Eco-Friendly Ways Of Unclogging A Clogged Toilet

How Do You Unclog a Drain?

One of the things parents dread hearing your child say: “The water’s not going down the drain!” You are totally repulsed. It’s going to be wet, and slimy, and probably smell bad, and, ugh, that’s not fun.

Clogged drains are just part of the joy of indoor plumbing. The good news is that you can troubleshoot the issues and prevent them from happening again, including chronic problems. But to get there, we’ll need to get into what causes drain clogs in the first place.

Common Causes & and Possible Fixes For Clogged Drains

Most bathroom drain clogs result when dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, this gunk accumulates and reduces water flow.

Troubleshooting: Remove and clean the drain stopper. Next, try using the humble drain plunger, keeping in mind to block the over-flow drain in the tub or sink. If that doesn’t work, remove the drain elbow joint and clean it out. Clean drain stoppers routinely to prevent clogs and use a hair strainer drain-cover to trap hair before it goes down the drain.

Clogged toilets are a nasty business. These mainly happen when people try flushing down items that do not dissolve or break apart in water such as:

feminine hygiene products

cotton-tipped swabs

dental floss

pre-moistened diaper wipes

Troubleshooting: The plunger is the first line of defense. The most effective plungers shoot jets of water to clear the drain pipe. Many have anti-microbial coatings. Next, use an inexpensive hand-powered drain auger. While not a pleasant experience, a hand auger can reach between 2 to 5 feet down the toilet’s drain pipe to break-up or retrieve things (such as Junior’s action figure) that are blocking the pipe.

Ways To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Or A Snake

Are you currently experiencing a clogged toilet and have no plunger or a snake to help come save the day? Whether you just moved into a new place or haven’t made it down to you nearest Lowe’s yet, fear not. Believe it or not, there are actually multiple ways to unclog your toilet with common household items without having to get your hands dirty.

A Wire Coat Hanger

The first method you should try is the Wire Coat Hanger approach. For this you’re going to need to grab your nearest wire coat hanger and a rag. To unclog your toilet this way you’re first going to need to completely unwind the hanger until it is completely straight with the exception of the hook at the end. Next, completely wrap a rag around the hook end of the wire to prevent any scratching or minor damages to your commode. Finally, you will insert the hanger in toilet and gently rattle the hanger until you feel the obstruction has been moved.

Dish Soap And Half A Bucket Of Hot Water

If you don’t want to even bother getting your hands near your toilet (we don’t blame you), another alternative is to try to soften the obstruction. To do this grab a bucket of water and some dish soap. First squirt a bunch of the dish soap into the toilet bowl (chopped up pieces of bar soap will work as well). Next slowly pour a bucket of warm water into the toilet. Try to match the temperature of the water to something pretty hot but still would be drinkable, like hot coffee. Now all you have to do is wait until the water in toilet slowly goes down. If this has occurred then your clog has been taken care of. If not, repeat the process over again.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

This method is extremely similar to the dish soap and water method as described above. Once again, you will first need to gather your supplies which are: baking soda and vinegar. You should use an entire box of baking soda to ensure optimal success. Next, dump the baking soda in the toilet and then very slowly add vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for a while and then flush your toilet. Your clog should be completely taken care of.

Drain Cleaning Chemicals

This method should only be used as a last resort as it can be the least effective and can cause harm to the environment. If you think that obstruction is not something that can be softened then avoid this method and call your local plumber instead.

How To Prevent And Unclog Toilet Blockages And Clogs

How to unclog toilet blockages is not on the top of anyone’s “to do” list, or “know how to do” list either. But when needed, it can be a simple task taking only minutes, or a complicated ordeal requiring a professional. As house cleanliness is an inseparable part of a healthy lifestyle, preventing and clearing a toilet clog is a big part of that. You can sweep a dirty floor, wipe clean a kitchen counter-top, and throw away spoiled foods, but you cannot always tell when your toilet is about to get clogged.

Let’s all admit a toilet clog is one of those things we go into denial about, especially when we hear those weird gurgling sounds. Let’s also admit that there are very few things more unpleasant and unsanitary that a water-backup from our toilet bowl.

Some causes of a clogged toilet

A clogged toilet ruins our floors, bathroom rugs, and puts a damper on the mood all around the house. If you are like most people, a clogged toilet is an almost inevitable occurrence in your house. There are times when somebody throws away something that doesn’t belong in your toilet, and flushes it down the bowl. For example toys, plastics, cigarette butts, cardboard toilet paper rolls, and what have you. Sometimes immediately, other times over time, those items will get stuck in your toilet, drain pipe, or somewhere in the S-bend or U-bend toilet trap. Even small objects, like Q-tips, which should go down as you flush, can stick to the pipe and build up a stubborn obstruction.

The most common culprit of is toilet paper, or an overused quantity of it. If you tend to use a lot of toilet paper, do not throw them all together at once and then flush, flushing twice is nice! The toilet has a better chance of flushing everything down the drain pipe when it is not overloaded with papers. Rolling any type of paper into balls does not help either. Another typical issue is sanitary napkins, which should go into the trash bin instead of a toilet. Children may try to flush their toys down the toilet just to see them swirl in a circular motion, then drown! It is probably fun for them, but not for you. You will end up with a clogged toilet, trying to figure out how to unclog toilet blockages.

Get a plunger

There are two different types of plungers: sink and toilet. Although you can probably use either for this purpose, the latter is designed specifically to work inside a toilet bowl. It has a rubber bell-shaped end to fit the bowl, allowing you to generate greater force to push down any obstruction in the S-bend or U-bend trap. A stiff rubber plunger that has been laying around for awhile can be hard to work with. So running hot water on the rubber end of the plunger to soften it up a little bit before you plunge can be a good idea. While you push the plunger in and out, always keep enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger. Without water in the bowl, the plunging action will not be forceful.

Ways to Unclog a Toilet When a Plunger Is Nowhere to Be Found

There’s probably no worse feeling than clogging a toilet – that is, unless there isn’t a plunger in sight. Most of us have been there before, we tend to use lots of toilet paper and sometimes the toilet just can’t handle the load. So, is there actually a way to unclog a toilet without a plunger? Find out below.

Dish Soap & Warm Water

Chances are you have some dish soap in the kitchen. Contrary to popular belief, you can use dish soap for more things than simply getting your dishes clean. In the event of a clogged toilet, squirt a generous amount into the bowl. Then add a gallon of very warm, but not boiling, water. Wait a few minutes and watch the combination of soap and water break up the toilet paper.

Coat Hanger

Have a wire coat hanger in the closet? Unravel it and use it to poke through the clog. Push the obstruction until it frees up and flows down the drain.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Two more common household items come into play with this method. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the bowl, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then pour a gallon of warm water in.

Here’s How to Figure Out Why Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

When a toilet keeps clogging, there are several potential causes of this issue. What you flush down, problems with your drain lines, and issues with the toilet itself are all possibilities.

What’s to Blame When Your Toilet Keeps Clogging?

Frequent toilet clogs are a sign something is not right – the issue typically has to do with your plumbing, your toilet, or what goes down it. Common causes when a toilet keeps clogging include:

You have an older model low flow toilet

Items that shouldn’t be flushed have been flushed

Too much toilet paper use

The toilet trap is clogged

The toilet vent is blocked

Your sewer line is clogged

Older Low Flow Toilets

If your home is equipped with early model low flow toilets, the fixture itself could be the reason your toilet keeps clogging. Some older low flow toilets simply do not have the pressure needed to consistently push material through the trap and drain. Poor flushing pressure leaves material behind which results in constant clogs.

What to do:

Replacing your older low flow toilet is a sure-fire way to eliminate constant clogs caused by lack of flushing pressure. However, if replacement is not an option, reduce the amount of toilet paper you use and materials flushed to help prevent toilet clogs.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

The only items meant to go down your toilets are human waste and toilet paper. When households begin to send other types of paper or hygiene products down with a flush, a toilet keeps clogging because it is not meant to dispose of these items.

Styles And Types Of Residential Roofing

Importance of Good Residential Roofing

When you think of your house’s best feature, does your roof come to mind? For many homeowners, roofing falls low on the priority list, and while many of us forget about it, the roof over our head is the most important aspect of any house. For homes in the development and those looking for a little facelift, a high-quality roof is a must. Your home’s roof has not only aesthetic value, but it also plays an important role in maintaining household health. Let’s take a look at what makes residential roofing in Albuquerque so important for any residence.

Protection from the Elements

If the role of a roof is to protect you and your belongings from the weather, it better be a good one! Having a poor roof can cause a number of headaches for homeowners, including annoying leaks that can turn into much more serious, and costly water damage problems. No one wants to deal with mold in their home, and once mold and mildew take over, your repair bill starts to climb. Good residential roofing in Albuquerque goes a long way in preventing harmful situations that can come from leaky roofing.

