Finding The Best Criminal Defense Attorney

What are Drug Crimes?

Drug crimes are those in which controlled substances, such as illicit drugs are involved. Illicit drugs are substances that have been declared illegal to possess, use, or distribute without authorization under federal and/or state laws.

These drugs are typically classified under schedules that rank the drugs in terms of how dangerous they are to individuals, as well as society. Illicit drugs are subject to intensive control and monitoring by the government, in order to ensure that the general public is protected from the dangers of these drugs.

Most laws categorize illicit drugs into categories or schedules, including:

Narcotics: Narcotics are drugs used to relieve or control pain, and they are typically addictive and able to induce sleep. Examples of narcotics include morphine and codeine.

Stimulants: Stimulants are drugs that activate or excite the nervous system, and generally produce more energy. Stimulants are also highly addictive. Examples of stimulants include cocaine, crack cocaine, caffeine based drugs, and amphetamines.

Depressants: Depressants are substances intended to reduce tension and anxiety. One of the main examples of depressants are barbiturates.

Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens produce altered states of being, and change the way a person perceives reality. Examples include LSD, peyote, and mescaline.

Cannabis: The cannabis category or schedule refers to substances taken directly from, or created from, the hemp plant. Examples include marijuana, hashish, and synthetic marijuana variants.

 

Drug Possession Defenses

If you’re charged with possession of drugs, either for personal use or with intent to sell, a criminal defense attorney can determine which defenses might apply to your case. Some defenses challenge the stated facts, testimony or evidence in the case; others target procedural errors, and some defendants challenge drug possession charges on the basis of an affirmative defense.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to due process of law, including lawful search and seizure procedures prior to an arrest. Search and seizure issues are common territory for drug possession defenses.

Illicit drugs found in “plain view,” such as a car’s dashboard after a legal traffic stop, may be seized and used as evidence. But drugs found in the trunk of a car after prying it open with a crowbar, (assuming the suspect didn’t give permission) can’t be entered into evidence. If the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights were violated, then the drugs can’t be used at trial and the charges typically are dismissed.

Drugs Belong to Someone Else

A common defense to any crime charge is to simply say you didn’t do it. The drug possession equivalent is to claim the drugs aren’t yours or that you had no idea they were in your apartment. For instance, a skilled defense attorney will pressure prosecutors to prove that the joint found in the car belonged to their client and not one of the other passengers.

Crime Lab Analysis

Just because it looks like cocaine or LSD doesn’t mean it necessarily is. The prosecution must prove that a seized substance is indeed the illicit drug it claims it is by sending the evidence to a crime lab for analysis. The crime lab analyst then must testify at trial in order for the prosecution to make its case.

Missing Drugs

Another drug possession defense is that the drugs are missing. Similar to the need for crime lab analysis, prosecutors who lose or otherwise lack the actual drugs risk having their case dismissed. Seized drugs often get transferred several times before ending up in the evidence locker, so it should never be assumed that the evidence still exists during trial.

 

What Type Of Drug Charges Are Threatening Your Future?

A drug charge is more than a threat to your personal freedom – it can affect every area of your life, from getting the financial aid you need for college to securing a good job. We understand what is at stake, and we will fight for your best interests at every step. Our experience includes helping those charged with possession, manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of the following types of drugs:

  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Prescription drugs
  • Heroin

Your future is worth protecting, and you deserve to work with an attorney who will take your case seriously. We are genuinely compassionate allies, but we are also aggressive advocates in the courtroom. Our lawyers will keep you updated about the progress of your case and make sure you understand what is happening.

 

Potential Penalties For A Drug Crime Conviction

Every crime in Pennsylvania is given a gravity score, which indicates the seriousness of the crime. Using this factor and the number of convictions on your record, a judge uses a sentencing matrix to determine the appropriate penalty, which may be the minimum, maximum, or something in between.

law outlines potential penalties for each specific type of drug offense, including:

  • First-degree felony– 20 years in prison, and fines reaching $25,000
  • Second-degree felony– 10 years in prison, and fines reaching $25,000
  • Third-degree felony– Seven years in prison, and fines reaching $15,000
  • First-degree misdemeanor– Five years in jail, and a fine up to $10,000
  • Second-degree misdemeanor– Two years in jail, and a fine up to $5,000
  • Third-degree misdemeanor– One year in jail, and a fine up to $2,000

The drug crime penalty schedule is confusing, which is why it is essential to speak with a Pittsburgh drug crime attorney as soon as possible. By working with an experienced and trusted criminal defense lawyer from our firm, you have someone who can explain the law, the potential punishments, and whether or not you may qualify for a drug diversion program.

 

Drug Court

The Dallas County Drug Court program, also known as DIVERT (Diversion and Expedited Rehabilitation and Treatment) targets alleged felony offenders eligible for pre-trial release that have been charged with the following offenses:

Possession of a Controlled Substance (less than one gram),

Possession of Marijuana (more than 4 ounces, but less than five pounds), and

Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud (Prescription pill fraud or doctor shopping).

Individuals who have allegedly committed a delivery or manufacture of controlled substance offense, DWI offenders, offenders who have a history of assault, and individuals who have committed previous criminal offenses are not eligible for the DIVERT program.

The DIVERT program is generally three phases long and is about 12 to 18 months long. Individuals enrolled in the program go through substance abuse education, participation in education and employment services, in addition to an orientation and stabilization phase, intensive treatment phase, and a transition and graduation phase.

If the alleged offender successfully completes the program, their case will be dismissed. However, if the alleged offender fails to successfully complete the program, their case will be presented for prosecution.

Tips For A Successful Back To Wall Toilet Installation

Tips on How to Replace the Wax Ring on a Toilet

Beneath every toilet is a sticky wax ring that forms a watertight seal between the toilet and the sewer pipe. This hidden ring silently keeps your floors dry and can last for years without ever needing maintenance.

Why wax? The wax is formed in a loop around a plastic tube. It shapes itself to fit almost any toilet and floor drain, making installation pretty much foolproof. The wax is mold and bacteria resistant and can retain its seal for many years.

Here are a few times when replacement may be necessary:

If you have to remove your toilet for any reason, you should plan to replace your wax ring. Lifting the toilet will break the seal and if the wax is old, it may not reseal.

Does your toilet wobble? If you notice that your throne has developed a side-to-side rocking motion (even a little), it could mean the anchor flange is broken. This will have to be replaced along with the wax seal.

Do you notice dampness collecting around the base of your toilet? If it looks like your toilet is leaking, it may indicate that the wax ring has failed.

If you are replacing your flooring, you may need to remove your toilet and replace the wax ring to ensure a proper, tight seal.

If your toilet is on an upper floor, you may notice water damage on the ceiling of the room below. This is a sure sign that something’s not right, and the first thing to check is the wax seal. Sagging or soft spots on the bathroom floor near your toilet could also point to water damage.

Replacing Your Wax Ring

Wax rings are inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. Make sure you have a few essential tools on hand before you start the replacement: an adjustable wrench, a putty knife, a bucket, disposable gloves, and a towel or paper towels. A wet/dry shop vac will help make the job easier if you have access to one.

Step 1 – Turn off the water supply line that connects the toilet and the wall.

Step 2 – Drain the toilet by flushing, removing as much water as possible. If you have a shop vac, use it to suck up any remaining water. Don’t have access to a wet/dry vacuum? Use a plunger to help force as much additional water out as possible, then have your towels ready to sop up anything that leaks out.

Step 3 – Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the toilet tank. A little water will be left in the line, so be prepared to catch it with a bucket.

Step 4 – Remove the decorative caps that cover the bolts at the base of the toilet, then use your adjustable wrench to remove the bolts and washers.

Step 5 – Gently rock and twist the toilet to break what remains of the old wax seal. When you’re ready, make sure to grasp the toilet near the center so that the weight of the bowl and the tank are distributed evenly. If it’s too heavy, you can remove the tank portion and move them separately.

Step 6 – Put on your disposable gloves for this part. The wax is very sticky and, well, it’s been chilling under your toilet for a long time. Use a putty knife to remove as much of the old wax as possible from both the floor and the bottom of the toilet. Check to make sure the flange (the top of the sewer pipe) isn’t cracked or damaged in any way, then stuff a towel into the top of the pipe to prevent any noxious gases from escaping until you’re ready to replace the toilet.

Step 7 – Most wax rings can be affixed either to the bottom of the toilet first or the top of the flange – whichever you’re most comfortable with will work. Double check the instructions that come with your new ring to ensure that you’re installing it properly, but this part should be easy. Once the ring is centered in place, carefully lower the toilet onto the flange, using the bolt holes on the toilet base and the flange to line everything up properly.

Step 8 – Close the toilet lid and sit down. Use your body weight to compress the wax seal and settle the toilet into place. Once it feels solid, check to be sure the base of the toilet is completely flush with the floor all the way around.

