Carpet Flooring For Schools And Kindergartens

How to Make Carpet Look Fluffy and New

When it comes time to put your home on the market, make your property stand out by removing clutter, making necessary repairs, and cleaning your residence from top to bottom. One of the first things buyers may notice when entering a home is the condition of the carpeting, so make that a main focus of your cleaning efforts. A thorough shampooing, vacuuming and grooming will erase years of wear and tear and make your carpet look fluffy and new.

Remove the clutter from the carpeted rooms you’ll be cleaning. Store the items in another part of the house or arrange to use a storage facility. You can temporarily move large furniture pieces, like a bed or a dresser, if you wish to clean under them.

Get on your hands and knees and examine your carpet closely. Crawl around the room, and cut any threads that are sticking up with a pair of sharp scissors. Do not pull up the thread when cutting it; lay the scissors perpendicular to the carpeting and cut to even the surface.

Spray hardened stains with a stain remover formulated for carpeting. Leave the cleaning agent in place for the amount of time specified on the instructions. Blot with a rag to absorb the cleaner and the stain.

Place an ice cube onto dented areas of the carpet that were underneath furniture. Allow the ice cube to melt completely.

Blot the wet area gently with a paper towel until no more moisture can be absorbed. Avoid pressing the towel into the carpeting, which will reinforce the dent. Run the edge of a spoon against the direction of the dented carpet to fluff it up.

Wet a hand towel and wring out the excess liquid. Lay the towel over the dented carpet. Heat an iron to the cotton setting, and gently iron the towel for one minute, concentrating on the area above the dent. Leave the towel in place until it dries. Remove the towel, and fluff the area with your hand. You can try this method as an alternative to using ice cubes.

Vacuum the carpeting to suck up all the dust and dirt before shampooing. Pay attention to high-traffic areas, as well as corners and spaces where the carpet meets the wall. Use an attachment, if necessary, to get suction into spots the vacuum can’t adequately cover.

Fill your carpet shampooer with the amount of water and cleaning solution specified by the manufacturer.

Begin shampooing the carpet in the farthest area from the exit doorway. Go back and forth slowly in straight lines, working your way toward the door so you don’t have to step on the damp carpet to leave.

Allow the carpet to dry completely.

Sprinkle an unscented or scented carpet deodorizer over the entire floor. Leave the powder on the carpet for the amount of time specified on the instructions.

Vacuum the carpeting one last time to suck up the deodorizing powder and any other cleaning residue and dirt.

Return any displaced furniture to the room.

How long should carpet last?

While there is no definitive answer to the question of how long a carpet should last, the quality of the carpet and where it is used are among the factors that can make a significant difference.

A carpet in a spare bedroom that is rarely used will last much longer than one in a commercial building with a high footfall. The cheapest carpet you can buy will wear out much more quickly than a premium quality carpet, meaning paying as little as possible may be a false economy.

How often should you replace your carpet?

Though you cannot predict when a carpet needs replacing, there are signs that it is time to replace it. A modern carpet should last between five and fifteen years, but how long a carpet actually lasts depends on the quality of its construction and the level of foot traffic.

If there are threadbare areas or immovable stains, then it is time to replace your carpet. Strong odours that remain after deep cleaning may also be a sign that it’s time for a new one.

If the carpet pile stood up when new and is now flat, this indicates that the carpet is wearing out. A carpet may look a lighter shade in some areas than others. A faded carpet may not necessarily need replacing, but if aesthetics are important, it is a good idea to change it.

How long does a carpet last in a buy-to-let?

Some landlords do not install carpets in buy-to-let property because they prefer solid flooring like laminates and vinyl, which are easy to clean and less prone to staining. This may be a good idea for multi-occupancy property for young people who have parties or invite their friends over regularly. Carpet in these properties gets lots of use and if wine, coffee and other split liquids are not cleaned up promptly, the carpet can soon look stained.

For the more luxury end of the buy-to-let property market, tenants expect good-quality furniture and fittings. It is appropriate for these properties to have good quality carpets, perhaps even wool ones. Provided that the tenants regularly clean the carpets and look after them, the carpets should last a long time.

If a carpet is a little worn, some landlords like to replace them when tenants change. If the carpet is not replaced, it probably needs a thorough clean before a new tenant arrives.

How often should a carpet be cleaned?

Cleaning helps to prolong the life of a carpet. Regular vacuuming, at least once a week or more will keep the carpet free of loose dirt and dust, but dirt can get embedded at the bottom of the pile. To remove ingrained dirt, the carpet should be professionally cleaned. You could hire a carpet cleaning machine and do it yourself, but this may not be as thorough a job as a professional using an industrial-grade carpet cleaner.

Professional carpet cleaning should be carried out at least once a year, but every six months for a heavily used carpet. A deep cleaning may be required more frequently for carpets in commercial premises. Some carpet warranties will specify that the carpets must be cleaned regularly, otherwise the warranty is void.

What Type Of Carpet Is Likely To Last The Longest?

There are several factors that affect the durability of a carpet. Firstly, the fibre, with nylon or wool lasting longest. Then there is the weight and density of fibres. By and large, dense fibre heavyweight carpets will last longer.

The carpet fibres are twisted on most good carpet. Look for a carpet with a twist level of seven twists per inch or more.

There is no difference between how long a light-coloured carpet lasts compared to a dark one, but of course stains show up more on light colours. A pattern carpet may camouflage stains.

If a carpet doesn’t look dirty, there may be a temptation not to clean it as often as a light coloured one. Remember, whether you have a light or dark colour carpet, both need to be cleaned regularly if you want the maximum lifespan for the carpet, and ensure good hygiene in the home.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Carpet

1. A Lot Of Visible Stains

It’s possible to hide a couple small stains under furniture. But, if you’re scrambling to move things around to cover up multiple severe stains, it’s time for new carpet.

This is especially true if the stains persist after a professional cleaning. Most carpets now come with a stain-resistant finish. This protection fades with time, though, leaving you vulnerable to potential messes.

Trying to remove stains with DIY recipes gleaned off of the Internet will usually make them worse. The same is true for store-bought cleaning products, which often contain harsh chemicals.

2. Old Carpeting And Wear And Tear

You might be using furniture and small rugs to cover up not only stains but also tiny rips and tears. If there are just a few small rips, you can probably get by.

But, if there’s matted carpet, large tears, or significant wear and tear on your major walkways, it’s time for new carpet.

If it’s matted down, and the carpet is made from polyester, there’s no way to fluff it back up again. Polyester doesn’t work like that.

What’s more, older carpets that have seen a lot of foot traffic generally can’t be restored. These are all signs that it’s time for a replacement.

3. Your Carpet Has A Funky Smell

If you have a pet, your carpet may tend to be a bit smelly. But, after a professional cleaning, those smells should go away. If not, the odor has penetrated deep into the carpet fibers, the carpet pad, or even the sub-floor.

You may also have a mold or mildew problem underneath the carpet. Again, that means you have to replace the carpeting.

Furthermore, older carpets tend to trap dirt and dust more than newer ones. If yours is on the older side, and smells persist, it’s also time for something new.

4. Don’t Forget About The Carpet Padding

When thinking about your carpet, it’s easy to forget the padding underneath. But, it’s the padding that helps support the carpet, making it comfortable to walk on and lay down on.

As mentioned above, cleaning the carpet doesn’t necessarily mean the padding gets cleaned as well. In addition, if you spot any unevenness or wrinkles in your carpet, it’s a sign your padding is old and needs to be replaced.

If the carpet is still in good condition, maybe you can replace just the padding. If not, it’s time for both items to go.

How often you should vacuum your carpet depends on the level of traffic and activity in your home.

Once per week should be the minimum that any household should vacuum its carpet. For homes with high traffic or pets, more frequent vacuuming will be necessary, likely twice or even three times per week. This will release allergens such as dust and pet hair from the carpet fibers and will help to keep your carpet looking and performing its best.

Proper Technique

Before you begin vacuuming your carpet, walk through the space looking for small objects on the carpet that are too big to be vacuumed up (such as small toy pieces, coins, paper clips, etc.). These items should be picked up by hand to avoid the possibility of their getting caught in the vacuum and impairing suction, or causing damage to the vacuum.

Don’t Rush

As you vacuum your carpet, pass the vacuum cleaner back and forth slowly. When there are so many other chores and duties requiring your time, it can be very tempting to move the vacuum as quickly as you can, to speed up the process. However, this does not allow the vacuum adequate time to pick up everything in the carpet fibers, and so it will not be as effective.

Instead, run the vacuum slowly in one direction, and then pull it back towards you. Move on to the next section of carpet, allowing the vacuum to slightly overlap the area you just cleaned, to allow for the lack of brush or suction at the very edge of the vacuum head.

Reverse

Continue this way until the entire area is finished. For best results, repeat the process in the opposite direction i.e., if you originally vacuumed in a north-south motion, turn and vacuum east-west. This is not necessary every time that you vacuum but is a good idea every once in a while to ensure a nice deep clean.

Be sure to empty the canister or vacuum bag when it gets full. A full bag or canister will decrease the suction power of your vacuum, causing all of your work to be less effective. Try not to let it get more than three-quarters full, to ensure the best performance of your vacuum.