Promotes Energy Efficiency

Don’t let the warm air out! Many homeowners likely don’t think of their roof as an opportunity to save on energy bills, but a good roof will help keep your bills down by maintaining consistent temperatures. Consider how much heat is lost to a house from a worn-down roof with creaks and cracks here and there. It can add up quicker than you may think! Residential roofing in Albuquerque is a key player in maintaining an efficient and comfortable home.

Increases Property Value

If your roof is showing some serious wear and tear, the appeal of your house takes a nosedive. Worn down shingles and a lackluster appearance is not a good look for any home. Residential roofing is a major indicator of a property’s health. A good roof does wonders for the aesthetic of your home and can bump up your property value. While it may not be the first thing on the homeowner’s minds when they are assessing the appearance of their home, a well-maintained roof plays a key role in determining your house’s worth.

Sleep Easier with a Better Roof Over your Head

With a good roof over your head, you will sleep soundly at night, knowing you and your family are safe from storms, water damage, and a list of potential hazards. Investing in a good roof makes for an efficient household that will keep your heating bill down—and look great while doing it.

Important Reasons to Keep Your Roof in Good Shape

The roof is one of the most fundamental parts of a home. That’s why it’s surprising how often homeowners overlook the maintenance and care of their roof. Rather than waiting until you have major issues, have your roof routinely inspected by a professional roof repair company in Jacksonville. Here are top 6 reasons to keep your roof in good shape.

1. Weather Protection

If your roof is in poor condition, it can leave your home susceptible to considerable weather damage. When your roof is properly maintained, it will more effectively protect your home from the harsh weather and the elements.

2. Energy Efficiency & Comfort

A roof that is in top shape should have good insulation and a proper ventilation system which will keep your home’s indoor temperature steady. This helps to keep your home more comfortable and can significantly cut down on energy costs.

3. Serious Issues

By taking the time to maintain the health of your roof, you reduce the chance of potentially serious issues in the long run. It will also help you locate any small problems before they turn into larger, costlier issues. If you spot anything that could be a concern, it’s important to have a company that provides roof repair in Jacksonville take a look at it asap.

4. Curb Appeal

When your roof shows signs of wear and tear, it detracts from your home’s overall appearance.

Since a home’s roof is one of its most prominent features, one that is beautiful and well maintained will add great curb appeal.

5. Health Concerns

A leaking roof that goes ignored can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home, which can lead to some serious health issues. Once mold and mildew have spread, the repairs become much more complicated and costly.

6. Home Value

A good-looking roof is a selling point that increases a home’s value. Potential buyers are wary of buying a home that has an older roof or one that may need repairs. A roof that is in newer, well-maintained condition can significantly increase the value of your home.

The Importance of Proper Roofing Installation and Maintenance

The roofing of an establishment varies on different climates and the type of establishment that you have. For commercial establishments, they usually have flat roofs because it is the simplest roof to build; the simpler, the lesser it costs. The hip roof is commonly for residential houses; this roof has four slopes, which could be both square and rectangular in shape. On the other hand, an A-frame roof is commonly used for churches, cottages or other types of homes; this kind of roof serves as the roof and wall for the whole infrastructure. There are so many types of roofs. You can choose any of those for your house, but keep in mind the compatibility of the roof to your house.

Aside from having different types of roofs, the materials used for roofing also varies from the design of the roof and the kind of place that you live in.

Alike other things, the roof of your house or any establishment can also be damaged by certain causes like storms, cyclones, heavy rain and etc. If it is not attended properly, you might as well need to change the materials such as clay tiles, asphalt shingles, concrete tile, metal, slate, wood shingles or any type of roof that you have, and this will need an expensive cost. We want our roofing to last, so here are a few tips on proper installation and maintenance.

Find the Right Materials

When getting the right materials for your roof, you should invest on materials which can: last long, protect the house from natural disasters, not too heavy for the roof framing, should complement the style of the house or building and if it is allowed by local building codes.

Installing the Roof Deck Protection

It is best if you would hire a roof contractor. You cannot do this process by yourself, you’re going to need experienced and trained roof contractors for the proper installation of the roof. The roof deck protection prevents wind-driven rain from getting inside your shelter, another reason why you need it installed is so that your shingles would lay flat and neat.

Installing Leak Barriers

Your roof should have a leak barrier especially in the edges where it is prone to leakage. This should be done to reduce the risks of having your roof damaged.

Installing Shingles

It is important to nail your shingles in the right angle. Installing the first line of your roof shingles should be done with no error because it serves as the base of the other shingles that are to be installed. It should have a strong base to prevent it from being damaged when a storm comes.

Installing Flashing

Flashing is another material to protect the water from seeping into your roof. It is commonly placed on areas where it is prone to leakages like valleys and vent pipe.

What is a roof plan and why is it important?

A scaled drawing, or diagram, of a planned roof development, is called a roof plan. Your contractor will use your roof plan as a visual aid during the entire length of the project. A roof plan often includes the dimensions of the roof, which includes the design of the roof, its shape and size, and the material placement — vents, drains, valleys, and slopes, etc. When planning for new roof construction or repairs and renovations of an existing roof, the roof plan is crucial. Don’t be surprised if the plan changes as the project is underway.

To determine what needs to be done for your project and the materials needed, a roofing contractor will complete a survey of your roof. Small jobs only require a basic roof plan, which focuses on the roof shape and the material placement. On the other hand, larger jobs will use an architectural roof plan, which includes much more detail about the design and materials placement.

How to design your roof?

Many people only dream of designing a custom home, and you are ready to do just that! In order to design a successful building plan, you must take into consideration the things you need to do to comply with the law and the things that will make your home a comfortable place to live. You will need a footprint, a floor plan, schematics, and a roof design.

When designing your roof, you must consider the function of the roof —a protective barrier— not just what looks good. You must take your time in designing the roof of your home because it is an important protective barrier and oftentimes, it is more visible than the walls! You must fully understand the measurements of roof design as well as important information about the location of your property— climate and size. Follow these steps to design a roof for your home:

  • On your graphing paper, draw an exact replica of your home’s floor plan. You need to be extremely accurate with the measurements.
  • Next, identify the roof angles in relation to the vertical and horizontal rises from the structure to measure the pitch of the roof. Then, identify where the roof pitches come together and draw the intersections. Annotate where the run-off will happen with the ravines and slopes. Keep water run-off and melting snow away from your windows, doors, and walkways by directing them elsewhere. Your local hardware store will carry adjustable triangles that will help you plot your roof angles. These triangles will save you a lot of time because you won’t have to worry about measuring the rise and run on your own.
  • Include a variety of shapes with specific areas of your roof that may require a certain style. Some examples of styles used in residential roofing systems are A-frame, gambrel, gable, shed, and mansard. This is not an exhaustive list but does represent a majority used. Each style has features that are designed for various aspects of a roof —run-off, solar panel positioning, temperature control, and appearance. After you have decided the styles you need and their location, you are ready to draw the measured roof application.
  • From shingles to metal panels, include notes on the drawing about these various materials and details. The roof is an important part of your home’s visual appeal, so be sure to include your topical treatments in your plan as well.
  • Finally, you should have a professional draftsman assess your work, including your chosen measurements, styles, roof pitches, and finishes. A professional not only has experience designing roofs using detailed measurements but also has access to software to help check your calculations for accuracy. They can determine if your design will present problems for you, such as ice buildup, water and snow run-off problems, etc. Think of them as an editor for your roof plan.

Residential Painting Services

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Painter?

A fresh coat of paint does not just give your home a brand new look. It also provides protection against pest damage and harsh weather, helps siding last longer, maintains structural integrity, and increases the resale value of your home. That said, painting is still a significant investment and requires a lot of careful consideration and planning in order to get the best results. From choosing the right color and finish for a room to buying painting supplies, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind before hiring a painter.

If you are planning to hire a painter to work on an exterior painting project, you are most likely to be charged a fixed rate, which is calculated on the basis of the square foot area to be covered. However, most painters charge by the hour for interior projects. Depending on the location, specific project, and season, labor costs around $40 to $60 per hour for a standard painting job. Painters in areas with a higher cost of living may charge up to $75 per hour.

Home Interior Painting Costs Per Project

Wondering how much you should expect to spend on different types of painting projects around the house? Check out the table below. All data given below is for a standard two-story home with 1,500 sq.ft. area and wood siding.

