Weighing The Pros And Cons Of Radiant Carpet Flooring Heating

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How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet & Area Rugs?

Your floors are among the most heavily used features of your home. Without proper care, your area rugs and carpet can become ragged, worn, and stained. It may be tempting to neglect care for your carpet and rugs, but doing so will lead to a shortened lifespan and deteriorating appearance. To keep your flooring in good condition, follow this simple cleaning regimen.

Vacuum Often

Running your vacuum is one of the primary ways you can combat carpet and area rug damage. Vacuuming keeps dirt, dust, and other stain-causing substances from settling into the fibers of your area rugs and carpet. Vacuum your whole home at least weekly. For areas with high traffic, vacuuming more often can help prevent wear and tear. Be sure to adjust the height setting to accommodate the various lengths of fibers throughout your home. If you are a pet owner or you have small children, vacuuming daily can help to keep staining and soiling at bay.

Spot Treat Immediately

Untreated spills are the enemy of carpet and area rugs. The longer stains have to sit, the more they will penetrate into the fibers of your flooring. For wet spills, first use a clean, dry towel to soak up the excess moisture. Then use a specialized carpet cleaning spray or a simple vinegar and water solution to treat the remaining stain. Never use bleach on your carpet as it can interact unpredictably with dyes. If you are having trouble getting the stain out, you may want to contact a professional carpet cleaner. Trained experts can identify and treat your carpet with a specialized system.

Professional Clean Yearly

There are a number of different ways to protect your area rugs and carpet from damage. One of those ways is to schedule regular, professional cleanings. Professional cleanings are an excellent way to extend the life of your carpet and rugs. Even though your floor may not have any specific stains, the overall condition of your carpet will benefit from a professional carpet cleaning. Professional carpet cleaning will

  • Remove dust and allergens
  • Freshen the carpet’s smell
  • Ease carpet maintenance
  • Improve indoor air quality
  • Restore carpet’s appearance

Keeping your carpet clean with pets

Clean and dry paws when pets come inside

To help keep your carpets from getting as dirty, it helps to clean paws when pets come in from outside. Keep an old towel by all the doors to your home and make sure that all family members know that they need to wipe paws before pets are let back into the whole house.

In the north, consider covering pets’ paws with paw wax or booties in the winter before they go outside. It will help with muddy paw prints on carpet but, more than that, it will protect paws from salt that is so often put down to melt ice on sidewalks and streets. Deicing salt can irritate paws and pets can then ingest the salt when they lick their feet after a walk. Then either take off the booties or wipe off the wax when you get home!

Use area rugs or runners to protect high traffic areas of carpet

Another tip to keep your carpet protected is to use area rugs or runners, especially in hallways and other high traffic areas. Area rugs can reduce wear and tear on those spots in your carpet that get the most use – like the hallway between the kitchen and bathroom or the carpet in front of the stairs or couch. Another good thing about area rugs is that they are easy to move to vacuum around and easy to clean more often.

How Often Should You Shampoo Carpets?

Not only can carpet be beautiful to look at, but it is also comfortable to walk on, and it’s warm during the winter months. Carpet can add to the R-value of your floor’s insulation, which can help to lower your energy bills. And when properly cleaned, carpeted floors can actually help reduce allergy symptoms. The key phrase is “when properly cleaned.”

Household Size

Many carpet manufacturers and professional carpet cleaning companies recommend having residential carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. One of the factors that affects the frequency of shampooing is the number of people in the household. A couple with no children who do little entertaining would not need to shampoo their carpets as frequently as a family with several children who frequently entertain guests.

Pets

Pets that stay inside all or most of the time have a smaller impact on the frequency of carpet shampooing than pets that are permitted to go outside frequently. Pets that have unattended access to the outside via a doggy door can track significantly more dirt into the house and onto the carpet. This type of traffic will require more frequent spot cleaning and carpet shampooing.

Heavy Traffic Areas

Most homes have an obvious traffic flow. Because people tend to walk the same path between rooms, these areas of the carpet will get soiled much more quickly than other areas. Some rooms in the home, such as the living room or entertainment room, will get more foot traffic than a spare bedroom. These heavily trafficked areas will need to be shampooed more frequently than their less-used counterparts.

Environment

Environmental factors can affect how frequently you need to shampoo your carpet. During periods of heavy rain, it is easy for family members and guests to track mud into the house and onto the carpet. Dry seasons make dust a problem that can settle into the carpets, requiring shampooing. By asking everyone to remove their shoes at the entryway, much soiling can be prevented.

Prevention/Solution

Proper maintenance of your carpet can extend the time between professional cleanings. Regularly vacuuming the carpets, at least twice a week and more often on heavily trafficked areas, will help remove a great deal of dirt and debris. Spot cleaning stains as soon as they occur will also help to extend the time between shampoos.

Why care about your carpet cleaning calendar?

Dingy carpet hurts your business far beyond merely looking a little ugly. Clean carpet serves your business in a variety of ways…

  • Regular cleanings extend the life of your carpet, saving you money.
  • Own commercial building space? Regularly cleaning carpets cuts down on complaints and liability for building owners and managers.
  • Clean carpets are part of the image your business projects, helping customers feel at home in your location and employees feel positive and productive.
  • Clean carpet reduces loose particles, protecting indoor air quality – and subsequently the health of your customers and employees. Keeping carpets clean has even been shown to reduce exposure to cancer causing substances that can be collected in carpet fibers.
  • Clean carpet reduces illness-inducing biological contaminants (bacteria, viruses, mold, etc.) that can negatively affect your business.

When choosing a professional to get the carpet truly clean, it takes three critical components

“The first is adequate equipment. The equipment must be able to deliver heated cleaning solution, scrubbing action, and extraction. There are countless styles of carpet cleaning equipment. Not all of them provide all three attributes.

“The second component to getting the carpet truly clean is proper cleaning solution. Choose a cleaning solution that will not leave a soapy residue and that has a safe pH. Many cleaners will use lots of soap that clean well but leave a soapy residue that cause the carpet to re-soil quickly or they may have a very aggressive cleaner that leaves the carpet with dangerous residues that could cause skin irritations. The third component to getting the carpet truly clean is the technician. Choose someone who has been trained and certified.”

What sorts of cleaning products might be best for the job can also depend upon the material from which your carpeting is made

“Depending on the material your carpet is made of, different cleaning solution and cleaning method should be applied. For example, carpets made of synthetic materials such as polyester, are more durable and stains are easier to remove. On the other hand, carpets made of natural fibers such as wool are more gentle, so using harsh cleaning solutions is not advisable.”

Why And How To Have An Event Videographer Made Of Your Wedding Day

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What You Need To Know Before You Hire a Videographer For Your Business

We live in a video world and trying to market without video is becoming harder and harder! If you’re considering integrating video into your marketing program, make sure you engage the right videographer for the job. We’ve put together this list of important questions to ask the videographer or agency before you hire them to produce anything for your business.

1. What Is Your Process?

Don’t Judge Your Prospective Production Company By Their Sizzle Reel! The Final Product Might Look And Sound Amazing But It Could Have Been Quite The Arduous Journey To Get There. So Ask About Their Process.

Some Process Related Questions Can Include:

  • Do You Break Up The Project In Phases – E.G. Pre, Capture, Post?
  • Who Writes The Script?
  • How Do You Manage Time And Budget?
  • How Many Revisions Do I Get?
  • Will I Be Responsible For Any Part Of The Production Process?

You Should Be Aware Of What To Expect Throughout The Entire Process. If They Can’t Give A Clear, Concise Answer To Any Or All Of These Questions, They May Be A Disaster Process-Wise. We Suggest You Keep Searching.

2. What Do You Charge And What Parts Of The Process Are Included In This Price?

It’s Important To Understand How The Service Being Offered Is Priced. If You Get A Flat Price But No Details On What Parts Of The Process The Price Covers, You Should Be Concerned. Great Production Companies Charge Their Worth To The Clients But They Also Take The Time To Explain How Things Are Priced, What Parts Of The Production Process Are Included (And What Aren’t— E.G. Actors, Props, Location Fees, Permits, Etc.), And What You Can Expect. A Solid Company’s Pricing Should Show Flexibility Without The Randomness. I.E. The Pricing Model Offered To You Should Make Complete Sense.

If It Doesn’t, You May Need To Ask More Questions Or Keep Searching.

3. What Other Projects Have You Done Like The One I Am Proposing? Can You Show Me Examples?

You Should Be Going Into This Process With Very Specific Goals — That Is, You Have A Marketing Purpose — And That Purpose Requires A Visualization. The Production Company Should Be Clear On What You’re Trying To Accomplish, And Be Ready To Give You Exactly What You Need.

