Carpet Flooring Services To Give Your Home A Reliable Base

Posted on by

Signs Your Carpet Needs Replacing

While ensuring your carpet is cleaned by professionals on a regular basis keeps it fresh and clean as well as helps it last longer, there will surely come a point when it needs to be replaced.

Like everything else, carpets have a lifespan too. Even though proper maintenance increases the duration, foot traffic, dust particles, and occasional spills will damage the carpet in the course of time. Unfortunately, when this happens, even professional cleaners can fix things up to a certain extent. At some point, you have no choice but to replace your carpet.

Here are seven clear signs that it’s time to call the professionalsand trade in your old carpets for something new.

1. Stubborn Stains

That beige carpet might have seemed a versatile color when you chose it. But now it’s covered with stubborn coffee, red wine, and spaghetti sauce stains it doesn’t seem like it was such a good choice.

Although professional cleaning can help, you should avoid using store-bought cleaners. These can damage your carpets with harsh chemicals and may make stains appear worse.

There’s always the option of covering stains with furniture or rugs. But if your house is starting to resemble an obstacle course with everything you’ve placed over stains in an attempt to hide them, it could be time for a carpet replacement.

2. Water Damage and Mold

While most stains look unsightly, stains caused by water damage are also potential health hazards.

Water damage from leaking pipes and radiators in your home can then lead to mold and mildew stains on your carpets. Mold can be dangerousand even fatal for those with severe mold allergies or asthma.

The best way to prevent water and mold from damaging your carpet is with regular inspection, especially around areas of carpet near pipes. Look for black, white, or green stains that change shape, or musty smells that won’t go away.

If you suspect your carpet might have mold, you can buy a mold testing kit to be sure. But, if there’s mold, ripping up the carpet and starting afresh is the only way to ensure the safety of your home and family.

3. Bad Odors

If even proper cleaning can’t get rid of noticeable bad smells coming from your carpet, it’s likely that the odor has seeped into the carpet fibers, padding, or sub-floor underneath.

Bad odors may come from human or animal biological materials such as vomit, pet urine, or feces, as well as mold and mildew. This means that not only is a smelly carpet unpleasant, it’s also a cause for concern about health risks.

As such, your only option to get rid of odors and the health risks they may suggest is a full carpet replacement.

4. Wear and Tear

The flooringis one of the first things that guests and potential buyers notice when they enter a home. If your carpeting shows signs of matting, or has tears and worn patches, your house can look shabby and dirty as a result, no matter how clean it is.

Carpet fibers start to become frayed and matted within three to five years so some wear and tear is hard to prevent. This is especially the case for carpets in areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as stairs, hallways, and living rooms.

Of course, worn patches, rips, and loose carpet in high-traffic areas can also pose a risk for trips, slips, and falls. With this in mind, removing carpet from stairs and landings is a wise move to avoid potential accidents in the home.

5. Increased Allergy Symptoms

Carpet fibers are magnets for pet fur, dirt, dust, pollen, and a whole host of other allergens that can cause uncomfortable symptomslike sneezing, stuffiness, and itchy, red eyes.

If it seems like your family is always suffering from colds or allergies, your carpet could be the culprit. And, while good hygiene and professional maintenance can help, even thorough cleaning can’t remove all signs of allergens. Plus, there are only so many times you can clean your carpet before it starts to wear out.

6. Worn-Out Padding

Your carpet padding provides a layer of cushioning as well as a noise buffer and added insulation. Depending on the material, carpet padding can last up to 25 years. Although, the most popular foam-based carpet padding only lasts around 10 years.

Over time, and especially in high-traffic areas, your padding can degrade and become misshapen and dirty, just like the carpet above it. The result will be a carpet that’s uneven in places, wrinkled, and less comfortable to walk and sit on.

Once your carpet padding is worn out, it often makes sense to replace it the next time you replace the carpet.

Signs You Need Your Carpet Cleaned

Sometimes, a thorough cleaning is all your need to get your carpet looking — and smelling — like new. If any of the signs discussed below apply to you, you might be in need of a professional carpet cleaning.