Step 9 – Replace the mounting bolts and decorative covers, then reattach the water supply line and make sure the supply valves are open. Give the toilet a few test flushes and check all around the base for any sign of leaks.

 

The Best Bidet Toilet Seat or Washlet

People have strong opinions about washing their butts, but one thing is for sure: The Toto Washlet C200 is better than any other bidet seat at dialing in your exact preferences—pulsating or oscillating stream, warm or cool water, high or low pressure. And thanks to the C200’s unique, intuitive controls, you’ll find that it’s just as easy to disable the bells and whistles if you’re in it only for the heated seat.

For an experience that most people agree is excellent, whether they’ve used a bidet for years or are totally new to it. Other bidets have similar abilities, but none of them are quite as easy to get the hang of as the C200, even for guests and children. That’s because of the simple layout of the remote control, which predictably activates or adjusts the things you want. Some bidet features can be annoying or unnecessary, and it’s easier to disable those features on the C200 than on other models. It may seem like a lot to pay for a toilet seat, and the negative reviews include a few stories of installation difficulties. But we’ve found that very few people actually regret getting a C200—more often, they find they have a lot of preferences, and they value the easy control over all the options.

The main difference is that this model has a white plastic side control panel attached to the seat, as opposed to the C200’s exceptional (and stylish) remote. This makes the C100 more awkward to use, but the side panel is easy enough to learn by feel, so you won’t have to contort to see it every time. Compared with the C200, this model also has two fewer options for water temperature and no programmable user settings, but the C100 typically costs anywhere from $50 to $150 less. We do recommend that you wait until the C200 comes back in stock. But if you can’t wait, or if you want a less expensive model for a guest bath, the C100 is nice where it counts—a heated seat, warm water, and pressure controls that (like the C200) go up and down on a +/- scale. (A lot of competitors’ pressure controls cycle through all the levels, including a Waterpik-like beam, before you can get to the one you want.)

the lowest-priced electric bidet seat we recommend. It’s a bare-bones model compared with the C200, but with its six options for water pressure, water temperature, and seat temperature, you should be able to adjust the Swash 300 to your preferences. This model can’t adjust its spray position like the C200, and it takes a few seconds longer to warm the water. It also lacks an air dryer and other frills. But the Swash 300 does have a remote, an unusually nice feature for a bidet at this price, and we think it’s a good deal.

The good news: Unlike the other models, the SimpleSpa doesn’t need an outlet. And it doesn’t include a new toilet seat, so it’s very easy to install and won’t alter the aesthetic of your bathroom. Watch the pressure, though—some testers found this model’s highest settings painful. Compared with other inexpensive cold-water models, the Brondell SimpleSpa looks nicer for about the same price. And since it’s less than $50, this model is a good place to start if you’re new to bidets and are unsure about investing in a full-featured model.

 

How much does it cost to install a toilet?

Costs for toilet installation in the UK generally range from $100 to $191. Still, this may vary depending on the aspects involved in your installation. At some point during your homeownership experience, you may find you need to install a new toilet in your home. It’s an important step in every bathroom remodelling project, however, fitting a toilet doesn’t need to be a difficult task.

Considerations

While toilets are durable, the time will eventually come for a replacement. If you need a new one, make sure you plan out your project before hiring a toilet installer.

Number of Toilets to Install

When you first contact your pro, give them an idea of the project size. If you’re replacing a broken toilet, the answer is usually one. The same applies when you’re renovating your bathroom. At the same time, keep an eye out for a model that conserves water so you can make your home more efficient.

Current Plumbing

Thankfully, when you replace a toilet, the necessary plumbing already exists. You shouldn’t have to adjust it, but you may want to have your pro check it out. They can confirm it’s up to code. Upgrading or adjusting your plumbing can add to the cost. Ask a plumbing expert to give you a quote if you need to change your current setup.

Project Materials

Depending on where you are in your preparations, you may already have a new toilet in order. It could even be waiting in your garage to find its new home! However, if you don’t have a new toilet picked out you can ask your pro for advice. A pro can tell you what the most popular brands are or recommend a certain model for your needs.

 

How to Install a New Toilet Seat

Installing a new toilet seat is an easy DIY project. Whether you’re replacing yours because it’s old, or because you just want a new style, all you need are some basic tools and a few minutes. Unbolt the old seat, then pop the new one in place using the hardware included in your new toilet seat’s box. The only trouble you’re likely to run into is if the old bolts are stuck, but a little elbow grease can take care of that problem.

Measure your current toilet bowl before buying a new seat. Most toilets are standard sized, and any replacement seat should fit. If you want to be extra sure, take a tape measure to check the distance between the bolt holes in the toilet bowl. Then make sure the distance between the bolts on the replacement seat is the same.

Choose the style of seat you want. Toilet seats come in 2 basic styles, and a home supply store should have several brands to choose from. The standard variety is rounded, but you can choose an elongated one if you prefer. You can also purchase a “whisper close” seat that has special pads on the bottom to prevent it from slamming down on the bowl

Choose a seat color that matches your current toilet bowl. You can find toilet seats in a variety of colors. Choose one that matches the toilet bowl (usually white) for a classic look, or choose a contrasting color to make a bolder statement. For instance, you could choose a blue or wooden toilet seat to contrast with a white bowl.

Gather your tools for the project. You’ll need just a few simple ones to handle this project. If you don’t already have these at home, head down to the hardware store and get

 

Toilet Repair Information & FAQs

Toilets save lives. It might sound crazy, but it’s true. Proper sanitation in the form of functioning toilets and well-maintained sewage systems helps prevent potentially life-threatening diseases from attacking you and your family. In the United States we are incredibly lucky that the majority of us never have to worry about catching such illnesses, but it is still important to keep our toilets clean and in good operating condition to avoid the potential for illness to our families – in addition to saving ourselves the general hassle and high cost of toilet problems left unattended for too long

Finding the Right Parts for Your Toilet …pssst, it’s easier than you think!

Toilet repair tends to freak most people out a little, which is completely understandable. Nobody wants to accidentally break something that could flood their bathroom with raw sewage. However, the majority of toilet repairs are simple and straightforward tasks – such as replacing a worn flapper – that most people can do themselves in about 5 minutes. The most common question we run into regarding toilet repair is how to find the right parts for your toilet. Sometimes this is easy, and sometimes it’s not. Mostly it’s easy though.

The first step in finding the right toilet parts is figuring out your toilet model number – so we’ve created this handy toilet identification cross reference to help you out. Alternatively, if you already know which manufacturer made your toilet, you can look through our toilet index pages (linked below) to find your parts. If you can’t find any model information – i.e., you have a “mystery” toilet – read our guide to finding “will fit” parts for more assistance.

  1. “What is the difference between “OEM” and “will-fit” parts? And what do these terms mean anyway?”
  2. OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”. This means anything from the original manufacturer that is sold to a second company to use in production of that second company’s product. In other words, many toilet manufacturers outsource for the internal working parts of the toilet, such as the fill valves, flush valves, or flappers. When this happens, they have the opportunity to use an existing part, or to spec something for the specific toilet. When the toilet manufacturer chooses to use an existing part, the manufacturer of the part can still sell that piece under their own name – these are considered “will fit” parts. If the toilet manufacturer chooses to spec something for the specific toilet, the part manufacturer can then only provide that part to the toilet manufacturer. What this means for you is that you can sometimes get the *exact same part* (by the original manufacturer of the OEM part), but under another name and at a better cost! So when your toilet’s internal working parts need to be replaced, you may have the option to use either the “OEM” part number or use the “will-fit” part number to order what you need. Please note that only some “will-fit” items are manufactured by the OEM manufacturer. If this is essential to your repair
  3. “What are the most commonly replaced toilet parts?”
  4. This depends on several factors; each time you use your toilet the trip lever, flapper, and fill valve are operated. You will find, however, that the flapper and fill valve are the parts most exposed to water and will be the first ones to wear out in most cases.

How To Install Metal Roof In Easy Steps

Pros And Cons Of Metal Roofing

Whether you’re tired of paying for costly repairs on a traditional roof or want to try something more efficient and stylish, there are many good reasons to consider a metal roof for your home. Today’s metal roofs can be manufactured to look like nearly any traditional roofing material, and offer significant advantages over traditional roofing. However, there are some potential drawbacks to metal roofing, and it’s wise to consider both sides of the equation before embarking on a major home improvement project. So let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of installing metal roofing on your home.

Pro: Metal Roofs Are Built to Last

One of the biggest advantages of metal roofs is that they’re built to last, with durable materials and less potential for leaks than traditional roofs. While you may have to replace a traditional roof more than once over the lifespan of a home – and pay for repairs in between – the right metal roof can last for as long as you own your home. In addition to being sturdy, metal roofs are very efficient at whisking away the rain, ice, and snow that lead to leaks with traditional roofs.