So, If You’re Looking To Create A series of expert interviews to help support the need for your product in the marketplace, you shouldn’t be wooed by slick drone videos. Make sure they can show you example of successful projects similar to the one you’re about to embark on.

Interview Questions for Videographers:

1. How do you plan for a shoot?

Candidates should describe their extensive planning ahead of time. They need to know what the shot entails, how to shoot it and what equipment is needed to execute it. Look for a methodical approach to planning and organization.

2. A Director is not happy with your ideas. How do you handle the situation?

Candidates should acknowledge that the vision for what a film should look like is not their own, but rather the vision of the Director. They should try and sell the Director on their own vision and expertise but should desist when instructed to.

3. What, in your opinion, are the most important qualities in a Videographer?

Candidates should list good communication skills and the ability to execute on a creative vision as key qualities in a Videographer.

4. Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?

Candidates should describe how they would ensure that daily or weekly objectives are met. Look for a methodical approach to time management.

5. Describe a project you were involved in previously. What were you personally responsible for?

Shows work history and knowledge of the job.

How to Find and Hire Qualified Freelance Videographers

How to evaluate a freelance videographer: Double check the videographer’s abilities align with video marketing goal, here are a few questions to ask:

  • How long have you been producing corporate video?
  • How do you manage creative collaboration between you and your clients?
  • Do you have experience working with companies in my industry?
  • Which visual styles (or types of video) are you most comfortable creating?
  • Can I see your portfolio?
  • What is your communication style? How easily can I reach you?
  • Will you be available to all members of our team? How will we collaborate?
  • Do you have marketing experience?
  • How do you plan to bring my vision to life?
  • When will you be able to provide me a detailed project sheet?
  • How many revisions do you provide in your price?

Determining your budget with a freelance videographer: Freelancers want to deliver on satisfaction and ensure repeat collaborations. At the same time, their ability to sustain means turning around projects within an agreed to timeframe, giving them the ability to accept work from additional clients.

Consider asking for a quote of cost per minute, which means you’ll only pay for the final product. If a timeline falls behind, this is better than hiring a freelancer by the hour. It also doesn’t punish the freelancer for being mighty effective. Request proposals from multiple videographers. Another option to control costs is to shoot footage independently, then hire a freelance editor to piece the clips together.

When to use a freelance videographer:  A consistent, professional freelancer will be able to offer high-quality content as they learn more about the brand. Expertise in a corporate business area will allow the freelance videographer to get up and running quickly.

How to work with a freelance videographer: Working with a professional freelancer will require little oversight, but communication is still key. From the onset, be as precise as possible so the potential videographer can better estimate the time necessary and cost. Come to the initial meeting prepared, draft a rough storyboard and script. Throughout exploratory meetings around video creation, provide details around expectations.

Ways To Find Skilled Videographers In Your City

If you have no idea how to find a good video person, relax because we’re providing you with seven different ways to find videographers.

There are so many options that you can afford to be picky.

1. Personal Recommendations

Try asking around your professional and personal network to kick off your search.

Whether that means asking a friend that runs their own business or a neighbor you know has gotten video work done before, people know people you don’t. And you’d be foolish to waste hours going at this alone.

The people closest to you will steer you in the right direction and you’ll give them an opportunity to look like a hero to a videographer who is dying for more opportunity.

Your network also wants you to feel their word has value so they will make sure you get someone that will produce professional work. This saves you some due diligence when the referral comes from a trusted friend (while we recommend you should still do some vetting).

2. Google Search

Another way to find a videographer is to do a simple Google search.

Just like your business, videographers need to market themselves. They utilize SEO to improve their online presence, much like your business should.

When you Google “video production company” or “good videographers” consider first looking at the top three organic results. These videographers or video companies are putting in the work to make sure their business will come up on the site.

When you look at their website, first watch their video reel. This is their version of an elevator pitch. They have a minute to show you some of their best work to get you to use their services.

3. Social Media

Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms can be killer for finding videographers.

Most businesses that provide a niche product or service will include a hashtag that relate to their business. And this is the case for videographers.

That’s why Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are all great places to search for a videographer. Searching on the latter will probably provide you with better results since they are geared toward photo and video.

4. Paid Ads

This option provides a slightly different approach to finding a videographer.

If you are really struggling to find someone on your own, put your own ad out.

Putting a pay-per-click ad out for a videographer allows individuals and businesses who are skilled with video to come to you.

Lay out all of your criteria for a videographer in your ad so you attract people that will work well with your brand and don’t waste time with unqualified applicants.

In your ad, include the:

  • Values of your company
  • Products or services you offer
  • Aesthetic you’re looking for
  • Budget allocated for the project
  • General vision for the video

Questions to Ask A Video Production Partner

About the company:

1. How long have they been in business?

2. How many explainer videos have they produced?

3. What is your team structure for this project or who else will be involved?

4. What is their company culture like and does it mesh with yours?

Logistics:

5. When can they start the project?

In-demand video producers may not be able to start on your project right away. Instead, you might finalize a contract to start your video project starting on a future date. Don’t assume that the video production companies that you are discussing your project with can start right away. (you know what they say about assuming something!)

Pro-tip: make sure you get everything in writing! Any detail that is discussed in person or over the phone about your video project should be followed up with, in a written manner. This includes your project’s start date, pricing, included bits of production, and the estimated timeline.

6. What timeline do they propose for the project?

The typical animated or live-action explainer video will take 6 – 8 weeks to produce and follows this general timeline. If your project needs to be produced in a shorter time period, have your potential video production team produce a revised timeline for you. Once you start your video project, make sure you keep track of your timeline so that you meet your video release date!

7. What potential hold-ups could there be?

The response that your potential video partner gives you will vary depending on whether your project is animated or live-action. In live-action projects, the list can be lengthy, with hold-ups including location permits, weather, or talent hiccups to name just a few potential problems. If your video partner isn’t able to look at the project and name a few potential hold-ups (including delayed client feedback  ), they’re probably not going to be the right professional fit for your project.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Interview

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What do I need to know before hiring a personal injury lawyer?

After sustaining a serious injury, the last thing that you want to do is deal with a legal battle. That is why you need to employ the services of a reliable lawyer.

But how do you know which attorney to trust? What is a fair price? What questions should you ask when selecting an attorney to represent you?

You need an attorney because they have a long list of skills: be it knowledge of legal proceedings, assistance with filing paperwork or something else, you will be relying on this person as your case is handled. While these skills are invaluable, they will also take what is known as a contingency fee, or a part of your settlement. 

Keep in mind that not every injured person needs an attorney. It comes down to the injuries sustained and the amount of money at risk. If you only received scrapes and bruises and there are no issues with liability, you may not need a lawyer. This approach is a great way to save money, but is not an option for those with more serious injuries.

Does Your Case Need an Attorney?

This is not an easy decision. Know what you can handle alone and what cases you will need a lawyer for.

Selecting the Best Personal Injury Attorney

Most people would never even consider handling their own case due to lack of legal knowledge. If you are in this majority, then you will want to hire the best attorney possible. Luckily, there are easy ways to tell if your potential lawyer is someone that you can trust or just a snake in the grass.

Settlement Payout and Contingency Fees

Lawyers’ fees are as varied as lawyers themselves, but there are certain rules of thumb that most will follow. A contingency fee will usually be one third of the final settlement – that’s after other expenses are taken out. However, you should expect to pay 40% of the settlement if your case goes to trial.

There are times when you can negotiate fees, but you should not expect significant changes.

Questions to ask before hiring a personal injury attorney

If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence and plan to pursue those responsible, you will need to hire a personal injury attorney. But if you want to receive compensation, there are some important considerations to make. Your personal injury lawyer will likely be working on your behalf for years, and his or her experience, efficiency and business practices will determine not only whether you win your case, but also how much you receive. Read ahead to find out 5 questions you need to ask before hiring a personal injury attorney.

1. Do You Have Experience With This Kind Of Case?

Personal injury lawsuits are desirable cases for most lawyers, hence the intense competition and ubiquitous advertisements. But just because an attorney advertises personal injury representation doesn’t mean they know how to best handle your specific case. Ask for details about your attorney’s results and experience. You wouldn’t purchase a new vehicle without learning if it is reliable and suits your needs, hiring an attorney should be no different.

2. Do You Have Time To Start My Case Right Now?

A well-known attorney is also a busy attorney. Too many times, personal injury lawyers take on cases and sit on them for extended periods of time before filing suit. Ask your potential lawyer how many cases they’re currently working on and how much time they have for your case.