Wedding Videographer How To Know You’ve Found A Great One

How To Choose The Right Videographer For Your Wedding

Wedding videography is becoming ever more popular among the discerning clients, especially those who place great importance on the memories of their big day. With the advance of technology and the growing creative industry, the quality of wedding videos these days has improved dramatically and become much more film like. Wedding videography costs as much as, and at times, even more than wedding photography. That’s why choosing the right videographer for your wedding day is also an important step in your wedding planning. Below are some tips that will help you find the right videographer that perfectly fits your wedding needs.

Do Your Own Research

Start researching for local vendors near your area, or where your wedding venue is. Check their sample work online and narrow down what video editing style appeals to you the most. Just like wedding photography, style is everything. Look at how the story lines are put together, what music is used, and more importantly, how did you feel while watching wedding films of people whom you don’t even know. If you cry, then it’s likely you just found your wedding videographer. Don’t forget to check reviews and feedback about these potential vendors. It will help you a lot in deciding who to hire on your wedding day.

You can also ask around from family and friends for recommendations. You can inquire about how they work, their editing styles and their packages.

Interview Your Potential Vendor

Meeting your potential vendors can be a little challenging, especially when you don’t know what to ask. Yet, it plays a huge impact whether your wedding day will go smoothly as you plan it would be. That’s why this is a great opportunity for you to get to know them better. Ask them questions.  Talking to them will make you feel more comfortable when you talk openly about your expectations.

Here are some questions you can ask your potential videographer to help you jump start the interview.

  • How long have you been in the wedding industry? How did you start working as a videographer?
  • Will you be working with an assistant? How many?
  • Are you comfortable working with other vendors, especially with the photographer?
  • What is your production style? Vintage? Cinematic? Documentary?
  • What parts of the wedding day do you cover? (Do they include cocktail hour? Table visits, etc.)
  • What equipment do you use? Do you have backup equipment?
  • What are your packages?
  • How is the footage recorded?
  • What is your estimated time of delivery?
  • What videos will be provided?

Recommendations and comments:

Most wedding staff work with word of mouth as ads – we have far more faith in friends’ reviews than in faceless posts in news feeds. Do not forget to read reviews on the photographer’s page and listening to the advice of a friend – unexpectedly not all of us are so delighted with its task.

Ask pairs with which the chosen professional served independently in addition to feedback on the web site. Most of them are keen to share information and when a photographer was nice he will be sure to be right for you, give advice, build an environment, and find an individual solution to everyone.

Form and variety:

A significant argument is that a photographer’s portfolio can reflect the potential to deal with numerous weather, lighting, and location features and not just stunning but also varied. In contrast to the newly-weds, the number of photographs of décor products does not prevail. Beware of the shooting style of the photographer. It certainly must balance your sense of marriage and your general worldview. Sunny, sunny, and melancholy “streaky” taken or classic photographs impregnated with the photographer’s excellent sense of humor, which suits your couple’s mood and wedding expectations?

Technical machines

Be careful about what the photographer’s technique is using. You can make good pictures with a basic camera. However, you can only make a good picture with specialized equipment in any light or conditions that you can not predict. The photographer wants a new set of batteries, flashcards, and a backup camera since there are no injuries at all. When you first meet, do not hesitate to inquire about the technology and the protection package.

Meet Your Wedding Film Makers

Although there’s often so much to organize and do while planning your wedding, try to take some time to meet with your videographer face to face. We definitely recommend meeting with any potential wedding filmmaker in person.

Given the time constraints and the hundred and one other important considerations you need to fulfill when planning your wedding, look at a brief meeting, but one in which you can get a good measure of any potential videographer candidates. This could be in the form of either a quick coffee meetup, or even a Skype/FaceTime call.

Take a look below at some important considerations to look out for when you meet with a videographer and to make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with the filmmaker you hire.

Does your wedding videographer have a good personality? – to get the best out of your budget, and your wedding video, your filmmaker needs the necessary skills to be able to produce a high-quality film. They’ll need to be skilled at interacting with people and happy to work with and directing crowds too.

Do they put you at ease? – A good Videographer needs to be able to make their film subjects feel comfortable and relaxed. Your wedding day is a very highly charged atmosphere with lots of emotion from the bride and groom and guests too, so it’s really important you feel at ease with any potential videographer

Are they listening to you? – If any potential videographer seems to be simply reeling off a list of prices and packages and you don’t feel listened to, then maybe they aren’t the right videographers for you. Your wedding is tremendously special and as individual as you, so it’s important that you feel considered and any requirements or questions you have are addressed and you feel listened to.

Are they smart and professionally dressed? – your chosen videographer will be a major feature of your wedding celebrations and it’s important they look smart and professionally dressed. Although they may meet you in a less formal setting such as over coffee or Skype call, make sure you pay attention to the impression they make on you with regards to their outward appearance.

What should the Wedding Videographer know?

After choosing your wedding videographer in Italy, there are some important things you should communicate to him. This way you make sure that everything goes smoothly and that there are no problems on your wedding day.

Let’s see what they are:

  • Provide the videographer with the details of all the contacts you found in Italy, if you have contacted a wedding planner, give the videographer his phone number.
  • If you feel very attached to a particular music, let the videographer know, in this way he can evaluate in advance whether to include it in the video.
  • It’s always a good idea to provide your videographer with a title page, with all the important people you would like to see in your wedding film. That way, your videographer won’t accidentally let someone out. The Mother of the Bride may not be too happy!
  • Let him know the dress code. Think of your wedding videographer as a guest; he or she will have to integrate seamlessly with everyone else at your reception!
  • Introduce the videographer to the photographer. The two will work in tandem and there is nothing more uncomfortable than a photographer and a videographer fighting for the best shots.

How to pick your wedding video style

Videography has become more and more popular over the last few years, with 51% of couples including this as a part of their wedding day. Not having a video is one of the biggest regrets couples have after their wedding day. And unfortunately, it’s impossible to recreate those moments once the day has come and gone.

Once you’ve decided whether to have a videographer on your day, the next step is to look at the filming style. Deciding your style, how long to hire, and the right person to do it are all choices you must make.

You’ve likely already put thought into the style for your wedding photos, so now its time to think about your video. These two elements will go hand in hand when helping you remember and relive your day, so consistency is key. Most importantly, you want to be sure to capture your wedding day the way that you want to remember it.

Luckily there are many styles for you to choose from and most wedding videographers will give you several options, so you aren’t limited in your choice. Whether you choose a full-length feature or a highlight reel, you’ll find the right style to fit your needs.

Cinematic

The most popular videography choice for weddings is cinematic. 37% of couples will hire a cinematic videographer on their day.

A cinematic style will capture your wedding day in a more stylised way. Not only will it include the important parts of your day, but also the little things that add those memorable touches, like the décor, rings and any pre-wedding activities.

Think of it as more of a movie edit that will be put together with the focus being on the production of your wedding day storyline. Visuals of your vows and speeches may be overlayed with video of you posing for photos or cutting your wedding cake. These elements help create a more stylised video and give a more movie feel to your wedding. So, in years to come, you can sit down with some popcorn and enjoy looking back on your day.

If this sounds like the video style for you, chat to your videographer about what they need from you to craft your day into that movie-style. Music and voice-overs will definitely play a part.

Traditional and romantic

The second most popular videography style is traditional and romantic style, as chosen by 29% of couples. A traditional wedding video will likely capture those important parts of your day, including your vows, speeches and first dance. Often traditional styles will have minimal editing or transitions.

In saying that, while most traditional wedding videos limit editing, modern romantic and traditional wedding videos are frequently edited into a highlights package. This way, you can relive the best parts of your wedding, without including any blunders or accidents. A good videography company will have editors who can work around these!

It’s becoming more common for videographers to include a wedding teaser video, which is a great way to share with your friends and family through social media. This is also more suited for friends and family, rather than having a massive viewing session. Save that for your parents!

Documentary

The third most popular wedding video style is the documentary format, with 22% of couples opting for this choice. This style is very similar to the cinematic edit, in that it will be longer and more stylised like a movie. It differs from cinematic by taking a more journalistic approach, rather than a dramatic feel. Documentaries often include interviews with the couple and their friends and family before they tie the knot. Expressing those pre-wedding jitters on camera might make you nervous, but it’s a great way to capture the emotion of your day.

This style of wedding video will also go through the paces of your wedding day from the very beginning to the very end in chronological order. There will be sections focusing on getting ready, arriving at the ceremony and exchanging your vows, all the way to getting photos taken and heading into the reception.

Documentary edits are perfect for those couples who love to tell their story and want to share their feelings before the wedding. This makes watching it and reliving it all the more fun, as there are sure to be surprises and things that were said and forgotten!

Important Steps To Follow In Hiring A Local Moving Company

MOVING CHECKLIST: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

There is a lot to do when it comes to moving. That’s why we have created this complete moving checklist for you to use when preparing for your upcoming relocation. Read it over, print it out, and get started. You have some work to do. Remember, if you need any help, have any questions

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Tour your house and decide which items should be discarded or donated to charity.

Consider hosting a moving sale.

Start researching moving companies and schedule an in-home moving quote.

Before you get your moving estimate, decide which items you will pack and transport and which items you would like the moving company to pack and transport.