Pro: Metal Roofing Is Environmentally Friendly

If you like your home improvement projects to have a limited impact on the environment, then metal roofing is more than worth a look. Asphalt shingles, the most common non-metal roofing material, are a petroleum product and need to be replaced relatively frequently compared to metal roofs. Your metal roof, on the other hand, won’t be heading to the landfill any time soon.

Con: Metal Roofs Are Costly to Install

When it comes to durability, look, efficiency, and environmental impact, it’s hard to argue with the advantages of metal roofing. However, those advantages come with a cost, and installing a metal roof can be considerably more expensive than a traditional roof, depending on the metal roofing that you choose.

Pro: Metal Roofs Are Energy-Efficient

Those increased costs will be evident up-front, but the efficiency and durability of metal roofing often make it more affordable in the long run. Metal roofing is very energy-efficient, minimizing heat gain and reflecting the sun rather than absorbing it, which can help lower cooling costs in your home.

 

Roofing Calculator – Estimate your Roofing Costs

If you are considering a new metal roof as potential replacement option for your aging asphalt roof, or you simply want to learn more about this sturdy and energy efficient roofing option,

Metal roofs can be made from a variety of metals and alloys including Galvanized steel (hot zinc dipped G-90 steel, or G-60 steel coated with thinner, least-expensive coating), Galvalume steel (Zinc and Aluminum coating — more expensive and longer lasting compared to G-90 steel.), stone-coated steel (G-90 galvanized steel), aluminum, copper, zinc, terne (zinc-tin alloy), and stainless steel.

The downside of galvanized steel is that it can corrode, eventually, especially when exposed to the moist salt-spray environment, such as near the coastal lines and salty marine environments.

It must be noted that all things being equal, Galvalume steel offers a greater degree of corrosion-resistance and hence longevity than G-90 galvanized steel. G-60 steel is joke compared to Galvalume steel and its cost reflects that

Steel is the most frequently used material in both residential and commercial metal roof and wall applications, mainly due to its superior durability, strength, and slightly lower cost than aluminum.

 

Snow Guards for Metal Roofs

mission is to help building owners select the snow retention system that works best for their situation. Whether it’s our product or not. With so many types of metal roofs and snow guard systems available, narrowing down the best one for your home or project can be confusing.

I’ve personally spent many hours searching and condensing information from our competitor’s sites and noticed that every site has one thing in common. Each manufacturer presents their snow guard or snow retention system as the best and offers up various reasons why their particular product is better than others. Obviously, every snow guard and every manufacturer can’t be the best. What I realized is that an architect, homeowner or contractor researching metal roof snow guards faces a daunting task of determining which is the best snow guard for their metal roof

The cheapest and easiest snow guard to install may not be the best fit for your situation. Likewise, the most expensive and elaborate may not do what you expect it to. To help answer these questions, I started out on my mission of distilling the different metal roof snow retention systems into a single, objective summary.  Explaining each type and the advantages and disadvantages with that specific snow guard. Many of these are products we sell, but many are not. I hope that this series of articles will help you make a good, informed decision about the best type of snow retention for your metal roof.

All snow guard system types are designed to keep snow on your roof to protect you, your family, and your property from falling ice and snow. Metal roofs have a very smooth surface that doesn’t absorb water. That’s why metal roofs are good roofs but also why snow and ice slide off.

In a nutshell, there are 3 different snow guard types for metal roofs that are currently in use. This article briefly discusses each type. Additional articles follow this one that go in-depth into each type including manufacturing materials, methods of attachment and most importantly, the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

 

Metal Roofing Installation: How to Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles

Can you put steel roofing over asphalt?

Can you avoid tearing off your old asphalt shingle roof by putting a steel roof over it? Maybe. Most codes now allow no more than two layers of roofing before requiring a complete tear-off. So, if your roof has two layers, it may require a complete tear-off, even though steel is lighter than asphalt. Codes vary, so call your local building department to know how to install metal roofing over shingles properly, code-wise

What’s involved in how to install metal roofing

A steel roof is a lifetime investment, lasting 50 years or more if it’s a good one. Asphalt roofs typically last 20 to 30 years, depending on the installation and shingle quality. So, the investment might be worth it, but the range of choices makes shopping for a steel roofing system more complicated than you might think.

If you want to install steel over asphalt, your best choice for installing metal roofing is to use a steel shingle system like the one shown instead of the more common (and more expensive) standing seam steel. In a standing seam roof, long, single panels run vertically all the way from the eave to the ridge. In contrast, steel shingles are small panels installed in horizontal rows much like other shingles.

Better steel shingle systems, like the one shown, install over a framework of 2x2s. This framework has three big advantages. First, because the frame is screwed directly to the rafters and the interlocked shingles are screwed to the frame, the roof can withstand winds of up to 120 mph without damage. Second, the frame creates a flat and straight surface even when the shingles are badly curled or the roof ridge is bowed.

Pros and cons for metal roofing installation

Steel roofs can be noisy and unattractive in residential settings. However, if the steel roof is installed over an existing asphalt roof, noise shouldn’t be a problem. And, as you can see from the photos, if you pick a good-looking style from the many choices available, your house definitely won’t look like a cattle barn.

 

Metal Roofing: Everything You Need to Know

Environmentally Friendly and More

Designer Lisa Furey explains, “Metal roofs offer many benefits, including:

Longevity. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material.

Durability. Some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack, and may be impact-resistant (depending on which metal you choose). In addition, metal roofs don’t need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require. However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure no repairs are required.

Safety. Metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike.

Energy efficiency. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.

Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs not only have 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used, but are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof.”

Things to Consider

“Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials,” says Lisa Furey. “While the life of a metal roof is much longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.”

The Noise Factor

“While you can choose from tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel, metal roofs can be noisy, especially during a heavy rain or hailstorm. Adding more insulation during installation usually solves this problem, but that may increase costs,” explains designer Lisa Furey. “If a repair is required or a home extension is added years later, it may be difficult to find an exact match to the existing metal,” says Lisa.

The Right Choice For the Location

“We use metal roofs on the majority of our residential projects. Metal roofs are very durable and long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing and suitable for low-slope conditions. They easily shed debris such as pine needles and leaves. In snow country, the metal roofs allow snow to slide off fairly quickly,”

Tips To Use Carpet Cleaning Machines In Hotels

Why Use Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning And Its Benefits

Carpet cleaning is an essential task for homeowners. Getting clean and beautiful carpets can be very difficult, and that is why many professionals rely on powerful chemical cleaning solutions to do that. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that some of these carpet cleaning solutions may contain harmful substances or components that may be harmful to us and also to the environment.

That is why environmental carpet cleaning has become increasingly important over time. Ensuring that we do not use chemicals that contain toxic substances is necessary and is fully recommended by all owners. These are some of the main reasons why you now use eco friendly carpet cleaning methods.

Help protect the environment: our planet is the only one we have, and unfortunately, we don’t do a good job taking care of the environment. Pollution is widespread throughout the world because people are not making the necessary efforts to maintain our planet. However, we can do our part in carpet cleaning.

The toxic substances found in many cleaning products can affect and contaminate our environment. We can easily help save Mother Nature using green cleaning products and methods so that they do not harm our environment. There are many alternatives to toxic and harmful carpet cleaning products, such as “green” carpet cleaners, as well as household carpet cleaning solutions, which will clean the carpets without having the same negative impact. Do your part and contribute to the conservation of the environment using environmental cleaning now.

To help prevent health problems: not only are there harmful ingredients in many carpet cleaning products that are harmful to the environment, but they can also be a source of health problems for you or your family. This is another very important reason for the need to adhere to environmental methods to clean carpets and maintain the health of your family. Some chemical cleaning agents contain components such as naphthalene, which can cause respiratory problems due to prolonged exposure. You should never face this danger if you use a household cleaning that does not harm the environment. In this way, make sure that your health and the health of your family are not compromised.

 

MAIN BENEFITS OF USING AN ECO-FRIENDLY CARPET CLEANING COMPANY

In occasions when the tendancy of hiring an eco-friendly rug cleaning company can also be widespread, you will need to see the primary reasons behind it. And that is exactly why today, we’re listing the main benefits of using an eco-friendly company.

  1. Affordability

Firstly is a benefit that everybody appreciates – the cost effectiveness of hiring an eco-friendly carpet cleaner. The bottom line is, such cleaning methods can save you hundreds of dollars over the years – but in addition helps you quit buying the soaps and detergents that you just rarely use.

Another benefit which is the simple less water used when cleaning your carpets, all due to the green methods that never compromise on quality.