3. What Is Your Contingency Fee?

Personal injury cases generally work on a contingency fee, wherein your attorney earns a negotiable fee of 25 to 40% of your settlement. The contingency fee agreement stipulates that no legal fees will be charged unless there is a recovery. If you have a good case, you can find a personal injury attorney to work on contingency. But know ahead of time that the more severe the injury and the stronger the case, the more room there is to negotiate the numbers.

4. Will I Have To Pay Advanced Case Costs If We Lose?

On top of the contingency fee, some lawyers also charge costs advanced. These can grow to a large sum if your case is prolonged. In your initial agreement, you should ask for a guarantee that you will not be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses—with all legal fees paid out of your reward.

5. How Soon Will My Lawsuit Be Filed?

Ask for dates and give them a deadline. Without one, many lawyers will delay filing your case as long as they can. This not only accrues advanced costs in some cases, but also allows the attorney to develop a deep backlog of future work. If you have a good personal injury case, the sooner you file the better. Ask your potential lawyer if your case can be filed within two weeks.

How often will we discuss my case?

Your personal injury lawyer would have other cases to handle, so it would be best to manage your expectations regarding this. However, you should also feel comfortable enough to approach them directly when you need updates on your case.

An alternative would be for you to agree upon a time frame or schedule when you’ll be receiving communication about any developments related to your case.

What am I supposed to do? How can I help?

Prior to working with a personal injury lawyer, ask them about your role in the lawsuit and what you can do to help advance your case. Do you expect to be hands-on with your case, or will you leave everything to them?

Different lawyers have different styles of handling the cases they get. Ensure both of you understand what you’re supposed to do and let your potential lawyer know how involved you want to be.

Will I Have To Go To Trial?

If your potential attorney responds that the case will likely settle, be very careful about the amount you’re settling for. If your attorney plans on settling, it is possible that he or she is not fully prepared to take your case to trial, which means a reduced likelihood of winning when and if the case is called into court. If the case is going to trial, try to establish a timeframe. Many personal injury cases can be resolved in three years and a proactive attorney working under a deadline can oftentimes get it done sooner.

What Is My Case Worth?

If your lawyer has experience, they’ll be able to give you a ballpark figure. It may be a broad range based on liability, discovery, medical issues and other factors, but your attorney should have a figure in his or her head. Not only should they be able to tell you an approximate worth of your case, but they should also explain the unknowns. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Mistakes That Can Affect Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you’re involved in a personal injury case with an at-fault driver, there are some important safeguards you can take to support compensation for your claims. Many people have had distorted or misleading evidence used against them in court and it all could be avoided by keeping these five common mistakes in mind.

1. Forgetting that you are under investigation

If you’re involved in a personal injury lawsuit, you should expect that the insurance companies involved (including your own as well as the company behind the at-fault driver) will be investigating you at some point during your case. This may involve photos and videos of you out in public. If you’ve engaged in an activity that may have pushed the limits of your injury, it is best to be honest and forthcoming with that information. While a juror may understand that you had some necessary task and felt up to the effort on a given day, he or she will not be very forgiving if you deny physical activity that’s been caught on camera.

2. Talking about your case

There is no circumstance under which you should talk about your case with anyone hired by the at-fault driver or insurance company. No good can come from it. If an adjuster, defense lawyer, or even a juror tries to contact you, have them call your lawyer.

3. Divulging details on social media

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media are essentially public-facing websites—prime material for investigation by insurance adjusters and defense attorneys. Even if your accounts are set as private, they may be able to find pictures, text, or other material that can help their client avoid full responsibility. For example, pictures of your recent activity can be referenced to show that you are not as injured as you claim—even if it’s a still shot of you standing up with a smile on your face.

4. Signing away your rights

There is no need to sign ANYTHING regarding your case without consulting with your lawyer first. Simple releases can contain fine print that waives future claims or allows the at-fault insurance company to access your medical records. Always check with your lawyer first.

5. Ignoring your doctor’s advice

While involved in a personal injury case, always follow the advice of your doctors. This includes a commitment to appointments and a subscription to any therapy regime. It is important to show that you are working hard to get better. To this end, you should save all pill bottles, prescriptions, casts, braces and any other items from your doctor as preserved evidence of your personal injuries. This is evidence of your personal injuries, and it must be preserved.

Convert The Garage For A Spacious Residential Electrical Remodel Project

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How much does it cost to rewire a house?

Nationwide, rewiring a house costs between $1,500 to $10,000, but most homeowners pay an average of $2,100. These prices include the cost of labor and materials, and vary depending on the size and age of your home, the rooms being rewired, and the amount of wire that needs to be replaced.

Home rewiring involves removing the home’s old wire and installing modern, non-metallic wire that’s encased in plastic. Outdated wiring—especially knob-and-tube, in use from the 1880s to the 1940s, or aluminum wiring, used in many homes built between 1965 and 1972—can’t handle modern electrical needs and appliances. Worse, they can be a fire hazard.

Given the dangers of outdated wiring, it’s not an upgrade you should put off. The U.S. Fire Administration reported in 2017 that more than 26,000 house fires were caused by electrical problems. If your circuit breakers are tripping frequently, you detect a persistent electrical burning smell, or see charred or discolored outlets and switches, your house may need new wiring, pronto. Even if you don’t see any of these signs, if your home is more than 25 years old, or you’re doing a major remodel or room addition, updating your electrical wiring may be necessary.

Rewiring an entire house is a substantial but, mercifully, once-in-a-lifetime expense. Before you hire an electrician, have your home inspected to determine if you need to overhaul your electrical wiring system. Then, use this guide to get an estimate on how much it will cost to update your wiring.

How much does it cost to hire an electrician to rewire your home?

On average, residential electrical wiring installation costs $2 to $4 per square foot, including labor and materials. Most homeowners pay $2.75 per square foot of home space. Electricians charge $50 to $100 an hour on average nationwide, and when pricing a rewiring job, they usually charge one hour of labor per 100 square feet of wire. You’ll pay additional labor charges to update an electrical switchboard or panel, or add outlets and switches.

Electrical Considerations for Your Kitchen Remodel Project

Many components go into a major kitchen remodel project. As you undertake the planning phase, some decisions you make will affect how your contractors wire your kitchen. Electrical work is very important to how your new kitchen will function. Below are some considerations to keep in mind.

Electrical Circuits

With some older homes, you have to upgrade your circuit system because the original plan obviously didn’t take into account modern appliances. However, even in a newer home you may need added electrical circuits. Generally speaking, you need a minimum of seven circuits in the kitchen — typically one for each appliance with a motor.

The two biggest appliances in your kitchen that need their own circuits are the electric range and the refrigerator. In fact, an electric range requires its own range outlet with a 240-volt circuit and receptacle. The next appliance with big energy needs is the microwave. In some instances, you can wire a microwave and garbage disposal on the same circuit, but it’s better to use two.

Kitchen Rewire

Another specialized consideration for older homes is the necessity to rewire your kitchen. As noted, older homes weren’t wired for modern appliances, so their circuit breakers might not be set up to handle the load. You may even have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker. The electricians may have to rewire your kitchen to make the electricity safe.

Electrical Outlets

A big factor for you is the location of the electrical outlets. Code requires an outlet at least every six feet, but four feet is better for the kitchen. Your first consideration will be where the big appliances will go. The electric range and refrigerator need special outlets that are only for their use.

Maximum Value Mechanical Projects: Electrical

Electrical projects cover a vast array of residential systems. From ceiling fans to chandeliers, garage doors to doorbells, electricity is one of the most obvious necessities in the home.

In any case, it’s important to note that electrical projects are more about safety than luxury or convenience, so whether you plan on adding a ceiling fan to the bonus room or an outdoor living area complete with surround sound and a kitchen, make sure you understand the importance of working with the pros so that nothing goes “hay-wire!”

Function trumps decoration. The housing market has begun to see functional fixtures replacing the large and elaborate trends of the recent past. Sleek and practical is the new grand and decorative — which is good news to the lower and mid-range housing markets — where keeping up with the Joneses of yesteryear now means energy efficiency and aesthetics can come at almost any price point.

BIGGEST MISTAKE

Electrical systems — behind the scenes — are very complicated, so it’s important to have an electrician tackle the bigger stuff — like a full-on electrical remodeling project. By working with a pro to consider the location, amperage, ease of access and fixtures before starting a remodel, you can spare yourself a lot of grief.

EXPERT TIPS

On a Budget/ Mid-Range: If you are looking to make some electrical upgrades in order to keep up with the competitive housing market and further the livability of your home, it’s smart to replace old fixtures and appliances with newer, more efficient models. By getting rid of old fuse boxes, plugs, switches and lighting fixtures, a vast improvement in aesthetics and function can bring big returns.

