The Many Benefits Of Carpet Flooring

Here’s how to make your carpets look fresh in an hour

If your your carpet is looking less than fresh, you can brighten it up in around an hour with a few low-cost items you probably already have around your home. The best part? You don’t need a steam cleaner.

This process is affordable and easy, and all you need is shaving cream and baking soda.

Remove stains with a blast of foam

First, your carpet probably needs a spot-clean. An easy, low-cost solution to get rid of carpet stains is shaving cream. Spray the stain with some foam shaving cream (not the gel kind) and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Then, blot it with a clean cloth. This solution works on a wide range of stain types, including grease. Before you tackle the stain, do a test patch in an inconspicuous area of your carpet to ensure it won’t cause any discoloration.

Freshen up with some baking soda

Next, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the carpet and let it sit for 10 minutes. How liberal? You’ll need around one box of baking soda per 10 by 10 feet (3 by 3 meters) room.

The baking soda will absorb odors and cling to dirt particles, making them easier to remove. After the 10 minutes is up, just vacuum like normal. Your carpet will be extra fresh and looking clean.

Bonus tip: Get rid of pet smells

Pet smells are almost impossible to get rid of, but there is a solution. Mix 16 ounces (about 500 ml) of warm water with 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (you can use two tablespoons of peppermint extract instead). Then, spray the stinky area with the solution and let it dry.

 

Carpet Maintenance Tips

Installing new carpeting in your home is an investment and a responsibility. You’ve chosen to not only make your home more beautiful and more comfortable, but you’ve also added to its value and taken steps to decrease your heating and/or cooling expense. As such, it is important that you protect your investment with proper carpet maintenance and care so it continues to add beauty and value to your home for many years.

Caring for your carpet is easy with the right tools. All you should need to keep your carpet looking beautiful on a daily basis is a vacuum, a good stain remover and a pair of scissors.

  • Vacuum weekly. Try to vacuum at least once a week to keep dirt and debris from becoming embedded in the carpet fibers. If the area sees a lot of foot traffic, you may need to vacuum more often.

Keep in mind that the type of vacuum you use, as well as how you use it makes a big difference. For instance, you’ll want to use the highest setting on the head of your vacuum to avoid damaging the ends of the fibers. Furthermore, your vacuum should have efficient airflow and large wheels as well.

  • Address spills immediately. The longer a stain sits on carpeting, the harder it is to get out. Remove as much of the spill as possible by scooping or blotting, and then add a small amount of water and blot with a towel. Only use a stain remover if necessary, and only use one that’s approved for use with your type of carpeting. Always avoid scrubbing the fibers.
  • Clip snags. Don’t pull them. When you see snags in the carpet, don’t pull them. Instead, use a pair of sharp scissors to clip the snag even with the rest of the fibers.
  • Remove furniture dents. You can remove dents caused by furniture easily by rubbing the edge of a quarter across them to encourage the fibers to stand back up.

 

Clean with baking soda and vinegar

Similar to the methods listed above, using homemade carpet cleaner made of vinegar or baking soda can help refresh your pile, and has the added benefit of spot cleaning.

Start by liberally applying baking soda to the carpet and working it in with a stiff brush.

Baking soda acts as a natural carpet cleaner, both by removing odors and killing bacteria. Make sure to rub it in more than just one direction and use a fair amount of pressure to fully saturate the carpet.

Allow the baking soda to sit overnight, and then vacuum it up.

Next, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and liberally coat the area. Use your brush to raise the pile, and let dry. The smell of vinegar will dissipate after a few hours, and you’ll be left with a clean, new-looking patch of carpet.

Make sure not to put the baking soda and vinegar on your carpet at the same time. The result will be a thick, foamy white substance similar to what’s produced in grade school science projects about volcanoes.

Although the cleaning efficacy won’t be reduced, dealing with the additional mess will be time consuming.

 

How to bring carpet back to life

Things like stains, snagging and a flattened pile can make a carpet look like it has seen better days, but there are plenty of things you can do to bring your carpet back to life

Go for the snip

Snagging caused by pet claws or sliding heavy furniture across the room can quickly make carpet look tatty. People often try to remedy the problem by pulling the thread, but this will just create a carpet run, making the problem look even worse. With snagging, the simple solution to bringing your carpet back to life is to trim it with sharp scissors.

We’ve even heard you can use shaving foam (yes, really!)

Stains can instantly age a carpet but help is at hand with good old shaving foam. Yep, from grease to lipstick, shaving foam can see off pretty much any stain and bring your carpet back to life. Just squirt the shaving cream on the stain, leave for 30 minutes then blot with a dry cloth.

Get raking

A carpet rake could be your new best friend in the quest to bring your carpet back to life. It’s a simple tool – basically a rake with small plastic or metal teeth – and a simple process. Just rake towards you, in the opposite direction of the pile, and marvel at your new-look carpet. Not to be used on woven carpet, though. Carpet rakes are available from Amazon, from around £15.

Fluff it up

Matted carpet can easily be brought back to life. Spritz a little warm water onto the matted area then gently blow-dry with a hairdryer as you fluff the carpet fibres back into place with your fingers, the edge of a spoon or a hairpin. Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it.

Clean and freshen up

Baking soda is the go-to solution for bringing your carpet back to life. Not only does it clean, it also kills bacteria, refreshes the pile and removes odours. Apply plenty of baking soda to completely cover your carpet then use a stiff brush to work it in, rubbing it in different directions. Leave the baking soda overnight then just vacuum up the next day.

 

Tips For Cleaning And Caring For Your New Carpet

Vacuum

It will not harm your carpet if you vacuum it as soon as it has been laid, and at regular intervals after that, even if it does not look particularly dirty. A new carpet will contain some short fibres which will be removed by vacuuming. The amount of short fibre which is removed from the carpet in the first few weeks after installation can look very dramatic, but in reality it is only a very small proportion of the pile weight and will in no way affect the carpet’s performance. Regular cleaning will help to keep your carpet looking good for years!

Put down barrier mats

Barrier mats are used to help keep your carpet clean. All types of flooring get dirty but some show dirt more than others. Wool rich carpets, because of the nature of the wool fibre, will generally hide it better than synthetic products and will also be easier to clean. However, it’s a good idea to use small mats or an offcut of your new carpet in kitchen doorways or in other areas where the carpet is next to a hard floor to prevent greasy spots spreading to the carpet. Doorways where there is street access will also benefit from a small offcut or rug. Please remember to keep these mats clean so that dirt does not spread onto the carpet.

Deal with stains immediately

Important: Never rub or over wet your carpet when trying to remove marks. It is very important to clean up spillages as soon as they occur. Do not rub as this will roughen and untwist the pile. Solid residues should be gently removed by scraping with a knife, and greasy residues can be treated with an oil/grease remover sprayed onto an absorbent cloth. Blot frequently but do not rub. Liquid spillages should be blotted up as far as possible with a clean, white cloth or absorbent tissue. Then use a WoolSafe-Approved shampoo solution or trouble shooter spray for upholstery and carpet. Moisten the area of the stain and then blot thoroughly with clean tissue or cloths. Repeat as necessary and allow to dry thoroughly before walking on the area. A wet suction vacuum cleaner can also be used to remove spillages and the trouble shooter spray from the carpet. However, do not use water in the machines, as you do not want to over wet the carpet.

What Brides Should Know About Event Videographer

Reasons You Should Hire a Video Production Agency

When it comes to content, video is king. Often times though, potential clients have no clue where to start. Smartphone cameras, nephews with DSLR’s, or college kids looking for experience cloud the market with subpar content and shady client experiences. While professional video production can seem like a hefty expense for your business, the return is often greater than the investment. The result is the enhancement of your company’s brand, content that engages and informs customers, and a comfortable on-set experience. In the end, this all helps to develop a healthy relationship with professional creatives, and overall generate more clicks and conversions for your company.

YOUR BRAND

As you know, high quality, reliable products, and services are important. So why skim on your video production content? We’ve all seen bad commercials, cheesy ads, and low-quality social media content. There’s definitely a time and a place for smartphone-captured content and user-generated video. But when you’re looking to showcase who your organization is or market a new line of products or services, don’t settle for low-quality, unprofessional video content which will, in turn, reflect poorly on your product. Hiring a professional video production agency increases the likelihood of obtaining high-quality content to post on social media and your website which enhances your brand’s image in the public eye.

ENGAGING STORIES

Most professionals in the video production industry pride themselves in being storytellers. Stories hold an important place in the human heart, and what separates a good agency from a great agency is the ability to tell a story that engages an audience. Take the most mundane product or service. When crisp, beautiful imagery is combined with the perfectly crafted voiceover or interview soundbites, a story is created and an audience is informed and captivated into your brand and the services you offer. When you hire a professional video production agency, you’re hiring professional storytellers who will engage new clients through the power of your brand’s story.

COMFY SETS

Anyone who is not a professional on-screen actor or television show host will tell you that being on camera can get very awkward and uncomfortable quickly. The role of the director on-set with a professional video production agency is to create a comfortable and efficient set environment where interviewees feel natural and conversational. Running a set efficiently and making the most out of the allotted production time is a high priority for the agency as well. Capturing high-quality of high quantities of solid, usable footage and soundbites makes post-production easier and happier clients with the final cut. Hiring professionals mean hiring a relational crew who will bring an enjoyable experience to your organization during production.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Relational creatives may not be the easiest to come by, but developing a strong relationship with a professional video production agency gives you easy access to creatives who care about their clients. Let’s face it, despite how creative you may already be, you have a business to run and a team to manage. Partnering with trustworthy agency creatives who care about you, your brand, and your success as a company enables you to obtain higher quantities and quality of video marketing content by delegating this responsibility to your agency partner. Your video production agency works day and night to enhance your brand and tell your story which enables you to focus more on investing in your team and clients.

