How To Choose The Best Exterior Painting Color

Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors for Your House

Picking house paint colors isn’t just difficult; it can be terrifying! If you choose colors that are boring and blah, your house will seem flat and featureless, but if the paint colors are too bold, they can overwhelm the architecture or might even infuriate the neighbors. The potential rewards are substantial, though. Getting it just right by choosing the perfect exterior house color and trim combinations can change your life.

As you consider paint colors for you home’s exterior, keep in mind that the best paint colors are those that highlight the most beautiful features of your home. That’s one reason to know a little bit about residential architecture since history can tell you a lot about what colors have worked for various house styles over the years. Also remember that skillful use of color can sometimes disguise design flaws, boosting the curb appeal and market value of your home.

Honor History

If you’re planning to paint an older home, you’ll probably want to use a historically accurate color scheme. One way to do this is by a simple form of archeology—you can hire a pro to dig down to old paint layers on your siding and trim to analyze them and recreate the original color of your house. Or, you can refer to a historic color chart and select shades that were common at the time your home was built.

Consider Jazzing Up the Past

In some neighborhoods, it’s common for homeowners to fly in the face of history. Instead of choosing historically accurate colors, they paint with modern colors to dramatize architectural details. Using bright colors on old architectural details can produce startling and exciting results—if your local historic commission approves. But before you buy 10 gallons of bubblegum pink, it’s a good idea to look at what your neighbors are doing. A fluorescent colored Victorian that looks splendid in San Francisco can seem wildly out of place in more conservative neighborhoods of the Northeast. The bright pink stucco that is common in Florida might truly startle neighbors in Washington State—which can be either good or bad. Remember that what’s deemed as an acceptable color scheme may be dictated by region and neighborhood, not just historic architectural style.

Consider Your Neighbors

The house next door can give you paint color ideas, but it’s a bad idea to copy your neighbor exactly. Choose colors that set your house apart but that don’t clash with nearby buildings. Look around your neighborhood. Does your house’s architecture look like the house next door? Are you in a suburban development with houses all around, or are your neighbors the trees? Or does your house stand apart within the neighborhood, like an original large farmhouse now surrounded by newer ranch- style mid-century homes?

 

How to Choose the Right Exterior Paint Colors

Are you struggling with choosing the right exterior paint color for your home? I’m here to help and walk you through each step for choosing the right paint color combination for the exterior of your home.  I’m going to make this real easy for you guys, I promise!

The number one paint question I have received over the years is about choosing exterior paint colors because it’s one of the most difficult paint decisions you can make for your home.    You want your home to have beautiful curb appeal and you don’t want to make any color mistakes. If you follow my seven steps below, I promise you will avoid the common mistakes and will be able to make exterior paint color decisions that will be beautiful! Stick with me on this!

CHOOSE YOUR SHADE FIRST

The first thing you will want to do when deciding what color you want to paint the exterior of your home is to choose the shade of a color first. When I say “shade”, I mean do you want a light, mid-tone or dark color on the body of your home? At this point, you don’t have to consider anything else except to make a decision if you want a light or white color, a mid-tone or medium shade, or do you want a dark color.

For most of you, choosing a shade is an instant easy decision and you immediately know that you want a light or dark colored home.  However, some of you may not be sure and are open to any shade and need a little help making that decision. It will help if you search Pinterest for exterior homes for inspiration to determine what shade would look best for your home. For example, if you have a ranch style home, search “ranch style home exteriors” in Pinterest search to see all the different color options to inspire you.

CONSIDER YOUR ROOF COLOR (AND OTHER ACCENT COLORS)

Before you can go much further in your color decision-making, you will need to consider the color of your roof.  If you have a black or neutral gray, you don’t have to worry as much about color clashing. Unfortunately, I have a dark brown roof with slight red undertones, so colors like shades of green or blues wouldn’t work for me and would clash.  For those of you that have a roof with red, tan, green or blue gray undertones in your shingles, you will for sure need to factor in your roof color as you choose your exterior paint color palette

 

How to Pick Exterior Paint Colors

Inevitably, when the weather warms we turn our attention to the outside of our homes, sprucing up the yard and porches and generally looking for ways to turn up the curb appeal. One of the biggest exterior changes you can make for the most impact is painting your home. It’s also one of the most daunting

To help you choose the right palette, we got in touch with color consultant and designer, Jennifer Ott of Jennifer Ott Design. “It’s good timing,” Jennifer told us when we contacted her at her office in San Francisco. “With everyone heading outside, now is the best time to paint the exterior of your house.”

I think people tend to overdo it when it comes to exterior colors. Unless you have a very finely architecturally detailed Victorian, it’s best to limit the palette to two to three colors. And if you’ve got brick or stone or some kind of fixed element that’s not going to be painted, then that counts as a color, especially if it’s a colorful brick or stone. In that case, I would recommend using just two colors. But if your entire home is being painted — say you’ve got wood siding, trim and a front door that you want to stand out — then that is when you go up to three colors.

People can get overwhelmed when they have to pick paint colors, because there are so many factors. I generally love to push clients to be creative. However, when it comes to exterior colors, I think it’s a good thing to immediately rule out some of your options. The best way to do that is to look at the architectural style of your home. If you have a Colonial or a Cape Cod, you’re going to be looking at a different palette than if you have a super modern stucco home. So start with looking at the style of your home and then those fixed elements you’re not going to change, like stone, brick or a specific color of roof.

Next, I would say look at the climate that you live in. If you’re in a hot climate, you’ll want to look at lighter colors, because they absorb much less light and heat, so it’s an energy efficient choice. There’s also the neighborhood you live in, which is a huge factor. Some people live in a neighborhood where an HOA dictates the colors, which is automatically limiting right there. But if you don’t, then look around at the houses in your neighborhood. It’s not that you have to blend in or match your neighbor’s houses — I wouldn’t want people to do that — but you don’t want to veer off too far from the rest of the homes. So if you live in a neighborhood with mostly light colored homes or mostly dark colored homes and especially if you live kind of close to your neighbors, then do let that be a guide. If you’re more spread out and don’t have a lot of close neighbors, then those rules can be loosened a bit. Lastly, I’d say it comes down to colors you like. It’s pretty easy to get to a limited selection if you take all of those into account

 

Best Exterior Color Schemes

Boost your home’s curb appeal with inspiration from these tips and tricks for creating perfect exterior color schemes. Learn how to figure out what exterior colors go together and how to pick hues that work for your home’s style and architecture.

Rely on the Classics

When it comes to exterior color schemes, there’s something to be said for tried-and-true combinations. This classic abode might look out of place with any palette other than warm beige for the siding and bright white around windows and on rails. Another good accent piece to pay attention to: exterior light fixtures. These are wonderful for adding complementary materials or colors. On this exterior, the lantern-type fixtures balance the home’s symmetry, with a pair flanking the doors on all three floors.

Some of the best exterior house paint ideas are those that turn tradition on its head. Take, for example, Colonial-style homes: Often these are painted in a single color, many times white. While that’s a great solution, there are ways to update and modernize that choice, too. The accent shades chosen here—a dusty lavender-gray and a bright turquoise—would normally not be used in the same . Here, though, the grayish-purple offers a refined accent on the shutters, while the turquoise—a brighter spin-off of some of those same blue-purple tones—directs foot traffic to the front door. Plus, if you’re looking for easy exterior paint ideas, adding color to just your shutters and front door is the way to go

Judicious use of an accent color can lend your home a more . It’s a choice that works well with classic home styles, particularly because it doesn’t overpower their traditional forms. This home—which deftly matches a deep green-gray with a lighter tone—also relies on an orange-red hue found in the copper roof accents and repeated on the wood front door. That tone carries over onto rooflines and side doors to provide a continuing color line for the eye to follow.

Red, yellow, and blue—the primary colors—are the basis of all other hues; as such, they’re naturally complementary. But very few of us would consider painting a home in red, yellow, and blue, as represented in the original . However, when given rich depth or startling brightness, the hues provide an exterior color scheme that’s at once distinctive and deeply satisfying. The  is to select one color that pops—here, yellow—and another that’s used sparingly—. The rich, almost neutral shade of blue offers a base outside house paint color.

 

Must-Know Tips for Choosing House Paint Colors

Painting a room can be stressful, but choosing house paint colors for an exterior facade is downright intimidating. In all aspects—time, money, and curb presence—it’s a big task. Luckily, some carefully considered steps can help you successfully navigate the job of choosing house paint colors.

Identify Your Home’s Style and Neighborhood

Although you need not be hidebound by tradition, a home’s style does lend some guidance when choosing house paint colors. An exuberant collection of pastels may not be the best fit for a ranch-style home, while very bold hues may feel out of place on a Victorian house. It’s advice that Maria Killam, a color expert, design blogger, author, decorator and stylist, uses, especially when working on those classic home designs. “I love the symmetrical look of a Colonial with shutters,” she says. “White with black shutters and a green front door is what I would do if I had one.”

Become a House Color Copycat

As you’re trying to narrow down your house paint colors, drive around neighborhoods and snap photos of exterior color palettes that you like or homes that look like yours. In addition, if something looks out of place, there’s a reason for it. “One of the biggest mistakes I see every day is with vinyl windows,” Killam says. “The standard colors are generally bright white and beige. White belongs with crisper, cleaner color schemes, like turquoise or a straw yellow for example, or grays and blacks.”