It Hasn’t Been Cleaned In Over A Year

When was the last time you had your carpets cleaned? Even if you’re careful about spills and don’t let your kids wear shoes in the house, your carpets still collect a lot of dirt and dust that should be regularly removed by a professional.

When it comes to carpet cleaning, a general rule is that it should be professionally cleaned at least once a year.

If it’s been longer than a year, you should definitely contact a carpet cleaning service, especially if you have pets or small children running around. Regular cleanings will extend the lifespan of your carpet, make day-to-day maintenance easier, and improve your home’s overall appearance.

You’re Having Allergy Problems

If you’ve noticed that your indoor allergies have gotten worse, you might be due for a professional carpet cleaning.

Carpets collect a lot of dust, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens, even if you’re vacuuming them regularly. The slightest movement — like sitting on or walking across the carpet — can disturb these allergens and send them into the air, where they can circulate for several hours before settling back down again.

To get rid of some of this build up and improve your allergy symptoms, you should get your carpets cleaned as soon as possible.

It’s Looking Dull Or Dirty

When you look at and walk across your carpet every day, you get used to the way it looks. You might not think your carpet looks bad, but a furniture test can let you know how dull or dirty it really is.

Move a piece of furniture that hasn’t been moved in a while, and take a look at the carpet underneath. Does it look lighter, fluffier, and cleaner, especially compared to the carpet surrounding it?

Professional cleaning can help get all the dirt out of your carpet and lift it back up again so that it looks as good as new!

Signs Your Office Carpet Should be Replaced

If you have owned the same office building for many years, then you might be needing a flooring upgrade. Over the years high traffic areas get worn down and office areas get coffee spilled on them. When people end up walking into your business their impression can be greatly impacted. Regardless of how well you take care of your carpet, it will always eventually need to be replaced. How well you take care of it can change how soon you need to replace it though. Let’s talk about the signs that tell you, it’s time to replace the carpet in your business.

There are a couple of obvious signs that your carpet needs to be replaced one of them being stains. When you have stains that you’re no longer able to remove with a carpet cleaner, and they are starting to accumulate, then it’s a good sign that it’s been long enough that you have had it. Along with that is, of course, wear and tear. If you have rips or bubbles starting to form, then you’re getting yourself into a lawsuit situation if it’s not taken care of promptly.

When considering other signs though, they may be less noticeable. For example, if there is an odor that your employees or customers are starting to smell then it’s time to rip it out. The trouble with this is that odors don’t just happen overnight, it can take some time for them to fully develop. Once it does, you might have some trouble trying to identify where the odor is coming from.

Another major sign that your carpet needs to be replaced in your place of business is the style. If you feel like you’re walking into a time warp every time you step foot into your building, then it’s time to make some updates to the place. Carpet is one update that really isn’t optional because if you don’t it will always give you away on the true age of the place. Let’s face it, people are inclined to stay or leave your business based purely on what they see with their eyes.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Carpet

Among the factors affecting the life of a carpet, there is usage frequency (aka foot traffic), cleaning frequency, cleaning materials you use, the environment where the carpet is placed, and having little children and/or pets who can spill anything at any time on your carpet.

Usage Frequency: Foot Traffic

A carpet’s usage frequency is measured by means of foot traffic. Normally, foot traffic is a term used to describe pedestrian visitors to a pre-defined place. When it comes to carpets, it means the number of steps taken on a carpet.

Foot traffic is classified in 4 groups as light traffic, moderate traffic, heavy traffic, and extra heavy traffic. One foot traffic unit is defined as a person walking across a section of carpet one time. Light traffic means 100 foot traffic units per day. Moderate traffic corresponds to 100 to 1000 foot traffic units per day. When we say heavy traffic, we mean there are 1000 to 10000 foot traffic units per day. Finally, extra heavy traffic is equal to any number bigger than 10000 foot traffic units per day.

Whatever the foot traffic is, all carpets get worn out over time. And there will be some point when you need to replace your carpet. However, even if you can not prevent this, you can extend the life of your carpet.