Home Exterior Painting Costs Per Project

An exterior paint job, whether just a touch-up or a whole house makeover, can improve your home’s appearance and value. Several variables affect the cost, namely, size, location, paint choice, and siding materials. The following cost table offers national averages for a variety of exterior components.

Painter Costs Per Hour

Labor costs for painting vary widely, depending on region, season, type of painting project, and experience level 2. On an average, you can expect to pay around $49 per hour for house painting projects. However, highly experienced painters can charge up to $70 per hour for specialty projects like murals. A 2,300 sq.ft. single-story home will require around three to five painters to paint the entire house and will take a minimum of five days to complete for a total cost of $2,400-$7,000. With new construction projects, unless you are acting as your own general contractor, painting costs will be slightly higher due to administration and hiring costs for the project manager or contractor. General contractors usually charge a markup of 10 to 25% on the total cost of a project.

Painter and Decorator

Painters and decorators apply decorative and protective finishes to interior and exterior walls, doors, windows and other surfaces of buildings.

Pay

Pay for painters and decorators varies depending on skills, experience and their employer.

Apprentice painters and decorators may start on the training minimum wage or the adult minimum wage, with their wages increasing as they gain experience and unit standards.

Unqualified or inexperienced painters and decorators usually start on about $20 and progress to $22 an hour.

Experienced painters and decorators can earn between $24 and $33 an hour

Painters and decorators running their own business may earn more than this, but their income will depend on the success of their business.

What you will do

Painters and decorators may do some or all of the following:

work with customers on colour selection and finishes

calculate materials required for a job

erect scaffolding under five metres high (scaffolding over this height must be put up by a registered scaffolder)

fill holes, cracks and joins, and clean surfaces of dust and dirt

mix and match paint colours

cut and hang wallpaper, vinyl and backing paper

apply paint and decorative paint finishes such as glazing, graining, marbling and lettering.

Skills and knowledge

Painters and decorators need to have:

a good understanding of colour

knowledge of paints and wall coverings

skill in painting and decorating techniques

knowledge of health and safety precautions.

Things to Know Before Painting

much time and money hunting for the perfect property, slogging through landlord or board approvals and paying for their space to turn cheapskate and cavalier on the interior paint job. So, before you even think about choosing between ochre with eggplant trim or Boomerang Beige–or the challenge of returning the red walls you envision for your rental to their original white–consider this advice from our expert panel.

Tip the super in advance About $50 to $100 should do the trick, for ensuring that the freight elevator is available when the painters arrive, helping with a quick cleanup if paint is accidentally spilled in a hallway, and maybe even looking the other way if the painters stay a little too late one day.

a general contractor, noting that your expectations will play a big role in your satisfaction with the outcome. Another compelling reason not to hire the super: If you’re unhappy with the final product or the super becomes disgruntled for whatever reason, you’re stuck with each other for a long time. 

Get detailed estimates If you’ve been in your apartment for at least three years, your landlord is required by law to get your apartment painted. If not, you’ll need to hire your own painters. Each estimate should be broken down by labor, materials, the number of coats of primer and paint, the brand and model of materials, and a detailed description of the amount of surface preparation that will be done.

Renter white Most rental apartments in New York are painted “antique white.” That’s important to know since renters are expected to return apartment walls to their original color or the landlord can withhold the appropriate portion of a renter’s security deposit. But with paint companies producing whole color wheels of whites of various tints, renters have design choices they may not have to cover up when they leave.

Residential Painting Service

residential painting service

do interior and exterior painting services in the area. are the residential painting service on the rise in area. interior painting is very detailed. take tremendous pride in our work. really love to see customers happy faces as we do quality work. painters are some of the best in profession. find really good painters and help them get better. residential painting service is guaranteed to please even the most particular of customers.

If you want to hire a higher level company then are the ones to call. are Straight Edge Painting and are fast becoming one of the most trusted painting contractors. residential painting service is growing fast.  I know that the type of service you hire will determine how long and how beautiful your painting turns out. service included interior and exterior painting, pressure washing and wallpaper removal. do some drywall patches and fixes also. don’t really do a lot of new drywall instalations and do know how

Interior Painters agree that interior painting is mainly used for beautifying the home and picking the right color scheme for spaces requires a certain amount of imagination and creativity. Simply thinking about what color would look best on a wall isn’t enough to ensure a positive paint job. Virtually any color will look good on a surface as long as it is applied correctly, but choosing the right color involves looking at an interior space with a critical eye in regards to your own unique taste.

The easiest way to choose a color scheme is to look through color catalogues or at paint samples. Most hardware stores and paint depots keep catalogs handy for customers to take home. Homeowners and those of you that call yourselves Interior Painters should take their time looking at the spaces in these catalogs and comparing colors to their existing floors, carpets, curtains, blinds, furniture and decorations. It’s important to look at fabric and upholstery first and then look at the other aspects to see if they coordinate with your color choices. Consider the prominent color in this coordination for the walls.

Once you’ve picked the perfect color, you still have to decide on what type of paint you want for the space. Whether you’re looking for an elegant, refined finish or a material that will wipe clean after an impromptu mural from your little one, there are paint types to suite every situation

Strategies to Grow Your Painting Business Year Round

Painting contractors can plan ahead and use these customer-focused strategies to increase the number of job wins you get throughout the whole year. A successful painting business focuses on exactly what the customer needs

Successful painting business strategies

The paint can flow all year-round with customer focused strategies. Consider tips to maximize the jobs you get. Painting may not be as seasonal as some businesses. Still, there are times during the year when the paint dries little slower. That’s where the challenge remains for contractor clients and why love finding out what makes their sales process thrive during such times.

Keep the painting leads flowing in

Painting contractors that are growing their business make sure they do a few key things to keep the leads flowing in. Let’s consider two scenarios in the painting industry today. First, there will be painting jobs available all year round but it just depends what type of job.  Due to the season, some jobs will be indoor and others will be outdoor jobs. Second, homeowners will always be viable leads. Homeowners will start thinking about how they want their house to look long before they decide they need a painter and when they might want that new paint job completed — also dependent on the season in your area.

tips to help you run a painting business

Once you know what kind of business a season holds in store, you’ll need to hone in on how you approach, market, and deal with customers. Put some thought into this to truly build a customer-centric painting business.

Wrangle your customer list.

Arguably the single biggest difference between businesses that make it and those that don’t is how they keep track of their customers. Juggling your contacts with your inbox and by text message may work when you have five contacts that you’re working with, but it’ll never do when you have 20, let alone 200.

Benefits Of Carpet Flooring In Your Home

How do I disinfect my carpet?

Your home’s carpet may be harboring harmful bacteria, germs and allergens without you even realizing it. Here are four simple steps to help keep the carpet in your home clean:

  • Place doormats at every entrance of your home and instill a strict “no shoes” policy indoors. Shoes worn outside can track in residue from asphalt, pet droppings and dirt. Wiping the bottom of shoes with a disinfectant occasionally can also help reduce contamination.
  • Vacuum carpets and area rugs several times a week, and if you have an infant or toddlers, daily vacuuming is recommended. The vacuum can remove surface debris easily.
  • You can naturally disinfect your carpet using products you may already have at home, according to Green America. They published 10 Simple Ways to Clean Green and shared a recipe including baking soda, Borax and cornmeal.
  • Hire a professional service to provide a deep, steam cleaning at least once per year and more often if you have pets, parties or little ones.

How to Sanitize Carpets

Vacuum cleaners are effective in removing dust and loose crumbs that accumulate on the carpet. While a vacuum works well in day-to-day cleaning of the carpeting, it does not sanitize. This means that although the carpet is free of dirt and crumbs, it is not free of bacteria. You must occasionally incorporate a disinfectant routine that kills any dirt or bacteria present in the carpet.

Step 1

Pour about 2 cups white vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly mist over your carpet. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant safe for use on carpets. Let the vinegar air dry. Remember to mist only; you don’t want to over-saturate your carpeting.

Step 2

Steam clean for an even deeper cleaning that will sanitize thoroughly. Fill the fluid compartment with one part white vinegar to three parts water.

Step 3

Plug in the steam cleaner, let it heat up for a few minutes and push across the carpeting. Push the steam trigger every 30 seconds or so to shoot out a blast of steam. The steam power mixed with the vinegar will provide a deep cleaning that will sanitize the carpet quickly.

Step 4

Let the carpet air dry after steam cleaning.

How to Disinfect Washable Carpets

Small carpets that can be tossed in the washer can be disinfected easily.

  • Remove Loose Debris

Take the carpet outside and give it a good shake or vacuum well to remove loose debris.

  • Select the Washer Settings

A front-loading washer or a top-load model without a center agitator will accommodate a large carpet better than a standard top load washer. It may be worth your time to head to a laundromat that has larger washers. Choose the hottest water recommended for the carpet on the care label.