Don’t Get Caught Up in Trends

Clothing, shoes, sofas, home colors: They’re all subject to the same hot-hue-of-the-moment but not-cool-tomorrow trends. “Just like most people aren’t interested in painting their house brown right now because that trend is over, don’t do the same thing with charcoal,” Killam says. “You might love it now, but as soon as the gray trend is over, you’ll wish it was the next trendy neutral.”

Look to Your Home for Guidance

Your home likely already has some hues that you should include as part of your color scheme: brick or stone on the foundation, window trim, even the roof. Those should serve as the base to build on. “A lot of people don’t understand how much influence existing fixed colors have when selecting paint colors,” Killam says. “You can’t ignore what’s already on the house and go for a current trendy color that in no way relates to what’s already there. One of my clients painted stucco gray with her gold/yellow stone, and she contacted me for a consultation. She was not thrilled, and the color I gave her coordinated much better with her existing stone and was very happy with the result.”

The Many Uses Of A Drinking Water Testing

How to test water quality? Chemical tests for limited budgets

Thanks to modern chemistry, we can detect thousands of chemicals in water, even at extremely low concentrations.  The ever-growing list of tests that are available can feel overwhelming, and the vast majority of methods require state-of-the art lab facilities. Fortunately, we don’t need to test for everything! A much smaller and more practical set of tests can provide a good sense of chemical water quality for monitoring purposes.  The good news is that there are low-tech versions of these tests for situations when budgets are limited.

Test strips – These are small, single-use strips that change color to indicate the concentration of a specific chemical. Depending on the particular test, the user “activates” the paper or plastic strip by dipping it into the water sample and swishing it around, or by holding the strip in a stream of water. After waiting for a short time, the user compares the test strip color with a color chart to read the concentration of the chemical. These kits are extremely simple, but they are less accurate than other methods, especially if users don’t follow the instructions.

Color disk kits – Color disk test kits are available for a wide range of chemical tests.  In a typical set-up, the user adds a powder packet or a few drops of a liquid reagent to a water sample in a reusable plastic tube.  The user then places the sample tube in a small plastic viewing box.  This viewing box contains a plastic disk with a color gradient printed on it.  The user rotates the color disk to find the part that best matches the color of the sample, and then reads the concentration of the chemical from the disk.  Color disk kits typically have multiple steps and often include prescribed wait times, so they’re a little more complicated and costly, but generally more accurate.

Hand-held digital instruments – Lightweight and portable digital meters, colorimeters, and photometers are available for water testing.  They provide the most accurate results of these three testing methods, but they are also more expensive and delicate than the previous options.  These instruments require batteries and calibration.  While digital instruments are helpful to field technicians and are an essential part of any continuous or remote monitoring network, they are unlikely to be suitable for “citizen science” or crowdsourced water quality testing.

hemical water quality parameters

Having identified various test formats, the next question is: What do we test for?  UNICEF recommends prioritizing fluoride, arsenic, and nitrate for chemical monitoring.  In areas where the earth is naturally rich in minerals that contain fluorine and arsenic, levels in well water can be high enough that chronic exposure is dangerous to human health

 

Which Water Test Kit?

Multi-pack options

We offer a range of multi-packs, the kits vary in content, please see the table below for details. These simple, affordable one-of-a-kind kits test are ideal to screen water samples for many different elements. These can include up to 12 of the most common and potentially hazardous contaminants found in drinking water e.g Bacteria, Lead, Pesticides, Nitrates, Nitrites, Chlorine, pH and Hardness. Fast & accurate results are available on the spot.

The type of water testing kit, which is required, depends on what water should be tested and if there is any suspected contamination (also see Unusual colours, smells and taste of your water). All of the kits below are suitable for fresh & potable water, this includes water from taps, springs, aquariums, lakes, ponds, streams, wells, boreholes, puddles and leaks as well as water stored in tanks

Water Test Kits for a single contaminant

Enables users to identify levels or precence of a single contaminant in drinking water with instant results

Digital Water Test Kits for single & multiple tests

These easy-to-use photometers do not need calibrating and have a manufacturers warranty of 2 years

Further Free Resources:

Got a question about water testing? Try our complete list of Free Water Testing Resources.

 

Best Water Test Kit

There are lots of different brands to choose from. How do they compare with each other? Do homeowners’ water testing results match up with those from a professional lab? Which is the best home water test kit?

I had the same questions. So I decided to get my hands on some and try some water testing myself. Keep reading to find out how I conducted my experiment, and what I found out.

How I Tested the Water Test Kits

The water at my house comes from a 185 foot deep drilled well. It’s cold and clear and tastes fantastic. But taste alone doesn’t tell you the true state of your water quality.

When my husband and I bought the house a few years ago, we were told that our well water quality was fine. But we never had any water testing done ourselves. It was always in the back of my mind that I really should get it checked, just to be sure.

So, I finally stopped thinking about it and ordered six different water test kits from Amazon. I decided to go with kits that are well known and that are affordable for most people.

 

How to Test Your Tap Water

How safe is your tap water? Finding out can take some time, effort, and money, but it’s worth doing.

Most people on municipal water who pay their own bill should receive an annual water quality report called a CCR, or Consumer Confidence Report. If you don’t receive yours, call your local water supplier. And if you rent, contact your landlord.

If you’re on well water, you won’t get a CCR, so you should get your water tested. That’s also a good idea if your home was built before lead-free pipes were mandated in 1986: Even if your CCR says that the municipality’s water is free of lead, it can leach into your water from the pipes in or leading to your house.

Many kits are available for do-it-yourself tap testing, but it’s not always clear what they test for or how accurate they are. The EPA recommends using a certified lab. Find one on the EPA’s website. Testing typically costs $20 to $150; your community might provide test kits free of charge

For multiple or high levels of contaminants, reverse osmosis filters are often best. They can remove lead, arsenic, bacteria, and other contaminants. But they take up a lot of space (typically under your sink), require additional plumbing, and often go through several gallons of water for every gallon of filtered water. They’re pricey, too, some costing $1,000 or more. You might also have to pay a professional to periodically service the system.

 

The Best Water Quality Test Kit for Your Home

If you’re worried about your home’s water quality—as many Americans justifiably are, in the wake of water scares in Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey—a home water quality test can ease your fears. After 50 hours of reporting, and after testing 11 different home water quality test kits, we’ve found that the SimpleWater Tap Score Advanced City Water Test is the best water quality test kit for your home. It measures a wide range of more than 100 potential contaminants and delivers the results in an easy-to-read, richly detailed report. If you’re worried only about lead, we recommend the much cheaper Safe Home Do-It-Yourself Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit.

The SimpleWater Tap Score Advanced City Water Test is a send-away kit: You take samples of your water, put them into a handful of bottles, and ship them off (using an included mailing label) to a certified laboratory. There, your water is tested for more than 100 compounds, including metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic; volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like chloroform; bacteria; and industrial and agricultural compounds like pesticides and nitrates. Tap Score is not the only highly accurate send-away kit, but no other kit we tested delivered nearly as useful a report. Tap Score not only tells you, in plain language, exactly which compounds are in your water (and the amount) but also explains their potential health risks and suggests ways of addressing any concerns. Tap Score also offers unmatched online support. You can chat with a representative, and if your questions go beyond their knowledge, the questions are passed on to experts, who follow up with a detailed email. All of this makes Tap Score by far the most user-friendly and informative home water quality test kit we found.

If for some reason you are unable to use Tap Score, we recommend two runners-up: the WaterCheck CityCheck Deluxe and the Safe Home Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit. Like Tap Score, these are send-away kits; you put samples into bottles and ship them to a certified lab. We found that the testing was just as accurate as Tap Score’s (and, in fact, National Testing Laboratories, which makes the CityCheck Deluxe kit, is among the more than 60 labs Tap Score partners with). But both of these kits are more expensive than Tap Score, and their reports aren’t as easy to understand. The reports are still much more readable than those of some other send-away kits: They’re color-coded, so you can quickly see contaminant levels of concern. But they lack Tap Score’s clear explanations, actionable advice, and robust online support. The CityCheck kit also lacks an included mailing label, so you’ll have to take a trip to the post office or another shipper.

Our budget pick, the Safe Home Do-It-Yourself Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit, doesn’t have to be sent away—you can get the results at home yourself. It tests only for lead, but if that’s your sole concern, this DIY test is a great option. The Safe Home Do-It-Yourself kit is widely available, inexpensive, and fast (the test takes a total of 10 minutes and less than 30 seconds of active work). And it delivers a clear positive or negative result: Your lead levels are either below the EPA standard or above it. You simply dip a strip of test paper into a sample of your water, and the presence or absence of a blue line tells you whether you have a lead problem. If you don’t, you’ll have peace of mind. If you do, you’ll know it’s time to enlist a professional plumber or an environmental service to help you find and address the source of the problem.

We do not recommend any of the more-comprehensive DIY test kits that are available. We tested six of them and found that the tests were so rushed and the results so subjective (you’re asked to match the color of your test sample to a chart by eye, with only seconds to do so) that we didn’t trust our ability to interpret them. If you want a complete picture of what’s in your water, we strongly recommend that you go with one of the send-away kits and let a professional lab do the testing.

What to Do If Your System Plays Possums

Effective Solutions to Keep Possums Away from Your Home

A possum may look like a cute and cuddly creature. However, in reality it can wreak havoc on your home. Unfortunately for property owners, possums are plentiful in and around the Melbourne area, making it necessary for people to possum-proof their buildings to keep out these nocturnal creatures.

