increase rapidly in newly invaded areas or after populations have been reduced by control pressure.

The average life span of a possum is 7 to10 years.  Most female possums breed from one year of age and can produce one or, less commonly, two young in a season if food supplies are adequate.  Young possums spend the first part of their life in their mother’s pouch, feeding on rich milk.  After weaning at 5-8 months, young females tend to remain close to their mother’s home range.  Young males disperse randomly in search of receptive females and have been recorded migrating between 0.5 to 20 kilometres.

About Possums

Natural tree hollows have been lost due to fires, land clearing for housing and harvesting for wood fire burning. As brushtail possums are adaptable, they often nest in the roves and walls of the houses. In the past, many people have trapped and relocated possums, but research using radio tracking collars has proven they die. Pest exterminators often kill or translocate the possums, which  does not solve the problem, but causes other problems like trap shyness.

There are usually between 1 and 7 possums per house block. Males have larger territory than females, of up to 5 house blocks if the food supply is good, or up to 10 kms if the food is poor. Two in ten male possums survive, with females having a better chance, and they can live up to 13 years.

Possums are territorial to a point where they will fret when released into an alien territory. They will have to fight residents of the new area, a fight they seldom win. 70% of translocated possums are dead within one week. Trapping and translocating of possums rarely solves a problem, as another possum usually moves it to occupy the territory or den site in our roof, within the short period of time. Released possums may displace other wildlife such as owls, or gliders from hollows. Ideally a trapped possum in your roof should be released into a nestbox in your garden. Ie in its own territory.

Possums, like cats, are territorial. By installing a nestbox for it, other possums may be discouraged from entering your roof. Possums can be attracted to nestbox by placing fruit or in it, and smearing possum droppings over the box to  take away the “new” smell. Possums will urinate on, and rub oil from their chest, chin and anal scent glands onto it to make it their territory, and use vocalisations to defend it.

Look for the tell tale oil stains and hair traces in  the entrance of the box to see if it is being used. Seal any entrance holes into our roof while the possum is out foraging for food approx. 11pm. Possums wake  approx. 9 pm, go out to look for food and return to their den approx. 4 am.  These are the times most people hear them on their roves or ceilings.

How to Get Rid of Possums

Possums are non-aggressive animals however they are known to create unsanitary conditions, and if these circumstances help in the development of diseases, it can turn aggressive as well. There are various ways to get rid of these creatures. By removing them, we can make the environment more appealing.

You can get rid of them by setting traps and capture them immediately. You can remove them by scaring them away. You can let pets like dogs and cats roam around in the lawn. This will scare away the possums. They bite the possums viciously and scare them away in no time. You can also collect the hair of your pet and scatter them where there is a possibility of these possums.

You also have the option of setting up motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle and scare them off. You can do this along with the perimeter of the house. If the possums dare to cross the sensor, the motion activated devices which are set will be automatically triggered and give off an alarm signal.

This may help frighten the possums away from that place on the spot. These devices are more efficient than those that only activate lights. The lights are enough to scare these possums away, but the water sprinklers also work best to frighten them. Water sprinklers are much more effective than light activated devices, but they are a bit complicated to handle.

Many ingredients together have an unyielding scent. The ingredients such as Ammonia, mothballs and the garlic are the items that can make these ugly little creatures flee from your residence. You simply need to mix an adequate amount of ammonia in coffee. The coffee should be placed inside a bottle with a lid. After doing this, put a rag in the ammonia and then cut the side of the cap by bringing one end of ammonia.

Engine Rebuilding Security Guidance

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Look for these 5 things when buying a used engine

You must decide if your car is worth fixing. Sometimes it is. Other times it makes more sense to take the money you’d spend on a new engine and invest it in a replacement vehicle instead.

Only you can decide which option is best for you.

If you do decide to fix it, you don’t have to pay full retail price for a new engine. You can save a bundle of money by buying a used one. That’s because used car parts cost much less than new ones. Buying a used engine can help get you back on the road without spending as much in car repairs.