For the areas with heavy and extra heavy foot traffic, you should prefer

shorter pile carpets (carpets under 2cm tall). Those are the most durable ones.

In addition to this, using wool carpets in high traffic areas would be a better choice. Wool fiber is ideal for high traffic areas as the wool bounces back making it extra durable to crushing and losing shape.

Cleaning Frequency

It is recommended that you sweep your carpets 1 time a week under normal conditions. In addition, when a stain occurs on the carpet, you should intervene it immediately. By this way, stain on the carpet won’t be permanent. Sweeping the carpet too often will cause faster aging, just as not cleaning the dirt and dust accumulated in the carpet will cause damage to its pile.

On the other hand, the frequency of carpet washing will vary depending on the number of residents and the level of use. You should clean your carpets in 3-6 months in more used rooms and in 9-12 months in less frequently used rooms. If you have a child or pet, you should clean all carpets at least twice a year.

Experts generally recommend that the carpets should be washed every 6 months. However, if there is an abnormal dust increase in the house, they should be washed more frequently. Carpet cleaning interval for families with children may be settled as every 3 months. Children of the 2-3 age group spend a lot of time on the carpet, in case of excessive dust and dirt their health will be adversely affected.

Dust and dirt are generally not visible because they penetrate deep into the carpets. This creates the perception that your carpet is clean, but no matter how strong a vacuum cleaner is, it is not completely cleaned up unless it is washed regularly. Trying to clean your carpet at home does not provide a complete cleaning. In addition to that, you should send them to be washed on a regular basis.

Using A Event Videographer To Record Family Events Quickly And Easily

Posted on by

How to plan a successful corporate video shoot

Whether you’re telling stories about your people, services or products; or you’re providing coverage of an event or conference, there’s a strong possibility that you will be using video in your B2B marketing plans in 2018.

The increased use of video means that more marketing teams are now looking to produce videos in-house. But getting the slick and professional finish can be tricky.

We have a number of former broadcast journalists in our team, so we know a thing or two about producing video under a variety of different and challenging conditions.

Plan, plan, plan.

A successful video shoot takes a lot of detailed planning.

Even a short and simple social video shot on an iPhone can involve a complex production process. There can be a lot of people and kit involved to get the high-quality finish needed.

There’s a lot to think about. Do you have the right equipment to gather quality footage? What will the edit entail and how will you record high-quality audio? It’s easy to get it wrong if you’re not aware of the pitfalls, so here are our tips to help you make your video production a success.

Set your aims and objectives

Before you even think about picking up a camera be clear about what you want to achieve. Think about how your video will be used. This will have a big influence on how you shoot and edit the video.

Do you need to leave space in the shot to add text for a social video? If you’re planning to screen your video at an event, how big will the screen be? If it’s huge then your smartphone camera may not be up to the job.

What are the key messages that you need to get across? This will inform the questions you ask in interviews and the additional shots you need to film to visualise your story.

How long will the video be? You’ll want to make sure you shoot enough footage, but not so much that you have to spend days editing it.

Define your story

In the best videos the pictures do most of the heavy lifting in terms of telling the story – and if you don’t know the story you won’t know what to shoot.

Write a rough script in advance – but be prepared to revise it as the story can change during the video shoot.

Create a shot list or a storyboard by working through the video in your head. What are the key images you need for your video?

Do a recce

If you’re filming at a specific location, make sure you check it out before the shoot. Producers call this a recce. It’s not always possible – but if you can – you should. The location can make or break your shoot.

Things to look out for:

  • What noises can you hear? The hum of air conditions, overhead aircraft, trains, church bells? These can all ruin the sound quality of your video. 
  • Will the position of the sun make or break your shot? Have you checked at the time you’re due to shoot? Do you know when to expect the sun to rise and set?
  • Is it going to rain/snow/blow a gale? If so, you may need an alternative location.
  • Do you have access to a power supply to keep kit running – or charge batteries?
  • Do you have permission for access AND to film?
  • Will the lovely empty event space be totally rammed on the day of the shoot?
  • Is your location safe for everyone involved?