Even if possums pose no real physical danger to you or your family, it can tear up your residence and office and cause an overall nuisance that could disturb the quality your life. These possum removal tips can help you keep possums off your property and away from your garden and trees in your yards.

But first, here’s an important piece of information you should take into consideration. As native animals, the Australian law protects possums. So now matter how much of a nuisance they are to you, there is a very detailed and thorough way of ridding your property of them that only the professionals would know

We strongly urge you to have possum control done at the hands of a professional to avoid any legal issues or getting clamped down with a fine of $5.000.

Having said that, let’s clear the air around a common confusion that most home-owners have. Not all noises in the roof indicate a possum invasion. Often it may just be a rodent or wildcat situation. The key to discerning whether you have a possum problem at hand is realizing the exact time of the noise. Being nocturnal they’re generally quiet while heading out.

 

Tips for Removing Possums from Your Property

Possums are not the most dangerous and destructive creature you’ll spot in your yard, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying. Possums are typically 4-15 lbs. in size and play “possum,” or, mimic a dead animal, when they feel threatened. This makes them particularly distressing for homeowners, who can’t tell whether or not a possum is actually sick or just trying to be left alone. If you have possums on your property you want to get rid of, here’s where you should start.

Remove Enticing Elements

Like raccoons, possums are looking for a quick meal and shelter. They are very resourceful and not picky eaters, so they will eat any plant or animal matter that is readily available. Possums will also find shelter wherever possible, whether that means an attic or a brush pile. It can take humane animal control services to get them out sometimes!

Remove Entrances

Most of the damage caused by possums happens when they can get inside of your home or barn. Once they take up residence, they will excrete waste, destroy insulation, eat whatever food is available, and be bad house guests. Taking away any potential entrances to your home is essential. Trim any tree branches that hang within 10 feet of your roof, as possums are excellent tree climbers. Close off any entrances to basements, garages, barns, etc. Fix any broken screens or vents that could be used by possums to gain access to your home

Pick the Right Removal Method

If there is a possum inside of your home that shouldn’t be there, you need to choose the right control method for the job

 

Strategies To Sort Out Pest Possums

Know Your Enemy: The Possum

While it is technically possible for any mammal to get rabies, it’s extremely rare for a possum to have rabies. This is largely due to the possum’s low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive. This doesn’t mean getting bit by a possum is necessarily a positive experience, and if you are bitten you should still consult medical attention.

Seal The Entry Points

If you are hearing little foot steps and clawing in your attic, garage, shed, or crawl space underneath your house, chances are you’ve got some sort of animal that’s made it it’s home. No matter what type of critter it is, this preventative measure works for all. Low decks are especially susceptible to be breached by possums if not adequately sealed. Thoroughly inspect your home to identify any possible entry points and close them off to prevent any re-entry.

Get Rid of Any Possible Meals

While you may be excellent company to hang around with, possums are likely only after your food and garbage. Getting rid of any potential food sources won’t give them a reason to hang around your backyard. If they’ve found comfort in your home, however, they are likely searching for food elsewhere and relying on your home or shed for a dwelling.

Rage in the Cage

Since possums are fairly slow, they are very easy to trap in a cage. One must be wary of their tendency to get aggressive when cornered (like any animal), and it’s best to leave this to a professional who can humanely capture and transport the possums.

Scare Them Away

This is one of the most basic pest control tips out there because it works. The vast majority of possums are incredibly aversive to human interaction, so if you see one of them waddling around your backyard, simply making your presence known and warding them off with a stick is enough to get rid of them. If they’ve settled in your home, however, that’s a different story.

 

How to Get Rid of Oppossums?

Possums are excellent to have around the house. They clear out garbage, feed on harmful insects and have charming, rat-like tails. Not impressed? You’re not alone. While many people have an appreciation for wildlife, it’s best for wildlife to stay in the wild. Having possums lurk around your home in the middle of the night is not the most pleasant thought. So how do you get rid of possums that have become all too eager to call you neighbor? There are a few ways to solve this dilemma.

Regions and identification

“The Virginia opossum (Dedeliphis virginiana) is North America’s only marsupial (“pouched”) mammal. It is found often very abundantly throughout the eastern and midwestern United States westward into Colorado and Texas. It is also found in the western coastal states of California, Oregon, and Washington and in the southern regions of British Columbia. It is not typically found in mountainous regions, in extreme deserts, or in the high northern sections of the United States.”

Disease

Your main reason for questioning how to get rid of possums may stem from a concern about disease. Many people fear that possums are rabid creatures. However, while possums do carry certain diseases, they appear to have a certain resistance to rabies.

Benefit to ecosystem

It is important to get rid of possums that are causing havoc in your home, but not all possums are bad. According to the Wildlife Rescue League, “Opossums are excellent at rodent and insect control, and being carrion eaters, they help keep roadways and neighborhoods clean.”

Opossum control

Opossum removal can be a challenging task. The best method for controlling an opossum population is prevention. The Wildlife Rescue League recommends the following:

Do not leave pet food or trash outdoors at night. This is always an invitation to dinner.

Pick fruit and garden crops when they are ripe to discourage opossums, and do not leave rotten fruit or crops on the ground.

Eliminate brush piles, dilapidated buildings, and holes under concrete slabs – you will eliminate opossum hotels. Opossums use the abandoned burrows of other animals rather than digging their own.

Secure pet doors at night, as opossums occasionally enter homes through pet doors. Once inside, they can generally be coaxed outside with a broom. Opossums seldom stay in one area for more than a few nights, so fear of them “taking over” an area should not be a concern. Occasionally a mother with babies might stay longer, but will leave after a brief period as well.

 

Live Animal Trapping: Opossums

The Opossum is commonly called the Possum.  However, it’s proper name is Opossum, and can be pronounced either uh-possum or just possum.  The Opossum is the only living Marsupial found in North America naturally.  The adult Opossum’s body found in and around Southern California measure around about 20 inches long and their tail adds another 10-20 inches more.  They look similar to a very large rat with a long skinny tail.  They are typically furry animals with white or beige fur and usually a white face.  Their eyes are typically pink and cannot see well during the daylight.  They are nocturnal, nighttime, creatures. The Opossum can eat just about anything, and that means they can live among humans quite well.  They are typically nocturnal scavengers that eat our trash, dog and cat food, rodents, dead carcasses of dead animals, insects, our fruits and vegetables, and anything else they can find.

Habitat of the Possum in Santa Barbara County

Opossum are commonly found living in and around residential and commercial areas.  We find them living beneath crawlspaces, in burrows, but most commonly we find them occupying sheds, garages, attics and other areas around the home.

Opossum Problems

Opossums found in Santa Barbara County commonly have fleas, lice and ticks, but that’s just the start of it.  They are also a very smelly animal that can cause some unpleasant odors around your home.  They are also common carriers of all sorts of diseases.  This can include diseases like Tuberculosis, Salmonella, Spotted and Yellow Fevers.  Because they often live quietly among us, they may infect areas around our house that can cause disease to travel to our domesticated animals and even ourselves.  Eating contaminated fruits, vegetables and herbs without a good washing can infect us.

Clean up after live animal trapping

Because Opossum can often be found living in and around your home, such as the garage, crawlspace or attic, clean up is needed of the affected areas.  Our live animal clean up services get your residential areas free of the diseases and insects that can be found with the Opossum.  Our objective is to give you the comfortable feeling of your home back to you.

Admittance To Any Pain Management Center Will Offer Multi Discipline Comprehensive Care

Joint Pain Relief: What You Can Do to Feel Better Now

Why joints hurt

Pain in your joints can have many different causes. For many people, joint pain is caused by arthritis, a group of conditions marked by inflammation in the joints.

About 23 percentTrusted Source of adults in the United States have arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. This type is caused by a breakdown of cartilage as you age.

For others, joint pain may be caused by an injury or infection of the joints, or another condition, such as fibromyalgia or even depression. It can also be the result of poor posture or long periods of inactivity.

Treatment options for joint pain

If you’re experiencing joint pain and don’t know why, make an appointment to see a doctor to determine the cause.

Medications for joint pain

Your doctor may first suggest that you treat the joint pain caused by arthritis with anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

 

Pain and pain management

Pain is a very common condition. The occurrence of pain rises as people get older, and women are more likely to experience pain than men

Pain may be anything from a dull ache to a sharp stab and can range from mild to extreme. You may feel pain in one part of your body or it may be widespread.

How pain affects the body

Pain is a complex protective mechanism. It is an essential part of evolution that protects the body from danger and harm.

The body has pain receptors that are attached to two main types of nerves that detect danger. One nerve type relays messages quickly, causing a sharp, sudden pain. The other relays messages slowly, causing a dull, throbbing pain.

Some areas of the body have more pain receptors than others. For example, the skin has lots of receptors so it is easy to tell the exact location and type of pain. There are far fewer receptors in the gut, so it is harder to pinpoint the precise location of a stomach ache.

 

Savvy Shopping Tips for OTC Medicines

Overuse of acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller, can result in liver failure and even death. Because of this, the FDA is considering recommendations to place new restrictions on the drug. But this is only the latest in a long string of stories that call the safety of various OTC pain relievers, allergy medicines, and other drugs into question.