GENUINE CONVERSIONS

Okay, so you’ve hired the professionals who have created an engaging story through an efficient and comfortable set environment and you’ve decided that this process is pretty sweet. The result? A partnership with your creative agency.

 

How to choose a videographer – key things to look for

Not all videographers are great at producing online courses. Ideally you want to find one with some experience doing the kind of work you’re looking for. Here’s a few steps to help you find a great videographer for your online course videos:

  • Ask for sample footage that they have shot – specifically footage of someone talking right to camera as that’s likely what you’ll be doing.
  • Ask for some footage that includes voice audio with no background audio e.g. music. Music can be used to hide bad audio quality and you don’t want music running throughout your educational videos. It reduces retention and engagement by learners.
  • Review the footage
  • Look for good quality lighting on the subject – no significant shadows on the face or blurriness. Listen to the audio with the volume up loud. Raising the volume will help you pick out hum or hiss on the microphone or any background noises.
  • Ask your videographer if they will be using the same equipment (camera, microphone) on your shoot as they did in the sample footage.
  • Overall quality – if you’re happy with their sample quality it’s probably a good sign that it’s safe to proceed.
  • Confirm that they provide their own equipment – microphone(s), camera(s), lighting, backgrounds if necessary.
  • A bonus is if they have a teleprompter so you can refer to your slides

 

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Video Production Company

By asking a potential video production partner key questions before you begin working on a project together, you can ensure that they’re the right match for the job. After all, video marketing is a critical component to maximizing any strategic initiative for your company. So, it’s imperative to take your time in selecting the perfect video production company.

Key questions to ask include:

What kind of video production do you specialize in?

Some companies specialize in specific products such as weddings, live events, nonprofit videos, short films, etc. If a production company specializes in what you’re looking for, then you have a potential good fit. However, many companies specialize in a range of production abilities, so it’s okay if they don’t have any specific type of video they work with. This could mean that they have a visually stunning compilation of creative ideas that would work across a variety of spectrums.

What ideas can you offer?

Many video production companies take a passive approach. In other words, they’re there to film what you tell them to film and edit in such a way that makes you happy. At 522 Productions, on the other hand, we prefer taking a hands-on approach and working closely with you to creatively collaborate on ideas to make the best video possible. We’re passionate about helping you tell your story through the medium that video has to offer. We understand that it’s ultimately your story, so we’re here to help you showcase the qualities that make you unique.

Do you have examples of your work?

You’ll always want to ask a potential video company if you can see samples of work that they’ve completed for previous clients. This will allow you to see their professionalism and attention to detail on screen. If they’ve successfully worked with clients, then chances are that they will successfully accomplish your goals. At 522 Productions, we’re proud of the work we’ve done for previous clients and are excited to help others achieve the same results.

How to Prepare for a Consultation with a Video Production Company

As you prepare to meet with a video production company to ask these questions, it’s important to understand what you want your project to accomplish. While you obviously don’t need to have every single detail of your project determined, you should have a general vision of how you want the project to unfold. By being able to explain your goals and the purpose of the video you’re trying to create, you can better ensure that you and the video production company are on the same page.

During the consultation process, you’ll also want to make sure that your “chemistry” mixes well and that you can see yourself working with this team for the duration of the project. Because your story and marketing efforts are on the line with this video production, it’s crucial to ensure that the team is passionate and excited about the work you’re doing together.

 

Things To Consider When Hiring A Videographer

Looking to hire a videographer? Awesome! Videography is a great way to capture events such as vows, toasts, and dances on your wedding day. However, there are a few things to consider/look out for when shopping for a videographer:

  • Video Length: When you are looking for a videographer, make sure to scope out how long their final product is. Most of the time, a videography company will sell you full day coverage, but the final product is only 3 minutes. What? $3,000 for 3 minutes of final video. Don’t think so. Time to move on to the next company.
  • Day Of Hours: Let’s be real, there is a lot of stuff going on during the wedding day. Lots and lots of moving parts. It is normal for things to run a little bit behind – which is no problem, because everyone is having a great time! However, be careful to ask your videographer what happens if things run over. Make sure the videographer doesn’t split before you cut the cake!
  • High Definition: Today, all professional videographers are shooting in high definition. If you have stumbled across a videography company that is trying to convince you that SD is just as good – run.
  • Blu-Ray: Alright, so you have found the people who film in high definition – but they don’t offer Blu-Ray. What? Seriously? How are you supposed to watch your Full HD footage if it isn’t in a Full HD format? Hmmm…. If the videographer isn’t providing Blu-Rays, they are most likely squashing the format and compressing the files into a final product that is much less than full HD. They might be filming in full HD, but when they edit, the final product is not full HD.

 

The 4 Reasons You Need A Videographer For Your Wedding

I get asked all the time if hiring a wedding videographer is worth it… and I totally get it! Hiring both a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer can seem SO expensive, and some couples find it hard to justify spending such a large portion of their budget on documentation when there are So. Many. Expenses. and often a strict budget. But after years of experience I always hear the same thing from couples who opted out… “My biggest regret from my wedding was not hiring a videographer!” I promise, this is one investment you won’t regret!

Here’s 4 Reasons Why:

  1. You can relive the day over and over again. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event! You plan and prep and look forward to this day for months and even years, and then you blink your eyes and it is done. However your wedding film allows that day to live on forever. Many memories are bound to fade over the years, but having every moment on film is a truly priceless benefit of hiring a wedding videographer. While you may not be able to hang your wedding video on your wall and see it every day like you can with your photos, you can find special times to watch it and let the memories come flooding back. I promise ya – this is one movie you’ll never get sick of!
  1. You can share it with the world
  2. LOVE. TECHNOLOGY. Most videographers upload your video to Youtube, Vimeo, Facebook, etc. and you can easily view your video a n y w h e r e (we can finally say goodbye to lugging around tapes and DVDs to grandma’s house to show off those pretty videos!). The sad truth of the matter is that there will always be some friends or family members who won’t be able to attend your special day. And if you choose to elope, very few people will get to witness your wedding! So having a film will allow your loved ones to be part of that special day, and relive the magic over and over again with you. Now everyone has a front-row seat and you can share it all over your social media channels! Yes, I understand you can share photos as well… but video helps family members and friends who were unable to attend feel like they were actually there.
  3. You will get to see all the moments that you missed. Your wedding day should be one of the happiest and best days of your life! But let me fill you in on a little secret – You will be BUSY. your wedding day is going to fly by, and I hate to break it to ya, but you’re not going to see it all… the Flower Girl walking down the aisle; your grandmother shed a tear during your first dance; your parents sneak a kiss. And that my friends is the beauty of hiring a wedding videographer – they won’t miss a thing! A videographer can capture these moments on film, and you’ll see the entire day through your guests’ eyes. You’ll see even more moments than you were able to on your wedding day!You get to capture movement and sound

A picture’s worth a 1000 words? Well a video must be worth a trillion!!! Cliche? Absolutely… but 100% truth. With a video you’ll be able to see and hear your spouse recite their vows to you; you will get to relive your first kiss as a married couple; you’ll listen to your dad’s special toast and your best friends’ jokes over and over again. You get to watch grandma kick it on the dance floor and see if you really did get the most frosting on your spouse while cutting the cake. Sure, there is nothing like witnessing these in the exact moment, but getting to see and hear that moment, over and over again, is a very close second. Obviously photos can beautifully tell a story, but they cannot capture motion or sound—which makes a wedding video a must-have.

Local Moving Truck Rental

Moving guide and checklist to organize your move

Whether your move is inspired by a great job offer in a new city, a growing family, an empty nest, or a desire to upgrade your house, moving is inherently busy, complex and stressful.

This moving guide will show you what to consider at each stage of the moving process so you can make the best decisions for your situation and budget. Use the timeline at the end of the guide to stay on track.

Selling your home

Before moving into a new home, most people first need to sell their existing house. It’s often very difficult to time the selling of your current house with the purchase of your next house because of market demand, seasonality, and life events. We’re making this easier, allowing you to trade-in your home so you can buy and sell in one seamless experience.

Timeline

The earlier you can start to prepare for your move, the better. The first thing you should do is create a timeline for your move. Experts suggest two months is ideal, but circumstances (like a new job or selling an existing home) can influence timing. Use the timeline at the end of this article as a starting point, and add in other things specific to your situation as needed.

Budget

No matter how you do it, moving is not cheap. It’s helpful to develop a moving budget. This is especially critical if a new employer is not footing the bill. You’ll have to decide how much of the moving work you want to outsource versus how much you can do yourself to keep expenses manageable. Your biggest cost will be related to transporting your stuff from your old house to your new home.

 

Local Moving Guide

Do you plan to keep EVERYTHING that is in your current home?

Moving is a wonderful time to refresh your home’s decor. If you have a substantial number of items you’d like to get rid of, consider a yard or garage sale. Many neighborhoods do group Yard Sales to maximize traffic.  If you don’t have many items, have unsold items from your yard sale, or would rather not spend a Saturday schlepping your belongings out in the yard- consider donating to a local or national non profit.  Many of them offer pick up services and it is a tax deduction

Time to get boxes, tape, and padding supplies!.