High-End: Trending in the high-end housing market is the need for larger electrical services. Because these homes are now seeing a rise in features like media rooms, outdoor living areas and other spots that generally demand more electricity, the units are seeing a big boost in service.

RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION

Home renovation electrical wiring can be a nerve-racking experience. Often times, you don’t even know where to begin As you may be learning, there’s much to think about when deciding on your renovation needs. Do you want to finally swap out the harsh florescent lights in your kitchen with new fixtures? Do you need to wire for a Jacuzzi in your bathroom? Do you want a ceiling fan in your bedroom to help you sleep better? Need to make sure your home passes electrical inspection? These are but a fraction of the questions you’ll need to answer, and we’re happy to be your trusted electrical contracting partner.

Kitchen Remodel Wiring

Your kitchen is where everything happens. You don’t simply cook and share meals there – it’s where you and your family meet to live your lives. Naturally during your home renovation, you want the room to be inviting and warm

Home Renovation Electrical for Bathroom Remodeling

Renovating bathrooms can be tricky. Everybody in your family, most likely, will have different opinions on what should be done, and prioritizing can be a challenge. will partner with you to determine what the most realistic options for your bathrooms are and how to make them a reality.

Bedroom Remodeling Electrical

We don’t need to tell you the value of a properly wired bedroom. Whether you need an entirely new lighting system, new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a new ceiling fan, or anything else to make your bedroom safer and more comfortable

Electric Difference

provides you with the added peace of mind that comes with hiring a local contractor who knows the area better than the competition because we live here. Our remodeling projects stand out because we’re your neighbors

Renovations & Remodel

Renovations and remodeling are an extremely specialized field. It takes a very talented and experienced technician to work within an existing structure. has an entire remodel/renovation team dedicated to these special projects ensuring that they are done correctly and on time.

By working closely with both the general contractor and the homeowner, our team can make the process as painless and as customized as possible.

Panel/Service Changes

Need to upgrade or replace your panel or make a service change? Electric knows how to make sure that the change and/or upgrade is as seamless as possible.

Basement Finishes

Finishing your basement can be a long process. The Electric electricians have extensive experience refinishing basements and making them living spaces.

Kitchen and Bath Remodels

Making your bathroom and kitchen more accessible and functional can make a whole house work more efficiently. The Electric team will work with you to make your home exactly what you want it to be

Room Additions

When you add on a new room to a house, the electrical work can be complex. Thanks to our experience, Electric knows how to install all of the electric for a new room addition.

Is Your Water Testing Company Going To Burn Your Business Down

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Water Testing

Listed here are some of the most common drinking water problems we find in New Hampshire. Not only can these affect your health but also can make maintaining your home challenging – we have all seen those ugly stains in the bathroom sink and on plumbing fixtures!

samples are collected and brought to an independent laboratory for analysis. Water testing usually takes three days and the results will be emailed directly to you and your agent if requested. We know the real estate industry has short deadlines, and we make every effort to obtain water samples before your inspection so you will not be kept waiting for results.

Are you looking for information about water filtration systems? We are proud to be one of the first inspectors in the state to be certified for the evaluation of water filtration systems

Radon (Water)

Radon is a gas produced by the decay of the radioactive elements uranium and radium. This comes from the bedrock under our homes. It is colorless and odorless. The gas can be found in the soil and released into the well water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon mitigation systems for water depend on the levels in the water. Typically they consist of aerators that introduce air into the system, removing the gas before it enters the home’s plumbing system.

Arsenic

Arsenic is naturally found in wells from the fractured bedrock that occurs during the drilling process. Agricultural and industrial practices can increase the presence of arsenic. When in water, even at high levels, it has no color or odor. Over time, drinking water with arsenic can cause it to accumulate in the body and lead to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. Since arsenic is not absorbed through the skin, the remedy would be a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system.

Iron/Manganese

Metallic elements that are commonly found in soil and rock. Sometimes iron pipes can also be the source of iron in the water. High levels of these minerals often cause orange or brown staining on fixtures, appliances, and clothing. They are not considered health hazards but may give the water an unpleasant, bitter, metallic taste

Water Quality Testing

Home Inspections we offer water quality testing as an add-on. This type of test will determine if your water is safe to drink. We will draw two samples from your house’s water supply and deliver it to a lab where the chemist will then run a series of tests to determine the quality of your water supply

Drinkability of water should always be tested for private well water, but some homes on a public water supply may benefit from their water tested since some types of water supply lines inside the house can cause water quality issues.

DOES MY HOUSE NEED A WATER QUALITY TEST

The short answer is yes. If your house has a well then, your water needs to be tested because there is absolutely no oversight for the quality of your water other than what you proactively choose do do. A private well on your property can have a significant number of issues with the quality of the drinking water from the minor issues such as taste to the major issues such as E.coli bacteria. If your house is connected to a public water supply it doesn’t necessarily need to be tested, but some houses have pipes in them that can cause water quality issues.

Private wells should always be tested and should be tested regularly to ensure that water is safe to drink. Public water supplies are tested by the governing body that provides the water and their test results should be public record. Unfortunately, these public water supply tests are not done at your tap and there are many things that can happen inside your house that could cause the water quality to be lower than what the public water utility is providing.

HOW MUCH DOES A REPAIR COST

Repairs for water issues can range from a few hundred dollars to install a new filter system to an unfixable issue that prevents your home from ever having safe water to drink. If your well water is unsafe and unfixable, the property value will plummet and the house may have to be abandoned.

Water Testing

Lead is a common metal found throughout the environment in lead -based paint, air, soil, household dust, food, certain types of pottery, porcelain, pewter, and in drinking water. Lead can pose a significant risk to your health. It can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant women. Lead has been shown to slow down normal mental and physical development of infants and children.

Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and plumbing. These materials include lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, brass and chrome plated faucets, and in some cases, pipes made of lead.

You can evaluate various means to reduce lead levels. This may include replacing fixtures and piping that may be contributing lead to the water and/or installing chemical corrosion control treatment. The program selected should be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the EPA

Lead levels in your drinking water are likely to be highest if:

Your home has faucets or fittings of brass which contains some lead, or

Your home or water system has lead pipes, or

Your home has copper pipes with solder, and

The house is less than five years old, or

You have naturally soft water, or

Water often sits in the pipes for several hours.

Q: Why is lead a problem?

A: Although it has been used in numerous consumer products, lead is a toxic metal now known to be harmful to human health if inhaled or ingested. Important sources of lead exposure include: ambient air, soil and dust (both inside and outside the home), food (which can be contaminated by lead in the air or in food containers), and water (from the corrosion of plumbing).

Well Water

Home buyers whose properties are served by well water need to test that the water purity is satisfactory and healthy. In addition, home buyers are typically required to have water quality testing as a condition to mortgage approval.

WATER QUALITY IS A CONCERN FOR MANY REASONS:

Drinking and bathing in contaminated water can cause serious health problems for your family.

If you are purchasing a home with a private well, you should also be concerned about its physical condition.

Sometimes a well becomes contaminated because it is defective. In other words, it’s not the water source that’s the problem, it’s the well itself. Wells can be very expensive to repair or replace ($5,000 – $10,000 per well).Your lender may require that the well pass a water test prior to loan approval.

Whether you are purchasing a home or have lived in yours for a long time, a private well should be tested for the most common contaminates: bacteria, nitrates, nitrites and lead.

WHAT HOME BUYERS NEED TO KNOW

Millions of live in homes connected to private wells. Whether they’re for bathing, drinking or the plumbing, these wells are key components of the property. Therefore, it’s equally important – if not more so – that the water is tested to ensure safety and quality. However, many home buyers overlook this critical step when in the market for a new home, simply because it’s not a problem for every listing – only those that are hooked up to private wells

WHY TEST THE WATER QUALITY?

If you’re asking why you should test the water in a private well, the answer is simple: your family’s health and safety. Contaminated wells can contain bacteria, nitrates, nitrites and lead. More extensive tests also look for chlorine, clarity of water, iron and even the pH level. All this is done to ensure that the quality is safe not just for toilets, but also for bathing and drinking.

HOW CAN BAD WATER AFFECT A HOME SALE?

While the health and safety of the residents is paramount, there’s another reason why testing the water is a must before buying a home. A damaged well – or a well with low-quality water – could lead to delays in closing and even impact the property’s overall value. This water supply is integral to homes connected to private wells, and any problem, even a minor one, affects the livability of the house. If the buyer finds that the well is contaminated, he or she could either request a lower purchase price or walk away completely. In many cases, it would at least lead to a delay in closing.