Create a ‘Moving Binder’ to keep track of all of the moving information, your receipts, and an inventory of all the items you will be moving.

Call your family doctors and dentists and get copies of renewable prescriptions and request medical and dental records.

Arrange for the transfer of school records.

If you are making an international move make sure that your passport is up to date as they can take as long as 4-6 weeks to process.

Transfer medical/dental insurance records.

Check your homeowners insurance and see if moving is covered.

Transfer your fire, theft, and other personal property insurance to your new home.

If you are moving from an apartment, notify your landlord and request your deposit back.

3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Be aware of the items that cannot be moved. Try to use, or give away, all of your perishable food, aerosols, bottled gasoline, and ammunition before your move date.

Notify important parties of your new address, including your employer’s HR department, magazines and newspapers you subscribe to, and your credit card companies.

Begin packing the things that you use the most infrequently, such as your waffle iron, volleyball net, and golf shoes.

Notify the post office of your change of address. Remember you must do this for each person receiving mail at your home.

Take care of routine checkups for your family. It may be a while before you find a good doctor, dentist, optometrist in your new area.

If you are driving to your new home, get your car tuned up in preparation for the trip.

Separate your valuables and place them in a lock box that you will transport with you personally.

If you are doing your own packing, start buying the moving supplies you will need including boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and box labels.

Schedule your moving date and time.

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Return any library books, neighbors shovel, and any other things you’ve borrowed.

Collect the things you have loaned out, sent to the dry-cleaners, layaway, storage, and safety deposit box.

Schedule to be off work on your move out day.

Plan on how you are going to move your plants.

Take your pets to the vet and make sure that they have the proper required health certificates since each state has different regulations.

Get an appraisal of your valuable items or antiques to verify value.

Plan out meals with whatever is left in your cupboards so that you use the rest of your food and don’t have to throw it away.

Send any rugs and draperies out for cleaning. Leave them in the plastic wrap upon return so they are ready to be packed up for the move.

Arrange for the connection of utilities to your new home.

Clean out your locker at the gym, bowling alley, and golf club.

If you are moving pets, ensure that you have a plan to relocate them successfully. If you need to board them or leave them with friends you should confirm this now.

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING

Transfer your bank accounts and ask your local credit bureau to transfer your records to your new city.

Set aside any maps, games, snacks, flashlights, medicines, important papers, and anything else that you will be taking with you in your car.

Make a “clean out closet” that includes all of the things you will need for the final cleaning of your home after your items are all moved out.

Arrange for your new phone, internet, and cable services to be installed at your new home.

Make sure that all of your appliances are properly serviced for shipping.

Pack a “first night box” with everything you will need for the first night in your new home. Pack it last so it can be unpacked first.

Drain the water from all of your garden hoses, water beds and spa.

Drain gasoline and oil from all of your yard and power equipment.

Refill your prescriptions.

Make arrangements to pay your mover if you haven’t already. Understand what type of payments that they will accept and bring cash if you want to tip the movers.

Cancel your security, pest control, cleaning help, lawn maintenance and any other services that you receive.

Backup your computer’s memory and have a plan for checking emails while in transit.

Arrange for your satellite dish or cable disconnection.

Contact your moving company to confirm your moving arrangements.

Encourage your children to make an address book of friends.

1 DAY BEFORE MOVING

Put non-combustible cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other items you will need first in special boxes to be loaded last and unloaded first.

Defrost, clean, and dry refrigerator and freezer.

Dispose of any remaining flammables, fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, ammunition, poisons, or anything else listed on the non-allowable list.

Visit the ATM and get enough cash to tide you over.

Clearly label, and be sure to point out, any extra fragile items that may need special care.

Give your new contact information to friends, family, and important businesses.

Gather all keys, alarm codes, and garage door openers and place them into a folder so you are prepared to hand them to the new owner or real estate agent.

Pack pet food and pet litter.

Unplug all electrical devices so that they are at room temperature when it comes time for the move.

Notify the police in your town if your old home will be uninhabited for a long period of time.

Mow your lawn one last time, especially if the house will not be occupied quickly.

Leave a note for the new occupants with your new address so that they can forward any mail that happens to come for you after you’re gone.

Moving advice

Whether there’s a family, professional or personal reason for a move, it can be challenging. That’s why it’s a good idea to take the necessary steps to ease stress and protect your property during the moving process. In a good move, all of the bases are covered. From the minute your belongings leave your home until they arrive at their destination, all of the necessary moving expertise, along with insurance and worker protection, is in place. You’ll have peace of mind and know that you got value for money and quality customer service. No surprises, no extra fees, no losses and no missed deadlines.

Choose a reputable mover

Choosing a reputable moving company is the first—and probably most important—step in the moving process. Seek a mover with reliable evidence of great customer service, truth in advertising and sound business practices.

When shopping around for a mover, it’s important to:

get estimates from at least three reputable movers

check references and find out if the mover has been certified

find out how the company will manage your move and protect your property

read the mover’s website content and printed information carefully

find out if they have a local presence and can be found in the event of a problem

Find out if the mover uses a subcontractor

Check if the company has their own equipment or whether they will use a subcontractor or another company to provide the service. If so, make sure you have information about their certification and track record. Determine if the mover is responsible for all services from end to end—including those provided by subcontractors

Get a quote in writing from the mover

Before you commit, get the costs, as well as terms and conditions, of your move in writing.

You should also:

make sure that the mover sees all items that must be moved while preparing the quote

give the mover all of the information they need for your quote (e.g., existing and future addresses, and a list of obstacles, like stairs or escalators, that may require special navigation)

ask about additional costs you may incur if you need to add items on the day of the move

get the quote on a company letterhead and signed by a company representative

check that the quote includes the number of boxes to be moved, the size and value of items, the costing (by hour, flat rate, or by weight), terms of payment, and the timing of services

make sure the quote includes commitments about the delivery date and special care items

ask if you must pay a deposit up front and if it is refundable or held as a penalty to cover the costs for cancellation

verify the form of payment the mover will accept and if any fees or deposits are payable upfront

a mover can legally ask for payment in advance of delivery. In most situations, this payment will not exceed the estimate by more than 10%

look over the quote carefully and make sure you understand all of the details—including the final cost as well as the terms and conditions

Moving Guide

Moving is a very overwhelming and daunting event. Whether you are moving with us or have made other arrangements developed a Moving Guide that can be accessed at any time on your mobile device to answer questions and guide you through the moving process.

extensively trains every mover to conduct your move with care. Our uniformed moving team will arrive promptly in a clean, well-equipped truck. We also communicate throughout the day to ensure that your step is a success.

MORNING ARRIVAL​

If you have scheduled your move for the morning, your move team typically arrives at your first location between 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM unless you have arranged particular start time. The moving crew will give you between 30 minutes and one hour of notice before arrival.

AFTERNOON ARRIVAL

Afternoon moves typically start between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you’ve arranged your move for the afternoon, the team will contact you on the day of the plan to let you know when they will arrive. Again, the moving crew will give you between 30 minutes and one hour of notice before arrival.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Upon arriving at your first location, your team will introduce themselves and then get the lay of the land completing a walkthrough. There are specific steps that the team must complete while protecting your property, and the team is accountable for these steps. At the end of the walkthrough, you will sign off to confirm that your designated moving team has completed all the steps. After this process is complete, the team will position the truck or trailer and start moving items.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

Throughout the day, we will ask you to sign off each phase of your move, indicating that you are satisfied with your team’s performance. Also, if there are any Change Orders or Waivers discovered by the moving crew, they will communicate this discovery before taking any action without permission. (see Change Orders and Waivers) The Team Leader will enter the arrival, departure, and break times in our app.

The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Reduce your stress by planning ahead

It’s no surprise that the entire process of moving contains a lot of stress. There are so many details to manage from the day you decide to look for a new place until that final box gets unpacked.

Staying organized and positive can help ease you through each step, but you’ll most likely feel pressure from the amount of time and money you’ll invest in the move. This is why it’s important to go into your move prepared for what’s ahead. Keep track of everything that has to get done to help you avoid any costly moving mistakes.

What are your moving options?

Those who are moving usually do it themselves, have full-service movers or a hybrid of the two. Each variation will require a different amount of energy, money, time and attention to detail.

Do-it-yourself move

This version is usually the cheapest option but can be more time-consuming. You rent your own truck or borrow a friend’s. You pack it up and drive yourself to your new home. Once you get to the new place, you unload and unpack your belongings.

Hiring movers

If you decide to hire movers, they will be responsible for packing the truck, driving to the new location and unpacking your belongings. This makes your move easier and quicker but can end up costing more.

Hybrid move

If you’d like an option that’s in between, you can hire help to just load and unload your truck. This hybrid option will be a medium price while still being efficient.

HOW TO MOVE GUIDES

Every day is moving day for Atlas. As your family gets ready to go new places, Atlas is ready with the know-how and tools to move you safely and easily. The packers and movers bring best practices to ensure your belongings travel safely as well.

Gather your Supplies.

Select an area large enough to handle your biggest boxes (Where can you get boxes for moving? Your can provide them!).

A strong table with a protective cover offers a good work surface. (We don’t recommend using your good dining room table.) Have your markers, tape and scissors nearby. Spread a generous amount of neatly stacked packing paper flat on your table.