So if you’re going to buy a used engine, make sure it’s a good one.

Here are five specific things you want to know before purchasing. These will help reduce your risk when buying a used engine.

1. Is the Company Reputable?

There are plenty of junkyard scams going on. Before purchasing anything from a salvage yard, take a few minutes to look them up online. Check for any information you can find, including certifications, awards, and reviews. You want to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company and not a couple of guys selling auto parts out of their garage. Use common sense and look for any red flags. If the price or value seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. What’s the Mileage on the Engine, and How Old Is It?

The mileage on the engine makes a difference in its life expectancy. While engines with more miles will typically cost less, they may not last as long. Your ideal motor will have about 15,000 miles per year. With just a little math, you can figure this out by dividing the total number of miles on the engine by its age in years. 

3. Is It Tested?

Often when a vehicle is totaled from a wreck, the engine is still working great. But, not always. Especially if the damage to the vehicle was in the front, or there was a fire under the hood. You have two ways to find out about the condition of the engine. You can purchase the engine and install it and see if it works. Or, you can buy an engine that’s been tested. The second method is obviously easier.

There are two main methods of testing engines. The first is a run test. This can be done by a certified technician who will start the engine and perform tests on the engine whether it’s on a stand or still attached to the vehicle. The second method is a compression test. This is utilized when the car can no longer start, and can tell you a lot about the condition of the engine. Ask about testing before you purchase an engine, especially if you’re purchasing one without a warranty.

4. Will This Engine Work in My Vehicle?

You don’t need an identical match to find a compatible engine. Often manufacturers used the same engine for several years, or in different models of cars. Do your research and make sure the used engine you are looking at will work in your car. Tear-A-Part has a proprietary system at each of their locations that can help you pinpoint which models will work.

5. What’s the Warranty?

You don’t want to purchase a used engine without a warranty. Check around and see what is covered, and how long the warranty lasts. Make sure to ask if there are any conditions on the warranty. Then make sure you get this information in writing. If it’s on the bottom of your receipt, hang onto your receipt! This way if you get the engine installed and something is wrong with it, you will be able to return it. You really don’t want to be stuck with an engine that doesn’t work.

Should You Consider a Car With an Engine Replacement?

If you’re interested in buying a used car, you may have run across a vehicle listed for sale that’s had an engine replacement. Although this is more common in older used cars, some newer vehicles have also had engine replacements for one reason or another. So should you consider a car with an engine replacement? We have some tips on the subject.

The Pros

There’s one major benefit of a car that’s had an engine replacement: Assuming the engine was replaced with a new engine, or even merely a newer engine, it means the engine has less use than the car’s original powerplant. That can be a good thing for long-term reliability.

For example: Let’s say a car received a brand-new engine at 40,000 miles. In that case, the engine will have only traveled 25,000 miles when the odometer reaches 65,000 miles — and that means the car may last a little longer than a car with its original engine, since the newer engine hasn’t seen as much use. Find a used car for sale near you

The Cons

But there are a few drawbacks to a car with an engine replacement. For us, the biggest drawback is the question of why the engine was replaced in the first place. In most modern cars, engines are designed to last the life of the vehicle — and an engine replacement at 20,000 miles, 30,000 miles or even 100,000 miles would have us wondering exactly what the previous owner was doing that damaged the engine so badly that it had to be replaced, not repaired.

Another question: If a car had an engine replacement, who did the work? Replacing an engine isn’t a very easy job, and it’s best left to a very skilled mechanic. Yes, it’s true that some cars receive engine replacements under warranty, which means the repairs are carried out by trained dealership technicians. But others receive engine replacements from less skilled workers, which could lead to problems down the line if the replacement wasn’t performed correctly. Our advice: Be sure to get the paperwork from any engine replacement to ensure the work was done properly by a trusted mechanic or repair shop.