If you will be packing yourself, it’s time to get started. But you can’t pack if you don’t have supplies will provide some complimentary boxes to customers. If you’re not using a professional mover, try a big box hardware store or department store. You can also occasionally find free boxes on Craigslist, Facebook groups, or at yard sales. Be careful to only use good, strong boxes in decent condition – moving boxes aren’t just to help transport your items, but to protect them, too.

Plan out your new living space. This is a great way to reduce your stress on moving day. First, measure your furniture: couch, chairs, TV stand, bookcases, bed, dressers.  Then take a tape measure to your new home and plan out where you will place your main furniture pieces. By measuring the space and large furniture ahead of time, you’ll be able to direct the move teams (or your friends and family) without hesitation, making for a faster, easier moving day.

Start getting familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.

All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.

If your move is job related, you should keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible if related to a new or current job, even if they don’t offer you a relocation package.

Finalize all real estate and rental needs. Make sure you have a copy of the signed lease, and all the related documents you need.

Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance. This can also be done ahead of time- sometimes the auto insurance premiums fluctuate based on your new address and commute to work.

All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.

Plan on taking all important documents, such as wills, stock certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.).

 

The Most Epic Moving Checklist in the History of Moving

Let’s face it, moving is stressful. That’s why we’ve created an epic moving checklist to help you stay on track. With some direction and this 8-week checklist for your upcoming move, you’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate.

It’s important for you to plan for every aspect of your move. The good news? We’ve got you covered. We won’t lie–there’s a lot to do to prepare. Yet, you’ll be thankful you started early and had this epic moving checklist to ensure you stay on top of your to-do list.

  1. Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox.

Take pictures with your phone of quotes, receipts, and records related to your move and store them in an online storage system such as Google Drive or Dropbox. You’re not going to be able to remember all of the details, so throw them in a document for easy reference.

  1. Schedule in-home estimates with a moving company.

Get at least three estimates, if you can. If you’re doing a DIY move, check out our free discount with Penske.

  1. Create a budget for moving expenses.

We know you want to hire professional movers, buy that new sectional and wine fridge, but priorities, right?

  1. Read over documents from your movers before signing anything.

Learn about the documents you’ll be receiving ahead of time to avoid getting intimidated by contracts. We can’t emphasize enough how important this is, there’s a reason it’s #4 on our list.

  1. Request time off work for moving day.

If you can, plan to take off and move on a Friday. That gives you the rest of the weekend to get yourself organized. Nice tip, right?

  1. Choose a school for your kids.

Need a little help in the research department? Great Schools can help you choose the best school in your area.

  1. Request transcripts for your kids from their current school for their new school.

Regardless of how far you are moving, the new school your child attends will need these. Arrive prepared so your kid(s) don’t get left behind.

  1. Plan a garage sale.

Then, donate anything left that you couldn’t sell.

  1. Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as guns, pianos, fine art, pool tables, safes, etc.

The movers you hire may not be qualified to move some larger (or more expensive) items, so you may need to hire a specialty mover. Make sure you’re aware of exactly what the movers you hired will and will not move.

  1. Confirm your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their Department of Transportation number (also referred to as a DOT number).

You have enough to think about when moving, make sure worrying about whether your belongings are safe isn’t one of them.

 

How To Move Locally – A Complete Comprehensive Guide

Whether you are moving locally or long distance, one thing is for sure, nobody likes to move for a hobby. You could be moving for different reasons like a better job, promotion or starting a new life with your partner. Whatever the reason is, each one of us has to go through the moving process at least once in our life. This is why you need to know the answers to basic questions like how to move locally or long distance. With this guide, learn the different modes of moving locally and a few tips to move without breaking the bank

Know the Different Modes on How to Move Locally DIY (Do-it-yourself) Moving

The best things about moving house locally, especially if it is a small move,  is that you can call on family, friends and even your neighbors to help you out with the move. This is probably the cheapest way to move locally. You are only moving a few miles from your current home so you can ask your friends and family to come along with their cars, or loan a truck from your friend (if you can find one) to help move some of our moving boxes. Plan a lovely meal in the evening, like a house-warming party and you might be able to convince them to even help you unpack!

Moving with a Truck Rentals

The most obvious thought when you think about how to move locally, especially if you have lots of stuff, is to hire movers to do it. Isn’t that what we all do? Well, if you are moving locally, you do have some options. You can rent a moving truck and drive it to your new location yourself. You will have to do all the grunt work yourself like packing, loading and unloading the truck. To help you out, you can either enlist the help of your friends or hire moving labor. While this method is not easy but it will certainly help you save substantially.

Moving Containers

Another “do it yourself” moving category option that you have is renting Moving Containers for your move. These companies offer “You load, we drive” service, which means you will still have to pack, load and unload the container, but you don’t have to manage driving the heavily loaded container. The company will pick it up from your old home and deliver it to your new place.

Hiring Professional Local Movers

The most stress-free and easy way of moving is by hiring professional local moving companies. They have all the equipment and well-trained movers who know how to deal with all your moving requirements while taking care of your belongings. You can choose to hire full-service movers who will handle all your moving tasks from packing to loading to unloading and unpacking. All you will have to do is direct the movers as per your requirements.

However, if you are on a budget, you can choose to handle moving tasks like packing yourself while hiring local movers only to load, move and unload your stuff to your new house. You can also customize your move by handling a few of the moving tasks yourself and asking the movers to complete the rest. In any case, here are a few moving services that local movers offer:

Professional packing, proper labeling and unpacking

Disassembly and assembly of heavy furniture items

Handling fragile items with Care

Moving truck and transport

Safety and Insurance

Moving special items like a piano, pool table etc.,

Additional services like flight services, long haul services, hoisting services, handyman services etc as per your moving needs.

Storage services

 

Local Moving Guide & Checklist

Nothing make a move easier than being prepared and organized.   If you are like most people, you haven’t moved in a while and don’t even know where to start.   Since our mission is always to make everyone’s big life transitions as easy as possible- we have created a Local Moving Guide and a Local Move Checklist Planner to give you all you need to prepare for your best relocation ever!

Think of the time frames on this Local Moving Guide as deadlines- if you are able to work ahead of time; do it! Being ahead will only take more stress and pressure off you to be ahead than it will to be working on things at the last possible moment.  This is especially true in peak moving season, which runs from late spring to early autumn.  The more advance notice you can give your mover, the more likely they will be in accommodating the move day you want.  Many of the country’s top moving companies are booked over a month in advance, in busy/ peak season.  Don’t wait until the last minute and get stuck with the only mover in town with availability left on their schedule.

Once your move is complete- take your time settling in.  You likely could use a break and making rash decisions when settling in will result in a disorganized home.  Think on where the items were placed in your old home.  Did it work well in that location or was it always just a bit ‘off’?  Be aware that you may want to try a few locations for things before fully committing to it- like for artwork or which cabinet you keep your plates in.  Unpack most commonly used items first, give them a ‘home’ in the most convenient and accessible locations- and work from there.  You’ll be all settled in and loving your new space in no time

Make Sure You Get The Best Personal Injury Lawyer In Town

Things You Must Know Before Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney

When it comes to selecting the best personal injury lawyer, there might be a lot of things running in your mind. Not every personal injury is similar. Likewise, not every solicitor for personal injury is the same. Remember these concerns before you go on finding a personal injury lawyer that is a good match.

If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer and are confused about which one to settle on, then you have come to the right place. Let us get to know about who is a personal injury lawyer first:

Who Is A Personal Injury Lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer is a form of civil litigator who offers legal counsel to clients who are claiming physical or psychological injury as a result of some individual, corporation, or organization’s reckless or careless actions.

Personal injury lawyers specialize in a profession known as litigation practice. It includes private or legal wrongs or accidents, including slander and breach of contract claims for bad faith. The primary aim of tort law is to complete the injured party and prevent others from committing the same crime.

What Does A Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Layers specialized in this field treat cases by appeal from the outset. They do activities similar to those of other litigants. To decide the merits of their claims, they evaluate allegations and screen prospective clients. They collect facts, formulate legal theories, and propose case law for study. The work includes writing pleadings, applications, and demands for evidence, as well as interviewing and depositing witnesses.

All these activities lead to the planning of the trial, but there the work does not stop. Pre- and during the appeal, personal injury attorneys fight for their clients. This may include advising them, as well as overcoming gaps in the justice system as raised by their critics.

 

Essential Points To Keep In Mind When Hiring Personal Injury Lawyer

Here are some points that can help you in getting the best results for the attorney you are looking for:

Experience: What kind of results should a Personal Injury Lawyer have?

To be an attorney in New York, each professional must finish law school, pass the bar exam and obtain certification, and then maintain certification. Knowledge of the law is important, but winning cases is far more complex and requires superior knowledge of how to ask questions, what kinds to ask, who to talk to, and where to hunt down information and clues to prove that the person or entity that harmed you should compensate you for your losses.

It’s harder for the injured person to prove negligence than it is for the defendant to prove the harmed individual was responsible. Winning a personal injury lawsuit is not simple or easy, no matter whether you’re up against a pharmaceutical giant or a local insurance company. A lawyer must know how to investigate and decipher corporate documentation.

A lawyer’s skill increases with every case and every trial, resulting in the ability to help you get the maximum possible compensation.