Pack Room by Room.

Pack a couple of boxes a day, starting well ahead of the move. Pack one room at a time; this will make it easier to stay organized.

Label Everything.

Mark all boxes with room and a box number. Record these in a box identification log that shows the number of boxes packed per room and the total number of boxes packed

Fill Boxes Safely.

Use plenty of filling material in boxes; when in doubt, use more.

Improper packing is the most common cause of breakage and damage during moving.

Check Box Bottoms.

Make sure bottoms of boxes are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.

Keep it under 50 lbs.

Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top.

Do not exceed 50 pounds per box; it makes moving them a lot easier.

Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box you should use.

Things To Consider Before Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer

Ask Personal Injury Attorneys These Important Questions Before Hiring One

Securing fair compensation for your personal injury and other losses is a complex process. Only an expert attorney with considerable experience in handling personal injury cases will be able to represent your interests during the settlement negotiations with the insurance company or in court.

It is always best to consult a lawyer before filing a personal injury claim. However, the question that remains is – which lawyer should you hire? After all, you will work with him/her closely and need to feel comfortable disclosing your details to him/her.

It makes sense to interview a few lawyers before zeroing in on the right one.

Mentioned ahead are a few questions to ask potential personal injury attorneys.

What Kind of Cases Do You Handle on a Daily Basis?

A lot of lawyers are actually general practitioners. They dabble in every area of law, including personal injury. This does not mean they specialize in personal injury practice, but that they do handle these kinds of cases occasionally.

Hiring a general practitioner may not be the best idea for a victim of personal injury. Ideally, you should go for a lawyer who has specialized in personal injury law and deals with related cases on a regular basis. Only he/she will know it in and out and will be capable of getting you the best results.

Think of it as deciding on a doctor. You wouldn’t hire a cardiologist or a general practitioner to perform orthopedic surgery!

Have You Previously Handled Cases Similar to Mine?

Asking this question is crucial. A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that the personal injury lawyer has already handled a case like yours. This presumption, however, is rarely correct.

Ask all prospective lawyers about their prior experience in dealing with personal injury cases and the results obtained. If you’ve been in a car accident, for example, you don’t want to end up hiring a personal injury attorney who has worked only on medical malpractice lawsuits.

Does the lawyer try lawsuits in court, or is every case settled out of court or referred to other lawyers to try?

This is an important question that many lay people never think to ask. There is only one way to get top dollar for your case in a settlement. That is to show the insurance company that you are ready, willing and able to try the case in court. I tell clients that it’s kind of like the Defense Department. The only way to secure a just and lasting peace is to prepare for war.

If you hire a lawyer who always settles and never goes to court, be prepared to take a substantial discount on your case.

In every city, there are “clearinghouse” lawyers who advertise heavily and get many clients as a result – and who then either settle their cases quickly or refer them to other lawyers to do the real work. (The “clearinghouse” lawyer gets a piece of the fee for making such a referral.) On the other hand, real lawyers actually go to court and try cases the old-fashioned way: in front of judges and juries. Real lawyers settle cases out of court too, but they also compile a track record of verdicts that they will tell you about if you ask.

One problem with “clearinghouse” lawyers is that they are generally interested in volume and quick turnover. This means they try to settle cases quickly, sometimes at the expense of the client whose good case may be shortchanged in the lawyer’s rush for a fee.

Another problem with “clearinghouse” lawyers is that the client can become confused about who their real lawyer is. They hired the “clearinghouse” lawyer, but that lawyer is not their real lawyer.

What is your area of practice?

The area of practice for attorneys is a crucial piece of information that can determine the success of your case. If you find yourself speaking with an attorney whose specialty area is family law, but you need a personal injury attorney, then you should move on to another attorney. Never allow an attorney to tell you that specialty areas of practice do not matter. Personal injury attorneys who are certified specialists in injury and wrongful death cases know important information about the law, where it bends, and where it doesn’t that attorneys who do not specialize in this type of law will not be privy to. The answer to this one question alone can make or break your case. In the same vein, it is important to know whether the law firm practices other types of law or if they only practice personal injury and wrongful death law. This can help you determine the ability of the law firm to take on your case and give it attention.

What is your caseload?

It is always appropriate to ask the attorney you are considering for hire the current nature of their caseload. If your prospective attorney has 47 other major cases on their desk at the same time as yours, it may take them days to get back to you when you have a question. If your timeframe is tight, and you are concerned about the statute of limitations and other deadlines for your care and recovery, an attorney who is unable to get back to you in a short timeframe may not be right for you.

How long has the lawyer been working in the field of representing victims of accidents?

As a general rule, lawyers who specialize in personal injury lawsuits for injured persons charge the same fee no matter how long they have been practicing.

That means that for the same fee, you can get a lawyer with one or two years’ experience… Or a lawyer with twenty years of experience. As in any other field, experience makes a difference.

Do not be fooled by claims of lawyers who work at firms where they have 50 combined years of experience. Because no one lawyer has been practicing personal injury for that long… 10 doctors with a year of experience each, don’t have 10 years of experience. You want your lawyer to have significant experience practicing in this field. And they should be happy to tell you about that experience if you ask.

Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Insurance companies are not willing to give you big amounts for your damages. If you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer, then they are compelled to make higher settlements. Insurance companies are well aware of the reputed lawyers of the area and when you take the services of these lawyers, they want to settle the case as soon as possible. This is because they are well aware of their track records of taking cases to trials and their success rate.

How to avoid trial and get maximum value for an injury claim

It is obvious to hope for the case settlement without a fight. If you want to achieve this, then it is imperative to hire a seasoned, certified and reputed personal injury lawyers Pittsburgh. Insurance companies do not want to offer a lower settlement and then face a lawsuit. This is the reason when they find that you have taken the services of a reputed lawyer they want to settle the case with the maximum possible amount.

Personal injury lawyer

You need to make sure that your lawyer has adequate amount of experience in the type of cases as of you. This is applicable for whether you are willing to take the services for personal injury, bankruptcy law or criminal law.

When your lawyer gives you good advice, it will not only save your money and help you get the higher settlement price, but it will also save you from making unpleasant mistakes in the future. You may have heard that prevention is better than cure and it applies with legal matters.

Avoid those lawyers who do not work on personal injury cases

There are several lawyers providing services for personal injuries, but they have no experience or little experience in this field. An experienced and qualified personal injury lawyer will start the process without making mistakes. Big firms cannot concentrate on each case properly and insurance companies are well aware of these firms. When you will hire these firms to handle your case, it is obvious that insurance companies will offer you less amount of money. They will make pressure on you to take less money because they are aware of inefficiency of the services.

Starting An Electrician Business

Electrical Work Pricing Guide

The average cost to hire an electrician to install or repair light fixtures, outlets, switches, or fans ranges from $141 to $419. Wiring costs $6 to $8 per foot and upgrading an electrical panel costs $1,100 to $2,500. Get free estimates from electrical services near you or check out our electrician prices list below.

Electrical Work & Repair Costs

The average cost to hire an electrician to install or repair light fixtures, outlets, switches, or fans ranges from $141 to $419 with homeowners spending $280 on average. For larger electrical jobs like installing wiring or replacing an electrical panel, expect to pay $2,000 to $6,000.

Electrician Cost

The average cost of an electrician is $40 to $100 per hour, with a typical call-out fee or first-hour rate of $75 to $125. To hire a master electrician for specialty work, expect to spend $150 for the first hour, with an average hourly rate of $100 to $120

Most homeowners will call an electrician when too much or too little power is coming to outlets or lighting fixtures (tripping circuit breakers), they need more or safer outlets installed, or the wiring needs upgrading because the house is old and the old wiring isn’t up to par. Most electricians’ charge by the hour and costs are based on the electrician’s experience, what your electrical needs are, and the complexity of the job.

Apprentice Electrician – Is usually in school and they are just starting their electrical career.

Journeyman Electrician – Has completed the first phase of education and is allowed to work independently.

Master Electrician – Has completed their education and has several years of work experience and is a master of the trade

Electrician Prices List

While it can be a relatively quick job for an electrician to fit an outlet or wire your surround sound system, the bulk of your cost lies in the electrician’s service call fee of about $75, so it may cost about $125 to $150 for a small job like installing or replacing an outlet. Larger jobs such as wiring and circuit breaker installation run $2,000 or more.

Best Electrician Books for Beginners

A good electrician’s book can easily be the difference between passing or failing an exam. Look for a book that has NEC tables, detailed information on wiring, and a reference table for common equations and unit conversions.

First on our list is Ugly’s Electrical References. It was updated in 2020, and this is by far the best Ugly’s guide out. Its main purpose is to teach new and professional electricians the ins and out of the industry. For instance, it can be used as a reference while on the job and can answer the questions that most beginners and apprentices tend to have.

This book presents the most important information electricians need at their fingertips such as National Electrical Code tables, mathematical formulas, conduit bending, voltage drops, first-aid procedures, and wiring.

For those that are undergoing electrician apprenticeship training, this is the right book for you. It includes charts to help you determine the right wire to use for a circuit. This helps you prevent house fires by using the wrong wire.