Make a kit list

There can be a lot of kit involved in a video production, and if you forget something it will compromise your shoot. Memory cards are small and easily overlooked, a lens cleaning kit has saved the day so many times for me.

Make up a detailed list and tick off every item as you pack it. Make sure each item is in a ready-to-use state. Are your batteries charged, are your memory cards empty and correctly formatted for the camera you are using? 

It’s often worth having a small supply of makeup – a basic powder for all skin tones to help dab away the shine from nervous people in the interview chair.

Prepare a detailed call sheet

A call sheet is vital to a successful video production. It tells everybody involved where they have to be and when. Make sure you include contact details for everybody involved and contact details for the production office.

A call sheet lays out everybody’s roles and responsibilities. Include a list of who is bringing what kit, what is to be filmed and at which location, with dates and times. You should include details of local public transport links and car parks.

It is important to include details of local emergency services and hospital accident and emergency departments. The production insurance policy should be attached to the call sheet. Hopefully you won’t need these, but you’d rather be prepared for it if you do.

Tips For Shooting A Professional Looking Video

Create a great video storyboard

Great videos don’t just happen, the production team and videographer make them happen. From the overall look and feel to the tiny details in each shot, a professional looking video is meticulously planned.

Creating a video storyboard is a vital first step in the video production process and they are an extremely useful tool for creating professional looking videos you can’t wait to share. A video storyboard is a graphic representation of how your video will unfold, shot by shot. Beneath each picture are notes about the shot style, what is going on in the scene, what is being said etc. If your video has sound you are also going to need to write a script to support your video storyboard.

Shoot a steady video

Wobbly or unsteady camerawork is nauseating and frustrating to watch, it’s definitely not synonymous with a professional looking video. A tripod, or smartphone video mount, is an obvious and credible choice for creating a steady video shot, and they are easy to manoeuvre in and out of multiple positions.

If you are working in a tight or awkward space, and the angle you want can’t be captured via a tripod or mount, you can hold your camera whilst leaning your body on something solid like a wall or the ground. Always keep your breathing slow and steady when you are filming.

Use plenty of light

Natural light is great for video – Bright videos look glossy and professional. Dark, grainy videos do not. The best source of light when shooting a video is natural sunlight, whether that is through a large window or outdoors. However, try to schedule your filming during the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more flattering, midday sunshine tends to be very bright and harsh as the light shines down from overhead. If you do shoot in the middle of the day try to find a partly shaded area for that softer light effect.

Creating good light for video indoors – Creating a good light source for videos indoors takes a little more skill. It is possible to create enough light using a large bright, fluorescent lamp or two if you are shooting a simple scene E.g. talking heads to camera or a selfie video. Practise manoeuvring your light source so that you cast zero or minimal shadows on your subject, this will make your video feel bright, open and professional.

Pro Tip! Always position your light source higher than the subject’s eyeline, if you are filming a person, and never directly above their head or the object. Start casting the light(s) straight above the camera and then manoeuvre into the perfect position from there, having two light sources at either side of the camera will create less shadows and a more professional looking video.

Capture crisp, clear audio

Indistinct, muffled audio is not going to encourage many views past the first couple of seconds of your video. Crisp, clear audio is a must whether it a music overlay or ‘in video’ audio. To capture clear sound from your subject(s) a good microphone is an essential piece of professional looking video kit. Invest in the best that you can afford so that it works great and lasts a long time. During filming your microphone needs to be as close to the subject as possible and consider using a pop filter to eliminate blips and crackles.

If you’re filming indoors a silent shoot is easier to control but outdoors be aware of traffic, birdsong etc.

Shoot from creative angles

If you’re hosting a business event or dinner where everyone is seated, you may have to get creative with composition to get a variety of images. Utilize interesting angles and perspectives so the shot isn’t so utilitarian.

“To keep the photos interesting, keep angles interesting. If there are floral arrangements, you can shoot between them. If it’s at a restaurant, go outside and take a picture looking in through the window. Look at the event not just as a participant, but from an outsider’s perspective, to get a broader sense of the day.