  • Add Detergent and Laundry Sanitizer

A heavy-duty laundry detergent contains enough enzymes to cut through grime. Add a laundry disinfectant like Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, pine oil, or chlorine bleach following product directions.

  • Dry the Carpet

If the carpet is 100% cotton and does not have a rubber backing, tumble dry on high heat. If the carpet cannot withstand high heat, allow the carpet to air dry.

Vinegar Cleaning Without Steam Power

A mixture easy to prepare might help you to disinfect your carpet quickly as an alternative other than a steam cleaner.

Vacuum cleaners work for daily using and they are successful for it but we need another formula to sanitize our carpets and make them free of bacteria.

In this section, I will mention some mixtures with white vinegar that will help you to kill ant dirt or bacteria on the carpet and you will not need any steam cleaner at the same time.

You will not have not only cleaner and free of bacteria carpet, but also an amazing workout without spending more money.

Your mixture should contain equal parts of cold water, white vinegar, and a little bit of liquid dish detergent. Apart from these, you will need also a bucket, a scrub brush, and an old rag.

Here are 6 steps to disinfect your carpet with this mixture:

  • Your carpet should be removed from all irrelevant pieces of stuffs. After removing all the furniture off, it is time to vacuum to remove germs and dirt that can not be seen with naked eyes.Now, you need to sprinkle the carpet with the baking soda and keep it here about five minutes. You can use this time to make your mixture. Stir it until you see a foamy consistency. You will see in the end how successful these ingredients are with their cleaning properties.
  • Take your bucket and add the ingredients one by one. It should include equal parts of cold water, white vinegar, and a little bit of liquid dish soap. I do not recommend you to prefer delicate fabrics made from organic materials such as wool or silk rugs.
  • This part is probably the most trying part. After dipping your scrubbing brush in the foamy mixture, it is time to scrub your floor. You should get it wet just at an optimum level. It is enough to get a little bit wet, not saturating the area. It would be better if you start from one of the corners of the carpet and continue through the other corner of the carpet. When needed, you should dip your scrubbing brush again in the foamy mixture. When you are done, you should wait for more than five minutes. After that, you will realize the differences!
  • To rinse your carpet, you will take a rag and dip it cold freshwater. The dirt and bacteria now inside mixture will be removed. The rota you used when scrubbing again will be same for the one of rinsing. When needed, you should again make suck the rag. You can change it if you feel like it does not work anymore.
  • If you have a chance, you can let your carpet dry with a fan or any other device. Yet, for every condition, it is better to do this process on a dry day or on a low humidity.
  • Now you can vacuum the carpet to clean from the mixture that might be left a little bit. After it, now you are done without using any other things outside your home.

Takeaways

  • The best way to disinfect your carpet is by using a steam cleaner and white vinegar.
  • If you don’t have access to a steam cleaner, you can still use household products to sanitise your carpet.
  • Borax and baking soda can help you perform a deeper clean of your rugs.
  • No matter the cleaning method, always do a test on a hidden area first.

Get Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Lessons Learned: How NOT to Handle a Kitchen Remodel

Experienced remodelers and more than a few homeowners can tell some horror stories about unreliable contractors who walked out in the middle of a job or failed to complete the work as planned.

Make a Plan—And Stick To It

The most fun part of a kitchen remodel is the planning stage, right? Picking color schemes, imagining what your new countertops will look like, visualizing all the additional space you’ll have … But it’s important to make a plan and stick to it.

Consider Hiring a Designer

Hiring a professional kitchen designer/decorator might be the best way to come up with a remodeling plan you can stick to. An experienced decorator can help you achieve your creative vision without getting sidetracked. He or she can save you time and money by avoiding problems that come up because they see those problems on a regular basis.

Decide on a Budget

Part of coming up with a plan is coming up with a realistic budget—and sticking to it. Many homeowners start out with visions of a glorious new cooking or dining space. As with many things in life, too many people have Champagne dreams and a Bud Light budget.

Think About How You Will Use Your Kitchen

The plan you and your designer/decorator will implement will be based on your goals and what you want from your new kitchen. Think about your family and your lifestyle and plan your kitchen remodel accordingly.

Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project. And with good reason: Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.

A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. A complete kitchen renovation with a national median cost of $65,000 recovers about 62% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale

Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem will be minimized. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on budget.

Some tips on planning:

Study your existing kitchen: How wide is the doorway into your kitchen? It’s a common mistake many homeowners make: Buying the extra-large fridge only to find they can’t get it in the doorway.To avoid mistakes like this, create a drawing of your kitchen with measurements for doorways, walkways, counters, etc. And don’t forget height, too.

Think about traffic patterns: Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.

Design with ergonomics in mind: Drawers or pull-out shelves in base cabinets; counter heights that can adjust up or down; a wall oven instead of a range: These are all features that make a kitchen accessible to everyone — and a pleasure to work in.

Plan for the unforeseeable: Even if you’ve planned down to the number of nails you’ll need in your remodel, expect the unexpected. Build in a little leeway for completing the remodel. Want it done by Thanksgiving? Then plan to be done before Halloween.

Choose all your fixtures and materials before starting: Contractors will be able to make more accurate bids, and you’ll lessen the risk of delays because of back orders.

Don’t be afraid to seek help: A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.

Get Real About Appliances

It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle

Kitchen Cabinets or Appliances: Which Do You Buy First?

While you’re remodeling your kitchen, one of the things you’ll be surprised by is how quickly you run out of space. Countertops alone can eat up a lot of real estate – then you have to decide whether you should buy kitchen cabinets or appliances first.

There are pros and cons to both. Here’s a quick checklist of points to consider:

If functionality is the most important part of your kitchen, buy appliances first.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen for style and spaciousness, buy cabinets first.

Either way, measure twice so you only have to buy once.

Your kitchen layout is everything

Moving gas lines, rerouting electrical outlets, and extending water lines is a quick way to jack up the price of a kitchen remodel. “Big” appliances can also anchor the room, so it’s important to envision the flow of the room when deciding where they belong.

When it makes sense to pick appliances first

Think about it: The whole reason you even have a kitchen is to prepare, eat, and store food with various appliances. That can make it tempting to choose the appliances first during a remodel and build cabinets around them.

When it makes sense to buy kitchen cabinets first

Some designers see kitchen cabinets as the focal point of the kitchen because they often last longer than appliances. Cabinets also come in an array of styles, colors, and finishes that can make or break the tone of your kitchen.

Things to Consider Before Planning for a Full Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen ought to mirror your way of life. It accommodates your cooking needs, give the sort of space you requirement for feasting and offer a lot of storage. Its stylistic layout should supplement your home’s architecture and established the pace for gatherings that happen there. A great deal of factors play into kitchen plan, yet the initial step before picking appliances or visiting a cabinet showroom is to define a few goals for your space. However, there are certain things to consider before planning for a full kitchen renovation. Below are some of them.

Budget

Weighing out the expenses of a redesign is, without a doubt, the most daunting task in the undertaking. Therefore, it’s the one you should tackle first. Another kitchen can be a major cost, so first consider your spending when choosing how enormous you want to go. Enrol the assistance of a local realtor for advice on the added value your undertaking will add to your home. Study your favourite kitchen and redesigning magazines and sites for planning insights. And investigate a home value loan for a major endeavour, or financing choices for updating cabinetry and appliances (many offer zero enthusiasm for a half year to a year). At that point, investigate ways to save cash by doing a portion of the work yourself or giving your cabinets a facelift, rather than purchasing new ones.

Size

Every last bit of space is important, especially in a small kitchen. The size of your kitchen will dictate the layout: Is there space for an island? Does space allow for a prep sink? Where can you crush in extra storage?

Existing Layout

Try not to feel married to your kitchen’s current impression. Windows and entryways are only occasionally in the place you want them. They may be on an inappropriate wall, or in an inappropriate place altogether. If you should maintain the windows/entryways of your kitchen, you may be secured to your layout—yet there are always ways to change. For instance, you can add a peninsula to a L-shaped kitchen and create a horseshoe layout that offers all the more counter space and proficiency. Learn about various kitchen layouts.

Infrastructure

Contingent upon the age of your kitchen, you may stand up to electrical or plumbing worries as you redesign. Work with an architect-engineer team to guarantee that the “guts” of your kitchen can accommodate the innovation (appliances, lighting, and so forth.) you will install.

kitchen renovation mistakes

Not planning kitchen layout

Even if you’re going to fit the kitchen yourself, it’s a wise idea to have your home kitchen remodelling plans checked by a kitchen designer before you start. Advice from a professional will be very helpful. They may have some time saving tips or recommend some ideas you hadn’t thought of.