How can you be sure that what you are taking is safe or even effective? What’s more, how can you know for sure if the generic you buy is the same medicine as the brand-name drug? And how do all those formerly prescription drugs that are now available without a prescription fit in? With all these concerns and choices, a trip to the local drugstore can be overwhelming.

“The key,” says Norman Tomaka, a certified consultant pharmacist, in Melbourne, Fla., “is to know what you want and need before you go into the store.” Tomaka is also a spokesman for the American Pharmacists Association. “When you’re walking along the medicine aisle is no time to window shop or impulse buy.”

Read the Medicine’s Label — Carefully

“Reading the label on an over-the-counter drug is the single most important thing,” says Tomaka. The FDA mandates that each OTC drug label must clearly list the active ingredient and the amount of the active ingredient. Labels also need to state what the medicine’s intended use is. “Educate yourself,” Tomaka says, “even if you can’t pronounce the active ingredient’s name. Look at the drug ingredient and look at the indications to find out what it is used for.”

The information on the label can also help you decide between a generic and a brand-name OTC drug product. If you are considering saving money by buying a generic drug, Tomaka says, compare the active ingredient and amounts in the generic vs. the brand name OTC product. “For example, if you are purchasing an antihistamine, read the ingredient and amount. If the store brand or generic brand is identical to the trade brand, it will likely have the same effects on your symptoms.”

 

Pain Management: How to Choose a Painkiller

For Headaches

Best OTC options Start with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID (ibuprofen or aspirin). For a killer headache, try a med that contains caffeine.

For Chronic Pain

Best OTC options Acetaminophen or NSAIDs are good for flare-ups, but NSAIDs can irritate the stomach, and acetaminophen is potentially toxic to the liver.

For Fever, Sore Throat, Flu

Best OTC options Acetaminophen or NSAIDs. Start with acetaminophen; NSAIDs can irritate your stomach.

For Menstrual Cramps

Best OTC options NSAIDs, especially naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen; they cut the production of cramp-causing prostaglandins.

For PMS

Best OTC options Naproxen or ibuprofen. They short-circuit the production of prostaglandins.

 

Pain clinic – how to choose the right one

Choosing a pain clinic

Choosing a pain clinic can be a challenge, especially if you have moved to a new community. It is always a good idea to ask for recommendations. If you have a chronic or disabling condition, you will likely need a specialist who understands your particular health needs. Asking friends, neighbors, and coworkers is a good way to start, but ultimately you will have to decide which pain management doctor is best suited to your individual needs and situation.

Finding the best pain clinic – is the doctor Board Certified?

Most practicing physicians in the U.S. are board certified. Before scheduling the appointment make sure that a specialist you want to see has indeed the necessary credentials to run his or her medical practice. For example, Dr. Escobar is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, the American Board of Pain Medicine and Diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management. He has been practicing in the area for over fifteen years. He has lectured in the community as well as mass media on various topics in Pain Management. That’s why Pain Care Specialists of Florida is a pain clinic is considered to be one of the leading pain management practices in South Florida and is so respected in the community. For further information about the practice, here is the link to the clinic’s website.

Insurance plans – do they cover this pain clinic?

Keep in mind, that your insurance plan may restrict your choices to a group of plan-approved physicians or sometimes offer financial incentives to use one of the doctors on the plan. It is prudent to always check the terms of your insurance coverage to find out whether the plan will cover visits to the specialist you are considering. How much will you have to pay out-of-pocket for visits to this provider if they do not participate in your health plan? It is worth doing your research to find out which pain clinic accepts your insurance plan. Some of the clinics, including the Pain Care Specialists of Florida accept all PPO insurances. Find out more about insurance plans

Convenient locations of the pain clinic

The location does matter especially if your condition requires initial frequent visits for consultation and treatments. In order to meet their patients’ needs

An Inspection Will Reveal If Transmission Repair Is Necessary

SHOULD I REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE?

Depending on your vehicle’s age,  the type of warranty you get when purchasing a new or remanufactured one a new transmission maybe your best option. Buying a new transmission gives your vehicle a part that should last longer than a rebuilt or remanufactured one. This includes a better or longer warranty on the part’s quality.

The trade-off is the price. You will pay more for a new part. but you should be aware that many “new” transmissions come from the manufacturer as new rebuilds. Very few car makers offer a truly new transmission so when you ask for a new part as a replacement, you should ask whether it is a new transmission (with any and all relevant updates for your vehicle) or a new rebuilt.

TRANSMISSION TYPES

Rebuilt. A rebuilt transmission is one that consists of new and older parts, which may be manufactured in a factory or an auto repair shop. The rebuilt may consist of the old housing for your existing transmission and a replacement of the components that are worn, damaged, or no longer working properly.

Remanufactured. A remanufactured transmission the same as a rebuilt except for the fact that it is manufactured in a factory. Its design and construction are based on the original manufacturing requirements for the part. It may be put together using parts that have been rebuilt, reused, repaired, or any combination of the three. Remanufactured transmissions are built based on the original specifications for your vehicle. As a result, t may cost more than a rebuilt one since it does not have to adhere to the original specifications and may be modified. This is important to understand because any changes to the original specifications could cause your warranty to become void.

New transmission. A new transmission is fresh from the factory and should ideally be the same type as the original one. However, if the model is flawed, defective, or problematic it would make more sense for your mechanic to install a different but compatible, new transmission.

 

More Involved Transmission Repairs

There are other transmission repairs too that, like most shifting issues, can be remedied without too much of a headache. Reseal jobs are important if you notice blobs of red oil underneath your parked car. You want to keep your transmission sealed up properly, so a reseal might be required (Replacing accessible parts is also a common type of transmission repair that we can in relatively short order in most cases).

But there are, of course, instances, when transmission repair can take a great deal longer. For example, complete overhauls, also known as rebuilding transmissions. These jobs tend to take longer because they require that we remove the transmission from the vehicle and disassemble it. We will examine every part for wear and tear and replace those parts that need it, whether it be a torque converter or the bands and clutches.

 

What are signs of a bad transmission?

Transmission slipping: whether you have an automatic or manual transmission they both have a clutch system that will separate and engage new gears. With time this system will wear down and your transmission system will literally start to slip while changing into the next gear. Another cause of a slipping transmission is low fluid pressure which is caused by a low level of fluid, clogged filters or a bad pump. These issues will get worse over time to the point where the transmission seizes and will not engage.

Strange Smells: A transmission has its own designated fluid. It’s designed to lubricate and make sure all the gears are spinning smoothly and synchronized. After a vehicle reaches high mileage this fluid can either start to leak out or burn inside the transmission. If you see any RED fluid leaking from under your car or smell any unusual smell from under your car, then your transmission is in need of fluid service. Failure to either change the fluid may lead to blown transmission.

Transmission warning light: Most of the new cars today have sensors all over the place to make sure you don’t harm the car. Keep an eye out for any check engine lights that turn on as it could be that your transmission fluid is either running low or its burnt out causing the temperature in your transmission to rise exponentially. This will lead to it either seizing up or blowing.

Grinding or odd sounds: Automatic and manual transmission both make unique sounds when they start to go bad. On an automatic transmission, you may hear humming, whining or a buzzing sound. You’ll also feel as if every gear is wobbling into place. With a manual transmission, you will hear and feel it grind into every gear. Whether you have an auto or manual transmission.

 

How long does it take to replace a transmission?

Even the sound of it makes you shake your head with worry. How can you go days without a car? What are your options while your car is in the shop?

The good news is quite often, it doesn’t take more than a day or two to replace a transmission. Of course, it depends on the model and make of your car, and the type of transmission it is. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle that’s commonplace on the road, plan on being without your vehicle at least a day or two. If you have a front-wheel drive, the process can take longer as it’s quite labor-intensive. Estimate up to three to four days to ensure you give yourself plenty of time.

Better yet, stop by. The best way to get an estimate of how long it will take to replace a transmission is for us to see what type of vehicle you’re driving. Only then can we give you an accurate picture of how long it will take.

 

Options for Transmission Fixes

Transmission Repairs

When repairing a transmission you are replacing the bare minimum amount of parts to bring your transmission back into working order.

Often with a transmission repair, you are only fixing one specific part of the transmission. This repair can take place without having to rebuild the entire transmission. This option typically costs less than a rebuild or a replacement. However, this option is often not available as there may be too much damage done to your transmission.

Transmission Rebuilds

A transmission rebuild is where the entire transmission is taken apart and inspected.

Any worn, failed, or damaged parts are then replaced and the transmission is reassembled and replaced into your car. Transmission rebuilds are custom processes for each individual car and require a transmission specialist.

Transmission Replacements

A transmission replacement means that you are replacing your entire transmission.

Sometimes this option is called having your transmission “re-manufactured”. Often there are not brand new transmissions available on the market, so you will be purchasing a refurbished transmission.

When you replace your transmission, all of the parts of your transmission are replaced not just the parts that have failed or worn out. This is an option for transmissions that cannot be rebuilt because they are too damaged.

Transmission replacements are done in a controlled, factory setting. When you replace your transmission your transmission will be updated to the pre-built factory settings. This is often the most expensive transmission fix.

What Should Be On Your Tax Preparation Checklist

Tempted to lie on your taxes? Here are 4 reasons you shouldn’t

The average tax refund is more than $3,000. When you hear that number and do your taxes, only to find out that your refund is much less — or worse, that you owe money — it can be tempting to fudge the numbers and increase your refund.

But misrepresenting your income on your return counts as tax fraud, and has serious consequences. Below, find out what happens if you lie on your taxes and what IRS penalties you could face.