WATER TESTING

Provide additional tests for water. The presence of bacteria, lead, and/or nitrate in your home’s water supply can indicate septic tank failure, well/pump problems, and most importantly, cause immediate health risks to those living in the home. Water testing helps identify potential problems with the water supply and allows us to suggest feasible courses of action to address these issues.

Well Inspections

well inspections involve evaluating the functionality of the well pump as well as proper water flow at fixtures throughout the home. A bacteria sample is included with all of our well inspections. Additional water tests such as Lead, Nitrate / Nitrite may also be added for an additional cost.

offers the following water tests:

Bacteria only

Lead in water

Nitrate / Nitrite

The Effects Of Globalization On Both Accountant Profession And Education

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The types of accounting

There are several types of accounting that range from auditing to the preparation of tax returns. Accountants tend to specialize in one of these fields, which leads to the different career tracks noted below:

Financial accounting. This field is concerned with the aggregation of financial information into external reports. Financial accounting requires detailed knowledge of the accounting framework used by the reader of a company’s financial statements, such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Or, if a company is publicly-held, it requires a knowledge of the standards issued by the government entity responsible for public company reporting in a specific country (such as the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States). There are several career tracks involved in financial accounting. There is a specialty in external reporting, which usually involves a detailed knowledge of accounting standards. There is also the controller track, which requires a combined knowledge of financial and management accounting.

Public accounting. This field investigates the financial statements and supporting accounting systems of client companies, to provide assurance that the financial statements assembled by clients fairly present their financial results and financial position. This field requires excellent knowledge of the relevant accounting framework, as well as an inquiring personality that can delve into client systems as needed. The career track here is to progress through various audit staff positions to become an audit partner.

Government accounting. This field uses a unique accounting framework to create and manage funds, from which cash is disbursed to pay for a number of expenditures related to the provision of services by a government entity. Government accounting requires such a different skill set that accountants tend to specialize within this area for their entire careers.

Audit

Every year, companies have to produce an annual report which includes a statement of their accounts. Auditors are external accountants who check that the report is accurate and the company’s financial practices are up to standard.

  • Auditors go into a company as part of a team and perform checks on all different aspects of its finances.
  • They get their hands into everything – they might ask for access to warehouses, physical receipts, accounting spreadsheets, and seek expert valuations of the company’s machinery, buildings, products and other assets.
  • They check that everything they inspect matches up with the information in the financial report.
  • Then they write their own report giving their findings.

Auditors get a fascinating inside look at all the different businesses they audit. They spend a lot of time on-site with their clients, sometimes working in a different office every week.

It’s a role that takes a lot of tact and people skills – the company’s employees will find their daily lives disrupted by the auditors’ questions and requests, so auditors have to be polite and personable.

You’ll enjoy it if you’re fascinated by business, you’re a people person and you like to travel.

Management accounting

In some ways, management accounting is similar to financial accounting – it’s about tracking the company’s financial position and making reports. However, where financial accountants provide reports to be used externally, management accountants create reports to be used internally.

  • Management accountants provide the financial information that managers need to make business decisions – for example, reports on which business areas have been profitable.
  • They often use charts and statistical techniques to present the data in a way that supports decision-making.
  • At the higher levels, management accountants can make business recommendations or even be part of a company’s senior management team.

Management accounting is more than just stating the figures – it’s about interpreting trends, making predictions and considering the non-financial, qualitative aspects of business too.

You’ll enjoy it if you’re strategic, ambitious and want to get into the higher levels of management.

Tax accounting

Tax accounting deals with an organisation’s tax liabilities – what tax they must pay and why. It involves interpreting complex and continually changing tax legislation, as well as jumping through all the necessary hoops for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

  • Tax accountants track all the transactions that affect how much tax a company pays and calculate how much tax is due.
  • They try to find ways to reduce the tax paid, if possible within the legal tax framework.
  • They complete all the necessary forms for HMRC and ensure that the correct amount of tax is paid.

Tax accountants can also work on behalf of individuals – especially wealthy individuals who want to reduce their tax bills.

Forensic accountant

Forensic accountants are the detectives of the accounting world. These professionals analyze financial records to ensure they’re compliant with standards and laws. Conversely, forensic accountants are brought in to uncover errors, omissions or outright fraud.

A forensic accountant must possess a unique skillset, combining the mind of a “numbers person” with the curiosity of an investigator. They typically work in either investigation or litigation support. In some cases, forensic accountants can serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings.

In order to land this position, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Upon graduating, you’ll also likely be required to acquire some certification. Most forensic accountants earn a CPA credential. You may even consider becoming a certified fraud examiner (CFE).

CPA: Certified Public Accountant

Certified Public Accountants (CPA) are upper-level accountants who are recognized as experts in an organization’s accounting records, taxes and financial standing. While some of their work does involve taxes, their involvement tends to be more in-depth than just working with taxes.

A CPA’s role is that of a trusted advisor, helping their clients plan and meet their financial goals, while also assisting in other fiscal matters. This could include audits and reviews, forensic accounting, consulting and/or litigation services.

Understanding Accounting Methods

Officially, there are two types of accounting methods, which dictate how the company’s transactions are recorded in the company’s financial books: cash-basis accounting and accrual accounting. The key difference between the two types is how the company records cash coming into and going out of the business. Within that simple difference lies a lot of room for error — or manipulation. In fact, many of the major corporations involved in financial scandals have gotten in trouble because they played games with the nuts and bolts of their accounting method.

Cash-basis accounting

In cash-basis accounting, companies record expenses in financial accounts when the cash is actually laid out, and they book revenue when they actually hold the cash in their hot little hands or, more likely, in a bank account. For example, if a painter completed a project on December 30, 2003, but doesn’t get paid for it until the owner inspects it on January 10, 2004, the painter reports those cash earnings on her 2004 tax report. In cash-basis accounting, cash earnings include checks, credit-card receipts, or any other form of revenue from customers.

Smaller companies that haven’t formally incorporated and most sole proprietors use cash-basis accounting because the system is easier for them to use on their own, meaning they don’t have to hire a large accounting staff.

Accrual accounting

If a company uses accrual accounting, it records revenue when the actual transaction is completed (such as the completion of work specified in a contract agreement between the company and its customer), not when it receives the cash. That is, the company records revenue when it earns it, even if the customer hasn’t paid yet. For example, a carpentry contractor who uses accrual accounting records the revenue earned when he completes the job, even if the customer hasn’t paid the final bill yet.

Expenses are handled in the same way. The company records any expenses when they’re incurred, even if it hasn’t paid for the supplies yet. For example, when a carpenter buys lumber for a job, he may very likely do so on account and not actually lay out the cash for the lumber until a month or so later when he gets the bill.

Which Accounting Method Should I Use?

Which accounting method you should choose depends on the size of your business.

Like a single entry system of accounting, a cash accounting method is preferred by small businesses because it is simple to implement and saves time. Because the transaction is recorded when cash exchanges hands, the business owner has a better idea of the company’s cash flow at any given time.

Accrual accounting is preferred by larger businesses (and in some cases, legally required) because it gives an organization a clearer picture of the company’s income and expenses. For instance, if combined sales for a company total 1.2 million in December, then an accrual system would show that amount in the company’s statements even if the payments from the clients didn’t come in until early the following year. Had senior management been going with a cash accounting method instead, they would be unaware of the 1.2 million and might make decisions or policy based on incomplete information.

Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Franchise Review

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UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

From heavily soiled to light cleaning, our 12 step cleaning process is designed to restore your furniture as close to its original condition as possible. We can clean all types of upholstery, even the most delicate of fabrics.

HERE ARE THE STEPS WE TAKE

Step 1: Pre-Inspection

Our service technician will inspect the upholstery, noting fabric type and soiling conditions. He will also advise you of any possible permanent staining.

Step 2: Area Preparation

We will prepare the area where the upholstery will be cleaned to protect your surrounding floors and furnishings. In some cases, we can come to your home and pick up your upholstery and bring it into our plant for cleaning

Step 3: Pre-Vacuum

Your upholstery will be thoroughly vacuumed to remove dry soil. Removing dry soil is one of the most important steps in cleaning.

Step 4: Pre-Treat

The fabric is pretreated with special cleaning compounds specially designed for your particular fabric & soil condition. This loosens up the soil to make rinsing more effective.

Step 5: Pre-Spot

Any potentially difficult spots will be pretreated with special solutions to increase chances of removal.

Step 6: Pre-Groom

The fabric will then be gently groomed with a white towel or soft upholstery brushes to loosen the soil.

Step 7: Soil Extraction & Rinse

The soil is then exacted from the fabric with a gentle controlled rinse.

Step 8: Neutralize

The fabric will be PH balanced to maintain its soft fresh feel.