Another reason why consumers like this book are the quality of the information presented. It is compact and includes tables for electrical construction and commonly used electrical formulas. So, you won’t have any problem finding information based on your electrical project.

How much do electricians cost?

Electricians keep the power running to our homes and mean we can enjoy everything from our TVs to toasters. Keeping the electrics in our home running properly is a matter of safety, and if you need to update anything in your home, or make any changes, then it’s important you hire the right person and have the done carried out properly.

Jobs of all sizes

If you’re thinking about having some electrical work done, whether that’s adding a new plug socket or getting your fuse box replaced, you’ll want to know what kind of costs will be involved.

What is the hourly rate of an electrician?

Electricians can charge in one of two ways – either a fixed fee for a particular job, or an hourly rate that will cover whatever they have to do within a certain space of time. Generally, most electricians will prefer to price for a specific job, but an hourly rate gives a good benchmark of costs.

Have found that an average hourly rate is about $40 per hour, though this can be more or less in different parts of the country, with London and the south-east tending to be more expensive.

If a job is likely to take an entire day or more, an electrician might prefer to set a day rate, which may be around $200 or $250. The first hour will often be more expensive than subsequent hours as any travel time and taxes will be factored into this.

Sales Tax Guide for Electricians

This guide provides some general information on tax issues specific to electricians and resources for registering, filing returns and making payments. It is not intended to be used as a legal ruling, but merely as a general guide for sales and use taxes as they relate to electricians. Not every tax situation is covered in this guide

Generally, electricians act as contractors when they perform:

Construction

Reconstruction

Alteration

Improvement

Remodeling or

Repair of real property

and are the consumers of tangible personal property (material) purchased by them for the performance of their contracts. In these instances, they are required to pay sales or use tax as consumers on the total price of the material purchased at the time of purchase, unless the purchase is exempt from tax.

There are several exemptions from tax that may apply depending on whether the material is:

Purchased for an entity that is exempt from tax or

Used in an exempt manner.

If an electrician doesn’t pay sales tax at the time of sale and the material is subject to tax, the electrician must:

Self-assess a use tax on the cost of the material and

Remit the tax to the Department of Revenue (DOR).

Where an electrician agrees to sell material and provide installation services for a separate price, the electrician is:

Acting as a vendor and

Required to collect the sales tax based on the price the electrician charges their customer. 

Exceptions

There are exceptions when electricians:

Perform contracts for organizations that are exempt from sales tax under G.L. c. 64H, Section 6(d) and/or Section 6(e).

Purchase material(s) that are used in an exempt manner from sales tax under G.L. c. 64H, Section 6(r) and Section 6(s).

How To Become An Electrician

We have all the info you need to start a successful and high-paying career as an electrician. We’ve got:

A step-by-step guide on how to become an electrician;

A complete list of schools and apprenticeships in your state; and

Info on what it’s actually like to be an electrician—salary, hours, work environments, and so on.

Begin An Electrician Career In Steps

We promised a step-by-step guide on becoming an electrician, so let’s get to that first. Here’s the process you’ll follow to become a licensed electrician, boiled down to three steps.

You will need to:

Learn about the different types of electrician careers (we discuss each type in a section below), and get a feel for the type of electrical work you’d like to do

Find an electrical apprenticeship, either through a technical school, union, or employer, OR enroll in an electrician program at a trade school or community college, find a job after graduation, and then begin accruing the necessary work experience to…

Take your state or municipality’s licensing test and become a journeyman electrician. Easy as one-two-three, right?

Let’s take a look at what electricians actually do, figure out what kind of electrician you want to be, find out how much you can expect to make (some good news: it’s a lot), and then go into more detail about each of the three steps.

Home Inspection Their Purpose And Process

Are Virtual Inspections in Your Future?

Fast-forward to late March 2020 and the onset of stay-at-home orders in light of the Coronavirus health crisis across most of the country, and that tune changed dramatically.

Keeping Residential Construction on Schedule

Nationwide, nearly 90% of residential construction work has been allowed to continue as an “essential” industry, but delays in getting necessary inspections to maintain progress has been slowed by social distancing and other health-related measures.

Virtual building inspections (VBIs) seemed like a logical solution, but that option was only available to about 4% of builders before the pandemic, according to a recent NAHB survey; since then, another 20% of municipalities have introduced some form of the technology (usually via FaceTime, Zoom, or a similar mobile device app), but that still leaves 75% of the industry waiting for in-person inspections.

had been thinking about offering virtual inspections for a few years and had conducted a couple of test runs of an in-house solution in the months before COVID-19. But when his office was forced by the state to close on March 18

The program uses a mix of relatively low-tech audio-video solutions, such as Microsoft Teams and Google Duo, to allow inspectors to work remotely and communicate effectively with contractors in the field.

Most Common Defects Found in Home Inspections

Nearly 55 percent of homes analyzed across the country had doors that needed adjusting, which could be an indicator of foundation issues, the report showed. More than half—or 54 percent—of the homes lacked exterior caulking and sealant, which could leave the home susceptible to extensive water damage. Furthermore, about 48 percent of homes lacked GFCI protection—this could pose a dangerous electrocution risk to homeowners around water-prone areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

“Home buyers and [real estate professionals] across the country should leverage these insights to better position themselves in the stressful negotiation process,”

for example, buyers may only be given three to five days to complete the inspection period, meaning they may only have 24 hours or less to make a decision. During this period, having clarity and insight into the cost of repairs listed in a home inspection report is critical to avoid leaving money on the table.”

The most expensive home defects—uncovered in 9 to 20 percent of the homes studied—ranged in repair prices from slightly more than $1,000 to less than $10,000.

Transaction Guidance During COVID-19

This is general guidance only. Members should consult their brokers, legal counsel, and government-provided public health information. In addition, check with your MLS for any changes to open house and showing fields, or other temporary rules in place due to local conditions.

In deciding how to address new issues that may come up in your day-to-day business, we urge you to find answers that will ensure first-class services to your clients, while also demonstrating care for the health and well-being of clients, agents, and the greater public welfare in reducing the risk of exposure to and spread of COVID-19.

My seller doesn’t want any showings, what should I do?

A seller generally has control over how their property is shown and has agreed to certain marketing activity in the listing agreement. If the seller desires to prohibit in-person showings, get those instructions in writing and consider an addendum to your listing agreement to extend the listing.

May I limit in-person showings to pre-qualified buyers?

Yes. Both listing and buyer’s agents may ask if a buyer is pre-qualified to purchase and limit showings to qualified buyers. Be sure to ask all buyers for a pre-qualification letter to avoid a potential Fair Housing violation. Keep in mind that it may be difficult for buyers just entering the market to obtain a pre-qualification letter given the current circumstances, as many mortgage companies have been impacted by the pandemic with high volumes of refinancing applications and other operational issues.

May an agent require an individual complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire before showing an individual a property?

Yes, it is reasonable to screen individuals for COVID-19 prior to showing an individual a property, but be sure to require all individuals to complete the questionnaire to avoid fair housing issues.  Keep in mind that self-reporting may provide limited assurance, as some individuals with the virus are asymptomatic or do not realize they have symptoms. Therefore, even where a COVID-19 screening questionnaire is used, agents should be sure to take additional precautions, and continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations, including social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between individuals), requiring guests to wash their hands or to use an alcohol-based sanitizer immediately upon entry, and removing shoes/covering with booties, to avoid exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19. 

Coronavirus and Appraisers: Your Questions Answered

In response to the growing concerns about COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, The Appraisal Foundation is providing this assistance to help Appraisers respond to the coronavirus’s potential impact on the profession. Most important is to stay up to date on developments as they are occurring rapidly. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is providing daily, even hourly updates.

My state has declared a lock down for all non-essential services. Are appraisers in my state defined as an a non-essential service or an essential service?

Your state appraisal regulator is in the best position to answer this question. The Appraisal Subcommittee has contact information for all state regulators on its website

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued guidance that recognizes “Residential and commercial real estate services, including settlement services” as being part of the “Essential Critical Infrastructure” workforce

Will the continuing education cycle be extended and will distance education be expanded?

The Appraiser Qualifications Board and the Appraisal Subcommittee are working together to offer relief wherever possible during this unprecedented national emergency.

Appraisal Standards Board

The ASB provides updated guidance on interior inspections during a national health emergency. In addition, the ASB has issued guidance on completing  a desktop  or exterior-only appraisal, but reporting the results using a GSE form designed for an appraisal with an interior and exterior inspection.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

How much does a home inspection cost? According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a typical home inspection costs $300 to $500. In most cases, it’s well worth it for buyers to hire a home inspector.

Home inspections, for you first-time home buyers out there, are a way to vet a home before you buy it. Let’s face it: Buying a home is a huge investment—and you can’t exactly read reviews to get a sense of any problems that might crop up after you’ve plunked down your money for the purchase price.

How much does a home inspection cost?

While the average home inspection costs for a single-family home will generally run $300 to $500, just keep in mind that the exact price will depend on the size of your home, where you live, and what you want inspected

An older home may also cost more to inspect. Or a home inspector may need to spend more time on a house with apparent defects, which may cost you more.

What home inspectors look for

A professional home inspector, certified by the NAHI, is trained to use a home inspection checklist to look at over 1,600 features of your home that can fall into disrepair (who knew there were so many?).