  1. Degradable materials

Second on the present list is the biodegradability, normally means that each one of the materials utilized in cleaning your floor poses no danger as well as the environment. This is on the grounds that the components decompose easily and don’t endanger the lives of every living organisms nearby.

Knowing that your carpets and fabric make one of the greatest aspects of your own home, it is essential to decide on cleaning solutions that are degradable. Thanks to these environmentally safe cleaning procedures, you’ll be able to protect mother nature, yourself plus your loved ones.

  1. No disastrous scenarios

The eco friendly cleaning methods prevent any disastrous situations. Since they use low moisture to forestall over-wetting, there is no such thing as a excess moisture in your floor or a shrinkage and tearing off of the back due to it. Mold can also be not a problem, and of course the eco-friendly carpet cleaning service delivers quality with out a single risk.

The particles are also pulled out carefully and effectively – without being stuck in the carpets as with the majority of of the chemical substance cleaning agents that you’re accustomed to.

  1. Amazing health benefits

Unlike many chemical cleaners which use dangerous chemicals and therefore pose a health danger when inhaled, the green cleaning materials in eco-friendly carpet cleaning professionals use natural components that will skip your property smelling fresh and natural.

The truth is, most of the normal carpet cleaning professionals services and merchandise is weak for pets, children and other people allergic to certain things or with other health conditions. Instead, green carpet cleaning professionals is all about leaving the regions clean and with no potential health complications or hazards.

  1. Keeps your carpet and tile strong

Lastly is the sole reason why more people choose eco-friendly carpet cleaning service – its quality. Which means that, green carpet cleaning professionals is a safe method for use on all types of carpets. From decorative to shag and berber, it is a method that produces the fiber stronger and has the carpet functional for an extended time period time. Without the potential risk of tearing aside from the soaking, it is a solution that means you have the perfect value for money.

 

Dangers of Harsh Chemicals

Carpet cleaners use natural ingredients in their cleaning agents that protect the environment and the species that live there. Commercial agents mixed with water in river basins and oceans block oxygen marine animals need to survive. Water and detergent mixtures create a toxic substance that fish find harmful. Algae is prevented from forming. The lack of algae creates insufficient food supplies for marine animals.

In residential areas, commercial cleaning agents that accidentally combine with drinking water when they enter pipes, cause severe health problems. The problems include poisoning and stomach depletion from a chemical reaction to the body.

 

How To Choose the Most Eco-Friendly Carpet

More and more homeowners want carpet that is good for the earth. There are many options on the market and finding a perfect fit can be overwhelming. These tips for choosing eco friendly carpet for a basement, living room or bedroom can help individuals who cannot make a decision.

Check the Smell

Individuals can understand more about the environmental impact of a type of carpet by giving it a big whiff. It might seem strange, but it’s an effective approach. The signature aroma of carpet comes from the following chemicals:

  • Benzene or toluene adhesives
  • Stain-resistant finishes
  • Bonding agents

These chemicals are volatile organic compounds. They have a big carbon footprint and release harmful gases into the air over time. Conscious homeowners should avoid these options whenever possible.

Go Natural

Individuals can never go wrong with a carpet constructed from plants. Sisal, coir and jute are types of eco friendly carpet that can look great in any residence. The material is sustainable and easy to grow in difficult environments, which opens the door to making it more available to consumers in the future.

There are even more interesting types of carpet in [city, state]. Homeowners can find funky and all-natural carpet made from sheep wool, goat hair, recycled plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets.

Examine the Underlay

Carpet feels plush partly because of the underlay. The underlay is a thin cushioning that is often made from sponge, rubber, foam, felt or plastic. Usually a carpet installation technician is the only one who sees the underlay, but it still has an environmental impact. Ideally, companies should manufacture underlays to the same high standard.

Clean With the Power of Green

Individuals can also maintain their carpet with green cleaning agents. It’s a small step to take for a healthy house and minimal harm to the earth. Eco friendly carpet can make any space look fantastic. These tips can help homeowners sort through the options for the right fit.

 

Why is Professional Carpet Cleaning Important?

Every day we welcome unwanted guests into our house: car exhaust, germs, chemicals, cigarette smoke, tarmac, tar, stain, bacteria, dust etc. They all live deep inside the layers of the carpet therefore when you clean the surface of the carpet by home cleaning methods they remain unaffected. The FACT is that you will not be able to clean the insides of the carpet effectively no matter how hard you try on your own.

Attempting to clean a carpet yourself can lead to problems such as:

  • Using too much water on the fabric
  • Wrong detergents
  • Incorrect methods
  • Too many chemicals
  • Failing to dry the area completely
  • Failing to completely rinse the detergent out of the fabric

Any of these problems can cause significant damage to your carpet, even to the point of having to replace it.

How Dermatologists Help With Acne

How to Prepare for Your Dermatology Appointment for Acne

It’s time for your first dermatology appointment, and you want to be prepared. While you may not feel like celebrating, it actually is a big deal. This appointment is the first step on your path to clear skin. To get the most from this appointment, a little preparation is in order. This will help you feel confident in your treatment plan, and ensure you get the results you want. Here are a few easy things you can do to get ready for your upcoming appointment with the dermatologist.

Write Down All of Your Questions

Before you go see the dermatologist, make a list of any questions you have. Some questions you may want to ask: What type of acne do I have? What can I do in the short term to improve my acne? How long will it take to see results? Or anything else you would like to know. Bring that list of questions with you to your appointment. When you’re in the exam room, it’s hard to remember everything you wanted to ask your dermatologist. You don’t want to be out in the parking lot after the appointment before realizing you forgot to ask a question or two that you desperately wanted answered.

Be Prepared to Answer Some Questions, Too

Your dermatologist will have some questions for you too. Like, how long have you had acne? And, what treatments have you tried so far? Be ready to answer questions about your medical history as well, even issues that don’t necessarily have to do with your skin. Your dermatologist will ask about any health issues, past and present. They will also want to know about family’s health history if they’ve had acne or skin cancer for example. The doctor isn’t being nosy. Your dermatologist will need to know all about your health, and not just your skin health, in order to properly help you.

Bring a List of All Acne Treatment Products You’re Currently Using

Make a note of any treatment you’re currently using for your acne, both prescription medications, over-the-counter acne treatments, and skin care products. It’s more important to list the active ingredients in your over-the-counter products than the actual name of the product. For example, instead of just writing down Oxy, note that the active ingredient is 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Be prepared to tell the dermatologist everything you’ve previously tried, how long you used it, and what type of results you had.

Bring a List of All Other Medications You’re Taking

Your dermatologist will also need to know about any other medications you’re using, even if they have nothing to do with acne. If you don’t know off the top of your head the specific names, check the label and write it down prior to your appointment. This is important to avoid any potential drug interactions between the medications you’re currently using and new acne medications your derm may prescribe.

 

 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to acne.

All the dermatologists we talked to agreed on this point. Every patient responds to treatments differently, and sometimes it can get worse before it gets better. But finding the right treatment for you is part of acne self-care, and with the help of your dermatologist, you can find an acne treatment regimen that’s best for your skin. And yes, it really is helpful to work with a derm to get it right—especially if your acne is more than occasional or mild.

First, your derm will examine your skin to determine the severity of your acne to give it a grade (grade 1 is mild; grade 4 is severe) and figure out which type (or types) you have, the AAD explains. Then, they’ll see which type of treatment would work best: topical or oral (or both). Here’s the difference between each, per the AAD:

  • Topical acne treatment: This is the most common type of acne treatment. Some work by killing acne-causing bacteria while others get rid of acne by decreasing oil. The ingredients in topical acne treatments may include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or salicylic acid.
  • Oral acne treatment: These medications, which work internally, are prescribed when you have red, swollen pimples (acne cysts and nodules). They can come in different forms such as antibiotics (which kill bacteria and decrease inflammation), birth control pills (which helps with hormonal acne), and isotretinoin (commonly referred to as Accutane, even though that specific brand has been discontinued).

 

What can you do to prevent it

Eating healthy, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and exercising are great places to start when it comes to acne and getting good skin. Since acne is linked to inflammation and hormones, taking a total body approach is more likely to help than focusing on specific skincare products that can only do so much.

That said, maintaining a good skincare regimen is recommended by dermatologists. You don’t need to buy expensive products to do that either. A simple face wash, moisturizer and a targeted serum (like one with acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) can go a long way. Don’t forget to wash your face, especially before bed to prevent clogged pores and a buildup of oil.

lways remove your makeup, and cleanse after you go to the gym, too. Sweating at the gym and leaving without cleansing (even if it’s just for an hour or so) is a recipe for clogged pores fast. You don’t want all the dirt, bacteria, sweat and oil to hang out on your skin for too long.