Step 9: Post-Spot Treatment

If any spots are not removed during the cleaning process, specialty-spotting techniques are employed, however potential permanent stains as identified by the technician may or may not be removed.

Step 10: Post Groom

The upholstery will then be prepared for drying with a gentle combing of the fabric.

Step 11: Speed Dry

High velocity air movers are set in place to speed dry the upholstery.

Step 12: Post Inspection

Our technician will review the cleaning results to ensure expectations have been met or exceeded

Best upholstery cleaners currently on the market.

There’s one thing dog owners, parents, and clumsy people agree on: accidents can ruin furniture. Searching for the best upholstery cleaners should be your priority when faced with persistent food spills or oily stains on your fabric surfaces that vacuuming and other techniques simply can’t remove

Of course, regular vacuuming is an important aspect of removing dust and dirt, but sometimes you just need something more powerful. Given that some pieces of furniture are especially vulnerable to staining, an upholstery cleaner quickly becomes an essential tool.

It’s not just about having a pretty and clean couch. Woven fabrics can also harbor bacteria, and now more than ever you need to keep your family safe by regularly cleaning certain items. There is a direct health benefit to choosing the right upholstery cleaners, especially if anyone in your family has a medical condition such as asthma. The Center for Disease Control’s article on common asthma triggers list many factors you can influence to improve their health, all by simply cleaning your carpets and upholstery routinely.

To the average person, there are two types of fabrics: those that go in the washing machines and those that don’t. As much as we would like them to be, carpets and upholstery are not as easily and readily cleaned as a t-shirt. We often grow attached to our furniture and hate to see them deteriorated, stained, or even damaged

Of course, we can rent expensive specialized cleaners or hire pricey professionals to resolve our issues, but that is simply not affordable or feasible for most people. For minor incidents and stains, you can always manually scrub the stain using specialized upholstery and carpet cleaning solutions.

How Much Does It Cost to Clean Furniture Upholstery?

Upholstered furniture is both stylish and functional, but it can be more difficult to clean than other types of furniture. In this cost guide, we’ll look at the cost of cleaning various types of upholstered furniture. On average, it costs $50-$80 to clean one piece of upholstered furniture. Although there are options and products available to clean the furniture yourself, some items (such as older or more delicate pieces) should be cleaned by professionals. The biggest factor in the cost of cleaning upholstery is the size of the piece of furniture, since pieces that are larger and more elaborate cost more money to clean. 

Type of Furniture

Sofa: $80-$120 (larger sofas are on the higher end of the price range)

Loveseat: $50-$60 (add $20-$30 for a recliner)

Armchair: $30-$40

Dining chair: $35-$45

Recliner: $40-$50

Ottoman: $30-$50

Type of Material

Most furniture pieces come with a coded tag with cleaning instructions. These labels will help your cleaning service know how to best clean your furniture.

Code W is for man-made fabrics, including nylon, polyester, and acetate, and can be cleaned with water-based cleaners. In general, these materials fall at the lower end of the price range for the furniture type.

Code S is for organic fabrics, including cotton, rayon, silk, wool, denim, and velour that can be cleaned with solvent-based cleaners. In general, these items fall in the middle or the higher end of the price range because the cleaners are more expensive.

Code X is for fabrics that must be professionally cleaned.

Code W/S is for pieces that have a mixture of organic and manmade fabric and can be cleaned with either type of cleaner.

Type of Cleaning

Steam cleaning: the traditional steam cleaning method soaks the upholstery with water and a cleaning agent, scrubs out the dirt and stains, and then lets the furniture air dry or uses a vacuum to remove the excess water.

Chemical cleaning: this method involves less water and a more concentrated and pressurized chemical treatment that results in faster dry times. However, it can be difficult to use the chemical cleaning process on older or bulkier pieces of furniture.

Steam and chemical cleaning generally cost the same amount, which typically falls into the price ranges above depending on the type of furniture.

Stain removal: furniture with heavy staining, such as from pets or children, will require a pre-treatment service. This cost depends on the size and intensity of the stain, but can typically add $25-$75 to the total cleaning cost per item.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Many cleaners and furniture stores offer a protective sealant to prevent future stains. This service averages $75-$150, depending on the size of the furniture. DIY products, such as ScotchGuard, average $10-$20.

Furniture pieces that are older or more delicate may require more cleaning work and time, which can increase the price by up to 25%.

How to Clean Upholstered Furniture

Oftentimes, the cozier the living room furniture, the harder it is to keep clean. But if you come equipped with the right tools and know-how, deep cleaning your upholstered furniture doesn’t have to be all that difficult. Your furniture is likely to be upholstered with a either natural fabric like linen or cotton, or a synthetic fabric such as polyester, velvet, microfiber, or rayon. In general, synthetic fabrics tend to be more durable than natural ones.

Whether spot cleaning or using a steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment, your choice of cleaning products is important to avoid further staining or degrading your type of fabric. Online cleaning tips often suggest common pantry staples like mild dish soap or baking soda.

Dish soap might not work hard enough to restore your upholstery to its original color. Baking soda’s fine particles can clog the pores of your vacuum’s bag or HEPA filter, which can drastically reduce suction power. The dust can also potentially seep through your vacuum’s filtration system and get sucked into the motor. Lastly, the particles can remain in the fabric and act as an abrasive, weakening fibers over time.

Always check the furniture manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before cleaning any upholstery. Failing to do so could void the warranty, or worse yet, ruin your furniture. There should be a cleaning label attached featuring one of four letters to indicate its care needs. Here’s what each means:

W — You can use water to clean this material.

S — Do not use water. Only a solvent-based cleaner is recommended.

WS — You can use water or a solvent-based cleaner to clean.

X — Vacuum only.

It’s best to vacuum your upholstered furniture weekly. Upholstery should be vacuumed frequently to prevent dust and crumbs from settling into the body of the furniture. Otherwise, removing stains and general cleaning can be done quarterly or on an as-needed basis. As with any type of stain, it’s best to soak up and remove a troublesome spot as soon as it happens.

How Much Does Furniture Upholstery Cleaning Cost?

How often you clean your furniture depends on whether it’s in a high-traffic area, such as a family room, or if it’s rarely used. “If it’s a chair you sit in every day, you’re going to want to clean it at least once a year,”

Furniture upholstery is more delicate than carpet, and colors can fade easily if you don’t use the right upholstery cleaner. In most cases Depending on the type of fabric, most professional upholstery cleaners will either steam-clean furniture upholstery or use a dry-cleaning solvent.

The cost of cleaning depends on the size of the furniture, the kind of fabric and the condition of the furniture. Typically, the cost to clean an armchair or recliner ranges from $30 to $50

Does pre-treating your furniture pay off?

Is it worth it to get your furniture pre-treated to prevent stains? When you’re buying new furniture, you can pay extra — $60 to $150 at most retailers, depending on the size of the sofa, to get your furniture pre-treated with a fabric protector. If you go the DIY route, you can expect to pay between $6 and $13 per can for a stain protector

How To Find The Best Veterinarian

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Questions To Ask When Shopping For A New Veterinarian

First question: Will the new veterinarian will accept services provided by your old veterinarian? For example, will they accept the vaccines that your veterinarian provided or insist on starting things all over? Over vaccination is a tremendous problem and leads to health issues. The perception is if a patient is ill it needs to be revaccinated. In truth, because that patient is ill, the last thing it needs is more vaccines. Vaccines should be given to healthy patients, not sick patients. When unhealthy patients are vaccinated, or a vaccine series is repeated by a new veterinarian, it is simply a moneymaking procedure.  Beware!!

Second question: Does the potential new veterinarian believe in three-year vaccinations or vaccinating every year? Some veterinarians argue that annual boosters get the pet in for annual exams. The reality is annual vaccinations get the pet in for annual exams. Every year of life for a dog or cat is somewhere between five and eight years for a human. It’s good to have things checked out as they can change in that period of time. However, using unnecessary procedures is dangerous for the pet and only lines the pocket of the veterinarian.

Third question: How does the new veterinarian’s office interact with your pet? Is she (these days, most veterinarians are women) down at eye level with your dog? Or is she standing with the table in between you? Does she play with your cat and scratch it under the chin? Or does she leave it in the carrier and let her assistant hold? For most pet owners, dogs and cats really are part of the family and most pet owners want to see that same emotion shared by their veterinarian.

Fourth question: Does your new veterinarian take your dog or cat out of the room for procedures? Or involve you and explain what’s going on? Most pet owners wonder what happens behind closed doors when their pet is taken away unless it is fully explained.