Make sure there’s enough space to walk between the units and that the cupboard handles don’t interfere with the walkway. Place the oven, sink and fridge carefully: many designers refer to this as the kitchen ‘work triangle,’ as the most efficient way to position these is in a triangle shape.

Choose any new appliances first, especially large integral appliances such as ovens, fridges etc. It’s easier to buy units that fit around the appliances than try to buy appliances that fit in the units’ spaces. Fit drawers or shelves with appropriate storage spaces for integral rubbish bins, recycling bins, cleaning equipment and all the other easily forgotten, but essential equipment.

Moving plumbing

Unless you have decided to remodel the kitchen entirely, it saves time and money if your new kitchen layout has the sink, washing machine and dishwasher in the same positions as before, to avoid having to move the plumbing.

Not installing enough lighting

Kitchen designers recommend installing three types of kitchen lighting during a new kitchen installation:

Overhead for general illumination.

Spot lighting to light up specific areas where you perform tasks, such as over the kitchen island and over the sink.

Accent lighting to highlight the best designed features in your kitchen, such as under cabinet track lighting to highlight the work surface and splashback.

Planning For Packing Services

PACKING SERVICES

Packing made easy!

Are you dreading to have to pack your belongings? Yes, packing and unpacking can be a quite strenuous ordeal and customers often underestimate the time and energy that are required to do it properly, but you don’t have to do it yourself.

experienced and fastidious movers and packers are highly skilled to pack items of any quantity, value, or fragility, from a cabinet of heavy pots and pans to your finest crystal.

Which packing solution fits your needs?

Full packing service

Leave it all. moving professionals are trained at very own facilities, and they know just about everything there is to know about packing, loading and moving. meticulously wrap each item and provide you with an inventoried list of everything you’re moving, to help keep track of all of your belongings. Before pack or move any item, will protect your property covering surfaces like carpets, doors, and door jambs in both your old and new homes.

Fragile only

Perhaps you have some antique heirlooms, priceless art and décor, or some fragile knickknacks that are close to your heart?

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) packing

Are determined to do it yourself? No problem, Moving and Storage Services will provide you with all the packing materials you need, such as boxes, tape, and protective wrap, and leave all the packing up to you.

How Much Do Professional Packers Cost?

Packing Services Cost

The cost to pack a home ranges from $270 to $2,200, with an average of $1,000. This total includes materials and labor to pack boxes and furniture. Hiring a pro to pack and unpack runs $370 to $3,600.

Moving between homes can be tedious. Packing takes a lot of time and might damage your belongings if you’re not careful. Hiring a service saves time and lets you focus on other aspects related to moving. Here are several price factors you’ll want to consider as you prepare.

Professional Packers Cost

The $270 to $2,200 cost to hire professional packers relates to the number of bedrooms and the total square feet.

Packing Service Cost by Home Size

Packing costs average $1,000, depending on the size of your home. The average price by the number of bedrooms is:

1 bedroom: $400

2 bedrooms: $725

3 bedrooms: $1,500

Keep in mind that square footage determines the total as much as the number of rooms. If you have a two-bedroom house that is 1,500 square feet, you’ll pay $1,000 to $2,200.

Cost to Pack a House by the Hour

At $50 to $120 per hour for labor, the rate you pay depends on the number of hours you need for the job:

400 to 1,250 square feet: 2 to 5 hours.

1,250+ square feet: 6 to 12 hours.

The total price per hour depends on the number of packers. If you schedule three pros instead of two, usually for 3+ bedrooms, you’ll pay a higher hourly rate.

Packaging  Your Items with Professional Packing Services

Packing services are a great choice and value for any client looking to have a fast and efficient move. This level of moving service will make sure you have a hands free move that will keep your stress low while getting a good value. Automating your service is a great choice and can result in a easy and stress free move

Packing Services Can Make Moving Fast and Easy

Anyone who has moved before knows well, packing is one of the most tedious parts to the moving process. professional packers will make sure your belongings are properly protected and secured to avoid any potential damage. packers and movers are well trained by our veterans to make sure all of your kitchenware and electronics are properly packed.

All Packing Supplies and Equipment Are Free of Charge

will make sure to send the packers and movers with enough boxes, tape, and packaging paper to pack any and every valuable possession that you own. All supplies and equipment are included at no additional cost with the purchase of services. can make sure your move is handled right from start to finish with professional grade supplies and equipment at no additional costs.

Removal Packing Services

The safety of your belongings starts from the packing. Planning and preparation are important to efficient and successful move. Many removalists offer packing and unpacking services. This will remove the stress in packing and organising and will also save you a lot of time doing the arduous tasks. You can also take advantage of the removalists’ expertise in packing for moving. However, you also have the option to self-pack.

One Month Before Move

Booked with movers. Shop around and choose the moving company that can address all your moving needs. Be on the lookout for hidden charges and the cheapest isn’t always your best choice.

Decided whether to let the removalists pack or do the packing yourself.

If you are doing the packing, you should start researching and learning how to pack for moving.

Bought initial packing supplies.

Started decluttering and organising the things to pack, sell, donate or discard.

Started packing items for storage.

Hold your first garage sale.

Two Weeks Before Move

Bought all required packing supplies.

Shipped boxes for storage.

Start packing non-essentials. Extra beddings, kitchen implements not being used, personal collections, extra clothes and toys.

Cleaned out your pantry, cabinets and closets.

Taken down wall décors, boxed fragile tableware and other non-essential kitchen items.

Hold your final garage sale.

Donate or discard all items you will not be bringing with you.

One Week Before Move

Organise and pack outdoor items – lawnmowers, garden implements and other equipment. Give away potted plants you will not be bringing with you.

Boxed all non-essentials.

Start sealing boxes of non-essentials and rarely-used items.

Marked the boxes. Colour coding the boxes will make it easier for you to unpack.

Three Days Before Move

Confirmed booking with the removalist. Confirm the time they will be arriving, the names of the moving crew and ask if there’s anything you need to prepare for them.

Boxed everything, leaving one open for the essentials that you’re still using.

Emptied freezers. Unplug and clean all appliances. Box those that you will be bringing into your new home.

Marked all the boxes.

Identified items that will travel with you like jewellery, important documents, two sets of clothes for each member of the family, medicines, formula, electronic items and their respective accessories, some toys for the children and other essentials.

One Day Before Move

Have all boxes sealed and marked.

Have everything ready for the movers.

Packed the items and bags that will be travelling with you.

Cash ready for travel expenses.

PACKING SERVICES

Movers offers packing services that can be customized to meet your specific needs, regardless of your home size. Packing is arguably the most difficult (or at least the most boring) part of moving. The time that it takes to pack your items can be very overwhelming. If you either don’t have the time or simply don’t feel like doing it yourself, can provide the packing materials and professional movers and packers to assist with your packing needs

Full Pack

If you would rather not pack anything at all, can send packing team to your home to pack up everything from the garage to the kitchen. A full pack service is almost always done a day before the move itself, as it can take quite some time depending on the size and/or contents of your home. can leave out any items you may need the night before the move, and can quickly pack those up on the day of your move.

Partial Pack

This is the most popular option that customers select. This allows you to keep costs down by doing some of the “easier” packing yourself. If you don’t mind packing some of your items on your own, but decide you need help with the fragile or more difficult items, happy to help. team of packers will bring out a variety of boxes to pack what is needed. You are only charged for the boxes that are used to pack your items.

For liability and safety reasons, we will not pack or transport any of the following items:

Jewelry

Medication

Cash

Important personal papers (deeds, wills, etc.)

Firearms

Perishable foods

Cleaning supplies/chemicals

Paints and paint thinners

Gasoline and other flammable liquids

How To Become A Professional Wedding Photographer

How do wedding photographers get customers?

You love photography and nothing would feed your soul more than having a calendar booked with fresh clients every week.

The only problem? You’re not sure how to attract enough clients to stay booked up. That’s why, in this post, we’ll explore 17 creative ways to get more wedding photography clients…offline. Some of these strategies I’ve seen successful photographers use in their business and it made me wonder “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Some have been proven to work by other wedding professionals, which could easily be adapted for photographers. Others are unusual tactics that I haven’t seen used before, which leaves a big fat opening for you to swoop in and make them yours.

Here’s a Quick Summary of How to Get More Wedding Photography Bookings

Charm Your Way into Preferred Vendor Lists

As a photographer, one of your best sources for quick clients is referrals. And, naturally, venues can be one of the best sources of referrals since they are often the first wedding business couples meet with.

But how can you get your foot in the door with venues who already have a list of favorite photographers?