 

You Can Treat It

While a pimple will eventually go away, if you have outbreaks a lot, the skin problem that brings it on typically won’t go away by itself. And if you don’t treat it, you could end up with scars.

A skin doctor (dermatologist) can help. She might suggest a cream, lotion, gel, or soap that contains ingredients that can help. Many can be bought without a prescription:

  • Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and removes extra oil.
  • Resorcinol is for whiteheads and blackheads.
  • Salicylic acid keeps pores from getting clogged.
  • Sulfur removes dead skin cells.
  • Spironolactone blocks excess hormone.

For more serious acne, your doctor may prescribe:

  • Antibiotics to kill bacteria
  • Birth control pills for women with acne due to hormones
  • Isotretinoin to help you make less oil

You may need a combination of oral medicine and a cream or lotion. Don’t stop using your treatments if your skin clears. Stick with it until the doctor tells you to stop. This can help keep acne from coming back.

 

Determine if your dermatology needs are medical, surgical, or cosmetic

Chances are you have a concern you want to solve, but not every dermatologist is suitable. Dermatologic care, like any other type of medical care, must be specific to your needs as a patient. This is a transactional service after all.

you should start by asking yourself if your needs are:

  • medical (e.g. cystic acne or rosacea)
  • surgical (e.g. removal of a benign growth or nodular melanoma)
  • cosmetic (e.g. facial sculpting)

They can even be all the above or a combo of two. For example, eye bag removal is both cosmetic and surgical.

Ideally, you should choose a dermatologist whose specialty most closely aligns with your needs. When in doubt, call the doctor’s office and ask if the dermatologist you’re likely to see is experienced in treating your specific areas of concern.

If they imply that they may not be right for you or that you require a specialty service they don’t offer, don’t be afraid to keep looking.

Electrical Wiring Harness In The Medical Field

At-home electrical safety tips

Use electricity safely at home

Follow our simple electrical safety tips to keep yourself and your family safe at home

Electrical panels, fuses, and outlets

If a fuse blows, turn off all appliances and lights that are on the circuit before changing the fuse.

Use a flashlight. Don’t try to replace a fuse in the dark.

Replace a fuse with another that has an identical rating.

Loose fuses can overheat. If you have plug-type fuses, you should periodically check to make sure they’re snug.

Never replace a fuse with a coin or other metal object.

Use ground fault circuit interrupters on all outlets located outdoors.

Cords, extension cords, and plugs

Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting an electrical device.

Never remove a plug when your hands are wet, or if you’re touching a metal object.

The third prong of a plug exists for safety reasons. Do not break it off or bypass it.

Use only three-pronged extension cords outdoors.

Keep cords away from sources of heat and water.

Cords and plugs that show signs of wear or damage need to be replaced. Stop using them immediately.

Do not place a cord under a carpet, through a doorway, or anywhere that it could be stepped on.

Always use extension cords that are properly rated for the amount of electricity you’ll be using.

Extension cords are intended for temporary use. If you need a permanent solution, call an electrician.

Coil up excess cord length and keep the coil intact with plastic ties or Velcro straps.

Use a certified power bar if you need to plug multiple items into an outlet.

Electrical devices, appliances, and power tools

Unplug the toaster before prying out that stuck toast.

Unplug your electrical gadgets when they’re not in use.

Keep your electrical devices away from sources of water.

If you use an electric lawnmower, only cut the grass when it’s dry and never when it’s raining.

Insist on appliances and tools that have been certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) seal or another accredited Standards Council of Canada association.

Electricity safety near gas supply

Always use qualified electricity and gas contractors to install your services and ask them to ensure the services are installed the right distance apart.

Make sure your services are inspected and maintained regularly. Don’t try any maintenance yourself, always use a qualified contractor.

 

Electrical Fires

Preventing a Home Electrical Fire

Electrical failure or malfunctions account for almost 34,000 home fires, on average, per year and result in roughly 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This is a particular threat to homes built before the 1950s when electrical wiring standards were less stringent than today. However, even newer homes are at risk for an electrical fire. While older homes were built to handle 30 amps of power, most newer homes demand 100 to 200 amps. This demand places a significant strain on a home’s wiring and electrical system.

Understanding the common causes, warning signs and appropriate safety measures can help prevent an electrical fire in your home. The most common causes for electrical fires are:

Incorrectly installed wiring

Overloaded circuits and extension cords

Defective or improper plugs, switches and outlets

Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting

Warning Signs of Faulty Wiring or Electrical Systems

To prevent an electrical fire, learn to recognize the warning signs that indicate a possible wiring or electrical problem. Contact a licensed electrician immediately to examine and repair electrical problems if you experience any of the following issues in your home:

Flickering or dimming lights

Switches or outlets that are hot to touch and/or emit an acrid odor

Discolored cords, outlets and switch plates

Repeatedly blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers

Keep Home Wiring Systems Safe

Every homeowner should be acquainted with at least one licensed electrician who can help keep their home wiring system safe. Licensed electricians can help:

Ensure any electrical modifications meet existing codes

Inspect and repair outlets and switches

Inspect a home and make any necessary repairs before you purchase and move in

Replace outdated or malfunctioning fuses and circuit breakers and instruct you on proper usage.

 

Wiring Tips

WELL, HOW ABOUT THAT! Here you have completed the wiring of the aircraft’s alternator and battery circuits, installed the main bus and, at this point, have less than a dozen wires coming up to the instrument panel

That wasn’t so complicated, was it? The hardest part was probably getting organized and acquiring the right kind and size wires and the other necessary parts. After all, how many of us would just happen to have a battery, a voltage regulator, an over voltage relay, a split master switch and a couple of solenoids lying around the workshop. Or, for that matter, have the correct gauges of shielded wire and a sufficient quantity of insulated ring terminals?

You might have had a few insulated ring-terminals on hand . . . maybe enough of them to get the job started. But that would have been just about it. More likely, you probably had to order everything else from one of the homebuilt suppliers.

Other than that, you will have to admit that the basic wiring job was quite interesting, and not nearly as time consuming or as difficult as you had anticipated it would be.

QUICK DISCONNECTS . . . WHERE AND WHY

Keep this in mind. You will have to partially disassemble your airplane before you can haul it to the airport. That is, you undoubtedly will have to remove and reinstall the wings and tail surfaces at least one more time

 

Home electrical safety tips and rules to help prevent fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical cords and temporary wiring account for over 25% of the estimated 81,000 electrical system fires that occur each year. The risk of fires can be reduced by following these essential home electrical safety tips.

Extension cord safety rules

Don’t use extension cords as a substitute for repairing building wiring.

Inspect extension cords for broken connectors, damaged insulation and missing hardware before each use.

Do not run extension cords through walls, over beams, around corners or through doorways.

Only use extension cords approved for the environment and loads expected.

Equip extension cords with ground fault interruption (GFI) devices.

Dont use coiled extension cords.

Discard damaged extension cords; don’t try to repair them.

Use only surge protected power strips. Inspect the power strips regularly for damage or signs of overloading

Temporary wiring safety rules

Don’t substitute temporary and flexible wiring for repairing building wiring.

Use temporary wiring only when needed for maintenance, repair or demolition activities.

Limit temporary wiring for holiday or ornamental lighting to no more than 90 days.

In outdoor settings use only outdoor approved temporary wiring and extension cords.

Don’t route temporary wiring across floors, around doors or through walls.

Locate temporary wiring at least 7 feet above any walking or working surface.

Protect temporary wiring from sharp edges, heat and sunlight to avoid breakdown of the insulation

Equipment power cords safety rules

Inspect equipment cords for damage before each use.

Don’t operate equipment cords without a ground connection unless they are double insulated.

Don’t splice equipment cords to repair damage or to extend the original length.

Routinely inspect and perform maintenance on electrical equipment

Lock out or tag all electrical equipment or lines while they are being serviced, maintained or adjusted.

Inspect all electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, to ensure they’re properly grounded. Cords that are frayed or damaged should be removed and replaced immediately, not spliced or taped. Shut down main power source when replacing fuses.

 

Electrical Safety Tips at Home

You power your home with energy, but do you know electrical safety? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 31,000 home electrical fires occur every year, and with over 180 cases involving electrocution or electricity-related incidents that could have been avoided, home electrical safety is too important to ignore. At Constellation, we care about the safety of our customers, and by following these electrical safety tips you can protect your home and your family

What causes electrical fires in homes?

The National Fire Protection Association notes that faulty or damaged wiring and related electrical equipment cause 69 percent of electrical fires, followed by lamps, light fixtures, cords, plugs, transformers and other power supplies. When looking for potential fire hazards in your home, always be sure to consult with a professional.

Check that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances.

Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.

Watch out for overloaded outlets to protect your home.