Fifth question: Does your potential new veterinarian follow protocols or deliver procedures specific for your pet and your pets’ needs? An example would be with puppies. Puppies and kittens are pretty much always born with worms; it’s just part of the lifecycle of parasites. It is understood by just about the whole world that puppies and kittens should be dewormed when they are weaned. But what comes next? Does your potential new veterinarian follow protocol and insists on more medication? Or does your veterinarian tailor to the needs of your animal and perform a fecal exam? If there are no worm eggs in a fecal sample then there is no reason to deworm.

Questions to Ask Your New Veterinarian

Did you get a new pet and need to find a veterinarian? Or maybe you moved to a new town and have to look for a new vet. There are lots of reasons why we might be in the market for a new veterinary practice to take care of our companion animals. But whether you’re a first-time pet owner or have cared for animals all your life, there are a few key questions you should be asking any new vet. We’ve gathered the best advice from the experts on what to ask a prospective vet:

1.What services are available at the practice? This includes things like X-ray and ultrasound, lab work, and EKG.

2. How does the vet handle emergencies? Some will take your call outside of office hours, some won’t. If they don’t, what emergency clinics do they recommend?

3. What is their vaccination “policy” in terms of what they think is essential vs. optional, and will they accommodate your preferences?

4. Does the practice recommend that you get pet insurance?

How can I prevent my puppy from getting injured or sick?

Just as with children, consistency and discipline are necessary to ensure puppies develop into well-behaved adults who are pleasant to be around and can acclimate to the stressors of everyday life. I believe that training should begin as soon as you get your puppy, regardless of age. Basic guidance, like getting your dog’s attention with a treat, can start on Day 1. Once you have your puppy’s attention, you can work up to having him sit, stay, come, lie down, walk on a dog leash and perform other necessary actions by using positive reinforcement. The best way to avoid trauma and illness is by having your dog stay under close observation and within the confines of a short lead (i.e. non-retractable leash) or demarcated space (dog crate, gated room, etc.) so that dietary indiscretion (eating something one should not), escaping, or less-than-friendly interactions with other animals (including wildlife) do not have the potential to occur.

I recommend all dog owners — and especially new puppy parents — seek the guidance of a reputable dog trainer to ensure that the most appropriate training techniques are being implemented. Good behavior exhibited by a well-trained dog fortifies the owner-companion animal bond and will have positive ramifications for life.

Critical Questions

1. Can you schedule a “meet and greet” appointment at no charge to meet the veterinarian and his/her support team and tour the facility?

You should be given an opportunity to meet with the veterinary staff prior to making the critical decision of who to trust with the care of your pet. You should also have the opportunity to ensure that the facility is modern, clean, and equipped to deliver high-quality veterinary care.

2. Are the preventative health care recommendations up to date with the most current scientific research available in veterinary medicine?

Over the last decade, recommendations in veterinary medicine have moved from “one size fits all” medicine to customizing recommendations for each patient. Regarding vaccinations, studies indicate that your pet may not need to be vaccinated as frequently as previously recommended. Your veterinarian should customize the recommendations for your pet based on the pet’s specific history, age, physical exam findings, and risk factors.

3. Will your veterinarian work closely with specialists and does he/she have immediate access to the most recent developments and findings in veterinary medicine?

The knowledge base in veterinary medicine continues to expand exponentially so that it would be impossible for veterinarians to practice quality medicine without the support of specialists. Your veterinarian should regularly consult and offer referral to one or more of several specialty practices in our area. In addition, if your veterinarian is a member of the Veterinary Information Network he/she has immediate internet access to specialists in all areas and has the ability to search the largest and most up to date database in veterinary medicine today.

4. Will physical examination findings and veterinary recommendations be in a written format for each visit?

Upon leaving a veterinary hospital after a visit, it is often hard to remember all that was communicated about and for your pet. With each visit, your veterinarian should provide you with written examination findings and recommendations for optimal health. These exam findings and recommendations should be a part of your pet’s permanent medical record.

5. Are fees clearly presented & explained prior to delivery of professional services?

High-quality veterinary care does not come without cost. It is important that your veterinary team present in written form and thoroughly explain all fees before the delivery of services. Estimates should be agreed upon in writing before major procedures, hospitalization, or surgery.

Do I need to vaccinate my puppy?”

I am aware of the controversy concerning whether or not children should get vaccines. Because of this, some pet owners also question whether their puppy needs to receive vaccines. But just like in humans, we are fortunate to have vaccines as they provide immunization against many diseases.

The immune systems of dogs and cats respond differently than ours, and not vaccinating dogs has and will lead to significant canine health problems. In my city, rabies vaccination is required by law, and there are several other vaccines that veterinarians recommend on a routine basis.

During the initial examination, your veterinarian can present to you the safest immunization strategy for a developing dog depending on a variety of factors, including the puppy’s age, when the puppy was weaned (stopped nursing from mom), the previous vaccination history, and the current health status. In veterinary medicine, we are fortunate to have vaccinations that prevent infection of specific viruses and bacteria that can be safely administered under our guidance. The “core” vaccinations are those that can protect against infection with fatal diseases (distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, rabies, etc.). The “non-core” vaccinations help defend against non-fatal but still significant diseases (Bordetella, lyme, etc.).

Ideally, puppies should only be vaccinated when they are not currently battling other underlying illness (gastrointestinal parasite infestations, respiratory tract infections, etc.). To monitor the immune status of your pup when he has been vaccinated, immune system proteins (antibodies) can be checked by performing an antibody titer (VacciCheck, etc.) and this will ensure that the vaccination series has achieved the intended goal of producing immunity.

Another thing to keep in mind: In addition to protecting your dog from disease, you can help control the spread of the disease to other dogs. So what is good for the individual pup is also benefiting the overall dog population in decreasing the spread and outbreak of disease.

Is This Really A Possums

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How to Keep Possums Out of Your Garden

Possums are marsupial animals that have a flexible diet and nomadic lifestyle. One of the most famous characteristics that they’re known for is playing dead when they feel threatened. However, if they’re on your property and you prefer that they weren’t, you’ll need some unique animal control tactics to encourage them to leave and to keep them from coming back

Blocking Access

Possums are notoriously attracted to new growth, including fruit on trees, new growth on deciduous vines, and even new growth on pruned evergreens. When they eat the new growth, the stunt the overall growth of those plants, which is a nuisance for gardeners. The first tip is to pay attention to what the possums are going for on your property and start choosing plants that they don’t like. Block access to your fruits and vegetables with cloth bags. You could even go as far as building an enclosure for your garden beds or installing netting that will block their entrance to your yard.

Deter Climbing

Deterrence is one of the most effective animal control tactics and deterring possums from climbing your plants and structures is a matter of making it difficult or even impossible for them to do. Wrap galvanized iron around the posts and over beams. Keep your trees neatly trimmed back from fences and apply greased PVC pipe on top of your fencing.

Sprays and Repellents

There are many different types of possum sprays and repellents on the market. The best tip to ensure their effectiveness is to use them as directed on the packaging. You could also make your own quassia chip spray to deter the possums. There are also household items you can use, including mothball flakes, laundry detergent, tobacco sauce, and other strong-smelling herbs. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but specialty stores also supply predator urine, which is also effective for scaring the possums away.

A guide to all species of possums and gliders

Hissing, growling or completely silent, they perform a circus act of acrobatic feats, the larger gliders spreading their gliding membranes to travel more than 100 m at a single jump.

Some gliders have even been recorded doing a U-turn in mid-air. With large eyes to capture more of the light at night, they’ve adapted to watch for owls, quolls and pythons, but their biggest threat – humankind – has increasingly encroached on their territory, destroying old-growth forest and its sheltering, century-old treehollow

One of the most frequently seen gliders in spotlighting surveys on the Great Dividing Range, the greater glider is the largest of gliders, 40 cm long, with a tail longer than its body, and weighing up to 1.7 kg. It has long, luxuriant fur, ranging in colour from creamy grey to black, is virtually silent and feeds almost exclusively on eucalypt leaves.

With a scientific name that means the pygmy acrobat, the fast-moving feathertail glider is the smallest of the gliding possums, weighing only 10–15 g. The most characteristic feature is its exquisite, 8 cm long feather-like tail that is the same length as its body. It also has sweat glands on its feet that create surface tension, so the footpads can act like mini suction cups, able to stick to glass.

Cercartetus concinnus

This tiny possum weighs around 15 g and is found feeding on nectar and insects in mallee heath and dry forest. It is light enough to climb and hang from long grass stems and often moves along the ground, sometimes sheltering during the day in a leaf-lined nest in a grasstree. Its most common indigenous name is mundarda.

Possums

Possums can get inside your roof and cause damage to your property. They like to take shelter in roofs where it’s warm, dark and safe to sleep during the day.

How do I know if I have a possum problem?