Rely on natural lighting as much as possible

Try to take advantage of the natural lighting in your venue, and avoid using flash (especially on-camera flash). Where possible, capture natural lighting, and avoid artificial lighting and flashes. “Unnatural light makes your image inherently feel like a photograph, and takes viewers out of the moment.” If you really need to use flash, consider investing in event photography equipment like an off-camera flash.

If you do need flash and are taking shots of attendees, have them turn slightly to the side so they’re not facing the camera head-on. This will reduce red-eye in your pictures, because that’s caused when light enters the subject’s eyes at a right angle.

Wedding Photography Tips

Here are some of the best wedding photography tips to help you succeed in taking the best wedding ceremony and family photos at your next event.

1. Assist a Professional

Try reaching out to a professional wedding photographer before you start your own wedding photography business. They may allow you to shadow them at weddings they’ve booked, or pick their brain for advice.

You can gain hands-on experience while working alongside a seasoned professional that you can apply to other, later shoots. Some of the tips you learn may not be new to you, depending on your photography skills. But, it’s always helpful to see how other professionals in your field work to achieve the best results.

2. Test Your Camera in Advance

You’ll likely want to bring a tripod with you to use at the wedding ceremony, in addition to several camera lenses and external flashes. If the wedding you’re photographing takes place indoors, you may also need other lighting equipment. For outdoor ceremonies, you can likely get by with a bounce rather than cumbersome lights.

It’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and bring more equipment than you think you’ll need. Pack several spare batteries and memory cards so you don’t miss anything from drinks at cocktail hour to fun-filled dancing on the dance floor.

3. Pack Sufficient Accessories

As a professional photographer, making excuses for your failures doesn’t look good. So bring all of your accessories you’ll need to take great wedding photos. If you can, bring a laptop to manage the backup of your photos in real-time. This will help you avoid potential significant technological mishaps down the road, including losing photo data.

4. Photograph with a Partner

You can’t carry all your photography accessories alone. You’ll likely need a helping hand to take the best wedding photography images you can. You may also need another professional photographer to assist in managing lights, taking test shots and capturing scenes you’d otherwise miss. You can’t be everywhere at once!

Ask a wedding photographer to become your assistant in exchange for being their second in command at their next event. This trade is a smart way to stay on budget and get help from an experienced wedding photographer.

5. Pre-Plan the Shoot

Planning your shoot is just as important as the shoot itself. Make some extra time for this part of your wedding photography preparations.

You’ll want to schedule time to take multiple photos of the bride and groom in different locations. The couple will follow your instructions and defer to your professional judgment, but they may also have their own ideas for photo ops.

How you decide to pose the couple in the photos is up to you. We recommend showing your clients a manual of poses as you plan the shoot together. Let them choose the poses they want for their wedding photos, and then add them into the contract you both sign.

Depending on how comfortable your clients are in front of the camera, you may have to provide extra instruction to capture the best shot. That’s why it’s so important to be patient with the newlyweds. The more you can help them feel comfortable, the more they’ll enjoy the experience.

And remember, word of mouth advertising is essential for growing a photography business. A patient photographer is one your clients will recommend!

Tips For Filming Your Next Event

These Tips Will Help You Stay Organized And Make The Most Of Your Shoot.

1. Have a schedule

Shooting a huge music festival or large city event can be daunting because there is so much to cover. If you can, go over key acts, places and vendors with both the event organizer and the production team ahead of time and make sure everyone is on the same page about “must-catch” moments and highlights of the event. Figure out where you want to focus your attention throughout the day, and then make sure you have enough time to get from point a to point b.

2.—but don’t stick to it

While it’s great to have a concrete plan, don’t overload your schedule with too many time-sensitive moments—you’ll want to leave time to catch all the great beats in between. The best moments are often the ones you’ll miss if you blink. While it’s important to have a plan when you go out to shoot, you have to go where the event takes you and always be on the lookout for the right moments and the right people. Don’t be afraid to spend time veering off course if you’re catching great beats. Candid b-roll of visitor interactions, great looking food and spontaneous dance moves are what take an event video from just coverage to a cinematic time capsule of the day.