You can get audited

Because the IRS gets all of the 1099s and W-2s you receive, they know if you do not report all of your income. Even if you accept unreported payments in cash or check, your financial activity can reveal red flags about what income you do not report, potentially triggering an audit.

An IRS audit is an extensive review of your taxes and financial records to ensure you reported everything accurately. Though most people have a less than 1% chance of being audited, it’s not worth the risk.

Tax fraud carries heavy penalties & fees

If the IRS does select you for audit and they find errors, the penalties and fines can be steep.fudging your taxes to reduce your tax bill or boost your refund can cost you more in the long run. If you don’t p ay your tax liability by the due date, the IRS will charge you a late payment penalty. Even if you file on time, you may still be charged a late payment penalty if you under report your income and the IRS finds out. And the penalty is just the start. The IRS can also charge you interest on the underpayment as well. If you’re found guilty of tax evasion or tax fraud, you might end up having to pay serious fines

Criminal charges are possible

Besides potentially owing thousands in IRS penalties, fees, and interest, you could also face criminal charges.

Tax fraud is a felony and punishable by up to five years in prison. Failing to report foreign bank and financial accounts might result in up to 10 years in prison.”

Criminal investigations and charges start when an IRS auditor detects possible fraud during their audit of your returns. Courts convict approximately 3,000 people every year of tax fraud, signaling how serious the IRS takes lying on your taxes.

The odds of the IRS charging you for fraud is relatively small — if you’re investigated, the chances are less than 20 percent that you’ll face a criminal charge — but the potential consequences are severe. It’s not worth the risk to get a little extra money in your refund.

You may miss out on a mortgage or loan

Finally, not reporting all of your income can have serious ramifications when it comes to buying a car or a home.

When mortgage companies and banks review your application, they request copies of your tax returns to check your total income. If you lied about your income to lower your tax liability, your full income won’t be on the return. That means you may be denied for the loan you need, hurting your financial future.

 

The Fresh Start Program

These options do exist and are most commonly utilized when people want to have what they owe entirely forgiven. However, the criteria for getting a debt entirely erased can be stringent and time-consuming. When you want to settle what you owe in a more timely manner, you may select an option that exists under the IRS’ Fresh Start Program.
The Partial Payment Installment Agreement option is the most commonly utilized under this program. The PPIA allows you to make affordable payments on your account until it is paid off in full or you have paid on the debt for 10 years, whichever comes first.
You also could pursue an Offer in Compromise. This option allows you to settle your debt. You could be granted an OIC if you:

  • Are in full compliance with the IRS
  • Owe a new debt
  • Have no plans or cannot file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
  • Have not been turned down for an OIC in the past

You can file for an OIC on the IRS website or allow a tax professional to guide you through the process.
With more than one million people owing it money, the IRS realizes that it cannot collect on every delinquent account. You can have your own account settled or eliminated by exploring these debt relief options.

 

Can I Sue A Tax Preparer?

Suing a tax preparer is often the last resort since the taxpayer would have to incur significant legal fees. However, if the amount in question is substantial, taking the matter to the court may provide relief from undue taxes and fees. Moreover, if the tax preparer is not registered by the IRS or state-licensed, the only recourse is legal action

You can file a standard professional malpractice complaint with the state court in your jurisdiction.

To avoid dealing with these problems, it is best to research the candidates and find one that suits your needs. For example, if you’re dealing with complex financial situations, you may need regular consultations. IRS has a website where you can find professionals with valid credentials who are up to the task

 

Fooled by the hope of large refunds

Fraudulent tax preparers will try to lure clients by promising huge refunds.

Those scam artists, who are highlighted year after year in the IRS “dirty dozen” list of most prominent tax scams, often target unsuspecting elderly and low-income taxpayers.

One sign that a tax preparer will inflate your return: They are getting paid based on a percentage of the refund.

“That would be an automatic stop sign for me,”, an enrolled agent and financial advisor based in Cheshire, Connecticut. “It’s in their best interest to get you a larger refund whether it’s real or not.”

Those so-called tax professionals will often beef up your returns by attempting to cheat the system.

That could include using money paid for your commute to work or your business clothes as a deduction.

“They’re not deductions” for most individuals, “I’ve seen people who put down 16,000 miles driving to work as an unreimbursed employee expense on the tax return, and that’s just wrong,” Armstrong said. “It is going to get the taxpayer in trouble upon audit.”

Other traps can range from exaggerations regarding charitable contributions or medical expenses to outright lies regarding marital status or the number of children you have.

“If you have the guts and no ethics, there’s so many ways you can cheat on your tax return in the short run,” But in the long run, you could face steep IRS penalties, even if it was the tax preparer who made the errors.

 

If your tax preparer does make a mistake on your return, what can you do? Here are five suggestions.

  1. Contact your preparer

If the IRS sends you a letter claiming that there are mistakes on your taxes, call your tax preparer for an explanation. Tax preparers who do make mistakes might offer to pay any fees, penalties, or interest charges for you. This might not restore your confidence in their abilities, but it will help save your budget.

  1. Pay the penalties

If the IRS is charging you a penalty for a tax mistake, even if that mistake was made by your preparer, pay it. You might be battling it out with your tax preparer in the hope of getting this professional to pay the penalty on your behalf, but the IRS doesn’t care. If it doesn’t receive its payment, you are the one who will face additional financial penalties.

If your tax preparer refuses to pay for its mistake, send a check to the IRS. Then continue your fight against the preparer.

  1. Know your rights

Check any contract you signed with your tax preparer. There might be language in the contract stating what your tax preparer will do in the event of a mistake. Some tax preparers will pay the interest and penalties that result from a mistake, but not any extra taxes you might owe.

Some tax preparation firms, especially the big ones, might offer insurance that you can purchase for an extra fee. If you’ve bought this insurance, your tax preparer might be obligated to pay any interest, fees, or extra taxes you owe because of their mistakes.

Be aware that tax preparers won’t pay any penalties on your behalf, even if you’ve purchased extra insurance, if the mistakes they’ve made are because you provided them with inaccurate information.

  1. Check the statute of limitations

If your tax preparer made a mistake that caused you to overpay on your taxes, you have three years to request a refund from the IRS. You must provide documentation to back up your claim that you overpaid.

This statute of limitations works in reverse, too. If you underpaid your taxes because of a preparer mistake, the IRS has three years in which they can come after you for the money you owe. If your tax preparer made a substantial error, however (such as omitting 25 percent or more of your gross income), the IRS can go back up to six years. It’s recommended to keep your records for at least this long. Be aware there is no statute of limitations for those who knowingly file fraudulent returns, evade taxes, or fail to file altogether.

  1. File a complaint

If you discover that your preparer made an intentional mistake, perhaps to boost your return, make an official complaint with the Office of Responsibility at the IRS. If your preparer is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Association of Enrolled Agents, or a state law association, you can also file a complaint with these organizations. Such complaints could cause tax preparers to face fines or lose their licenses.

Why Should You Choose Carpet Flooring

Carpet Buying Guide

Set the Expectation

Before you shop for new carpet, create a set of expectations for yourself to ease the buying process.

When do you need it? In-stock and Special Order carpets are available depending on your time frame.

How long do you want the carpet to last? Different fibers offer different performance with foot traffic in the home. If you’re making a short-term investment, polyester fiber will sustain you. If you need something long-lasting, explore nylon.

What’s your budget? A smart carpet budget accounts for all three pieces of the carpet puzzle: carpet, pad and installation.

Fiber

It’s the carpet material itself. Single fibers are spun together to create two-, three- or four-ply yarn, which is then attached to a woven backing.

Pile

Pile refers to the height of the fiber and is also referred to as face or nap.

Density

It’s the measure of how closely packed the strands of fiber are to one another. The higher the density, the stronger the carpet.

Weight

Weight is measured in ounces per square yard. Face weight refers to the amount of fiber on the surface of the carpet, while total weight includes the backing and latex as well. High face weight is a good indication of quality. When using weight to compare carpets, make sure you’re comparing similar materials, like nylon to nylon, not nylon to polyester.

 

How to buy the best carpet

Whether you’re carpeting a new room or replacing some worn or daggy carpet you’ve had way too long, it’s probably time to get an update on what’s out there. Buying the wrong carpet can be an expensive mistake, so roll up and read on as we lay on piles of useful information.

Material matters

No one fibre is best for everyone – the best carpet choice for you depends on where it will be, who’ll be using it, how much traffic it will get, and the size of your budget.

Wool carpet

Just like your favourite jumper, wool carpet is warm, luxurious and durable. It’s also generally more expensive than other fibres. Wool is good for living areas where appearance is important. It’s naturally stain resistant in that it resists liquid-based spills and releases dirt easily, but you’ll want to clean up spills quickly. Cheaper wool carpets are likely to pill.

Nylon carpet

Nylon is a tough and durable man-made fibre. It’s very popular for carpets – it’s cheaper than wool and some even look as good but with added stain resistance. Nylon carpet will hold its colour against cleaning and sunlight, and it’s ideal for use in high-traffic areas for families with children or pets.

Polypropylene carpet

Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre, popular because it’s inexpensive, water resistant and durable. It’s often used for rental properties, garages or playrooms. However it looks and feels cheap – because it is.

 

How to choose Carpeting

Does the thought of choosing new carpeting for your home from make your head spin? Are there just too many decisions to make? With so many styles, colors, and fibers to choose from, it can be overwhelming.