Integrity: Can you trust your Personal Injury Lawyer to put you first?

Experience is imperative but not enough. You need a lawyer you can trust to put you first, no matter what. You need an honest lawyer if your case is to be built correctly and if you are going to get your fair compensation. Honesty allows the client and lawyer to work together as a team. And because personal injury lawyers don’t get paid until you do, they need to do everything possible to take care of you, if they want to put food on their tables. You and they are partners. The personal injury lawyer in New York who represents you should give you a genuine sense that you are on a team that is moving your case toward success.

You need to know that your lawyer will plow forward, even if the situation seems grim for a while. You need a team that fights tenaciously for the compensation that lets you move on with your life. You need a legal force that treats you as an equal.

Yes, lawyers have a great deal of specialized knowledge that cost them a great deal of time and money to acquire. The full value of their assistance is seen when they treat you with respect.

Sometimes that respect is shown when a lawyer is honest enough to tell you that your case doesn’t seem strong enough to win.

 

Readiness to go to trial

When searching for the right personal injury attorney, you will meet attorneys who have never handled a trial case. It is advisable to avoid these kind of attorneys since they may settle for less compensation to avoid going to trial. Moreover, if your insurance company discovers this about your attorney, you will be disadvantaged.

The insurance company will lower its bar because they know that your attorney will give in to any pressure they may apply. You should look for a lawyer who has handled cases before a jury and will not bow down to pressure from your insurance company.

Reputation

The reputation of an attorney can play a big role in resolving your case faster and in a fair way because of their previous dealings with insurance companies and other attorneys in the area and in courts where they practice.

An attorney’s reputation provides an added value since it can precede him/her from not only the plaintiff’s perspective but from the defendant’s perspective and the court’s perspective when handling cases. An attorney’s reputation puts his or her client in the best position to recover the compensation they deserve for whatever happened to them.

 

Take advice from your family, friends and professionals

You can take advice from your family, friends and co-workers. They can help you to take the right decision. They can provide you the best injury lawyer’s profile, they will be able to let you know about the ideal lawyer in your specific area, a lawyer that will be able to fulfill your requirements. Asking for advice from professionals is also a good idea because professionals know very well which kind of lawyer is suitable for you injury case and how you can reach them.

Reviews

Checking reviews from past client will help you to take the right decision. Visit a personal injury lawyer’s website and check their past client reviews. Here people share their good or bad experiences. Read them and then you know very well what you should do? Apart from the lawyer’s own website get information about the lawyer via reviews from other sources also, Google, Yelp and of course the local bar association where the lawyer might be a member.

 

Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring

  1. Do You Have Experience Representing the Plaintiff in a Personal Injury Case?

It’s important that the attorney you choose to represent you has experience representing the Plaintiff in these types of cases.

Personal injury cases are unique because there are legal and medical elements to them. That’s because there will be legal issues like how a defendant breached a legal duty and injured you.

But there will also be the medical side of the case – which is where the main portion of your damages may be established. With well-rounded experience in this area of the law, your attorney can competently represent your interests.

  1. Will You Be the One Handling My Case?

One of the questions to ask a personal injury attorney is if they will be the one who is personally handling your case.

Sometimes at law firms, the attorney you speak with about your claim may not be the one that is handling it after you walk out the door.

Depending on the nature of your claim, the file could be assigned to an associate or paralegal who has the primary case handling responsibilities. This might not be the way you want your case to be managed by that firm.

To make sure that your interests are best protected, ask your lawyer if he or she will be the one handling your case at all times.

  1. What Makes You the Right Lawyer for My Case?

You should ask a prospective attorney what makes him or her the right lawyer for your case.

This is a great question because it will force a lawyer to explain what makes he or she different from other attorneys. It will also give you a chance to see they are able to respond to a non-legal question.

For example, your lawyer should be willing and able to communicate with you regularly about the status of your case. This way, you are kept aware of the litigation process and do not miss out on important information.

The Backbone Of The Electrician Industry

Career Guide for Electricians

Electricians install and maintain electrical power systems in homes and businesses. They provide maintenance and repair of existing electrical systems.

Electrician Summary

Job opportunities should be good, especially for those with the broadest range of skills.

Most electricians acquire their skills by completing an apprenticeship program usually lasting 4 years.

About 79 percent of electricians work in the construction industry or are self-employed, but there also will be opportunities for electricians in other industries.

Working as an Electrician

Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems for our homes, businesses, and factories. They install and maintain the wiring and control equipment through which electricity flows. They also install and maintain electrical equipment and machines in factories and a wide range of other businesses.

Electricians generally focus on either construction or maintenance, although many do both. Electricians specializing in construction primarily install wiring systems into factories, businesses, and new homes. Electricians specializing in maintenance fix and upgrade existing electrical systems and repair electrical equipment. All electricians must follow State and local building codes and the National Electrical Code when performing their work.

Electricians usually start their work by reading blueprints— technical diagrams that show the locations of circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards, and other equipment. After determining where all the wires and components will go, electricians install and connect the wires to circuit breakers, transformers, outlets, or other components and systems.

 

How to Become an Electrician

Starting a new career can be confusing at times, and perhaps a bit scary. Don’t worry. We are going to show you everything you need to know about how to become an electrician in our complete step guide.

What is the Electrician’s Salary and Wages?

Let me give you a brief run-down of the electrician’s salary and wages. Not only does the electrician enjoy steady and satisfying work, the electrician’s salary and wages are the highest paid of the skilled trades due to the technical knowledge and diverse skills that are required to perform a broad range of tasks. This is good news when learning how to become an electrician.

Apprentice Electrician Wages

The starting wage of an apprentice is usually 40% of a fully trained electrician’s wage. Your pay should increase along with your skills and value to your employer. Electricians in manufacturing, and power generation and transmission, usually have higher wages than those in construction.

Most electricians work full-time, which may include evenings and weekends. Of course, work schedules can change during bad weather or unpredictable delays. On the other hand, during scheduled maintenance or on construction sites with a looming deadline, you can expect to work overtime.

Consider the Electrician Job Description

It can be challenging deciding on a vocation. Without a clear picture of what you’re getting yourself into, you might feel unsettled or indecisive. The first step in learning how to become an electrician is to make sure you understand what the job entails. With this in mind, take an in-depth look into the electrician job description. It will reveal whether or not a career in the electrical career is a good fit for you.

 

Your guide on how to become an electrician

There will always be a need for tradespeople who work with wiring, machines, and other electrical equipment. Electricians keep us powered up, and they possess specialized skills to do work that could be dangerous in the hands of an amateur. If you are considering joining the ranks of these essential professionals, there are several things you need to know about becoming an electrician

What do electricians do?

This seems like a no-brainer: electricians work with electrical equipment. That job description is both accurate and completely inadequate because the term “electrical equipment” includes so much and the work is so varied. Electricians perform repairs, installations, and maintenance. We are probably most used to having electricians visit our homes to install new outlets or repair faulty wiring, but they also perform their work in factories, construction sites, shops, and businesses. They work indoors and out, and the equipment on which they work stretches well beyond household appliances and wiring. Electricians may also decide to specialize in wiring airplanes, ships, cable and data systems.

As for the less-specialized electrician, there are four common types:

Residential wiremen, who install and repair household wiring.

Inside wiremen, who install and repair wiring in non-residential structures, such as factories, arenas, airports, schools, and office buildings.

Outside linemen, who lay the cables that connect power plants to residences and buildings.

Telecommunications electricians, who install television, telephone, and Internet cables.

What skills do electricians have?

Electricians do a lot more than connecting cables from one power source to another. They possess a large quantity of skills, both general and specific to their particular areas of specialization.

General skills include:

Understanding the National Electric Code, which is the regional standard for electrical safety requirements

Problem solving

Electrical safety

Working with tools such as amp meters, digital multimeters, pliers, measuring devices, drills, saws, etc.

Reading blueprints

Plotting the installation of wiring throughout buildings

Locating and replacing faulty wires

Working with circuit breakers and fuses

Locating the energy flow to transformers and circuit breakers

Assessing the work of other electricians

Ensuring that electrical work is up to safety standards

Managing electrical crews

Mentoring apprentices

 

How to hire guide: electricians

All electricians need to be suitably qualified for the work they undertake. Much domestic installation work falls under Part P building regulations, which means it must be certified by your local authority building control. The simplest way to do that, is to ensure the work is carried out by someone who is a Part P registered ‘competent-person’, as that way all the relevant notifications and paperwork will be completed for you.

Part P-registered firms are vetted to ensure their work is up to standard. They have specialist equipment and know the standards required to pass an electrical safety check. If you use an uncertified electrician, you may have to pay your Local Authority building control a fee to inspect the work.

Which? Trusted Traders endorses electricians in your area, checking their business practices, terms and conditions and taking references from previous clients to help take the worry out of choosing a trader. All Which? Trusted Traders endorsed electricians have the necessary qualifications to carry out electrical work in your home.

It’s worth checking whether the electricians on your shortlist are registered with one of the government-approved schemes run by bodies such as National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICEIC), ELECSA, NAPIT or others. Contact the scheme directly to check that the electrician is registered. In the event of something going wrong, you’ll receive support from the scheme operator.