Why Use An Accountant Practice Mergers And Acquisitions Broker

Practical Ways to Create an Accountability Culture in a Company

Accountability is an odd concept. It has been defined as having the responsibility and authority to act and fully accept the natural and logical consequences for the results of those actions. Personal accountability is an admirable trait, one that everyone should strive to attain. But as a leader, or even as a high-functioning member of a team, it is essential to create an accountability culture for individuals and the group as a whole.

While some may attach a negative air to the word accountability, research indicates that holding people accountable for their results has very positive effects: greater accuracy of work, better response to role obligations, more vigilant problem solving, better decision making, more cooperation with co-workers, and higher team satisfaction.

But as it goes with all foundations, there must be a firm structure added in addition to having a complete building. Here are several additional tips to help build an accountability culture in a company:

Set expectations

It is important to set firm, clear, and concise expectations for any group. Accountability will not grow where team members are unsure of the group’s purpose and vision. Teams need to know what is expected of them before they in turn can be expected to be held accountable.

You can set expectations by:

  • Clearly communicating the team’s mission and vision.
  • Emphasizing the urgency and importance of whatever task you have assigned.
  • Laying out the standards that will be upheld throughout the process. Be specific regarding end results, time frames, and expected levels of effort.
  • Clearly and explicitly defining each member’s role and responsibilities.

The clearer initial goals and expectations are, the less time will be spent arguing when someone is held accountable because of ambiguous initial goals.

Invite Commitment

Although you may make these initial conditions and goals clear, it is important to have the team members commit to these standards and expectations. Work with your team to make sure that everyone commits to their role, understanding how it will benefit both the individual and the team. Be sure to put it in writing, too. This will give the commitment a physical representation that cannot be debated.

Accountability grows when this connection is made, and is enhanced when other people are aware of the commitment. Team members are further motivated to accomplish their tasks and will more readily welcome you holding them accountable for their actions or lack thereof.

Measure progress

Measure the progress of team members in alignment with the goals and expectations set out at the beginning. Goals can only be measured when they are quantified. Compare the measured results to the goals to find out where team members need the most improvement.

Provide feedback

After setting clear expectations, committing to set goals, and measuring progress, it is important to provide feedback to team members so that there can be improvement towards the goal. When creating an accountability culture in a company, make sure that the feedback that you do give highlights both the positive things that the team member has done and the areas where they can improve.

Set clear expectations

Accepting responsibility requires clarity in what is expected. Merely saying “complete the project according to the highest standards and as soon as possible” will always be unclear unless you provide specifics.

If you ask five people what “to the highest standards means,” you’ll probably get five different answers. For someone, the highest standard for a project may be defined as delivered with the greatest amount of detail and precision; someone else may find effectiveness and agility more important than perfection. It’s the same for “as soon as possible” — does ASAP mean in an hour, tomorrow, or next week?

Lack of specificity and unclear expectations create accountability gaps. To fill these gaps and reduce ambiguity, try to be as specific as possible. Try the following:

  • Define specific timeframes like “October, 3rd at 5PM your time”
  • State who is responsible for the project
  • Describe what the completed version of the project should look like
  • Provide examples

While a solid workplace culture starts with leadership and their initiative, your whole team is involved.

Discuss your organizational values with every single employee so they feel they’re part of it. Sharing your commitment to a social cause or stopping climate change is one thing, but these values should be a part of your branding, marketing strategy, and your day-to-day company life. That includes how your team works and what activities you commonly pursue.

Getting everyone involved in these common-cause tasks gives them a sense of fulfillment and will have them bragging about how cool their workplace is, turning workers into your most valuable advocates. The old ways of bad companies faking their care for employees no longer works. Future successful organizations need to be fully involved in building sustainable workplace cultures and activities that will support global causes.

Pre-existing work culture can be difficult to change. That’s why it would be best for you to take a systematic approach when it comes to developing it and integrate into your business strategy. This means you’ll need to designate a person who’s going to be responsible for the growth of your workplace culture and keeping it at sane levels.

Accept constructive criticism from your employees

Because merely giving feedback to employees isn’t enough. Maintaining an open and flexible relationship with your employees will make them employees feel comfortable, talking about your performance candidly with you.

As such, you will be able to understand the employee behaviors, spot negative habits, anticipate problems within the team, get to know what they expect from you as their leader. Not being immune to criticism yourself makes this a one-sided situation and discourages the employees from taking feedback seriously. Thus, it can be said that accountable leaders should seek feedback from the employees because feedback creates responsible people.

Consequences:

Most people see consequences and they immediately think of a negative connotation. We overlook that consequences can also be positive. Make results and consequences visible. Talk to your team strategically vs tactically, which is usually done through questions vs. statements. Secondly, for some reason, leaders are the first to let people know when something’s not right or if it’s gone awry. But when things go well, it’s almost as if the success is glossed over. The consequence of that, though, is that you help create a remedial culture. People are only noticed and given attention at weekly team meetings when things don’t go as expected. So work to give equal (or more) weight to what’s gone right. Celebrate!

Rules For Veterinarian Practice Success

What to Expect at Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit

Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit

The best veterinarians have busy schedules, so if you know exactly when you’ll be picking your puppy up, call in advance to get a convenient appointment. Don’t wait until the last minute.

You should also try to visit the clinic before your puppy comes home. Look around and see if you are at ease there, that the support staff seems friendly, and the facility is clean. Most vets will take the time to chat with prospective clients. This can be very helpful because it’s important that you are comfortable enough with this individual to ask questions. You will have lots of them when your new pup comes home and you want someone who will treat your concerns with respect.

Also, find out about the clinic’s after-hours setup. One great truth about life with puppies is that emergencies rarely pop up from 9 to 5. Know what to do in the case your puppy gets an ear infection in the middle of the night, and that includes making plans for transportation to the facility.

What Happens During The First Vet Visit

During your puppy’s first visit, the vet should:

  • Weigh the puppy;
  • Listen to heart and lungs with a stethoscope;
  • Take his temperature (note: pet temperatures are taken rectally);
  • Examine eyes, ears, nose, feet, and genitalia
  • Examine skin and coat;
  • Look at teeth and mouth;
  • Palpate abdomen and lymph nodes;
  • Examine feces (bring a sample) for the presence of worms (most pups have roundworms);
  • Discuss the puppy’s history and any questions you might have about feeding, medical issues, such as worm medications, and future care, such as microchipping, and spaying and neutering;
  • If you are going home with medications or treatments, make sure that you understand when and how they are to be given. Follow directions to the letter, and set up a schedule for follow-up visits and vaccinations.

Remember to bring any paperwork, such as medical records from the breeder or rescue, so the vet can include these in your dog’s file.

When to Take a Puppy to the Vet for the First Time

Many dog shelters and breeders start vet visits for puppies before they release their little ones to new pet parents. You should receive paperwork that clearly states what type of care has already been provided, when that occurred, and when you should schedule your puppy’s next veterinary visit.

But regardless of what the shelter or breeder has already done, it is always a good idea to schedule a new puppy vet visit within a few days of picking up your new canine companion. This will allow the veterinarian to review your pup’s records and quickly provide any overdue care. The doctor will also perform a complete physical examination and perhaps run some laboratory tests to identify any potential health concerns. It’s best to learn about problems as soon as possible before any health guarantees the breeder provides expires.

A typical vet schedule for puppies is for appointments to occur every 3 to 4 weeks starting when puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old and ending when they are 4 or 5 months old. Most puppies start their vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Puppies who receive their first vaccinations when they are older than 4 or 5 months of age can usually be caught up in two visits scheduled 3 to 4 weeks apart. Your veterinarian may adjust this plan based on your puppy’s particular history and needs.

Tips for a Puppy’s First Vet Visit

Now that you know what to expect, here are 9 tips to have a great first puppy vet visit.

Call ahead and schedule an appointment.

I know this seems like a duh, but is overwhelming when you have a new puppy, so take care of this right away. If you live in the Southeast, look for a vet with Southern Vet Partners. When you schedule, share with the receptionist of any special needs your pet has (afraid of other dogs, anxious at the vet, dislikes nail trims, etc), or other issues (lots of scratching, chewing paws, coughing, etc). You can also schedule online.

Write down any questions/concerns you have

Just like when you go to the pediatrician for your kids, it is a good idea to have a running list. Most people forget what their questions are when they arrive, so it is good to have a list at home.

Fill out paperwork prior to arrival

Have your previous vet (if applicable) send over any medical records. If no previous vet, send any paperwork you have, or if not able, bring with you to your appointment. We brought our folder of information about Zelda that we got from her breeder.

Bring puppy food and treats

If it’s close to feeding time, don’t feed at home. Instead bring your puppy’s food and/or favorite treats. They are more accepting to food rewards and distraction when they have their appointment. This is also helpful when going over your pet’s diet with your vet.

Bring anything that will make your pet comfortable

If your puppy has favorite blanket, toys, treats, laser pointer, etc., bring those to help make him or her comfortable.