Choosing a Flooring Store with a Great Reputation

Yes, having carpeting installed in your home can be fun and In the long run, new carpeting it’s an excellent investment. By doing a bit of comparison shopping, some research, and choosing a carpet retailer with a good reputation, you’ll discover which carpet will fit your needs, is the highest quality you can afford and will look beautiful in your home. You’ll be able to make your purchase with complete confidence

Why Carpet?

Wood, vinyl, and tile flooring are currently trendy; however, they can also be cold, hard, and noisy. A luxurious and cozy feeling under your feet can only be accomplished with carpet. A softer landing on carpeting can reduce the risk of injury during a fall and offer a safer and more comfortable surface for kids to play on. With its overall warmth, sound absorption, and comfort, there’s simply no substitute!

Carpeting 101

This article offers some basic information regarding carpet styles, types of fibers, how to recognize quality, deciding on a color and pattern, and more, to help you with your purchase. And don’t forget about choosing the correct padding underneath! What is the best carpet if you have children or pets? When selecting a floor covering, what should you keep in mind? What’s better – synthetic fibers or natural ones? What’s the difference between textured, Berber, loop, and cut pile? What are the benefits of each type of carpet?

Carpet Buying Tips

With so many designs, colors, and materials available, it can be challenging to make the best choice for your home’s flooring. Be aware that some colors and fibers may require more frequent cleaning and vacuuming that won’t fit into your busy work/life schedule. Others may be too expensive, and some may even affect your health with added chemicals. Choose the wrong carpet, and it may wear out too fast, the colors may fade, or quickly become stained even with your best efforts to keep it clean. With the following tips in mind, you can protect your investment and choose the best carpeting for your home and lifestyle.

 

How to Choose the Best Carpet for a Modern Home

When most people think of a modern floor covering, they usually think of tiles, real wood or vinyl. Carpet is very much a traditionalist’s choice these days, but it can deliver a contemporary aesthetic every bit as impressive as its alternatives.

Carpets look and feel warm, and they simply scream comfort. Let’s face it: who doesn’t like to walk barefooted across a warm, sumptuous carpet? Carpets are great insulators, and they provide a welcome alternative to the couch when you need to stretch

Consider Durability

One of the reasons so many people choose hard flooring is that it tends to be more durable and easier to clean than carpet. While that’s true in most cases, some fibers are more robust and low-maintenance than others.

Nylon

Nylon is durable, water-resistant and very easy to clean. It also delivers a degree of protection from permanent staining. This manmade material is soft to the touch, but it doesn’t deliver the same level of luxury you’ll get from a wool carpet. However, a short-pile carpet made with nylon can work well in a contemporary space with a minimalist aesthetic.

Polyester

Polyester is even softer than nylon, but that doesn’t always bode well for durability. Polyester carpets don’t look great in traditional rooms, but they actually work well in modern spaces with neutral decor.

 

How to Choose the Best Type of Carpet for Your Home

when you are building or remodeling your home, your flooring choices can easily become overwhelming. You have to consider things like allergies, pets, your family and which rooms get the most traffic. As you browse, how do you know which material or style of carpet is right? This guide covers several factors you should consider to help you make the best choice.

What Are Piles?

Piles describe how manufacturers use the fibers to make the carpet. The yarn is usually looped or cut to a certain length and twisted to stay in place.

Low Pile Carpet

The height affects the wear, appearance and feel of the material. A short pile carpet has yarn cut to 0.25” or less.

Plush Carpet

The plush style is trimmed off so that yarn ends poke up. Saxony plush, one of the most popular varieties, has short tufts that are densely packed to look like a thick carpet. It doesn’t tend to wear as well as loops.

Textured Carpet

Textured carpet features strands of varying lengths to create a feeling of depth and variety. Since it is fairly durable and trackless, it’s useful for areas that see more traffic.

Getting The Decent Toilet Installation For Your Bathroom

TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE A TOILET

Toilet designs have come a long way. And when it comes to style, comfort and water efficiency, Mondella has you covered. But before you make a choice, there are a few things you need to consider. We’ve put together a few tips to help you choose the toilet that’s right for your bathroom.

Check the plumbing

Your existing bathroom will have plumbing that’s set up for your specific layout. This and the size of your space will narrow down which toilets you can use. However, if you want to change the plumbing to suit the toilet you really want, talk to a plumber so you can assess if the additional cost is worth it

Determine your pan type

Australia has three common pan types: S-trap, P-trap and Skew trap. The trap is the bend in the toilet pipe that expels the waste.

Measure the set-out

Before you choose a toilet, it’s important to first establish the ‘set-out’ you need. This is the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste outlet for an S-trap, and the floor to the outlet for a P-trap.

Water efficiency

The Australian Government has introduced a WELS scheme to help reduce the water consumption in homes. Based on a star rating system, it measures the amount of water per flush. A 3 STAR rating uses 6L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush. While a 4 STAR rating uses 4.5L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush.

 

Toilet Buying Guide

Toilet Rough-In Measurements and Standards

Make sure the new toilet will fit your space. To do this, measure the rough-in size. This is the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the drainpipe or the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. It’s best to perform this measurement before you remove the old toilet.

Toilet Models: One Piece or Two?

Toilets are made in one- or two-piece models. Most toilets are two-piece, meaning that the bowl is bolted to the tank. Two-piece toilets are generally less expensive than a one-piece. Both function comparably, though a one-piece toilet may be easier to clean. If they’re not included, make sure you purchase all of the installation parts required: a toilet seat, wax ring with sleeve, closet bolts and bolt caps.

Toilet Bowls

Toilet bowls are available in round and elongated (oval) shapes. Elongated bowls are usually 2 inches longer than round bowls and offer additional comfort. Round bowls are generally less expensive and work well in small spaces. As with rough-in standards, make sure your space will accommodate an elongated bowl before you buy.

Toilet Tanks and Flushing Systems

Almost all toilets have a similar tank capacity. When choosing a tank, you’ll have flush valve size and flush lever positioning to consider, as well as the flushing system.

The pressure-assisted and gravity-flush systems are the two standard flushing systems available:

Pressure-Assisted Flush System: Pressurized air forces water into the bowl when flushed, reducing the chance for clogs. This system is noisy, expensive and may require costly maintenance.

Gravity-Flush System: The most common and simplest system, it uses the water weight to generate flushing pressure. The pressure forces everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush. This flushing system is quieter and requires less maintenance than a pressure-assisted flushing system.

Additional toilet technology includes:

Dual Flush: This is a relatively new system for saving water without sacrificing efficiency. There are two flushing options for a full or partial flush (1.6 gallons per flush and 1.1 gallons per flush).

Waterless Toilets: Where water or plumbing isn’t available or when portability is required, a self-contained waterless unit is an option.

 

Toilet Replacement or Repair? Here’s How to Choose Which Option Is Best for You

If an old toilet is giving you trouble, you may assume that it needs to be replaced. While installing a new toilet may be the best option, if the fixture is giving you difficulties, it may not be the best solution for the current problem. Understanding how to complete a few repairs will help you solve small issues and avoid buying a new toilet.

Signs You Need to Replace an Old Toilet In Your Ottawa Home

If you don’t have any experience in plumbing, it can be challenging to understand when your toilet isn’t working the way it should be. If you think that it might be time for you to replace your toilet, here are the warning signs that you should keep an eye out for.

Consistently Clogging

It’s normal for a toilet to clog now and then. A weakened flush can cause a clogged toilet and impact the cleanliness of the drain pipes.

The Bowl or Tank Are Cracked

The tank and the bowl of your toilet are made of porcelain, mainly because it’s durable, waterproof, and sanitary. Porcelain isn’t the perfect product to use for toilets and can crack, causing a disastrous leak. Even if you’ve noticed a hairline fracture in your bowl or tank, it can grow over time and weaken the structure of your toilet.

You’ve Noticed a Spike in Your Water Bill

If you notice an increase in your water bill, the cause of the spike may be a damaged toilet

 

How to Choose the Right Toilet for Me?

You can look at it any way that you want to, but when you ask your self the question: ‘how to choose a toilet that is a good fit for my home‘, you will find out that there are some very specific things you want because good toilets have better features. Because there are also blanks with some of your questions, the best way to answer them is to get it all out in the open so that you understand the basics of toilets. There is nothing confusing in this guide, and it rather focuses on providing an outlet for you to put your ideas on one page to make a better decision. There is no wrong choice if you get all the features you want, and once you go through this short guide you’ll have a better understanding of what it is that makes sense for the home installation. As an added bonus any new age toilet chosen is easy to install and lacks the headaches of older models.

Size

Depending on where the installation is taking place, customers may want to redo the measurements. This includes the rough in size and the height from the bottom of the toilet to the toilet seat. Little things like toilet seat height could turn a purchase that looks good on paper to an uncomfortable mess once installed. This includes if you are installing a toilet meant solely for a small kid’s bathroom and they are uncomfortable on elongated toilets. Or what if you purchase a toilet that sits a little higher than what they’re comfortable with? Then it is back to the drawing board and possible money down the drain. Checking and rechecking the measurements will help a lot, and if you are installing it into a bathroom with limited space, then make note of whether the new toilet will be bigger than the current toilet. It’s a small gesture that will go a long way in giving you the most worry free install experience possible.