The Electrical Safety Council says it is seeing a growing problem with tradespeople such as builders or kitchen fitters subcontracting electrical work to unqualified individuals. Rather than assuming a tradesperson will check an electrician’s background, qualification and registrations, the Electrical Safety Council recommends that you ask to see proof of the electrical contractor’s ability yourself. Any electrician who is reluctant to do so should be avoided.

 

Electrical Installation

The study of a proposed electrical installation requires an adequate understanding of all governing rules and regulations. A list of most common IEC standards is provided. The total power demand can be calculated based on the location and power of each load, together with the knowledge of the operating modes (steady state demand, starting conditions, non simultaneous operation, etc.).

The power and number of sources required to supply the electrical installation is readily obtained, also taking into account local tariff structures, to allow the best choice of connection arrangement to the power-supply network, e.g. at medium voltage or low voltage level.

Standard voltages between 100 V and 1000 V (IEC 60038 Edition 7.0 2009-06)

Note:

* the lower values in the first and second columns are voltages to neutral and the higher values are voltages between phases. When one value only is indicated, it refers to three-wire systems and specifies the voltage between phases. The lower value in the third column is the voltage to neutral and the higher value is the voltage between lines.

* voltages in excess of 230/400 V are intended for heavy industrial applications and large commercial premises.

* concerning supply voltage range, under normal operating conditions, the supply voltage should not differ from the nominal voltage of the system by more than ±10 %.

Note 1: It is recommended that in any one country the ratio between two adjacent nominal voltages should be not less than two.

Note 2: In a normal system of Series I, the highest voltage and the lowest voltage do not differ by more than approximately ±10 % from the nominal voltage of the system. In a normal system of Series II, the highest voltage does not differ by more then +5 % and the lowest voltage by more than -10 % from the nominal voltage of the system.

Regulations

In most countries, electrical installations shall comply with more than one set of regulations, issued by National Authorities or by recognized private bodies. It is essential to take into account these local constraints before starting the design. These regulations may be based on national standards derived from the IEC 60364: Low-voltage electrical installations.

Home Inspection A Question And Answer Guide

Professional Home Inspection Checklist

You’ve made an offer on a home, your offer was accepted, and now you’re in escrow waiting for inspection day. How will you succeed? By crossing items off our thorough home inspection checklist.  With a home inspection checklist by your side, you’ll move into the home of your dreams in no time.

Buying your first home is accompanied by a myriad of emotions. You’re excited because you finally have a place to call your own. You’re nervous to look at your savings account after paying a down payment. You’re exhausted after spending months working with an agent to find the perfect home.

Don’t worry, this rollercoaster of feelings is completely natural and will come to an end soon. The hardest steps are out of the way when all that’s left is an inspection and final walkthrough. And because the inspection process can be demanding, we’ve created an ultimate home inspection checklist to ease your fears and help transition you into the home of your dreams.

What Is A Home Inspection

A home inspection is an examination of a newly purchased property for any potential issues. The process is typically conducted by a professional inspector, who will then provide a full status report on the home. The purpose of a home inspection is to reveal any problem areas before the end of the closing process. This provides both buyer and seller a chance to renegotiate or even walk away from the transaction if necessary.

While it may sound scary, a home inspection is actually one of the best safeguards put in place for homebuyers. In many cases, home inspections do not reveal any surprises at all. But, when they do buyers can communicate with the sellers about a potential fix. Any fixes that are made can be checked over in the final walkthrough. It is absolutely crucial to get a home inspection, even if you have a great feeling about the property. The home inspection process can protect you, and your wallet, from a number of unexpected surprises in the future.

 

Home Inspection: What to Expect and What to Inspect

Inspection day is often one of the most exciting moments of home buying because it’s likely the first chance you have to go inside the home since you made your offer. It’s also usually the last chance you’ll have until a final walkthrough. But more importantly, it’s your opportunity to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to the condition of the home.

Home inspections don’t just provide you with a list of problems you want to negotiate with the seller to fix or something catastrophic that makes you back out of the deal altogether. It will provide you a detailed report that is something of a “new owner’s manual” for the home. It will include maintenance tips and schedules you should follow.

Finding an inspector

You should hire a licensed, professional inspector to conduct a thorough inspection. How do you choose one? Along with agents, lenders and other home pros, Zillow has lists of inspectors with reviews. You can use the Agent Finder tool to find all kinds of real estate pros, including inspectors. Get recommendations, check their online reviews and study their websites. Get a sample report to make sure what they will produce is thorough. Your agent probably has suggestions but you don’t need to use them.

You will want to be clear on exactly what is and isn’t included in the inspection price. Will they test for lead paint? How about asbestos in the ceiling tiles? Is that part of the basic inspection or will it cost more? The price, though you will pay it, is probably the least of your concerns. Most inspectors are in a similar range of $300-$500 anyway and any fluctuation is a small price to pay for what you will get. Early in the home buying process start researching inspectors and have at least a couple in mind, especially if the market is busy. You’ll need to be sure you can get an inspection scheduled within your contract timeline, so if your first choice isn’t available, you need someone waiting in the wings.

Inspection day

You should plan on being there and your agent should be right there with you the entire time. Chances are the seller’s agent will be there, too to help get any quick answers the inspector might need. Block off the entire morning or afternoon. Home inspections take time and you don’t want to rush through it. During this time, follow along as much as you can. You don’t have to follow the inspector into the crawlspace – they bring protective clothing just for that – but anyplace reasonably accessible, you should go too.

 

A BUYER’S GUIDE TO HOME INSPECTION

homebuyers should skip. Foregoing the home inspection could cost buyers lots of money later. You wouldn’t want to buy a $300,000 house and later discover a huge defect that will cost thousands of dollars to repair. A home inspection is like the doctor’s checkup you get covering major systems and diagnosing problems. Many states require sellers to provide buyers with property condition disclosure forms, but it’s a good idea to hire an independent home inspector.

HOME INSPECTION BASICS

A home inspection is a detailed report prepared by a home inspector about the condition of home systems, deterioration, and recommendations. The inspection could take between 2 and 5 hours and may cost between $250 and $500. Many buyers attend home inspections so they can better understand the issues, ask questions, and learn more about the house and its major systems.

THE WHY OF HOME INSPECTIONS

Buyers often order home inspections to ensure the major systems are in good condition and that there are no serious, expensive defects. Sellers might order a pre-listing inspection to identify major problems that need to be fixed before the house is put on the market. Common in most sales contracts, a home inspection contingency makes a sales conditional upon the outcome of the home inspection report. A home inspection is also a good way to identify repairs to request and to learn about the elements and systems of a house.

ELEMENTS OF A HOME INSPECTION

The home inspector will examine major elements of a house, ensuring proper operation of systems, observing the condition, and noting damage. A typical home inspection report will cover:

The exterior: Roof, driveway, walkways, steps, doors, decks, and siding among other elements.

The structure: Foundation and framing. The inspector determines whether the foundation and framing are sound and the building skeleton can withstand the elements.

The interior: Windows and doors; ceilings, walls, and floors; attic and basement.

Plumbing and electrical systems:

Water supply, heating, and drainage

Service entrance wires, breakers and fuses, and control panels

Heating, cooling, and ventilation/insulation

The inspector may also look for signs that one system has damaged another system such as walls or ceilings. Home inspectors are not specialists, but they may recommend corrective actions. Other types of inspections may be necessary as well, such as a termite inspection and a radon inspection.

 

A Buyer’s Home Inspection Checklist

Make a more confident offer and be better prepared for the home inspection by looking at these parts of your future house during the initial walk-through.

Touring homes can be quite a rush. But while you’re ogling the features you love — like that breakfast nook and those built-in bookshelves — it’s also important to keep an eye out for potential shortcomings.

Buyer home inspection checklist

See something odd while touring your would-be home? It may not be the time to say something, but you’ll want to make a note so you can bring it up during the home inspection. (One easy way to do it: Snap a photo with your phone.)

Pay attention to these common trouble spots:

Exterior: Are the gutters and downspouts properly attached, and do they drain away from the house? What kind of siding is on the home? Is it in good repair?

Roof: Do you see stains, dark spots or even moss? Any missing shingles or tiles? Ask when the roof was last replaced.

Foundation: Do you see any big cracks? Are there trees close to the foundation? Does any part of the ground near the foundation seem soggy, squishy, or sunken?

Windows and doors: Do they open and close easily? Do any seem misaligned? Do you see any signs of moisture around the frames or between the panes?

Smells: Do you notice any unusual scents? (The real estate agent’s cookies baking in the oven don’t count — think odors that might indicate the presence of mold or mildew.)

Attic and basement: Can you see any signs of moisture or water intrusion? If the attic or basement is unfinished, what kind of insulation do you see? Is it in good condition?

Heating and cooling: What systems are in place and are they functional? Look for a serial number or manufacturing date to get a sense of the system’s age. If there’s been a replacement, is the old system still in place? (For example, if the home was converted from oil to propane, is there still an oil tank on the property? An improperly decommissioned fuel tank can be hazardous.)

Plumbing: How’s the water pressure? Do the fixtures work? Any signs of leaks in under-sink cabinets? How old is the hot water heater?

Electrical: Do all light switches work? Are all the outlets grounded? (If you spot any that are two-prong, those are definitely not grounded.) Does the house have an older electrical panel with fuses or a newer one with circuit breakers, or both? Outdated wiring can be a hazard in itself and a hassle to upgrade.

Major appliances: If appliances like the oven, refrigerator, washer or dryer are included with the sale, what’s their condition?