Whether its a venue you’ve shot at in the past or not, you can create a prime opportunity to get your name in front of them, if you approach it with their best interests in mind first.

  • Make a list of the top 10-20 venues you feel your ideal client is most likely to host at. Get creative too by exploring unconventional or converted spaces, like lofts, museums, galleries, botanical gardens and barns too.
  • Get on the phone and reach out to the Events Manager. Let him or her know that their venue seems to be a favorite among your clients and you’d love to drop by sometime to meet the staff on a slow day. Tell them you always have your equipment with you anyway, so you’d be more than happy to take fresh headshots of the team and any property images they want to update, complimentary, while you’re there.
  • Set aside plenty of time that day, so you won’t feel rushed and come with business cards and a giveaway portfolio they can keep on hand, if they ask for one.
  • Don’t push for referrals or directly ask to be on their preferred vendor list. If they like you, they’ll probably offer. If they don’t mention it, ask them if they have a preferred vendor list and leave it at that. Let them make the offer.
  • Follow up, follow up, follow up. Whether you’re on their list or not, staying front of mind and letting them know you care is key to growing the relationship. Remember, they want to be promoted too. So let them know when you’ve referred clients their way or when you have a wedding on the books for their venue.  And if you don’t have client crossover yet, then try some of the fun gift drop tactics from this post to stay on their radar.

Partner for Prospects

Your peers don’t have to be your competitors if you choose not to look at it that way. Instead, they can be one of your top source of client referrals.

Whether you’re a fan or not, Jasmine Star has had tremendous success as a wedding photographer and, for that reason alone, I think her tips are worth listening too. I truly admire her perspective on peer-partnering.

In this video, she reveals how partnering up with other local photographers grew her business faster than she ever thought possible. They swapped leads and gave each other overflow work when booked up for that date.

Perfect your listening skills

Let’s go back to the beginning. After all, that’s where the first impressions are made. You can get referrals from clients who haven’t even paid their deposit yet. Be prompt, be polite, and be consistent. The clients already love your work, so now you need to get them to love you too! Listen to them. People want to be heard. They do not care how many weddings you’ve shot, they only need to know that you care about theirs.

Don’t let your own prejudices stand in the way. We all have opinions and when a couple gives me a list of group shots that are as long as my arm, I cry inside. I know they’re not going to actually want that many, I know they’ve booked me to document the actual day, and I also know that if I don’t accommodate the request then I’m not going to live up to their expectations.

This is where you need to be prompt, polite, and consistent. Thank them for the list, don’t reject it. Give them some ideas that work around how you shoot and explain to them the reason you’re offering these ideas.

Be transparent

Assumption makes an… well, you know the phrase. Does your client know that unless they actually spend time with Uncle Roger during the wedding shoot, there won’t be any photos of them together? Does your client know you’re completely unreachable when you’re shooting a wedding? Give your clients an FAQ pdf when they book or make everything clear when you meet them. Better yet, do both.

Word of Mouth Referrals

Although forms of communication have evolved over time, there is nothing people trust more than a recommendation from a good friend. If you are wondering how to get more wedding clients, credibility is key no matter what choice of lead generation you look at.

Advertising on Social Media

The E-commerce space created the necessity for online ads and over time Facebook developed a robust Ad program to help small businesses capture their local audiences. Many have turned to Facebook Ads when figuring out how to book more wedding photography clients because of their ease of use and targetability.

Get in touch with your old clients

Nevertheless, don’t forget about your old clients. Stay in touch with them and tell them what are your new projects, the new offers as well as discounts you have. It will make them return to you for their special events. Reaching out to old customers is really helpful as they are the easiest targets on your client list.

Consider the marketing platforms around you

There are a lot of photography marketing websites available now. Thus, you should make use of them at its best. Display your profile on top wedding photography sites like Canvera and reach a wider audience. It will increase your visibility and the chances of getting more leads. Search for similar marketing sites to make more people see you and talk about your work.

Give to Get with Charity Events

Getting involved in local charities has its own set of rewards, outside of what you get in return. However, with the right approach you can get both benefits: a chance to give back and get new clients!

When you volunteer your photography services for a charity event, you get the chance to reach a whole new audience that other photographers are likely ignoring.

The key to making this idea work is to ensure you will have the kind of visibility that gets attendee’s attention.

Simply having your logo printed in the event brochure won’t cut it. There needs to be guest interaction so people can experience your presence first hand. Otherwise, they may not remember you.

Suggest to the event coordinator some type of guest photo op, such as a pop-up photo booth with props and scenery. This will allow you to have meaningful interactions with guests and get your business card in their hands; not to mention, collect email addresses to which to send their photos.

If the event is looking for full coverage of the mingling, milestones and presentations, have a second shooter on hand to assist during times when you are interfacing with guests.

Finding Family Law Attorney In The City

How To Choose A Family Law Attorney Properly

Choosing the best attorney to handle your divorce, domestic violence, paternity or other family law matter can be one of the most important decisions in your life. It is important that you take the time to research your options and interview numerous attorneys to choose the proper fit for you. There are hundreds of divorce attorneys in New Mexico of varying backgrounds, skills and experience.

The very first consideration when searching for a divorce law firm and attorney is to find an attorney that you get along with, that you respect, and that listens to you. Attorneys by nature like to talk, but when you first meet an attorney their job should be to listen to your explanation of the facts involved in your case and to understand your goals and desires in the case. Divorce attorneys will only understand the likely or possible outcomes in your case if they listen to you. Over the years, we have had a significant number of potential clients call our firm that already have attorneys and they are looking to make a change.

The most common reasons clients want to hire a different attorney is because their attorney

  • doesn’t call them back;
  • doesn’t listen to them;
  • doesn’t work with them on the case. In our experience, the best divorce attorneys we have worked with on cases are the lawyers that listen to their client, understand their goals, advise their client about the proper direction to move forward in the case, but they must also have the ability to be aggressive when necessary.

Family law attorneys must have significant experience in order to properly handle a divorce or other family law case. This is not to say that an inexperienced attorney cannot successful complete a case; however, there is an extremely small likelihood that an inexperienced attorney will resolve your case with a result favorable to you, at an expected cost, within a reasonable time-frame. There is a practical reason that experience matters in a divorce case, which is the overall cost will be reduced by having an experienced attorney. This concept seems counter-intuitive since the more experienced attorneys often charge a higher hourly rate. The reason is because experienced attorneys already have a significant knowledge base concerning divorce law and procedures, which they do not need to spend time, and charge you, to research law. Attorneys charge a wide array of hourly fees for their services. Some attorneys will charge as low as $250 per hour, while other attorneys charge upwards of $400 per hour. We believe that the attorney’s rate should be reasonable considering their experience and efficiency.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Family Law Attorney?

While divorce is the most common thing that comes to mind when people think of family law issues, there are actually many different legal matters that family law attorneys deal with on a regular basis. There are many attorneys in Michigan that claim to work on family-related law issues, which means you have a lot of choices. However, what kinds of things should you be looking for when choosing a family law attorney?

  • Experience – one of the first things you should look for is an attorney’s experience. As with most legal matters, experience is important. You want to be sure that the attorney you choose has already dealt with similar issues to what you’re going through and that he/she knows how to handle them properly.
  • Expertise – many attorneys set up a general practice where they take on several kinds of legal matters. However, if you’re dealing with a family law issue, then you don’t need an attorney who mainly focuses on personal injury and does family law on the side. Choosing a lawyer who is focused solely on family law issues can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
  • Professionalism – you also want to make sure that your attorney appears to be professional and act in a professional manner. That means he/she speaks and behaves in an intelligent and courteous way.
  • Knowledgeable – the family law attorney you choose should be knowledgeable about family law. If he/she has a hard time answering your questions, then you might want to look elsewhere.

Reality and Honesty

An attorney who understands your goals but also reality is something you should heavily consider. One of the biggest red flags you can come across in your search is a “yes man.” An attorney should not be a magician nor should he or she promise you the world so that you are inevitably disappointed with the end result. No end result is ever completely perfect, and your attorney should be forthright with you regarding your case. A divorce attorney should be able to understand your goals and needs, but, should be honest and realistic with you about attaining those goals. Our attorneys will maintain candor and sincerity throughout your divorce and will advocate as hard as they can to achieve your goals.

A Counselor in Law, but also in Life

It is especially important to hire a lawyer who will understand both your wishes and needs. At the Mandel Law Firm, we will recognize that there are certain things that you need to be happy, and those are the things that we will fight the hardest to get. Additionally, our attorneys will provide the necessary comfort and understanding to any tough situation that you may face in the process toward a resolution. Our attorneys will not only counsel and explain the applicable laws, but, will act as “counselors in life” and aid you in starting a new chapter in your life. We are here with an empathetic ear as we strive to create a productive and comfortable environment where you will feel safe and secure. Our attorneys, while they each have different work styles, are compassionate listeners and will do their best to get you the best results.