Overloading an electrical outlet is a common cause of electrical problems. Check all outlets to ensure they are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates and are in proper working order

Replace or repair damaged electrical cords to keep your home safe.

Damaged power cords are a serious residential electrical safety risk, and they are capable of causing both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked regularly for signs of fraying and cracking, and they should then be repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.

Electrician Qualifications And How To Get Them

Choosing an electrician

Choosing an electrician can be a difficult process and it can even be hard to know where to start. For your convenience, we’ve prepared a guide of tips on how to choose an electrician that will match well with your home or business and the particular project you’re looking to hire for.

Often times, asking your friends and family members is a great way to find a professional you need. Because you have a close relationship with those offering a referral, they will likely give you an honest perspective on the company or individual they’ve hired for electrical work in the past.

It is imperative to make sure the electrician you choose has the necessary legal documents assuring you that they are able to complete the job. Many companies will have this indicated on their website or you can ask them directly to see their credentials.

Online testimonials are a major influence on most people looking for a product or service in any industry. Visit their pages on Google, Facebook or other listing websites that will offer insight into how past customers feel about their experience with the company in question

Once you reach a point where you are have narrowed down your candidates, give them a call to get a better feel for the company and who you will be entrusting this work in. Often times, this step can be very telling and it will make reaching a decision an easy choice at this point!

 

How Do I Choose an Electrician?

“With great power comes great responsibility.” The thought behind this famous quote may not have been related to the dangers facing electricians. Nonetheless, it sums things up well. When it comes to electrics, don’t risk it.

You need a professional to get the job done safely. Selecting the right person for the job is crucial. We’re here to shed light on what you should look for so that you don’t get a nasty shock.

Check the License and Insurance

It’s vital that your electrician is licensed. This ensures they have had the required training to carry out the job safely and in the right way. All qualified electricians should be able to produce their current state license.

Competitive Quotes

It’s always wise to get about three different quotes. That gives you plenty of prices to compare. Be sure to explain exactly what work you need doing.

Check out Qualifications and Experience

As in any other profession, some electricians will have more experience and qualifications than others. Your electrician should be able to offer a year’s warranty on their workmanship.

 

What to Look for When Choosing an Electrician

Have been noticing that the lights in your home have been flickering lately? It may be time to call in a professional to check your electrical system. Older homes may still have outdated knob and tube or aluminum wiring, and replacing outdated wiring is a job that should be completed by a licensed electrician.

How long have you been working in this field? It’s important to find someone who knows the codebook, but also has practical experience. You also want to work with someone who understands the value of providing good customer service

Are you licensed, bonded and insured? The contractor should hold a valid electrician’s license. This means they’ve completed the required education and training. The contractor should also carry liability insurance in the event he/she or one of his/her employees is injured while working on your property. Ask for the contractor’s bond number and certificate to confirm proper bonding is in place

Who will be performing the work on my property? If the business owner will not be doing the work personally, ask about the credentials of whoever will be completing the project. Employees should be fully trained electricians, and apprentices are not allowed to work on jobs unless they are supervised by a trained electrician.

Do you offer a warranty on work performed? Discover whether the parts or labor are under warranty after the job has been completed. If so, how long is the warranty in effect? You’ll want to hire an electrician who’s prepared to stand behind the work.

 

A Few Things To Look For When Hiring An Electrician

If you are looking for an electrician, it is good to avoid choosing any electrician you come across. Even though doing extensive research when looking for an electrician can be time-consuming, as there are many electricians to choose from, it is worth doing it. This is because taking your time when looking for an electrician will help you find the right electrician who offers quality services. There are some factors you need to consider when looking for an electrician to make an informed decision.

The Electrician’s Level of Experience

Choose an electrician who has experience with the service you need. This will help you avoid being an electrician’s guinea pig. An experienced electrician knows how to do their job in the best way possible. This is because such an electrician knows the ins and outs of electrical work and fully understands the safety procedures. Ask all potential electricians the kind of electrical work they specialize to help you choose an electrician who can do your electrical work in the best way possible

Licensing

It is good to make sure that the electrician you are considering has the proper licensing for your state. An electrician who is not licensed is likely to offer low-quality services. A licensed electrician has undergone training and knows how to do electrical work properly.

Insurance

Make sure that the electrician you choose is insured to avoid being held financially responsible in case something goes wrong while an electrician is working on your property. Find out if the electrician you are considering is insured. Ask the electrician to show you paperwork showing that the electrician is insured.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews can help you know what people who have hired a certain electrician before have to say about the experience of working with the electrician. A good electrician is well-reviewed for electrical work similar to yours.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Electrician for Your New Home

Choosing the best electrician for your new home can be daunting. But it’s essential because you need your plans to be done the right way and run smoothly. You want to choose an electrician you can trust to carry out the job as required. He or she should be knowledgeable and a professional about the job otherwise  you will be discouraged. It’s essential to have sensible plans when searching for the best electrician to do the job. Read some of the tips you can use when selecting a qualified professional to do the job well for your new home.

When looking for an electrician, it’s good to obtain at least three quotes to know if you are being overcharged. Make sure that you communicate the job you need to be done and the kind of materials and fittings you would like to use. It’s easy to compare one quote to another, and you can also request for a quote together with a breakdown of all the prices. It’s not wise to choose a contractor on price alone because there are other crucial things you need to consider.

Licensed and Insured

Secondly, choose an electrician who is licensed and insured. Most electrician contractors are registered with the energy commission. However, do take into consideration that it is also possible for electrical contractors to not have licenses but have a high degree of skills, experience, and expertise to do required electricity jobs. A licensed electrician is well trained to do the job correctly and safely. Also, you can as well check as well if the licensed electrical contractor is insured. It’s essential to protect your property and yourself from any form of accident.

Guarantees

You can also check if your electrician will give you some form of guarantee on the job. It’s good since you don’t want to choose someone who might deny correcting a mistake that they made or someone who will refuse to fix a problem that occurs after a month or a week later. So knowing whether they provide guarantees will help you to see if you can rely on and trust the electrician when upgrades are needed.

Experience and Credibility

When choosing an electrician, don’t be afraid to ask for their references from former jobs and also about their qualifications. A lot of electricians have special accreditations. These added factors about your chosen electrician can make them the best for the work you want to be done.

How To Select Vacation Rentals Cleaning

OWNER’S GUIDE TO VACATION RENTAL CLEANING

Vacation Rental Cleaning: Common Mistakes

Not hiring a trained, professional housekeeper between guests is a big mistake. You want someone who knows how to keep your house looking, smelling, and feeling great. Not providing high-end amenities for your guests is another mistake. They’re going to expect all the comforts of home, and you need to be prepared to provide those. Not hiring an independent inspector is another common mistake. You need someone who can follow a detailed vacation rental cleaning checklist. This will ensure your property meets the expectation of your guests. That checklist should be used every time the property is cleaned.

Vacation Rental Cleaning: How We Avoids Mistakes

We provides exceptional management and cleaning services. We avoid these mistakes in a number of different ways. First, we employ professional cleaning services for all our homeowners. We also provide high-end amenities in our vacation rental homes. Independent inspections are conducted after every clean, and we use a detailed vacation rental cleaning checklist, which is unique to your home and designed to meet your needs.

 

Strategies to Sustain Your Vacation Rental Business Growth

Disclaimer: These suggestions are recommended for short-term vacation rentals that are located outside of isolation zones. These statements are merely suggestions and should not be taken as official guidelines. Please pay attention to local announcements and follow the latest health and safety protocols and recommendations from the World Health Organization

As an Airbnb host, you have to understand that your business might be affected by this global pandemic, particularly by cancelations from guests traveling from severely impacted countries or cancelations due to the outbreak of the pandemic in your country, among other possible scenarios. However, it is possible that you maintain and even boost your bookings despite the pandemic.

Take the Necessary Precautions

When it comes to your short-term rental business, keep yourself informed. Educating and preparing yourself instead of panicking is imperative. Now, more than ever, it is of great importance to remain flexible and plan ahead in order to keep things under control.

Don’t Panic

The COVID-19 outbreak shouldn’t influence your decision to keep running your business. In fact, it is strongly recommended to keep your listings online since the deactivation and reactivation may do more damage to your ranking than a slow period.

Monitor Competitors’ Prices

Lowering your prices may not necessarily be the best approach. Some hosts rush to reduce their prices to attract more bookings in fear of the slow period and consequently cause harm to their business. However, what you should do is continue to monitor your local competitors’ prices and adjust yours accordingly.

 

reasons to choose a vacation rental over a traditional hotel

If you travel, you’ve probably heard of companies, in which homeowners can rent their spaces to travelers who are looking for an alternative to a standard hotel.