 

Home Inspection Tips to Get Through the ‘Deal Killer’ Phase of Selling Your House

Home inspections have a reputation for being deal killers. In fact, one out of every 20 real estate transactions hits a fatal snag along the way, and nearly a third of the ones that don’t make it to closing fall apart because of issues that turned up during the inspection, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.

Although real estate is an appreciating asset, a property’s physical structure naturally deteriorates over time and requires significant upkeep. Although some problems that arise will be apparent—like a burst pipe or deep crack in the driveway—not all of the wear and tear on a home’s inner workings are visible to the naked eye

That’s why when the time comes to sell your house, the inspection could yield surprises even if you’ve kept to a routine home maintenance schedule. It’s a nerve-wracking position to be in as a homeowner, so we’ve asked experts in the field for their top home inspection tips to help sellers prepare mentally and logistically for this step on the road to closing.

Trust your real estate agent to help you navigate home inspection preparations and negotiations.

After you’ve accepted an offer on your house, the buyers of the home will schedule the home inspection within about a 10-day time frame. Depending on how many times you’ve sold a house before, you may have little to no experience preparing for the home inspection and the negotiations that will follow.

Your real estate agent should help you:

Understand the types of home maintenance issues that are common in your area, whether it’s signs of water leakage in a region where every home has a basement, improper electrical wiring in a neighborhood of historic homes, or pest issues in warm climates.

Craft a game plan for any repair requests—to think about whether you have time to hire contractors to fix issues yourself or offer repair credits in the event that problems do arise.

Take the pulse of your real estate market to determine how much leverage you have as the homeowner depending on if you’re in a buyer’s market or seller’s market, and how eager prospective buyers will be to snatch up your house.

Differentiate between minor and major home inspection findings and what constitutes grounds for negotiations (cosmetic repairs versus issues that pose a health or safety threat).

How To Sell Your Accountant Practice For Maximum Value

What does it mean to build a culture of workplace accountability?

Accountability is a common concept, but what does it really mean in the context of your small business? Engagement, responsibility and ownership come to mind, but a workplace culture of accountability has a different feel. When you foster a culture of accountability, your staff works together to find solutions to problems. Your employees deliver results and hold each other responsible for their actions.

When something falls through the cracks, learning from a mistake is infinitely more valuable than blaming the culprit; accountable workplace cultures help foster growth and improvement. If you’ve struggled to create your own positive workplace culture, you can use this model to develop your enterprise’s own ethos.

Start from the top.

Before you can expect an augmented commitment from your existing staff, you should realize that accountability in any organization should start from the top. Leaders, managers, employees and business owners all work together within the same company, and no one group should operate by more or fewer standards. Apply the expectations to all levels in your organization, and make sure you lead by example. As a business owner, you’ll need to own up to your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions in order for your employees to follow in your footsteps.

 

Hire people who will take responsibility.

You need great material from which to build your organization. Therefore, hiring the right people is important. You have probably heard that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Most HR professionals would agree that for hiring, it is important to probe for past behaviors and actions, and their results, to have a better idea of how an employee might perform in similar circumstances.

We suggest looking for people with a history of accountability. What types of roles have they held in the past? Did they seek out leadership positions in school, in personal pursuits or in previous jobs?

Ask interview questions about specific situations where an employee demonstrated accountable behaviors. For instance, ask about a time when, despite planning, the employee failed. Follow up with questions like, What did you learn from the failure? What did you do to resolve or fix the situation? What did you do differently the next time you were confronted with a similar situation?

Alternatively, you could ask about a time when this person chose to honor a commitment or do the right thing despite the fact that that action caused personal hardship. Again, follow up to get specifics. Listen carefully. Does the candidate blame other people, or make excuses, or does he/she take responsibility for the outcomes? Does he make disclosures? Does she focus on the problem or the solutions?

Set clear goals.

The specifics will largely depend on the nature of your business, but the idea is you should empower your staff to make choices that will help your business reach and exceed those goals. When your employees truly own their roles and responsibilities, they can bring their personal expertise to the table and have the freedom to step out of the box to solve problems. Modern, nimble businesses don’t silo departments or reduce an employee’s role to rigidly defined responsibilities. Instead, they encourage their employees to collaborate and operate as owners. Of course, it’s important to reward your staff for their exceptional work and for reaching goals. If you have room in your budget or working capital, it may be even more motivating to establish rewards for reaching those objectives.

 

Provide updates on progress.

People need information to course correct toward their goals.

Feedback can come from customer or employee surveys, ongoing project updates, key listening posts with critical stakeholders, or some combination of these. The most effective form of feedback, however, comes from frequent conversations between managers and employees.

When preparing to provide a progress update, managers should not ask themselves if they have all the data, but instead if they have the right data. Data that are performance orientated so they can speak to the behavior that has allowed the progress.

Overcommunicate when in doubt.

If you’re new to the idea of a culture of accountability, you won’t end up with a well-oiled machine overnight. Getting there will likely result in a learning curve, potential personnel changes or an adjusted workflow. Before you fully develop a system that works for your specific model, you should lean on overcommunication. If you wait until a performance review that’s days or weeks away to provide feedback to an employee, it’s likely too late for that person to adjust their actions for the issue at hand. When at all possible, provide feedback immediately, and not just for negative actions. Reward good behaviors as much as you provide negative feedback.

 

Keys to Promoting Accountability in Your Business

The other key parts of a caring culture include nurturing employees and leaders who are straightforward, thoughtful, and resolute in their approach to the business. All my years of experience in business resonate with that assessment, and allow entrepreneurs to explain to team members what accountability means, and what steps are required to get there:

  • Be willing to proclaim that something needs to be done. We all know of examples where employees and managers see the same problem occur over and over again but never raise a flag about it. You have to care about the business and your workers if you want others to be accountable.
  • Accept personal responsibility for tackling an issue. Apathetic people are quick to point the finger at someone else, or defer by saying “It’s not my job.” Leaders must send the message — and show by exampl — that delivering quality solutions to customers is everyone’s business. People working on problems must be rewarded.
  • Make positive choices or decisions to act. Employees who don’t think they have enough training or sense of the mission will shy away from making big decisions, which is vital for accountability. Make sure your company empowers its employees through positivity and doesn’t allow inertia or negative emotions to creep in.
  • Think deeply about the consequences of each choice. Are you working to get a problem off your back, or are you only serving your ego? Are you creating the best long-term solution for the customer, or are you merely using an expedient? Think before you act.
  • Set high expectations for yourself and your team. When you set your own sights high, you cannot help but inspire others. When you know others are taking their lead from you, it’s easier to stay accountable. Inspired team members will then set their own target higher, and that momentum will lead to better customer experiences and business success.

 

Final thoughts: creating a thoughtful and accountable company culture

Creating accountability in the workplace means creating a culture where everyone is assuming responsibility at work. Achieving this result depends heavily on good communication: if your team is on the same page then a sense of unity will make everyone more comfortable on the job. Truly, accountability is the key to driving a high performance culture.

Veterinarian Listing

Questions to ask your vet during the 1st visit with your puppy

Congratulations on your new puppy! You’re probably enjoying the playtime, snuggles, and getting to know your new pet. As a new pet owner, you’re likely wondering what you’ll need to do to keep your dog healthy and give her or him a long, healthy life. Your job as a pet parent all starts with taking him or her to the vet—and that first visit a crucial one.

Once you’ve chosen a veterinarian you’d like to work with, it’s time to schedule your first appointment. You’ll have plenty of questions to ask your new veterinarian when at this exam. Here are a few you may not have on your radar but should ask.

Your Puppy’s First Exam: What to Ask

You’ll have around 30 minutes with your vet, and you want to be sure you’re not missing anything that you’ll wonder about later. Write down a list of any questions you already have, and consider adding these.

What size will my dog grow to be?

You may be familiar with your breed to some extent, but it’s possible—especially if you’ve adopted from a shelter—that you’re not sure what size your puppy will grow to be. Your vet will be able to help you identify your puppy’s breed if you’re not entirely sure and educate you on breed-specific challenges, healthcare needs, and temperament. Your dog’s breed may determine some of their healthcare requirements, and you’ll want to know about these ahead of time.

When should I spay or neuter?

Every puppy is different, but your veterinarian will be able to give you a ballpark for spaying or neutering. You’ll want to do this before they reach sexual maturity, and your vet can give you any information you want about this procedure.

What kind of vaccinations will my puppy need?

Your vet can tell you a rundown of the vaccinations your puppy will need to stay healthy. Some of the vaccinations have the potential to save your puppy’s life, and others protect them from bothersome diseases such as influenza that dogs can pick up at parks, kennels and other places where your puppy interacts with other dogs.

 

What do we need to do today?

Yes, I know. This seems like an obvious one! You brought your new dog to the vet for a checkup… Duh.  But different dogs need different things! Your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and background (whether they came from a shelter, rescue, breeder or friend) has a huge effect on what vaccines, diagnostics and preventatives (more on that below) they need.  Be sure to bring any and all health records your pup came with to help your veterinary team help you. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies and contagious viruses like distemper and parvovirus, unless  there is a documented medical reason (like vaccine reactions) otherwise.

When do I come back?

Rechecks are so easy to forget, but so important! Even if your furry baby gets a clean bill of health, they may need to come back for booster vaccinations to ensure they are fully protected from contagious diseases.  If any medical issues are discovered, rechecks are a must. If you have the chance, schedule your next appointment before you leave the building.