Price

The prices for toilets will vary depending on the type you are getting and from what company. There are very few low priced quality toilets available, so be wary on going too cheap with the price as that just means it is an inferior product. Some companies even offer package deals by selling two toilets as one and shaving off some of the price. Not all companies offer this, but in a case where a buyer needs more than one toilet it could potentially save them a lot of money. Be wary of features you don’t need so that overpaying isn’t even an option. It may be tempting to want to buy a toilet with a nightlight, but if you know that you aren’t going to use that feature then why pay extra for it? There is a lot of competition in the toilet market, so for every toilet that has that 1 extra feature you don’t need there is another toilet with the same specs, and lacking that unneeded feature. Shop smart toilets and only target features that mean something to you like water efficiency or power of the flush.

Water Usage

With the industry standard being set at 1.6 gallons per flush, buyers are safe in that all the new toilets won’t surpass that threshold. But smart shoppers shouldn’t settle for the industry standard if their main goal is to save money with their water bill. Dual flush toilets are the new craze, and it has two buttons to give you a flush that uses a small amount or water or a power flush that uses the full 1.6 amount. These toilets can get a little high in price, so for other customers the alternative is to settle for a toilet that is either high powered or water efficient. This can create a dilemma, since no one wants to make the wrong decision and have to send the toilet back. The easiest decision is to purchase the dual flush, but if that is out of your price range, then it is a safe bet to go with toilets that use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush. These are Watersense certified toilets and it is a safe middle ground between saving water resources and giving you the power you need to get a good flush. Variety is pretty good with the 1.28 models so customers are sure to come away with something that they love. If you are looking for the best rated flushing toilets see this guide

Summary

A combination of size, water usage information and price should be all a customer needs to make an educated decision on the perfect toilet for their home. Things don’t really get complicated, but they sure do get exciting with all of the options that are pushed in your face. Since everyone has different tastes, there is no telling what you may end up taking home. As long as you do your homework, you’ll do your new bathroom addition justice.

 

Toilet buying guide

In recent years the humble toilet has undergone a style makeover. Sleek new designs, hidden cisterns and water efficiency are just some of the features you need to consider when choosing a toilet for your home

Start with style

Toilet designs include back to wall, close coupled, wall faced and wall hung. Consider your budget and check with your plumber to find out which one will work best with your existing bathroom’s setup. But if you’re building from scratch, you can choose your toilet first and tailor your plumbing accordingly.

The difference between each style

Back to wall toilet cisterns are attached directly to the bathroom wall, which allows the pipes to be hidden.

Pick a toilet pan

Once you’ve chosen a toilet style, you’ll need to choose a toilet pan. There are three common pan types: S-trap, P-trap and skew trap.

Take measurements

Before you commit to a toilet style and pan, you’ll need to make sure the measurements work and decide what “set-out” you’ll need in your bathroom. This is the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste outlet for an S-trap, and the floor to the outlet for a P-trap. Set-outs vary, so make sure you take those measurements with you when selecting a toilet.

Ask About Discounts On Electrical Maintenance And Repairs

Choosing the Right Electrical Contractor for Industrial Maintenance

Electrical maintenance is one of the major issues when it comes to your safety and security. For industrial sectors, electrical maintenance is the topmost priority concern from the productivity point of view. To resolve issues related to the maintenance of a colossal industrial project, you must always seek experts, who are well versed with the facts & terms of electricity.

Electrical systems need timely maintenance & constant attention, which is often a life saver & prevent occurrence of serious incidents. Neglecting timely maintenance will lead to frequent faults, downtime, and hazards, which can be very expensive in the long run.

Electrical maintenance contractor is the professional, who provides services & maintains the installation of the whole complex structure. They must have higher standards of analytical skills, so that they can easily handle the old/previously installed systems of every project. Duties & responsibilities of an Electrician may vary & depend upon the contract, which is discussed between him & his client. For complex industrial electrical services & maintenance, you must opt for the best electrical maintenance contractor, because industrial maintenance requires a very high level of professional standards & knowledge to comply with different kinds of complex circumstances that may come during work.

Selecting an electrical contractor :

The Best electrician is the one who you can handle the electrical maintenance issues properly. They are the only ones who have the proper knowledge base & experience to tackle the modern as well as the older electrical system. They help in improving productivity and eliminating downtime.

Choosing an electrician is never an easy task, so take time to find the best one. If you are looking for a reputed and fully insured electrical service provider for your industrial electrical maintenance.

 

Electrical Maintenance

It is essentially important to carry out electrical maintenance on a regular basis; maintaining all the electrical material fittings, appliances and devices in and around your home. Maintenance enhances the smooth running of all the electricity powered items in your home, while creating a safe environment that will be free from all sorts of hazards.

Home safety is obviously one of the most dearly held goals by most, if not all, homeowners everywhere. A home is designed to be a safe haven for its dwellers, and therefore anything and everything that favors home safety should always be accorded first priority. Electrical maintenance for the home is without question, one of the foremost and sure steps towards fostering a safe home.

Importance of Proper and Timely Electrical Maintenance

When regular electrical maintenance checks are carried out for a home, various unwelcomed mishaps associated with electricity get avoided in an opportune manner. When such mishaps are avoided, it makes it easy to escape unplanned and often very high expenses of repairing, or even replacing badly affected electrical devices due to small problems that would have otherwise been detected and dealt with earlier.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) In general, having your home’s HVAC system working well is a welcomed convenience. However, there are instances where the proper working of the HVAC could mean more than just a convenience. Take for instance, a home where there are senior citizens, small children or even a sick person; for such people, extreme heat variations, whether up or down on the thermometer, can result in life threatening complications.Such extreme heat variations would only happen in a malfunctioning HVAC system, and this is something that would have been avoided altogether through properly scheduled electrical maintenance of all its components in a timely manner like say, before the onset of winter or summer.

Outdoor Lighting The outdoor lighting in your home does a lot for your home safety. For one, it ensures that your porches and walkways are well lit and thus safe for both you and your guests at night. The other thing that they do for your home’s safety is deter thieves and burglars, who always prefer to operate in the dark. The light fixtures, bulbs and lines of your outdoor lighting require regular checks and replacements because of the nature of the outdoors. Having a contracted electrician carry out such checks on a regular basis will ensure that at no point will your outdoors be dark

 

Importance of Routine Elect

The electrical wiring of your home is largely out of sight, and this is one of the reasons why its maintenance is often set aside. Over time, the wires suffer wear and tear and it impacts on the equipment and appliances that operate on the circuit. Eventually, you will have to deal with electrical problems more frequently that you used to.

The best thing to do to avoid such complications is to hire a licensed electrician for regular electrical maintenance. Once you find a good electrician, it will be easier to perform an annual inspection of your property’s power system

Reduced Energy Cost

When appliances are working properly, they use less energy, which in turn will save you some money. Outdated electrical systems and faulty appliances may have to use more power to continue working, which can drive up your electric bill. By letting an electrician perform maintenance works regularly, your electrical system and items at home are kept in their best working condition. Plus, your electrician can recommend ways to further save energy with the use of today’s technological advancements.

Protection of Appliances

Whether you’re using a mini fridge or a four-door fridge at home, you’ve spent good amount of money to buy it, so of course you would want to make good use out of it. Not having regular maintenance by a licensed electrician services from Singapore is like waiting for an appliance to die before its lifetime. Each piece of equipment you have at home comes with a manual that states their recommended maintenance works and how often it should be done. Discuss this with your electrician in Singapore so he can schedule his visits accordingly.

Fire Safety

Electrical incidents and wirings usually spark home fires. Outdated electrical systems, wirings and fixtures are usually the root cause of these accidents. Having an annual check-up of your power system will ensure that the power source, electrical lines, wirings and outlets are up to date and are functioning properly.

 

How to Choose the Right Electrical Contractor for Your Business

In this industry, technology is constantly evolving. When you’re in the market to hire a new electrical contractor, it’s obviously crucial that who you hire is trustworthy and abreast of all the changing technology and stays up-to-date. When your electrical contractor is ahead of the curve, your business will not only become more efficient, but you’ll save money, too. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right electrical contractor for your business.

New Certifications

Certifications let you know that your electrical contractor has received and understands the latest developments in the field. But there are more than just certifications for installing and maintaining electrical equipment, there are also certifications for doing these things safely. You and your employees have probably undergone some form of basic OSHA safety training. The right electrical contractor company will undergo a more rigorous, specialized OSHA–30 certification, which means that the employees of that company have received 30 hours of training centered around things such as current common electrical hazards, personal protective equipment, hazardous locations, and proper wiring methods. Be sure to ask your prospective companies if their technicians have undergone OSHA-30 training. This will be a sign to you that the company is not only doing things to the highest standard, but they’re doing it safely as well.

They Recommend ARC Flash Studies

An ARC flash study is a complete examination of your electrical system. It helps assess the level of risk in your workplace. These studies ensure that your factory is completely compliant with local, national and even international standards by finding issues with your electrical system and bringing them to your attention, and allowing you to fix them. It also helps to ensure the safety of your employees and protects your equipment (as well as your building) by identifying maintenance needs such as poor connections, neglected equipment and contamination, all of which could lead to short circuits and fires.

They Provide Lift Training

Sometimes, electrical equipment and wires are located up out of safe reach, even with the use of a ladder. In these instances, lifts are often used. But not just anyone can use one. Lift equipment requires special training. The employees of your electrical contracting company have this training. You may not be able to, or need to, call the company every time you need something addressed. The right electrical contractor will provide lift training so that some of your employees can operate a lift properly and take care of smaller needs.