Home-style accommodations

A vacation rental is different from a hotel or inn because it’s typically a regular house or apartment. So, when staying in a vacation rental, you’ll get to live like a local and have access to things that you wouldn’t normally have in a hotel, such as cooking facilities. Plus, vacation rentals are decorated according to the individual taste of the owner, so the atmosphere is often homier than an impersonal hotel room.

Local insight

Many vacation rental hosts are happy to share tips with their guests about local attractions. If you’re able to chat with your hosts, you’ll get an insider’s perspective about your destination. Some hosts even offer excursions, tours or “experiences” as part of the accommodation package or for an extra fee.

A rental is likely a better option for families

If you’re traveling with family or even a big group of friends, you could stay in a hotel and worry about disturbing people in the next room, or you could have an entire house to spread out in. Many vacation rentals come with games and sporting equipment, and some come with yards for outdoor activities, so you can have plenty of fun and not be cooped up in a hotel room.

It’s more economical.

If your vacation rental has a kitchen, for example, you can save money by cooking your own food. And this doesn’t just go for bigger groups — even singles or couples might be surprised at how much less a one-bedroom apartment or small cottage costs on the vacation rental market compared to a hotel room.

 

Tips To Book Your Vacation Rentals Cleaning

Fast & Efficient Vacation Rental Cleaning Tips

Keeping a spotless vacation rental is important to impress your guests. As a vacation rental host, you want to be sure you are properly cleaning and presenting your home in the best possible light. Here are some helpful fast and efficient cleaning tips for your vacation rental.

Make a checklist

Whether you are doing the cleaning or hired a cleaner to clean your vacation rental, making a checklist ahead of time is very beneficial. With your busy schedule, it is easy to forget to take care of some important tasks for cleaning. Making a set checklist for your cleanings will solve this issue. If you have hired a vacation rental cleaner then a checklist is very important so that the cleaner knows exactly what you would like done for your property

Set time limit per room

Setting a time limit for cleaning each room of your house is a good way to ensure a fast cleaning process. You can base the time spent on each room based on what you have on your cleaning checklist for each room.

First, start high!

A smart place to start is with tall pieces of furniture. This way when you dust tall furniture, the dust does not dirty your previously cleaned floor

Vacuum

When it comes to dusting tops of drawers and dressers: We recommend you do this step before you vacuum, this way you can vacuum any dust. The cleaning tasks you wish to be completed in your home can be compiled on a checklist for your cleaner. Vacuuming does not take long but it is an important task to complete after each guest.

 

VACATION RENTAL HOSTING: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOME FAST

Cleaning a house requires a whole list of skills, but cleaning a house quickly, from top to bottom, is a skill that in my book approaches super-hero status. And when you’re getting a whole house ready for guests in under 4 hours, you need all the super-hero-ness you can find

If you missed the last post about getting a house ready to rent as a vacation property, definitely check that one out first. But if you’re caught up, or just wondering how to clean your home fast, roll up your sleeves, grab your gloves, and read on!

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOME FAST FOR GUESTS

If you’ve been a reader for a while, then you know I hate cleaning house. I mean, I wrote the book (or really just the article) on Why I Quit Spring Cleaning as well as my latest one on 9 Genius Cleaning Hacks. If there is a way to get out of cleaning, I will find it. However, keeping a clean rental house is essential to making guests happy and getting good reviews, so it has to be done. With cleaning, if I can’t avoid it then the next best thing is to get it over with as quickly as possible. To that end, here is how we clean our rental house super-fast in between guests.

CLEANING TIME FRAME

When cleaning a house between guests, you need to give yourself a reasonable amount of time. We set our check-out time at 11am, and check-in at 3pm. Plus, we ask guests to let us know via text if they check out early, so we can get an early start on the cleaning. To be honest, it takes the two of us almost that whole 4 hour window to clean the house from top to bottom, so every extra minute helps.

CLEANING METHOD

The key to getting your cleaning done quickly is to time a few things strategically.

Durable Epoxy Flooring Coatings For All Seasons

Seamless Epoxy Flooring Provides Durability and Aesthetics

Homeowners have several options to explore when it comes to flooring, but some are better than others. For those looking for long-lasting floors that are visually appealing, seamless epoxy floors can make for a great option. To better understand the benefits of such flooring, it’s good to learn a bit more about what makes it so special.

Those who have kids are sure to appreciate how enduring an epoxy floor is. Further proof of this is the fact that epoxy is used in industrial buildings. Even better is the fact that the material is watertight, which allows it to last even longer. In terms of maintenance, seamless epoxy floors are among the most sanitary and skid-proof, and they aren’t prone to collecting dust, which gives homeowners one less task to worry about.

One of the best things about epoxy is that there’s no need to tear up old flooring before putting it down. It can be applied as a coating to a home’s current floors or any new floors being put down in the future. Once the material is applied, floors are sure to look new for several years to come. Something else to consider with an epoxy floor is that it’s easily adaptable in terms of color. Besides selecting a color from a regular color scheme, homeowners are free to add a clear coat or specks of color for subtle visual interest.

 

Epoxy floor coating

Is a flooring surface made up of multiple layers of epoxy applied to the floor to a depth of less than two millimetres. Epoxy is made up of resins and hardeners. The resin and hardener are mixed together to chemically react. This forms a rigid plastic material that is strong, resistant to degradation, and which bonds extremely well to its substrate.

Epoxy floors are incredibly strong and can be used in the most demanding industrial environments as well as provide a beautiful addition to a regular trafficked floor. High grade epoxy resin is used to upgrade surfaces, obtain coloured effects, protect floors against corrosion, and achieve a water tight effect. All of these qualities provide longer durability of surfaces.

 

Epoxy guards against oil and contaminants

Which ensures fewer pollution from soil and dust can be brought into the home or company. Epoxy offers a moisture resistant layer and is waterproof. When elected to build an epoxy base, levels of radon gas are minimized. With several customization choices and light reflectivity, epoxy offers a special and sturdy flooring product.

Every single project on the floor is special. Coating strategies add value to the floor by having it shinier, more durable, and better covered. Applicants are dedicated to offering personalized floor covering and design solutions for increasing flooring need.

Attractive epoxy floors can render every environment attractive and bring value to the framework under which the floors are being built. Epoxy can preserve and prolong concrete life when poured on the previous concrete flooring. Epoxy floors are easy to disinfect, and are highly bacteria-resistant

 

Epoxy could breathe new life into old floors.

It is able to be put on existing floors along with brand-new ones. The finish is a wonderful technique to makes sure commercial or shop floors will certainly look their best and also the finish will certainly last for many years. Epoxy will certainly secure floorings with a plastic-like finish.

It can be found in a range of colors and styles. An easy, solid color epoxy flooring is best for industrial companies. This color could be selected from a standard color combination. There is likewise the alternative of including color flakes as well as a clear coat, giving floorings a display room look. Materials made use of to earn epoxy floorings are more powerful compared to concrete.

Covering made use of in smooth floorings is UV resistant against rain and sunshine, created to beam for several years. Epoxy finish is very simple to clean and also it does not grab dust. The installation is simple as well as fast. It can be made use of in any place where floor covering is needed and also supplies an ideal finish.

 

Tips for Maintaining Epoxy Flooring

I mop the epoxy flooring two or three times each year. Occasionally, I vacuum up debris with the shop vac, but everything else is just spot cleaning. It’s not much work to have a floor that is visually attractive and welcomes guests. Compare that to most other garages that have stains, concrete wear, dusting and other issues. You get the picture.

Whether you have professional epoxy coatings for your garage, basement, porch, sunroom or pole barn, the maintenance and usage tips are usually the same

For minor spills or vehicle drippings, simply wipe them up with a paper towel or other soft cloth.

Routine maintenance cleaning is best achieved with either a soft bristle broom or a blue commercial dust mop (available at any home improvement store).

For heavy cleaning of a soiled epoxy floor, sweep away any loose debris and then mop floor with a hard foam mop, hot water and clear ammonia. Four to five ounces of ammonia per gallon of water is all that is needed to adequately remove soiling

Some winter road “pre-treatment” compounds leave a hazy film on epoxy floor coatings after cleaning. This can normally be removed with hot water and a deck brush (found at most hardware stores). Continuous rinsing may be required to keep the compounds from drying onto new areas of the floor.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips And Suggestions For Your Home

Tips for Choosing a Kitchen Accent Color

Does your kitchen feel a little boring? Want to add some pizzazz to the design? A good kitchen accent color can turn a drab kitchen into a dramatic masterpiece, with minimal investment on your end. Here are some tips to help you choose the right accent for your kitchen.

What Is a Kitchen Accent Color?

Before we can provide tips for choosing an accent color, we need to explain what an accent color is. This is a pop of color that you can use to add personality to a kitchen. If you have an all-white kitchen or a space filled with neutrals, it can feel drab and boring. The kitchen all runs together, so there is nowhere for the eye to focus on. With the right kitchen accent color, you can direct a viewer’s eye around the room and create visual interest for the space.