3. Keep interviews short and sweet

Getting testimonials is key to capturing the visitor experience at an event. While having a few anecdotes is great, you’ll probably end up using snappier to-the-point sound bites in your edit. Come up with a few wish-list answers and then ask simple questions that might lead to that kind of response. Avoid open-ended questions like “how are you liking your time at the festival?”. Instead, try asking something like, “what’s the coolest thing you’ve seen so far?” This makes people be specific, and by asking the same question to multiple people, you have a common theme to edit to.

4. Don’t be afraid to direct

Not all candid moments are created equal. Sometimes, you need to give people a little push to get the shot you’re looking for. It might seem unnatural at first, but asking a couple to give a quick kiss to the camera or getting a kid to bust a killer dance move can give you just the shot you’re looking for. You’re just not always going to get those moments “au naturel”. The same goes for interviews. If you want to get those short, snappy sound bites, there’s nothing wrong with guiding what people say, as long as it’s believable.

5. Gear up

When shooting an outdoor event, it’s important to strike a fine balance between having the right gear and being lightweight enough to navigate through crowds and be minimally invasive. A basic 18-55mm lens is always a good place to start because it provides versatility. On top of that, only bring what fits the event you’re shooting. Food festival? Bring that macro lens for some juicy close ups. Huge crowds? Bring a super wide angle 10-24mm to capture the huge scale of the event

Dog Bite Lawyer Attacks

Posted on by

When Should You Sue After Being Bitten Or Injured By A Dog? Initiating A Dog Bite Lawsuit.

According to the CDC, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Of those, a staggering 800,000 bites require medical care.

Most of us love dogs. After all, their unconditional love and wagging tails provide us with a form of companionship unlike any other.

However, we often forget that dogs are animals that act on instincts, not logic. While we understand our own dogs, we can’t predict the behavior of strange dogs, and bites do happen.

If you’ve been bitten, you might be wondering whether you should file a dog bite lawsuit. Keep reading to learn more about your legal options after being bitten by a dog.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS IF YOU ARE BITTEN OR INJURED BY A DOG

If you are bitten or injured by a dog, no matter how minor or severe the injuries, the owner of the dog is most likely liable for what happened. This means that you have the right to pursue legal action and compensation for your injuries.

However, it ultimately depends on the laws in your state whether the owner of the dog will be held liable for the bite. The best thing you can do for yourself is to hire an attorney who is experienced with dog bite claims.

Your attorney will evaluate your case (usually for free) and advise you as to whether you should pursue a claim or file a lawsuit. Having an experienced attorney on your side will also help you alleviate some of the stress involved with being bitten by a dog.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

As mentioned before, your rights as a victim of a dog bite depend on the laws in your state. In most states, you can sue the owner of the dog if you suffered harm from their animal.

But there are some exceptions to this, including if you provoked the animal, if you were trespassing on private property when you were bitten, or if you were familiar with the animal and knew that it had a violent tendency or had attacked you or someone else before.

If you can prove that the dog owner is liable for your injuries, your attorney will usually be able to reach an out-of-court settlement, meaning you won’t have to actually go to trial. The amount of settlement you will be offered depends on several factors.

For example, if a child is the victim of a dog bite, they can usually get a higher settlement. That’s because a child, due to their small size and age, is more likely to sustain significant injuries and experience long term emotional trauma.

Criminal charges can also come into play in these types of cases.

Reasons to Hire a Dog Bite Attorney

Being attacked by a dog, no matter how small or little, no matter where the injury takes place on your body, often leaves both physical and emotional scars that follow you for life. Witnessing a child or other loved one become the helpless victim of a dog attack is just as scarring.

If a dog bite has left you permanently disfigured and psychologically traumatized, it’s time you got the compensation you deserve. Animals are wild by nature; even the most trained and seemingly docile dogs can snap and go on the attack. In other instances, dogs are bred by their owners to be aggressive. With natural weapons in the form of teeth and claws, dogs must be held accountable for their actions by their owners.