A Firm Dedicated to Family Law and Versed in Your Specific Issues

The family law firm that you hire should be one that is experienced in a wide range of family law matters, not one that simply dabbles in the occasional family law case. Hiring a firm that specializes in family law will guarantee that you are in the best hands. Attorneys who have handled cases or unique issues just like your own will provide you with the greatest chances of attaining your goals as well as feeling comfortable throughout the process.

Professionalism and Reputation

Lawyers, above all, should be consummate professionals, keeping in mind all ethical guidelines. It can be difficult for you to know if the lawyer is a true professional in one meeting; but remember to check some basic things. Is there someone there to greet you? Are they prepared for your meeting? Are they giving you realistic outcomes and a full explanation of all your options? Beware of the lawyer who promises you a quick case or guarantees an outcome. It is a lawyer’s duty to manage your expectations and tell you the truth – even if they know it is not what you want to hear.

When it comes to their reputation, do not be afraid to do some homework on the lawyer. Check out their state bar history – have there been any disciplinary actions? If so, what were they about? How recent were they? Do other lawyers speak highly of them? Are there any reviews online about how they treat their clients? All of these would go to the professionalism of the attorney and can give you a good idea of how they would treat you during their representation.

When meeting with your attorney, remember that you are the client that will be paying the attorney; they will be the person helping you. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask some probing questions about their practice. Hiring a Family Law attorney is not cheap, but it can be a very smart investment – if you make the right choice. Do your homework and follow your instincts, and chances are you won’t go wrong.

Choosing an Attorney

Make a decision.

After meeting with the attorneys on your shortlist, you might know immediately who you want to hire. Or you may have to mull it over more. Regardless of how you immediately feel, give it a couple of days to think over (unless you need immediate legal assistance). You ultimately want to hire someone you trust and feel comfortable around. To help you make an informed decision, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How comfortable will you be working closely with this attorney?
  • Does the lawyer have the experience to handle the case?
  • Did the lawyer explain the case in a clear manner?
  • Does the fee seem reasonable?
  • What is your gut instinct telling you?
  • Was the lawyer easy to contact or difficult to get ahold of?

Call back.

Once you have settled on an attorney, you should contact him or her as soon as possible and state that you would like to hire them. Ask if the attorney needs any additional information and what the next steps are.

  • If there was something you didn’t like about the attorney, then see if he or she is willing to negotiate. For example, the lawyer might have a policy of only communicating by mail. However, if you would like status updates given by a phone call, then you should ask if the lawyer can change the policy for you.

Read the engagement letter.

The lawyer should present you with a formal engagement letter. This letter spells out all facets of the attorney-client relationship. You should read it closely before signing it and sending it back to the lawyer.

  • Be sure the fee agreement is included in the engagement letter and that it accurately reflects your agreement. If you agreed to a flat fee but you see a section discussing hourly billing, then you should bring this to the attorney’s attention and ask that it be corrected.
  • In fact, if you don’t understand something in the engagement letter, then you should ask the attorney before signing.
  • If something is inaccurate, do not scrawl over the page or cross something out. Instead, wait for a complete, accurate engagement letter to be sent to you. Then sign and return it.

Pay a retainer.

The lawyer may require that you advance a certain sum of money before he or she will begin working on the case. This is called the “retainer.” It is like a down-payment. There may be a separate retainer fee agreement or it could be part of the engagement letter.

  • Your lawyer should not use the retainer until they begin working on your case. However, once they have billed you for work performed, they can apply the retainer to your bill. You must pay whatever amount is not covered by the retainer.
  • If for some reason the lawyer stops working on your case before using all of the retainer, then you are entitled to a refund of the balance.
Posted byPosted inLegal

Electrical Home Inspection Misconceptions

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

Approval of Non-Listed Electrical Equipment

Electrical Service Panel Upgrades

Electrical Receptacle and Switch Installation Requirements (Commercial and Industrial)

Equipment Suspended of Mounted on Roofs Floors or Walls

Field Coordinators Map (30MB)

Generators – Permit Requirements

Installation of Exterior Light Fixture Support Pole Bases

Knob and Tube Wiring

Energy Commission – Building Energy Efficiency Standards

PG&E Meter Releases

Pre-Final Meter Request Form

Utility Meters: How to Get or Replace a Meter

KITCHEN AND BATH LIGHTING

Residential Lighting T-24 Energy Requirement Design Guide

PHOTOVOLTAICS

Electric Vehicle Charging System Permit Requirements (Single-Family and Duplexes)

Solar Photovoltaic Installations

POOLS & MISC

Portable Spa Inspection Checklist

Swimming Pool Construction Inspections

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION CHECKLISTS

Healy Dispenser and Similar Installation Checklist

The Role of Annual Electrical Inspection & Maintenance

Electrical connections play a vital role in the smooth running of a home. There are times when these connections fall short. It is then that most people think of calling an Electrician to have things fixed. However, when everything is okay, most homeowners do not even think of anything like annual maintenance. To be on the safe side, yearly electrical inspections should never be ignored.

Inspections are beneficial in many ways. For instance, they might help you unearth looming electrical issues, which would have otherwise been costly to repair. Not yet convinced, here are some reason to schedule routine electrical inspections.

Fire Safety

Electrical faults are of the main causes of home fires at home. These fires often emanate from faulty wirings and electrical fixtures. Unfortunately, these electrical elements are often blamed after the damage has already been done. In light of this, it is imperative for a homeowner to have an annual inspection to ensure that wirings and all connections are safe.

Safety

The safety of the occupants in your home is another important reason to invest in annual electrical inspections. Regular inspections often check for electrical anomalies like possible overloading, outdated wiring, or risk of electrical shocks. Ignoring routine electrical inspection is tantamount to putting the safety of the occupants at risk.

Adherence to Local Electrical Codes

Having a functional home does not always mean that everything is okay. A Newly built home should adhere to electrical codes, which are subject to change or get revised from time to time. This means that in a couple of years, some electrical fixtures in your home are bound can be deemed unsafe. Annual maintenance can help you discover this and make necessary changes before it becomes too late.

Permits

Definition List

Notice of Correction (NOC):

A formal notice of items that need to be corrected that were identified by an inspector.

Notice of Violation (NOV):

A formal notice of at least one specific area of non-compliance with the Idaho Statutes & Rules as administered by the Division of Building Safety.

Enforcement Permit:

An Enforcement Permit is issued only by a state inspector and only in cases where a contractor or homeowner has failed to purchase a required permit for work already completed. Fees charged for an Enforcement Permit are double the original amount due to the failure to permit.

What is a permit?

A permit grants the holder authorization to perform specific construction and/or installation work. Permits are assigned a unique document number which is required when requesting inspections and approval of the work.

What to do when you purchase your permit?

If the inspector notes deficiencies during the inspection that cannot be fixed immediately, corrections must be made.

Homeowners Performing Electrical Installations

The Electrical Program exists to protect and safeguard life, health, and property of the citizens of Idaho from hazards associated with the use of electricity by ensuring that all electrical installations within the state comply with the most current safety codes and electrical standards. It is expected that homeowners performing electrical installations in the State of Idaho possess the skills and knowledge necessary to install electrical equipment safely and in a workmanlike manner.

Building Department

Inspections due to permits issued by the Building Department will continue as listed below.  Communications with the Building Department will be available to the public through US Postal Service, telephone and email. 

To do its part in flattening the curve on Coronavirus, the Town of Ware Building Department will perform inspections as follows:

We will continue to conduct inspections of occupied buildings on a case by case basis.  Please call the office to schedule and discuss for inspections and inform us if anyone in your home is showing any signs of illness, and please advise us ahead of time if you are uncomfortable having an Inspector entering your home so we can make other accommodations at the discretion of the Inspector.  This is only during this State of Emergency.

Annual/Periodic Inspections will be postponed until after the declaration

The Town of Ware is using an online permitting system to help keep contractor and homeowners aware of every stage of the permitting process through an online portal called Viewpoint.  Contractors can upload applications, plans, required documents and pay fees directly.  Once applications are submitted, you are notified via email every step of the way!

To ensure life safety standards, the following items may be considered in the scope of the Inspections:

Proper egress

Working emergency signage and lighting

General unsafe or unsanitary conditions

Posted occupant load where required

Visible fire protection systems kept in good order

Fire detection and prevention systems in working condition

Mechanical systems and spaces in good order

Mission Statement

primary mission is to safeguard the public, promote the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Ware through enforcement of the applicable codes and ordinances. believe in equitable treatment of all individuals regardless of circumstances, and strive to enforce all building codes in a fair and considerate manner.