Start with a Neutral Base

Having a neutral base will allow you to change your accent color over time. If you get bored with bright green, you can swap it out for a soft yellow. The neutral color pallet will remain the same, so you don’t have to completely remodel your kitchen. Greys, whites, browns and beiges can transition through many accent colors in the future. Think about that if you’re planning an upcoming kitchen remodel.

Choose a Kitchen Accent Color That Fits the Undertones of Your Neutrals

The rule is ‘neutrals go with anything,’ but that is not always the case. Most neutrals have an undertone, and that undertone can dictate which colors work well with them. Your accent color could accentuate or detract from your neutrals. For instance, a cool grey wall with a blue undertone may suddenly look blue with navy accents. A contrasting color like orange could also enhance the blue undertones.

Don’t Be Afraid to Go BOLD!

If you have a neutral base, you can go bold with your kitchen accent color. Candy apple red, bright green, cobalt blue – choose any bold color your heart desires. Your accent color is going to be the ‘pop’ in your kitchen. You can make that pop as loud or as quiet as you want it to be. Explore options on all ends of the spectrum before settling on an accent color.

 

The Step-By-Step Guide To Remodeling Your Kitchen

Since the kitchen is central to the home and commonly used by families, it’s one of the first things many house hunters look at. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen to help your home sell or to create the kitchen of your culinary dreams, there’s some planning and budgeting you’ll want to do first.

Determine Your Must-Haves

The first step when remodeling your kitchen is deciding what you really want. Similar to house hunting, this helps you narrow down the options and formulate a budget.

It can feel like the options for your kitchen are limitless, but unless you have a limitless budget, you’re going to have to pick and choose what’s actually important to you. Do you need more storage? Do you want more space for entertaining? Do you want a flow that works better for your family?

Set A Budget

Now that you know what you won’t budge on and what would just be nice to have, it’s time to create a budget.

How do you know what a realistic budget is for your kitchen renovation? A good rule of thumb is to spend 5% – 15% of your homes total value on your kitchen renovation. For example, if your house is valued at $200,000, a decent kitchen renovation budget would be 10% of that value, so about $20,000. Here are a few things you can do to get a more accurate budget and decide how much to allocate where.

 

Kitchen Remodeling: What Type Of Kitchen Cabinets Should You Choose?

Your kitchen cabinets should be the highlight of your kitchen, which means if they’re not looking their best, your kitchen could look dull and drab. If you’re thinking of undergoing a kitchen remodeling project, learn how to choose the best cabinets for your home. Knowing the difference between the styles, wood choices, stains and paints and hardware can help you choose kitchen cabinets that will look great (and keep you happy) for years to come.

Which Cabinet Style Best Fits Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

Which style fits your kitchen remodeling project? Are you looking for traditional, contemporary or mission style doors? Do you even know what that means? If you’re not an expert in kitchen cabinets, consider which types of doors you prefer.

Choosing The Right Wood For Your Kitchen Cabinets

The next choice you need to make is what type of wood that you want to use. Popular choices include cherry, maple, hickory, red oak, lyptus, rustic alder and white oak. Each wood type provides a unique look so you want to have a good idea of what you want your finished kitchen remodeling project to look like to make sure you’re choosing the right wood for your kitchen cabinets..

Selecting The Right Stain Or Paint

Choosing the right stain or paint should happen at the same time you’re choosing your wood type. Cherry stains, for instance, can range from a light stain that brings out the natural beauty of the wood, to a reddish brown, to a deep coffee color. At this time, you should decide whether you want a matte or satin finish and if you want any specialty touches, such as glazing, vintage or rustic looking finishes

Which Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?

Hardware is usually the last choice homeowners need to make. Hardware can include drawer pulls and door handles and the possibilities are nearly endless. Hardware comes in every style, from classic to modern to vintage, and it’s an affordable way update the look of your cabinets every few years. If you’re having a hard time choosing the right hardware for your kitchen remodel, consider buying one or two handles or pulls of multiple styles. This way you’ll be able to see which ones you prefer before you install them all on your kitchen cabinets and drawers.

 

KITCHEN REMODEL CHECKLIST

Whether you’re cooking, entertaining or just hanging out, kitchens attract a crowd. Remodeling your kitchen is a great way to update the most popular room in the house. Remodeling also gives you an opportunity to make a return on your investment.

Kitchen Remodel Tips

A kitchen remodel can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint and new floors, or a complete transformation with new appliances, cabinets and more. No matter the route you choose, planning helps you avoid costly, or surprising setbacks and keeps the project on time and on budget.

While you’re planning your kitchen remodel, decide what bothers you about your current kitchen and how your new space will correct these flaws. Maybe you need more storage near the oven, or you’re tired of hearing the kids slamming the cabinets shut.

Set a list of priorities and expectations.

What’s your big-picture goal: More space? Better design? Just new appliances?

When do you want the project to be finished?

Set a budget.

How much do you want to do: new appliances and more square footage, or just painted cabinets and a new fridge? Make the decision now before you start remodeling. Don’t forget budgeting for the little details, like the knobs on the new kitchen cabinets and dividers for new drawers.

 

How to Choose the Best General Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN

As a homeowner in Sonoma County, you have the luxury of choosing from the best General Contractor near you to consider. When it comes to kitchen remodeling, there are several things that you will want to consider when choosing among the best General Contractor that are right for you,  especially when choosing the right kitchen remodeling contractor. With that said, as one of many local kitchen remodeling contractors in Sonoma County, it’s important you find a highly experienced contractor that really understands the ins and outs of kitchen remodeling that can also work within your budget and timeline.

Your kitchen is the primary space in your home that can get you the greatest return on your investment. According to a recent article published by Remodeling Magazine, the average ROI for a kitchen remodel is between 60-80% depending on the over-all condition of the home, in addition to other deciding factors. Not only is remodeling your kitchen a great return on your investment, but it makes a tremendous impact on the quality of life in your home such as family time, preparing meals together, and hosting holiday events throughout the year. Your kitchen can be the heart of your home and the one space that can really make the most positive impact in our lives when its remodeled. With features like pullout shelves for easy access to cabinets and countertops that are easy to clean. And lets not forget those wonderful features such as instant hot water dispensers for that quick morning coffee.

GORGEOUS KITCHEN DESIGN WITH MODERN FUNCTIONALITY

One of the things we often here time and time again is that the new kitchen is more functional. With clever designs, we can often take a poorly designed kitchen and remedy the problem of these outdated designs that often result in the lack of storage space, or hard to reach places. Our custom kitchen designs go beyond great looking cabinets. We’ll create a design that not only looks amazing, but will transform your kitchen into a highly functional space. Two great examples that we’ve done in many of our kitchen remodels is to remove a wall that often separates the kitchen from the dinning or living room. By removing the wall it creates a very open space that makes the space more functional and creates a “Great Room” that is perfect for entertaining guest or large family gathering such as Thanks-Giving or Christmas dinners. Another popular feature has been to add a center island which not only adds more seating capacity but allows family and guests to visit with you while you are preparing that amazing meal. We have often put a second sink in those center Islands giving you even more flexibility.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KITCHEN REMODELING CONTRACTOR

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen there are many kitchen remodeling contactors to choose from in Santa Rosa or the surrounding areas. The best General Contractor for your kitchen remodeling project understands the intricate construction and design processes that go into building your dream kitchen. The comments below may be some things you will want to consider when deciding on the right contractor. The first rule of thumb is it is best to work with a local contractor that is part of your local community. You know the guy or gal that has had their kids or grand kids in little league with your kids or grand kids. The guy or gal that shops at the same stores you do and pays local taxes to help with the infrastructure of this great community. The contractor that understands what it feels like to live in a community that was threatened by the recent Tubbs and Kincade fires. In other words, Sonoma County is not just where we work, it’s where we choose to live because of its beauty and the beautiful people of this community.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

It’s not easy to find the best General Contractor. We care about every little detail to make sure you get the design and functionality to create that kitchen you will be enjoying for many years to come. We start the process off with a personal on-site visit to take pictures of the current space, to take measurements down and most importantly to discuss with you the goals and vision you have to obtaining that perfect Kitchen. During our kitchen design consultation meetings, we will often discover space limitations our clients are experiencing and even uncover some issues that they didn’t know could be remedied. Then the fun begins! We point you in the right direction to begin looking at countertop options, appliances, flooring, and cabinet choices. It’s even a common practice for someone from our staff to meet you at our local stores to help you in making the right selection of products for your new kitchen. This practice has often saved a lot confusion or hassle. In short, you are not just getting a kitchen remodeling contractor in Sonoma County you are getting a design team that walks you through every step of the way.