 

Is my puppy healthy?

Even pups who appear bright-eyed and bushy-tailed can be carrying parasites or concealing another illness beneath the surface. In your first wellness check, your vet should evaluate your puppy for any gastrointestinal, respiratory or skin issues. A fecal test can help to identify any parasites they’ve picked up in their first weeks.

How many times a day should I feed my puppy?

Most puppies need to eat more frequently than older dogs. Find out how many meals a day your vet recommends and get more bang for your buck by feeding out of interactive puzzle toys. Reserve some of your pup’s daily meals to use to reward and encourage desirable behaviors.

What type of food is best for a puppy?

Puppies typically require a different balance of nutrients than older dogs, including higher levels of protein, fat and calories. Providing proper nutrition early on can help your pup to avoid rapid weight gain, skin problems and other health issues.Talk to your vet about what brands or styles of food—kibble, dehydrated foods, canned food, raw food, home-cooked meals—they recommend for a growing pup.

 

Why does my dog scoot?

It’s never a welcome sight, seeing your pup drag its bottom across your pristine carpet. Common in medium to small-sized pooches, it’s mainly triggered by infected or impacted anal sacs. The sacs should empty often, alongside regular bowel movements. When they don’t, issues can arise. Other causes of scooting could be a perianal tumour, or irritation caused by matted hair, parasites or diarrhoea. Always take a scooting pooch to the vet, to safeguard against more serious medical issues.

My dog has a lump – should I be worried?

The sudden discovery of a lump on your beloved pooch can be frightening. It’s important to remember that a lump doesn’t necessarily spell trouble – in fact, many turn out to be fatty lumps, known as lipomas, which are harmless. Lipomas are benign lumps that begin life as fat cells housed in bodily tissue – they don’t tend to cause pooches any pain. They’re more frequent in middle-aged and elderly canines, and often don’t call for removal. If you find a lump on your dog, it’s always best to play it safe and consult a vet. You can never rule out more serious conditions, so your vet may extract a test sample. It’s essential to protect your pooch with quality pet insurance, as in the event of serious illness, the vet bills quickly rack up.

 

What preventatives should we be using?

Preventative medicine is very important in the veterinary world, and it refers to medical care that prevents the spread of disease, rather than treating a disease after it has already become a problem.  The cornerstones of preventative care for dogs are vaccinations and heartworm and parasite prevention.  All dogs should be heartworm tested at least once yearly, and should get heartworm prevention year-round. Most dogs will also need flea prevention, and dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors should also use tick prevention, especially in areas with dangerous tick-borne diseases.  Your veterinarian can help you choose the most cost effective and convenient preventative solutions for you.

When and why should I have my pup “fixed”?

Spaying and and neutering our canine family members is an important way we can keep them safe from disease and control the unwanted pet population. If you’re not familiar, spaying is the removal of female reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus), while neutering is the removal of the testicles. The ideal time to neuter or spay most puppies is 4-6 months, while behavioral issues and risk for mammary cancers can be avoided. However, older pets can avoid issues like infection of the uterus (pyometra, see above) and prostate enlargement if they are sterilized.

Effective Scorpion Control Measures

Scorpions: The definitive guide and how to eliminate them

Scorpions are, by far, one of the bugs most feared by all, not only for their terrifying appearance, but also for how ferocious they can become if they decide to use their sting to defend themselves.

These animals have become authentic survivors, since they have existed for more than 400 years, adapting to the environment. Thus, it does not matter if it is desert and semi-arid regions, or humid and cold places, scorpions can appear wherever they want and without any problem, making their burrows with total ease.

What are scorpions?

It is about bugs belonging to the family of arachnids, where there are also ticks and spiders. Usually, they are related to desert and semi-arid zones, although their adaptive capacity allows them to be almost everywhere.

Many people confuse them with the classic spiders by the similarity in their appearance, more it is different bugs. The main discrepancy is in the tail of the scorpions, whose sting contains a powerful poison that they use to immobilize their prey and devour it.

Ants, spiders, centipedes, lizards and even small rodents are part of the diet of these peculiar and lethal bichillos. In addition to their tail, they have some hairs that work as sensors and detect the vibrations of their prey.

 

How to Get Rid of Scorpions for Good: The Ultimate Guide

Well, there is some truth to the old myth that the only survivors of a nuclear war would be the lowly cockroach and scorpion (as well as some foods which have a half-life rather than a shelf-life)

They live in the dark, they adore the scorching heat, their skeletal structure is on the outside and they can do yoga much, much better than you ever will: what chance do you have against them? Well, I’m here to give you the breakdown of every single tool, weapon and last hope at your disposal to finally get rid of scorpions for good.

Ruin scorpions’ living habitats

Newsflash: scorpions are living in your yard because they like it there. The conditions are favorable, the food’s good and they don’t have to pay rent for their single bedroom wooden log, or en-suite-construction-bag-left-forgotten-for-months. As soon as you begin to clear up any loose and inviting clutter, trash and disposable material from your yard that could make for a perfectly dingy and dark shelter for scorpions, you’ll begin to see a drop in their numbers.

Destroy scorpions’ food source

Joining up with point number one – by eradicating the elements of your yard that make for good shelter, you’ll disrupt the delicate little eco system that’s formed there. Especially if you get rid of rotten materials which can attract all manner of bug life; a scorpion’s staple diet. Do your best to keep flies and insects to a minimum around and inside your home. With no viable meal ticket available to them, scorpions will begin to look elsewhere for their dinner.

Get rid of leakage

Sticking with the theme of destroying the optimum scorpion environment; you also want to keep moisture to an absolute minimum where possible, both inside and outside the home. It’s no secret that standing water and moisture seepage are huge attractions for all kinds of pests and scorpions are chief among them, especially if you live in an arid climate (where both moisture pockets are few and far between and scorpions are most prolific).

 

Scorpions: The Ultimate Guide

Scorpions are very old creatures going back an estimated 430 million years. They are commonly believed to only be found in deserts, but species of scorpions exist in nearly every habitat including grasslands, forests, savannahs, and caves.

Scorpions have developed a reputation for being particularly dangerous creatures, but out of nearly 1,750 species, only 25 represent a threat to humans. Even among these species, the chance of a fatal scorpion sting is very rare. That being said, stings are painful and no one wants to deal with scorpions around their yards or in their homes. Find out everything you need to know about scorpion behavior and scorpion prevention and control techniques in this ultimate guide.

Scorpion Identification

Scorpions are arachnids that are related to ticks, mites, and spiders. They have eight legs, an elongated body, 2 grasping pincers in the front (known as pedipalps), and a 5-segmented tail that is often seen arching over the back. On the back of its tail is a venomous stinger that is the source of most of the trepidation surrounding scorpions. Scorpions can be many different colors including yellow, blue, reddish-brown, and black.

The size of a scorpion varies by species and can range from under 1 inch up to 9 inches long. Scorpions are unique because they will glow a bluish-green color when exposed to an ultraviolet light source (like a black light). This is because the cuticle contains fluorescent chemicals. UV flashlights will allow you to see them in the dark when they are most active.

Scorpion Behavior

Scorpions are nocturnal creatures. They spend the majority of the day hiding in cool, sheltered locations and will hunt at night. The diet of a scorpion mainly consists of insects and spiders, but may also include other scorpions, lizards, snakes, mice, and other small creatures. They are able to identify and locate their prey by sensing vibrations. They will either use their pincers to capture their prey or their stinger to inject venom to paralyze it.

 

Things I’ve Learned {the hard way} About Scorpions

about three months after we had moved into our current home. I was seven months pregnant with baby number two. Our nearly-two-year-old had woken early on a Saturday morning and I’d gotten up with her to let my husband snooze a little longer. Thinking he would sleep in for another hour at least (and patting myself on the back for taking the early shift), I was surprised when he emerged from our master bedroom just a few minutes later.

In a daze he told me he thought he’d been stung by a scorpion. He had rolled over in bed to go back to sleep and his elbow brushed up against the wall behind our bed (where a headboard would be if we had one). He said he had a funny sensation around his elbow, like a tingling, pins-and-needles numbness that was getting more intense.

Like any good wife, I didn’t believe him for a second and thought he was completely over-reacting. After all, he wasn’t screaming in pain and hadn’t seen anything when he’d looked at the spot on the wall where his elbow had made contact. To rule out the off-chance that he wasn’t insane, we went to investigate. Sure enough, when we pulled the bed away a few inches, a huge bark scorpion was crawling leisurely up the wall, just inches from our pillows.

And then I did what has become commonly known in our family as “Sarah’s scorpion dance” (picture much frenetic arm-waving and foot-stamping). After we had captured the scorpion using a water glass and flushed it down the toilet, I calmly considered our options: 1) Move, 2) Burn down the house, and 3) Move. I don’t normally have major phobias when it comes to bugs and spiders, but a giant deadly arachnid practically IN OUR BED during a season of life when we had a roaming toddler and impending newborn just about put me over the edge.