Before an Appointment

Your vet will need some basic info on your animal pal, especially if you’re bringing him in for the first time. Take notes with you on:

  • The names and doses of all of your pet’s medications
  • The kind of food they eat
  • Their eating and drinking habits
  • Their toilet habits
  • Any recent travel or tick bites
  • Past medical records, including vaccine history
  • Your vet may also want a stool sample. Call ahead and ask. If you have a bird or small animal like a hamster, you might not need to collect one: Chances are your pet will provide one on the way to the appointment or while you’re in the office.

Visits to the vet can be stressful for your buddy. Bring along some of their favorite toys and a blanket. Ask if it’s OK for them to eat before the visit — some health tests require animals to fast beforehand. (Water is OK — you don’t want them to be dehydrated.) If food is OK, you could bring their favorite treats.

Cats, small critters like ferrets and hamsters, and birds should be in carriers when you bring them in. Dogs should at least be on a leash, although small ones may do better in a carrier.

If your pet doesn’t get along well with other animals, let the office staff know. It might be easier for it to wait in your car with you until the vet is ready for the appointment. Call ahead of time to see if the clinic is running on schedule so you don’t end up waiting too long.

Know what your budget is, too. This will help the vet know how extensive a checkup should be. Some people prefer for their pet to get routine bloodwork. Others are fine with the basics, like listening to the animal’s heart and checking their eyes, nose, ears, teeth, and poop. Figure out how much you’re prepared to spend if a test shows that your pet needs treatment.

What can I do to make the first visit a good experience?

The very first visit to the veterinary clinic should not be clinical at all, but rather a fun introduction to a new place. When scheduling your first visit, tell the receptionist that you want to introduce your dog to the veterinary clinic before his medical appointment. Ask if you can drop in when the clinic is least busy so that your dog is not overwhelmed by a multitude of strange dogs and cats, and so the receptionist has time to chat with you.

While in the veterinary clinic, have your dog on a short leash to keep him close to you. Small dogs can be held in your arms, but should still be on a leash in case they manage to jump out of your embrace. You may want to place a nervous dog inside a crate to limit his interaction with other animals and to make him feel secure. You can improve the homey atmosphere of the crate by lining it with a familiar smelling towel or blanket.

With your dog safely under your control, you can focus on making this first hospital experience a fun one. Veterinary staff members should be happy to give you a tour of the hospital, make friends with your dog, and offer a treat to make the first visit pleasant.

You will not see the veterinarian on this drop in so it should only take a few minutes, giving you an opportunity to get a head start on the real visit by setting up your dog’s medical chart. Bring along all medical records including previous immunizations, deworming treatments, heartworm/tick prevention, and medical concerns.

Commercial Scorpion Control Services

Scorpion Identification Guide

What are scorpions?

Scorpions have a segmented body and a long segmented tail that curves up over its body. At the end of its tail is a venom-filled stinger. Scorpions also possess large claws which they use to catch their prey. Their prey is then paralyzed and subdued after being stung by the scorpion’s tail.

Despite having poor vision, scorpions are fierce predators and exceptional hunters. Another interesting fact about scorpions is they give birth to live young. After being born, the young climb onto the mother’s back until the first molt. Scorpions can survive for long periods without food by slowing down their metabolism, but they require a constant water source.

Are scorpions dangerous?

Scorpions are dangerous. While their stings are typically not life-threatening to healthy individuals, they certainly are painful. A scorpion sting can pose bigger problems in small children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system. A reaction from a scorpion sting ranges from mild (localized swelling) to severe (anaphylaxis). Avoiding contact with scorpions is important to your health and safety.

Why do I have a scorpion problem?

As predators, scorpions are on the constant search for prey. Scorpions prefer to live in areas with a lot of insect activity. Our yards often provide scorpions with fertile hunting grounds. Most yards have gardens, trees, shrubbery, trash containers, and compost, which provide areas of shelter and food for insects. The more insect activity you have, the more likely there will be scorpions and other predatory pests like spiders to hunt them.

Where will I find scorpions?

Active mainly at night, scorpions hide during the day in sheltered areas that retain moisture. Spaces under rocks and logs, behind tree bark, and under mulch in garden areas are some of their favorite hangouts. If scorpions have moved inside while following their prey or to escape unsuitable weather conditions, they typically move to dark, quiet areas near moisture. Areas under sinks, within hanging clothes or folded towels, or in damp tubs or sinks are all places people may run into scorpions. Scorpions are also good climbers and are often found resting on both interior and exterior walls of a home or outbuilding.

Scorpion Identification & Prevention

What are scorpions?

Scorpions are predatory creatures that belong to the class Arachnida. They have four pairs of legs that end in claws. They also have a pair of large pincers and strong jaws that they use to hunt and hold onto their prey. Their long, segmented tails end with a stinger they use to defend themselves and capture their prey. Scorpions have poor eyesight, and rely on touch and vibrations to navigate.

The most common species of scorpion living throughout is the lesser brown scorpion. The lesser brown scorpion lives a long life, with most living between three and five years.

Are scorpions dangerous?

Scorpions have the potential to be very dangerous to people. Some species have very strong venom that causes serious and life-threatening health risks in people. The good news is the lesser brown scorpion’s venom is not very potent and does not pose a significant health risk to people. However, you should always be careful to avoid lesser brown scorpions as their stings are painful and swelling will develop around the puncture site.

Why do I have a scorpion problem?

The lesser brown scorpion thrives in the warm, tropical climate that Hawaii provides. Any outdoor space has the potential to become a home to scorpions as long as there is plenty of shelter and food. Scorpions feed on a wide variety of creatures, including insects, spiders, other scorpions, and mice. While scorpions mainly live outdoors, they do often find their way into homes, garages, sheds, and other outbuildings while hunting.

Where will I find scorpions?

Outside, lesser brown scorpions live and hide in a variety of places. During the day, these nocturnal creatures hide under boards, trash, rocks, fallen trees, and mulch. They also seek shelter under houses. Scorpions will move into homes and other structures through openings they find in the foundation or exterior walls while hunting, or to escape the heat. They also get in through open doors and windows. Indoors, they hide in crawl spaces, behind walls, in attics, and under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.

Venomous Pests

What are venomous pests?

Venomous creatures inject their venom into their victims by biting (spiders) or stinging (scorpions). Some of the most common venomous creatures to pose health risks to people are brown recluse spiders, black widow spiders, and bark scorpions.

Bark Scorpions

Bark scorpions are light brown to brownish-yellow in color, with dark, lengthwise bands. Their slender tails are yellow to light brown in color. They also have elongated, thin pinchers.

Black widow spiders

Easily identifiable by an orangish-red “hourglass” marking on the underside of their abdomen, these spiders also have light red or white markings on their abdomen and backs.  They also have round bodies that are shiny black in color.

Brown recluse spiders

These spiders have a “violin-like” pattern found on the top of their bodies, and they have 3 pairs of eyes that are distinctly arranged in a semi-circle.

Are venomous pests dangerous?

Venomous pests are dangerous. Not all venomous pests have venom that is strong enough to cause health concerns for people, but many do, including brown recluse and black widow spiders, and bark scorpions. The venom from black widow spiders affects a person’s nervous system. The severity of symptoms depends on the location of the bite and how much venom is injected. A brown recluse’s venom causes the tissue around the bite to ulcerate.

Why do I have a venomous pest problem?

If you are experiencing a spider or scorpion problem in or around your home, it is because its environment is providing them with comfortable living conditions. Spiders are attracted to properties that offer them plentiful places to live and forage for food. Gardens, wood piles, heavy vegetation, and large populations of insects and other prey can attract venomous pests to properties. Bark scorpions are attracted to trees, walls, and objects with rough surfaces. Once on your property, it is usually only a matter of time until these venomous pests find their way inside while searching for food.

Where are venomous pests commonly found?

Outside, spiders are found living and creating their webs or burrows in gardens, shrubs, bushes, overgrown vegetation, tall grasses, between rocks and stones, and in woodpiles. These environments provide them with safe shelter and plenty of access to food. Spiders and scorpions often find their way inside homes, garages, sheds, and other buildings accidentally while out foraging for food. They may also intentionally enter homes and other buildings to seek a more hospitable habitat. Inside, spiders and scorpions prefer to hide out in dark, quiet places like in the corners of closets, in basements, in boxes, in clothing and shoes, under bedding and furniture, in attics, behind wall voids, in crawl spaces, and underneath sinks. Scorpions can also be found in bathtubs and scaling the walls of dark spaces.

Bark Scorpion

Description:

Generally between ¼” – 3” and light tan in color, this is the most common scorpion in southern.  The venom in this scorpion contains a potent neurotoxin.  It has two slender claws and a tiny black dot above its stinger.

Behavior:

The bark scorpion is an excellent climber.  This scorpion is commonly encountered running up walls or on ceilings in structures.  Some favorite resting areas for this scorpion is under tree bark or palm fronds.  The bark scorpion is nocturnal and is active in year round.  It will feed on many different soft bodied insects and arachnids including other scorpions.  Female scorpions give birth to live scorpions that stay on her back for a short period of time

Control:

A thorough inspection and integrated approach is required for scorpion control.  Scorpions are hardy creatures and pesticide applications only are not likely to eliminate their presence in or around a structure.  Sanitation is a key element in reducing the likelihood of a problem.  Some examples include cleaning up piles of leaves, wood, or other cellulose debris around the foundation of the home

Palm trees should be trimmed regularly and skinned.  Any trees touching the structure must be cut back.  Exclusion is also very important.  Cracks, crevices, gaps, and voids must be sealed off with caulking and fine screening.  Doors need to be tight fitting and vents screened.  The final step is food source reduction, minimizing the amount of general pest insects around the property that scorpions prey on.  When these steps are taken, scorpions are less likely to infest a home or business.