They Conduct Regular Safety Meetings

Sure, there’s a safety handbook. And everyone knows the basic rules. But, even so, someone might forget something, or do something they find easier, but is not necessarily safe. Not only that, but there are periodic updates to the safety regulations. It’s important that everyone is aware of these safety updates, and on the same page about proper safety procedures and protocols. In order to do this, your electrical contracting company should conduct regular safety meetings throughout the year. This helps to ensure that no matter who is sent out to your company, they will all adhere to the latest, proper regulations.

 

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

PROGRAM MISSION

The Electrical Installation & Maintenance Technology program’s mission is to serve the community as a learning-centered, open door program that provides technical training to meet the demands of the electrical industry and the needs of the individual. An open-exit option allows the students to identify their career objectives and participate in program exploration.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The curriculum is designed to prepare students with entry level knowledge and manipulative skills for employment in the electrical industry. The program combines theory with laboratory activities as an effective means of developing the skills essential to the electrical trade.

The student begins with the fundamentals of electricity and wiring of simple circuits, then progresses to residential interior wiring, three phase alternating current power, and wiring of more complex circuits and equipment. Safety is stressed as an integral part of each shop task. Emphasis is placed on wiring in accordance with the provisions contained in the National Electrical Code

The Benefits Of Carpet Cleaning

Carpet Cleaner Buying Guide

Embedded dirt can’t get you down when you’ve got a carpet cleaner around. See how well the top cleaners navigate on nylon plush carpets below.

Home Carpet Cleaning: Grubby to Great

Got dirty carpets? There’s certainly no lack of cleaning options, including buying a carpet-cleaning machine, renting one, or hiring a pro. While nothing beat the ease and performance of a pro, some of the machines we tested came pretty close for less money.

More Power, Deeper Clean

Machines that were better at lifting embedded dirt have larger, more powerful motors. Almost all of the full-sized models did a better job at removing dirt. Bissell and Hoover, the two largest manufacturers of carpet cleaners, say you must use their cleaning solutions in their machines or you could void the warranty or cause electrical shock or fire by damaging the machine.

How to Choose

Embedded dirt requires deep cleaning. Check your carpet’s warranty or manufacturer’s website for suggestions on how often you should clean. Otherwise you could damage the carpet or void its warranty. Some companies, for example, don’t allow a pro to reapply stain treatments.

Focus on Features

Separate tanks for hot water and cleaning solution make refilling quicker because you usually need to refill water more often. Smaller tanks mean more frequent refills. Carry and push the machine before buying, especially if you’ll be carrying it up and down stairs. Look for models with attachments if you’d like to clean upholstery or stairs

 

Consumers Guide To Carpet Cleaning

I am a member of the Carpet and Fabricare Institute (CFI), and owner of Above & Beyond Carpet Care. My company is a certified firm by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as the IICRC. I have earned the highest IICRC cleaning certification as “Certified Master Cleaner”. We are also certified in stone, masonry & ceramic tile cleaning, upholstery & fabric cleaning, carpet repair & reinstallation, odor control, flood restoration and mold remediation. I’ve been in the carpet cleaning business for over 23 years. And in that time, I’ve learned that carpet cleaning is the subject of much confusion. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about carpet cleaning that I decided to offer this consumer’s guide to carpet cleaning so when you select a carpet cleaning company, you can make an informed intelligent decision.

YOU SHOULD WAIT AS LONG AS POSSIBLE BEFORE CLEANING YOUR CARPET.

Not true. Dirt is an abrasive – like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into your carpet fibers. This cuts your carpet, just as if you had used a knife, causing it to wear out faster. A dirty carpet will not last nearly as long as a clean carpet. And while vacuuming helps — by itself, it’s simply not enough. The longer you wait to have your carpet cleaned, the more damage you do to your carpet and the faster it wears out

HE ONLY REASON TO CLEAN CARPET IS TO REMOVE THE DIRT.

Not true. As you probably know, outdoor air contains pollens, fungus, bacteria, air pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust — and hundreds of other chemicals. When you and your family members come into your home, you carry those pollens, bacteria and chemicals in your hair and on your skin, clothing and shoes. Not surprisingly, all those chemicals, pollens and bacteria wind up — you guessed it — in your carpet. If you have allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems — one major source of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and chemicals in your carpet.

ONE METHOD OF CARPET CLEANING IS JUST AS GOOD AS ANOTHER.

Not true. You can choose from two primary methods: Dry cleaning or hot water extraction. First, I’ll explain dry cleaning. Many people believe that dry cleaning your carpet is like dry cleaning your clothing. This is not true. All carpet cleaning methods use water in one from or another. Here are the three methods of dry cleaning carpet.

HAVING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT IS ALL A COMPANY NEEDS TO CLEAN YOUR CARPETS PROPERLY.

Not true. Many companies own hot-water cleaners — but a large number of employees don’t know how to use them. You probably know someone who bought the newest computer on the market — but didn’t learn how to use it for a year or more. The same is true with carpet cleaning machines. The company may own good equipment, but the employees may not know how to use it correctly. This is why it’s important that you choose your carpet cleaner carefully.

 

Tips on Choosing the Best Carpet Cleaning Service

Carpeting is one of the most popular types of flooring in homes and business across the country, despite the fact that it requires a specific type of maintenance routine to keep it looking its very best. Delicate fabrics and materials require professional cleaning from time to time, which means you’ll want to hire a qualified carpet cleaning service for the task.

Less is NOT Necessarily More

It’s common to look for the most affordable option when choosing any sort of cleaning service. However attractive saving a few Euro might seem, going for the least expensive option for your carpet’s maintenance might actually do more damage than good.

Know the Process

No two cleaning services are identical, and that means that you’ll want to know how each company that you’ve shortlisted for the job goes about their business. Some companies might use stronger detergents, while others might use gentler products that are safer for your carpets and for the environment too

Do a Competitive Analysis

This tip is simple: do your research. This entails everything from talking to friends and family, checking review sites and asking for recommendations on social media. Some of the best services are found through word of mouth, so do the research and leverage your network for trustworthy recommendations

Ask About Additional Services

Ask as many questions as you possibly can before hiring a carpet cleaning company. You want to know exactly what you’re getting with no hidden surprises.

 

Tips for Choosing a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company for Your Office Space

Everyone wants a nice and clean office space that promotes creativity and productivity. A good working environment that keeps people calm and pleasant is ideal. As such, it makes sense that every aspect of said office space is perfectly ordered and presentable. Additionally, it’s important that the office space makes a good first impression on clients and co-workers dropping by.

Reliability

There are times that cleaning services need to be done right away. It’s wise to find a professional carpet cleaning company that offers immediate or emergency services in order to protect your company’s image. You can narrow your choices down to companies that have reliable transport means and networks, as they can deliver services much faster than those that don’t.

Accreditation

Be sure to only hire legally accredited carpet cleaning companies. They must be compliant to international and local rules and regulations. Documents like licenses should be provided to you as proof of their credibility. This will prevent you from dealing with legal problems down the road.

Skills and Experience

Professional carpet cleaning companies that have been in the business for a long time definitely have first-hand experience dealing with all kinds of carpets. So make sure you find organizations that are skilled and have been in business for a decent amount of time. They undoubtedly have lasted so long due to excellent work ethic and great customer care

Affordability

There are times that customers choose not to hire great cleaning companies just because of the high prices. But “expensive” does not always necessarily mean “best.” There are still companies that offer awesome services at a reasonable price.

 

Things to Consider When Choosing A Carpet Cleaner

Pricing is Key

In the business world, many people have heard the old saying “you get what you pay for.” This phrase is important in many aspects of the business world, but it may not be true when it comes to choosing a cleaning company for the carpets. In fact, many people have found that some of the less expensive companies did better work. Professional carpet cleaning is worth the cost and many customers generally love the outcome when they hire a professional. The end result of crystal, clean floors is what they are really looking for.

The Type Of Cleaning

Many carpet cleaners offer a very specific way of cleaning the carpets. There are two types that are usually offered: dry carpet cleaning and steam cleaning. The type chosen will change the cost of the job. Dry cleaning is sometimes called low moisture and it involves chemicals with very little water. This type of cleaning is much faster than steam cleaning and is chosen by those who need clean carpets in a flash! This method does not clean as deep as steam cleaning, but it is suggested for those who don’t keep really dirty floors.

Knowing The Needs

When it comes to getting carpets all clean, knowing the needs of the floors and customer is key. By knowing the type of carpet, what kind of stains it has had, and the age of the carpet, customers can help the cleaner figure out what the floors need to be cleaned properly.

Check Insurance, Licensing, and Bonding

Any company that comes into a home to clean it must be bonded by the state. They must also have insurance and licenses. This paperwork means that the staff has had background checks and if anything happens to the furniture or property, the company is prepared to cover any of the damages

Choosing The Type of Cleaning Fluids

With all of the chemicals that can harm the home, pets, and children, it is important that the customer knows what type of cleaning fluids they want used on the carpets. Choosing a carpet cleaner that offers greener options can always sway an opinion on whom to choose. Some of the common cleaners can be much cheaper, so if allergies are not a problem, many customers just choose those. There are eco-friendly cleaners that companies may offer and not all of them are more expensive. It is important to check those out when trying to find the right cleaning company.