Engine Replacement Labor Cost

On a typical engine, the shop time quoted will be 10 to 12 hours. On an easy engine with a skilled mechanic, you may get quoted as little as 8 hours, while bigger jobs may require as many as 15 hours. The majority of quotes should fall in the first time frame. Determine the labor costs by multiplying the quoted number of hours by the shop rate. The shop rate can vary greatly, from as little as $90 per hour to over $150 per hour. So using a low-end shop rate of $110 and a high of $150, the labor on a typical engine replacement can run anywhere from $1,100 to $1,800.

If You Want the Fix: 6 Steps to Pay for Car Repairs

Decided to go ahead with the repair? Your next issue is paying for it—because it’s probably going to cost a not-so-nice chunk of change. But what if you don’t have the cash on hand to pay the bill? That’s okay. Here are six steps to finding the money you need to fund your repair:

Step 1: Shop around.

Don’t accept the first quote you’re handed. Get the initial diagnosis from a trusted dealership or a larger mechanic shop, but don’t assume their price is the price. The majority of your cost is probably not parts, but labor. And it’s almost always higher at larger, more established shops.

To find a reliable mechanic for a lower price, ask a few friends where they go for trustworthy work. Then call around to find the best price. While you’re on the phone, ask about any current discounts and specials they might offer too.

Step 2: What can you do yourself?

Maybe you need new brakes, but you also need to replace the door handle that came off this morning.Why not get the brakes fixed at the shop, and find an after-market replacement for your door handle online? Then watch a YouTube video and fix it yourself. Just be sure to follow the directions very carefully.

Step 3: What can wait?

If the estimated repair is still out of your comfort zone, ask the mechanic what needs to be fixed now and what can wait a few months. Don’t skip important safety features like brakes, tires and timing belts. But you can live without automatic windows for a while.

Step 4: Make a budget.

Let’s say you’ve lowered the repair price as much as possible. Now it’s time to find the cash to pay your bill. We recommend making a zero-based budget before you start overturning your couch cushions in search of loose change. You can make a budget in about 10 minutes with our favorite budget app, EveryDollar. It’s free, and it’s a way less labor-intensive than digging through your sofa.

Step 5: Move your money.

If you’re still coming up short, no problem. Simply dial your budget back in nonessential areas like restaurants, haircuts and new clothes. You can also divert your savings temporarily. And as a very last resort, you can use your emergency fund for absolutely necessary repairs. Just restock it as soon as possible.

Step 6: Budget for future repairs.

Ensure this issue doesn’t happen to you again by creating a line item in your budget for future car repairs and maintenance. That way, the money will be there waiting for you when you need it—and you will.

If You Want a Replacement: Should You Lease, Buy New, or Buy Used?

Let’s say you’ve decided it’s not worth it to repair your current car. You’re ready for something else. While it’s tempting to want your next car to be new and under warranty (read: no repairs!), the last thing you want to do is head to the nearest new car dealership. Here’s why:

New Cars.

The depreciation on a new vehicle is jaw-dropping. A $20,000 car will be worth about $8,000 in five years. That’s a 60% decrease! Even after just one year, the car could go down in value as much as 25%. So unless you have a net worth over $1 million, don’t buy new—ever. Let someone else absorb the depreciation.

Leased Cars.

A lease is simply the most expensive way to operate a car. Every month, your lease payment goes to cover the car’s depreciation plus the dealer’s profit. At the end of the lease, you have zero equity in the car, but you do have the option to buy it. That may or may not be a good deal since the purchase price is set at the beginning of the lease and isn’t based on the actual value of the car at the end of the lease. Then there are the fees—a fee you’ll pay if you exceed a certain number of miles or have excessive wear and tear on the car, a fee you’ll pay if you decide not to buy the car when your lease is up, and a fee you’ll pay if you do decide to buy it. All that adds up to a good deal for the dealer—not for you.

Used Cars.

Your best bet is to buy an affordable, used car with the money you have saved (combined with the cash from the sale of your current car). That way you own the car, rather than it owning you. Used car doesn’t mean crap car; it just means you’re smart enough to let someone else pay for that initial drop in value. Buying used is the only way to go.