In the last two years I have learned a lot about scorpions. Although I am not a pest control professional or an entomologist, I have talked to several scorpion experts and experienced more first-hand trial and error than I care to remember

 

Scorpions

Scorpions are nocturnal, predatory animals that feed on a variety of insects, spiders, centipedes, and other scorpions. Large scorpions occasionally feed on vertebrates such as small lizards, snakes, and mice. Most scorpions live in warm, dry climates, and many of the species

IDENTIFICATION

Scorpions are easily distinguished by their crablike appearance, pair of pincers, four pairs of legs, and long, segmented tail ending with an enlarged segment bearing a stinger. Although they have two eyes in the center of the head and usually two to five more along the margin on each side, they don’t see well and depend on touch. When running, they hold their pincers outstretched, and the posterior end of the abdomen is usually curved upward. Scorpions that hide under stones and other objects during the day tend to carry their stinger to one side, whereas burrowing scorpions hold their stinger up over their backs.

The bark scorpion is the only common climbing scorpion and does not normally burrow but usually lives above ground under tree bark and in palm trees and crevices of rocky cliffs. Because it can ascend slump block walls or stucco, this species is the scorpion most likely to enter dwellings. The bark scorpion is attracted to moisture around homes and in the house. It also may be found in stacked lumber or bricks, firewood piles, cellars, and attics. It needs only a crack of 1/16 inch to enter a home.

This scorpion can often be found around homes and in garages. It is a night feeder attracted to water, swimming pools, irrigated areas, or outside lights where food prey such as beetles, cockroaches, crickets, moths, and other insects are attracted as well. During the day it may be found in woodpiles, palm trees, and decorative bark or under loose boards, woodpiles, rocks, or the bark of trees

LIFE CYCLE

Scorpions grow slowly. Depending on the species, they may take 1 to 6 years to reach maturity. On average scorpions may live 3 to 5 years, but some species can live as long as 10 to 15 years. Scorpions have an interesting mating ritual. The male grasps the female’s pincers with his and leads her in a courtship dance that may last for several hours. The exact nature of this courtship dance varies from one species to the next. In general, the male deposits a sperm packet and maneuvers the female over it. The sperm packet is drawn into the female’s genital opening located near the front on the underside of her abdomen. The female stores the sperm packet, and the sperm is later used to fertilize her eggs. After mating, unless he is quick and able to escape, the male is often eaten by the female.

Basic Things You Need To Know About Engine Rebuilding

Is It Worth Putting a Used Engine in A Car?

On the off chance that you locate the correct used engine, it will be fundamentally less expensive than purchasing another motor and it will perform in any case. The cash spared alone is reason enough for buying a pre-owned motor. At the point when a vehicle proprietor gets the news that their motor is down and out for good, it can put an immense measure of weight on his shoulders simply envisioning the weighty measure of cash he should dispense to get the motor supplanted. Some vehicle proprietors may even believe, “What’s the point? Why not simply search for another vehicle?” However, most vehicle proprietors don’t think about the idea of buying a used motor. But the truth is a used engine not only helps in saving your money but also works for several years. So if you ask whether a used engine is worth it , yes it is completely worth it !

There is another advantage as well. Normally people dont have an idea that a used engine also saves environment. Used engines help nature since we are reusing entirely acceptable motors by using them for to the extent that this would be possible before they should be discarded.

Wrapping It Up

The motor is the most fundamental part of any vehicle. Without its ideal working, everything else passes by the wayside. The motor you introduce as a substitution for a wrecked one ought to be dependable, regardless of whether it’s utilized. There are a lot of solid, utilized motors that should be reused and are completely fine given an intensive assessment. On the off chance that you need another motor introduced in your vehicle, first make certain to go to a technician that knows how to examine an engine.

A portion of the things that auto authorities search for in used motors are low mileage and signs of past major issues. They discover what issues may come up, assuming any, and how to fix them before introducing them into another vehicle. Some of the time used engines even accompany warrantees. This can be another approach to guarantee that your acquisition of a pre-owned motor stays ensured for an all-inclusive timeframe.

 

Benefits of replacing your engine instead of buying a new car

No one wants to be put in a situation where they have to decide between replacing their car engine or just buying a new car. This reality happens often, though, so you have to weigh your options. Unfortunately, neither option is cheap, but most of the time it makes sense to replace your engine for many reasons. Here are some of the main benefits of replacing your vehicle’s engine instead of buying a new car.

INSURANCE PREMIUMS WILL NOT RISE

Consider replacing your engine rather than buying a new car.When you buy a new car, chances are your insurance premiums are going to rise. But when you replace the engine of your car, you’ll continue with the same insurance coverage and the vehicle is still considered to be the same age. And you don’t have to add full coverage insurance if you don’t want to.

REGISTRATION FEES WILL REMAIN THE SAME

Newer vehicles in New Jersey often come with higher registration fees, so this is another thing to consider if you’re looking into buying a new vehicle. The increase in these fees many not seem significant, but they can add up over time. Your registration fees will remain the same if you simply replace your car’s engine.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT A CAR PAYMENT

Car payments can be burdensome. While you may just want to wipe your hands clean of your old car and get behind the wheel of a new car, it may make more sense financially to just replace the engine. Once the replacement engine is paid off, you’ll be free of car payments, and this feat will be accomplished much earlier than if you bought a new car.

WARRANTY BENEFITS OF A NEW ENGINE

The warranty for a replacement engine is three years or 100,000 miles. Once it’s installed, you won’t have to worry about it for at least that duration when you get your engine replaced at DeBoer’s Auto.

IT TAKES LESS ENERGY TO REPLACE AN ENGINE

From an environmental perspective, less energy is used to rebuild and replace a car engine compared to building a new car from scratch. So another side benefit of having your engine replaced is to be friendlier to the environment.

 

Things to Consider Before Swapping an Engine:

Wiring

Wiring is always a constant problem for people, no matter what size project they are taking on, but especially in modern engine swaps. Wiring can be very complex and it requires a lot of understanding about amperage, wire gauge, relays, and overall circuits. A perfect example is the electric fan circuit. A lot of people run two wires (power and ground), but the circuit needs to be tied into the cooling system, air conditioning system and the system needs one or two relays.

Cooling Systems

Cooling systems aren’t tricky, but many people just underestimate the volume of work that goes into it. Mechanical fans will work OK with older engines, but today’s engines run hotter and require a lot more cooling. Most people just don’t think about specific functionality of the modern engine they are installing and reinstall the mechanical fan or they hook-up a cheap electric fan that doesn’t have enough flow.

Headers

Most people know or have a good idea that the exhaust manifolds are going to need to be modified. However, it isn’t until the engine is sitting in the engine compartment that they realize how complex the issue can be and people can quickly get in over their heads. Steering linkage, spark plugs and wires can really cause some headache when fabricating a header. By the time most people have a good mental image of how the headers need to lay out, they come to the realization that the tubing is going to hit the frame or body, and have to start from scratch again—a common and costly mistake.

Oil Pans and Pick-Up Tubes

Since most chassis and cross-members are in different locations, oil pan clearances are often a problem. Luckily, with the wide variety of aftermarket oil pans out there, people usually don’t have to build custom pans and pick-up tubes. It takes a little more effort to find exactly the right fit.

Steering

Steering linkage can get tricky when trying to figure out how to navigate past the headers and around everything. In addition to that, many people upgrade their suspension and steering systems at the same time as the engine. With the wide variety of aftermarket components available, sometimes the combination of parts used can require an odd combination of steering linkage.

Air Conditioning

Late-model engines usually have mounting brackets or bosses for air conditioning compressors. While this can make it convenient, the compressors are usually mounted on the lower sections of the engine. This can create problems when trying to get an engine between the frame rails. So, mounting the compressor in a different location is often necessary. In addition to the compressor, a lot of people have problems laying out the system and figuring out where the accumulator/dryer or fixed orifices go.

 

Fluid Reservoirs

One commonly overlooked modification is that in general all of the reservoirs need to be changed. The cooling system isn’t a big deal, but the power steering reservoir can be tricky. Packaging gets really tight and sometimes a remote mount reservoir is needed.

Driveshaft

While a driveshaft doesn’t seem like a big deal, people will sometimes run into problems either measuring the driveshaft or selecting the right yoke or flange. Once in a while, we run into a problem where people don’t tell the drive shaft shop that they put a blower on the car and it has 800 hp. So, they will bend the driveshaft or kick it out the side of the car when they hammer it.

Fuel Systems

Most people know they need larger and higher-quality fuel lines and better filtration. Where they run into problems is selecting the right fuel pump. We usually recommend people try and use a factory-style in-tank pump for their daily driver,” says Meyers. “Frame-mounted high-volume pumps vibrate, run hot and usually aren’t designed for extended driving cycles. So, failure, and cabin noise can be a problem.

 

Dangers of Engine Swapping- What You Need to Know

What happens when you put a more powerful engine into a different set of chassis or smaller car? Sometimes magic happens and you’ve Frankenstein’d your way to a real muscle or supercar. An engine swap is the process of removing a car’s original engine and replacing it with another. This is usually done either because of failure, or to install a different engine, usually one that is bigger and better to make your car more powerful and or economical. Sometimes older engines may have a shortage of spare parts and so a modern replacement may be more easily and cheaply maintained.

Swapping to a diesel engine for improved fuel economy is a long established practice, with modern high efficiency and torque diesel engines this does not necessarily mean a reduction in performance associated with older diesel engine swaps. For the particular application of off-road vehicles the high torque at low speed of turbo diesels combined with good fuel economy makes these conversions particularly effective. Here on shoptalk we wouldn’t promote swapping you engine since it is an easy way to void your coverage but if you are a hobbyist extending the life of your car beyond 10+ years we have compiled a guide to 10 of the top 10 things people commonly forget or underestimate when doing a late-model engine swap.