First check that it is a possum and not a rat. If you’re not sure contact a licensed pest control agent.

Check your home for:

broken or loose tiles on the roof

loose sheeting

holes around the eaves in timber or brickwork.

Possum problems

It’s illegal to kill possums. You can only legally remove a possum from an area if you have a permit from the Department of Environment and Heritage. Removing a possum is a last resort as it will more than likely come back.

Possum proofing your house

There are things you can do to prevent a possum problem.  These are:

fix your roof (secure lose or broken tiles, secure any lose roof sheeting etc)

place a bright light in your roof or garden area

attach sheet metal collars around the tree trunks, pergola posts or anywhere that possums may climb

prune back overhanging branches

place barriers across access points to your roof

provide nesting boxes with nesting material and fresh fruit inside (away from your house).

Removing possums

Before you remove a possum from your home you must apply for a permit from the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH). Trapped possums must be released the same day within 50 metres of the capture site. It is illegal and inhumane to relocate possums.

Living with Brush-tailed Possums

The lively brush-tailed possum is one of Australia’s most familiar marsupials, largely because they are highly adaptable to a wide range of natural and human environments. Their natural and preferred habitat is forest, where they nest in tree hollows. They will also cohabit with humans in cities and towns where they seek shelter, warmth and protection in the dark recesses of buildings

A favoured spot is between the ceiling and the roof and this can be a problem to some people. They can damage crops and gardens because they are partial to exotic plants, pasture grasses and vegetables as well as native plants.

The following notes provide practical information to satisfy the house and landowner having problems with brushtail problems, without harming the animal. Remember, brush-tailed possums are protected by law and cannot be bought, sold, taken or harmed except by a permit

Possums in your home

Is that noise in the ceiling a brush-tailed possum? Sometimes, the intruder turns out to be an introduced rat or mouse. Sometimes both possums and rats or mice are involved and separate action is required

Possum proofing

The brush-tailed possum can be the focus of complaints from urban residents for a variety of reasons.

Possum-Proof Gardens

Possums are a protected species so it is important to remember not to harm or hurt them. The goal is to deter them by making your garden less appealing.

Scent

Possums use their sense of smell to detect potential predators and are less likely to spend time in a yard where they feel vulnerable to attack.

Menthol Rubs – Try smearing something ‘stinky’ around the boundaries of your garden like menthol chest rub. Place the smelly ointment on areas where there’s an over-hanging hanging branch or structure. To protect vulnerable trees, you can wrap the limbs in cling film and then smear the chest rub over the top.

Moth Balls – You can also try hanging moth balls in citrus trees to deter possums from taking fruit.

Light

Possums like to operate under the cover of darkness, so anything that you can put in your garden that mimics the reflective eyes of a potential predator or lights up when they enter the garden should help scare them off.

Some ideas include:

Light-up eyes – garden owl ornaments that have motion sensors that activate light-up eyes

Motion sensor lights – aiming a motion sensor solar light onto the possum’s preferred food plants can make fruit trees less desirable

Sound

Sound can work to deter possums from the garden.

Sonic emitters – Many people swear by sonic emitters and clickers and they do work as a deterrent, but in a suburban situation, they can be bad for neighbourly relations, especially if there’s a dog involved!

Radios – You can try hanging a small radio in a fruit tree. Move it to a different position every night so the possums don’t get used to it.

Fencing and Barriers

Possums can be deterred by making it difficult for them to enter your garden.

Rolling fence tops – Try retro-fitting lengths conduit or irrigation pipe to the top wire of fences. Simply make a slit along the pipe lengthways and slip it on. The top pipe will roll on the wire, making it difficult for possums to get a grip and scale the fence.

Wavy, loose fences – Make an arm extending out from your fence at a 45-degree angle from the upright posts and then attach chicken wire loosely across to another arm. Possums are very good at climbing up, but not so good climbing upside-down. The looseness of the wire makes the wire move which further discourages them.

Common Questions About An Engine Rebuilding

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Is it worth putting a used engine in a car?

When your car engine fails and you come to the grim realization that you have to start looking for another engine, it may not have occurred to you to look for a used engine instead of a new one. However, relatively speaking, installing a used engine in your car is not much different than purchasing a used car; in fact, it’s a lot cheaper! Keeping the car you have and looking for a used engine is generally the most cost-effective solution to the issue of having a car with a busted engine. Like purchasing a used car, there are several advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a used engine; however, they could simply just be facts to keep in mind while searching for the right used engine to install in your existing vehicle. Whether or not you should choose to install a used engine depends upon your budget and willingness to step outside your comfort-zone a bit in order to save money. The only catch is, you will need to be aware of what a reliable used car engine looks like. Before you begin the process of buying a new engine, consider the following information about used engines.

It will save you a lot of money

Although previously mentioned, it is not emphasized enough how economically sound it is to purchase a used engine. If you find the right one, it will be significantly cheaper than buying a new engine and it will perform just the same. The money saved alone is reason enough for looking into purchasing a used engine. When a car owner gets the news that their engine is out of commission for good, it can place a huge amount of stress on his shoulders just imagining the hefty amount of money he will have to dish out to get the engine replaced. Some car owners might even think, “What’s the point? Why not just look for a new car?” However, most car owners do not consider the concept of purchasing a used engine. The dilemma of a failing engine can be further stressful if one doesn’t know anything about engine reliability and is not familiar with the components of an engine to begin with.

It will lessen the environmental impact

Beyond the cost-effective aspect of purchasing a used engine, there is another benefit that has recently come to the awareness of many consumers worldwide; lower environmental impact. Used car engines help the environment because we are recycling perfectly good engines by utilizing them for as long as possible before they need to be disposed of. This eliminates a huge percentage of engines that are thrown away for no apparent cause—ones that can be fixed or reused. Imagine a car engine rusting in a waste plant somewhere; recycling those engines by repairing and using them for as long as possible is a great way to lessen our environmental impact. By choosing only to install recycled engines, you can make a significant difference in your carbon footprint for an entire lifetime.

Why Buy Used?

A new engine can cost thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, many consumers can’t afford that. The alternative is to buy a used engine at a fraction of the cost of a new one. It’s important not to confuse used engines with rebuilt engines. Used engines come from wrecked cars or those that have damage to a major system. The engine may not have a lot of miles on it and will fit your car. This is the cheapest way to replace an engine, but there are some risks involved.

Rebuilt engines are also pulled out of wrecked cars. The difference is that a rebuilt engine has had parts replaced. The engine may have had some damage but was still in good shape. Therefore, a mechanic replaced the damaged parts and updated all the gaskets. A rebuilt engine can last for many years. A re-manufactured engine is a used one that is returned to factory shape. Pistons, rings, and other parts are replaced, and the engine operates like new. They cost more than the used engines.

If your car gets a brand new engine, is it worth more?

Your car with a working engine will be worth more than your car with a non-working engine. But your car will not be worth more than blue book for a make and model like yours. The new engine does not increase the top value more than blue book.

As a consumer of used cars, I would not pay more than a typical car in the class your car is in. As a buyer, I expect that your engine will work, that it doesn’t use oil, that it has reasonable miles, that it makes the expected power, that you have taken reasonable care of your engine. That you had to replace the engine to make that happen does not compel me to make a higher than blue book price offer for your vehicle. I expect there to be a good engine in your car if I am going to buy it.

Now, I might buy your vehicle over another because you have a “better” engine, but I’m not going to pay more than blue book for your car. That you had a warranty issue with your engine may turn me off on buying it, especially if that is common with your make and model of car.

If you engine is crap, I will offer a much lower price than blue book for your car. I expect to be buying a car in good working condition and an engine that uses a bunch of oil or doesn’t run well or doesn’t make the expected power for your make and model won’t give you top price.

Why Engines Fail

The most common reason for engine failure is inadequate lubrication. When there is not enough oil in the engine, it can cause the engine to overheat, and ultimately, fail. And lubrication is necessary to keep the piston moving smoothly and to protect the cylinder wall.

Neglecting to check your oil levels and routinely replace oil can lead to expensive repairs, and possibly, the need for a costly engine replacement. You must know the importance of maintenance and repair to function smoothly.

Symptoms of Engine Failure

Compression loss, excessive smoke, the rapid burning of oil, a sudden drop in your miles per gallon, engine knocking, and sludge found during an oil change, are the most common signs that your engine is in need of a replacement.

With compression loss, in particular, your car’s engine will misfire frequently. You may also notice excessive smoker coming from your tailpipe, which signals a problem with your vehicle’s exhaust system. You can determine if your engine is burning oil excessively if you are going through at least a quart of oil every thousand miles.

And when it comes to oil sludge, this can be an indicator that your cooling system is on the fritz.

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.