How Do Scorpions Get in the House?

When it comes to pests, scorpions rank high on the list of those to avoid. And although a scorpion’s sting is rarely fatal, it can cause a wide range of reactions. Scorpion control is one of the many services offered

Common Reasons Scorpions Invade Homes

Like most of the critters that prompt homeowners to call for professional pest control, scorpions tend to invade homes in search of food. The best way to prevent them from coming inside is to seal off points of entry. Sometimes, though, these pests hitch a ride in boxes, plants, and other items we bring into our houses. Check all items before bringing them indoors to avoid unpleasant surprises

Popular Points of Entry

Preventing entry in the first place is the best form of scorpion control. The following locations around your home are common ways that scorpions can gain indoor access:

Vents

Wall voids

Gaps under doors

Torn screens

Spaces around windows

Openings around plumbing

Inspect your home for possible scorpion entryways. Replace damaged weather strips, and fill in gaps, cracks, and holes with caulking. Place wire mesh over vents. In addition to providing preventive scorpion control

Other Types of Scorpion Control

There are many other precautions you can take to keep scorpions at bay. Keep your grass short, and avoid having plants or bushes within a couple of feet of your home. Eliminate or move firewood piles, rocks, tree limbs, and other debris or clutter that act as shelter for scorpions. Don’t forget to check your garage, shed, and any other outbuildings that could be harboring scorpion fugitives

What Does Engine Rebuilding Mean

What About Rebuilt Engines?

When shopping online, you might see a “rebuilt” engine available alongside other options. While the price tag is inviting, we advise you to stay away from a rebuilt engine as it’s not the same thing as a reman engine.

Remanufactured engines are built to be as close to new as possible and are rigorously tested to ensure their viability. Rebuilt engines are reconditioned by replacing only the worn or broken parts. Serviceable pieces are then reused if they fit within the manufacturer’s wear limits, and the quality varies from rebuilder to rebuilder.

Also, most engine rebuilders do not go to the same lengths as remanufacturers do in terms of inspection. Checking an engine block for microfractures is something that remanufacturers do, but most rebuilders to not.

Remanufactured: Better than New?

Because of the way remanufactured parts are sourced, they are often a better deal than new parts:

  • Remanufactured engines are built from parts sourced from broken down engines
  • All the parts are carefully inspected before they are used in new assemblies
  • Many of the bearings are replaced in a remanufactured engine, as are seals and other wearables
  • The engine is assembled in the same type of facility that builds new engines
  • When it’s all done, a remanufactured engine comes with a substantial warranty

How to check oil level in the engine?

While most young drivers had been acquainted with the procedure of checking oil level as part of their driving license courses and then the exams, not everyone remembers the individual steps. Each of these steps is important, though.

First of all, put the car on a flat surface. Any inclination, e.g. on the drive to the garage or car body inclination with two wheels on the pavement, may significantly distort the actual result. Also, note that the check should be conducted with a cool engine, e.g. a dozen or so minutes after switching it off. Checking the oil level with a hot engine may be dangerous. What is more, you should wait until the entire oil flows down to the oil sump.

The next step is to take out the measure (commonly referred to as “bayonet”) and carefully wipe it with a cloth or sponge to remove oil. Then insert the bayonet back to the same opening and again slowly take it out to check the position of the oil trace. The measure has two lines marking the minimum and maximum oil levels. It is best when the oil trace is roughly halfway between the lines. And what happens when the oil level comes close to or exceeds one of the lines?

How do You Know if Your Motor is Blown?

While a blown motor means your car is on its last limb – unless you fix it, of course – it’s not always easy to tell when failure has occurred. Thankfully, though, your car will give you some tell-tale signs that it’s time to retire.

Unusual Exhaust

Exhaust is normal. In fact, if your car doesn’t have any exhaust, you should probably be worried! However, if the exhaust is blue, or is a thick white cloud that doesn’t dissipate, then you should consider the fact that your engine has most likely failed.

Noises Inside of the Engine

Your engine is going to make some noise – after all, there are intense chemical reactions happening inside. If your car’s engine is making a loud knocking or rattling sound, though, it’s a sign that something within your engine has broken.

Coolant in the Oil

Oil and coolant aren’t supposed to mix. In fact, both of these are kept in sperate valves that are sealed. If you find these two mixed, then it’s a huge indication of an internal problem, such as a blown engine.

Failure to Start

Your engine not starting can mean a lot of things, but it’s important to not rule out a blown engine. If you’re experiencing any of the other signs, it’s more likely than not that your engine has failed.

What to Look for in Used Engines

Most resellers can provide at least some idea of mileage, service history, and overall condition, but whether you’re digging through eBay and Craigslist ads or picking up a parts car in town, there are some things you need to know about used engines before you take the plunge.

Some engines just aren’t worth it. There’s a reason everyone does an LS swap – it’s trusted. Even if you do a total rebuild at great expense, some used engines have inherent weaknesses or parts are hard to come by.

The rest of the car is important. Inspect bearings, bushings, and overall cosmetics to get an idea of whether the previous owners took care of things. Check for oil weeps and coolant residue on the block and heads and for signs that someone’s been in the engine bay before.

Don’t gamble – do a reseal. Plan on spending weekend and a few hundred dollars to pull the engine, take it apart, and have a look at what’s inside. You get peace of mind from having fresh gaskets, belts, and timing, and you can check out the internals.

Some of these used engines are more common than others, but the only real limitations are your wallet and your imagination. Consider how swaps work though – can you swap a gasoline rig with a diesel engine easily? Can this engine fit in that body? Will this engine or transmission mate together nicely? Are diesel engines a better choice? Ask yourself all these questions before jumping into a complicated swap job! Anyway, without further ado let’s dive in to some of the best used engines available, broken down by country of origin.

Car Problems That Are Not Worth Fixing

Sometimes it’s the driver’s fault; certain people still think that oil changes shouldn’t be mandatory and that a smoking tailpipe isn’t a bad sign. Other times, there is nothing that can be done — like when a deer jumps out in front of the car while you’re cruising at 70 miles per hour and in turn the entire front of your car gets rearranged.

But regardless of whose fault it may be, sometimes the best plan of attack is actually knowing when to surrender. Cars aren’t cheap, but neither are they inexpensive to fix, and knowing when to hang up your hat is half the battle when repairs suddenly seem too overbearing.

Road salt is basically a carcinogen to cars

Older cars in particular tend to rust out faster than most people can say the word “tetanus,” and in areas that get lots of snow this issue is expedited at an alarming rate. Surface corrosion quickly eats into quarter panels and wheel wells, while exhaust systems and fuel tanks get the brunt of the road grime underneath. Certain areas are also very expensive and difficult to repair, so if your car has a rear quarter panel or a large section of severe rust along its frame rails, it might be time to reconsider your daily driver.

Rod knock that wants to blow through your block

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this term, by watching the video here you can get a pretty good idea of what I’m talking about when someone says “rod knock.” Drive a car hard enough, or without fresh fluids in appropriate amounts, and chances are that you will eventually encounter this issue, as connecting rod bolts and bearings wiggle their way toward freedom. Some people may try to ignore the issue by adding additives, which works all the way until the day a piston rod frees itself and goes charging through one end of your block.

The bent frame of shame

If your car gets hit hard enough by another vehicle or you plow into something at speed, chances are that the frame of the car is going to take a beating. Sure, you could take it to a body specialist and cough up ungodly amounts of green, but even then, you aren’t entirely out of the woods. Even though the frame may be back to its original shape, it has been compromised and weakened by the strain that was placed on it during the accident and while getting bent back into shape. Avoid cars with frame damage folks, there’s just nothing good about them.

Electrical gremlins and varmints, oh my!

Newer cars may not be as prone to electrical issues as aging models, but that doesn’t mean that modern automobiles are off the hook in the wiring department. Tracking down electrical issues is a very tedious and expensive venture, but it pales in comparison to what happens when critters decide to make your engine bay their home. Pop the hood of any vehicle, and you’ll see a tasty farm filled with wires. So if for whatever reason a small rodent decides to claim this area as their nesting ground, you’re in for some serious issues. Mice, squirrels, and all manner of vermin have the tendency to gnaw on electrical wires, and even though it may not give them any form of sustenance, it will give you and your bank account a nightmare of a time. Replacing a single wire is one thing. Swapping in multiple sets, well, that’s just asinine.

Blown head gaskets and paychecks

When the gasket that separates the block from the head of an engine goes bad, all kinds of pricey problems come to the surface. Oil and water were never meant to mix, so when a head gasket goes, antifreeze and engine oil bump uglies and an emergency C-section needs to take place to save your “baby.” If this doesn’t happen, a cloud of abnormal smoke will form, and at that point you might as well throw in the towel and start looking for a fresh, low-mileage motor. Putting a new head gasket on is possible — and common — even though it is expensive, but heavens knows what else has gone wrong during the “birthing process.”