Tips for Getting the Most out of a Home Inspection

A proper home inspection is your best defense against buying a property that will be a home improvement nightmare. Use these tips to get the most out of your home inspection

Show Up

Make sure you are present for the home inspection and be prepared to ask questions and point out specific problems you’d like to check out further. This will be the first time your home inspector has been at the property, so your knowledge of potential issues is invaluable.

Use Someone You Trust

Doing your homework to find your own home inspector can really give you peace of mind. While your realtor probably has a few inspectors that he or she can recommend, you should really find your own. An impartial, third-party home inspector won’t have any loyalty to your realtor and will be able to talk freely and frankly about potential issues. You may have to pay a little bit extra for a quality home inspector, but compared to the purchase price of a house, it’s well worth it.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

The reason you hired a home inspector is because this person has the necessary knowledge to evaluate whether or not this potential property has any issues that would make purchasing the home a bad decision. And you should respect your home inspector’s knowledge and time. However, if something doesn’t look right or you don’t understand what a home inspector is referring to, speak up. It’s better to ask a question now than have an issue arise after you’ve purchased the property.

Get Pictures for Proof

Any home inspector worth using will bring a camera along on the inspection. The inspector will also be heading into places that you won’t want to go if you don’t have to (the roof, crawl space, under decks, the attic, etc.). Ask your inspector to photograph any potential issues that arise so you can see the issue for yourself and make sure you fully understand the problem.

Benefits Of A Home Inspection

Home Inspections

Property Inspections, are dedicated to serving clients with the best comprehensive, detailed, and unbiased inspection of your home or your future home. inspectors are highly trained in identifying residential construction defects, maintenance problems, and safety issues that can be present in your home. understand that your home or your future home is a place where you and your family will live, grow, and create memories.

inspection process is to help educate clients on the current condition of their home by conducting an extensive unbiased overview of the home are inspecting. use state-of-the-art technology to deliver inspection reports in a fast and accurate format that is easy to understand

Buyers

Buyers use this information to negotiate the most favorable final selling price for a property they want to buy. The inspector identifies problem areas so buyers can get repair quotes from reputable tradespeople—and then ask the sellers for price reductions to offset the costs of anticipated repairs.

Sellers

Sellers use the home inspection report to help them decide whether to correct any problems that might lower offers or be viewed as barriers by potential buyers and to reassure buyers right from the beginning—and increasing the likelihood of getting better offers on their property.

Easy-To-Read Inspection Reports

Buyers and sellers alike use the home inspection report to help guide them in their future home buying/selling decisions.

HOME INSPECTIONS

Simply attend the walk-through portion of the inspection, and if you are not completely satisfied at the end of the inspection, not only will we refund/waive inspection fee (100%), will also pay for another certified inspector of your choice (100%)… are so confident in what do that are willing to back it up… 200%.

WE’LL BUY YOUR HOME

We’ll Buy Your Home Back Guarantee. If miss anything, buy your house back. Worry Free Purchase Power: You won’t need it (because really great at what do) but know peace of mind is everything sometimes.

CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE

Certified Professional Home Inspectors have years of experience in construction prior to becoming a InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspectors. worked on, managed, and inspected homes built in every decade since the early-1800s. seen it before.

HOME INSPECTION

Your home inspection will usually take 2-3 hours, depending on the size and condition of the home. You’re welcome to follow along as inspect, but many of clients prefer to arrive near the end of the inspection for a 30 minute to 1 hour “inspection review”, which is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have as walk-through the house together reviewing anything might have found.

200% GUARANTEE

After the inspection & walk-through, you get to decide if earned your money or not. If you are not completely satisfied, not only will refund/waive inspection fee (100%), will also pay for another certified inspector of your choice (100%)… are so confident in what do that are willing to back it up… 200%

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MY INSPECTIONS

Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult. Unlike most professionals you hire, you probably won’t meet me until our appointment. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and pricing.

Ultimately, a thorough home inspection depends heavily on the individual inspectors own effort, their ability to identify concerns and a clear reporting system that gives you actionable items that need your attention. If you’re looking for a caring and constructive approach to home inspecting, then that is what you will get with me. I won’t waste your time, I’ll answer all your questions and you”ll be empowered with the important info to make your decision.

What I Inspect

CHIMNEY

Learn about the three levels of chimney inspection as laid out by the National Fire Protection Association.

ROOF

inspect roof coverings, structure, gutters, downspouts and more.

ATTIC

Insulation and ventilation. check for rhodent damage, water damage from a leaky roof, the condition of the insulation, and the condition of the roof from the bottom.

BASEMENT & FOUNDATION

If there is no basement, go into the crawlspace to investigate the condition of the foundation.

DRAINAGE & GRADING

check to see if you need to do some land grading near your house’s foundation to correct drainage issues

EXTERIOR

Walkways, exterior doors, eaves, soffits, fascia and more.

INTERIOR

Built-in appliances, doors, windows, flooring and more.

PLUMBING

Sinks, tubs, faucets, shut-off valves and more.

ELECTRICAL

check the service drop, mast, meter & base, grounding, outlets and more.

HEATING & COOLING

All major heating and cooling systems to make sure you get them in working order.

GARAGE

make sure your hub for home repair is in good repair.

DECK

The deck is for relaxing. Make sure you can relax about your deck’s condition.

Protect Your Family and Your Investment

I’ll personally conduct your inspection using the highest professional standards, and then deliver the accurate, objective report you need. Whether you’re the buyer, seller or agent, I’ll focus squarely on your best interest and peace of mind.

you can breathe easy knowing that:

use state-of-the-art equipment. monitor your home’s radon levels using a special testing device.

experienced. licensed by the Department of Agriculture, and we passed the National Home Inspection exam with flying colors. also have 40 years of exterior construction experience under belts.

look out for your family. members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), meaning up-to-date with the latest industry practices.

After spending several weekends looking at houses, completing your loan application and daydreaming about home décor, you’ve finally made an offer on a home. Don’t start celebrating just yet. Do your due diligence by scheduling a home inspection

know what you’re thinking: “I’ve lived in my home for a long time. Do I really need a home inspection?” Yes, you do. You should schedule home inspection services today if:

You want to know about minor issues that could become major problems.

You want to stay on top of your home maintenance.

You want the upper hand during negotiations if you’re selling your home soon.

The Home Inspection Services include:

• Foundation and framing

• Interior walls, ceilings, floors, steps, railings

• Electrical boxes and protection devices

• Plumbing

• HVAC

• Garage doors and operators

• Attic insulation and ventilation

• Roof, including eaves, soffits, fascia, skylights, chimneys, flues

• Exterior, including siding/trim, decks/patios, porches/balconies, walkways, railings, driveways, grading/draining, vegetation, insect issues

Home Inspections You Can Trust

Whether you’re buying or selling your home, or you’re a real estate broker, AmeriSpec can help. team of certified commercial and residential home inspectors has the knowledge and resources to inspect your home professionally – giving you the peace of mind you need to make the right decision. Elsewhere, commercial property inspectors offer commercial building inspections too.

Don’t Let The Home Of Your Dreams Become A Nightmare

Buying a home can be an anxious time. You have found the home of your dreams, but are concerned that it may have poor workmanship or problems such as cracks in the foundation, old or deteriorating plumbing, a faulty heating system, or unsafe or dated electrical wiring. It’s because of these possible problems that you should call the professionals

No matter how much you know, or think you know, or how many friends and relatives you have in the trades, there’s no substitute for the qualified expertise of a trained inspector. A trained inspector knows what to look for, what to focus on and how to assess thousands of different elements of the property. Once the thorough pre-buy home inspection is complete a report is produced that will help you secure your investment, help you understand how you home works, eliminate surprise problems, and bring you the peace of mind you are looking for. A good, thorough, comprehensive inspection report will help you make the right decision

SELLER’S HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

home inspection report is free to view, and attached to the official real estate listing with the agent’s website and listing information. If you’re selling your house, or thinking about selling your house, an OnDemand report makes it easier and more efficient for everyone involved in the home selling and home buying process

The pre-listing report ensures full disclosure at the time of the sale, giving potential buyers more confidence. Getting an inspection and report before listing your home also gives you the chance to fix or make allowance for items that could negatively affect your asking price. This results in more leverage over the price and allows everyone to understand the true condition of your home. The inspection report also ensures that negotiations will be easier, with fewer conditions, and should only have to happen once. No surprises will be found during an inspection after an offer has been made