Make it a priority to consult with a dog bite attorney immediately so that your chances of securing fair compensation go up. With experienced lawyers working diligently on dog bite lawsuits every day, we go the extra mile to hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries.

Here we will go over five reasons to hire a Lancaster dog bite attorney.

  • Skilled Negotiation Skills

Most people steer clear of confrontation, which is what legal negotiations are all about. Only the boldest, diligent and most tenacious people can stick with a dog bite case from start to finish without wavering. Most of them are lawyers. They thrive on negotiation, bringing extensive experience to the table in dealing with insurance companies. You are understandably confused over whether the settlement offered by your insurance company is fair. Your attorney isn’t confused. He or she knows what’s fair and when you’re being taken advantage of.

Just because you got a settlement offer doesn’t mean you should take any amount thrown at you. An experienced dog bite attorney will look over the offer, note its deficiencies, and counter with the amount you should really get. This process may be a volley between both parties several times over. No worries: your attorneys won’t back down until they are satisfied the amount will compensate you fairly.

  • Far-Reaching Legal Knowledge

Those who don’t have a firm grasp of the intricacies of California law (most people!) should rely on the experts who do. Because state laws regarding dog bites are complex, you need someone whose full-time job it is to know them. If you’re just trying to show up to your own job while nursing your injuries, it can be nearly impossible to tackle a lawsuit on your own. Let your attorney interpret the laws and use that knowledge to assist you in making a fair recovery.

  • Experience

Online legal sites are a dime a dozen, making everyone feel as though they’re an armchair lawyer. But successfully negotiating your own case isn’t nearly as easy as it seems. Relying solely on online sources will compromise the integrity of your case. You need personal, professional experience for your dog bite case. They’ve seen similar cases to yours many times, and can use those case studies and examples to educate you on the process, as well as outline what to expect.

  • Access to Resources

When you hire a dog bite attorney in Lancaster, you’re hiring a team of people who will work hard to resolve your case and keep you apprised of progress every step of the way. You’ll have a lead attorney, a paralegal for research and legwork, and investigators to collect evidence. Just think: if your lawyer needs a whole team of people to handle your case, you know for sure you can’t realistically handle it on your own.

  • Personal Advocacy

Everyone needs the assurance of having someone on their side when facing adversity. The job of your lawyer is to work diligently on your behalf to ensure you get the settlement amount you deserve that is most in line with your injuries. The other part of your lawyer’s job is to prosecute the at-fault party so that a senseless dog bite never happens to another person. Thus, you get a personal advocate fighting for you who won’t rest until dog owners are held accountable in protecting the public from further injustices.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?

As we mentioned, you can reach out to a dog bite lawyer after you are attacked by a dog. A lawyer may be able to take charge of your claim right away, depending on the circumstances of your case. Your lawyer may help to:

  • Identify the owner of the dog that bit you.
  • Establish liability on the part of the dog’s owner.
  • Speak with witnesses to establish what happened in the attack.
  • Go over all of your medical records to ensure your losses are covered.

Reaching out to a dog bite lawyer as quickly as possible after an attack may help you comply with your state’s statute of limitations in case you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit. You may even wish to speak with a lawyer before you contact your insurance company. Your lawyer can handle all communication with the owner of the dog that bit you and their insurance company.

A lawyer may also take steps to appropriately record and evaluate all losses you suffered after a dog bite. You may qualify for compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. In order to get compensation for your losses, you must demonstrate that the dog bite directly led to your injuries, mental anguish, or time off of work.

Your lawyer may also provide you with information about your legal options following a dog bite. Depending on your situation, a dog bite lawyer may advise you to:

  • Negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company.
  • File a lawsuit against the dog’s owner.

Handling negotiations with insurance agents may take up more of your time and focus than you desire. A dog bite lawyer may help you assess any settlement offers made by the insurance company while working to ensure you suffer no further losses as a result of the accident.

Here are some of the damages that you may be entitled to recover if you are bitten by a dog:

  • Medical expenses: You can pursue compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses in a dog bite injury claim. Compensation for future medical care is especially important in cases where serious injuries result from dog attacks. Some reports show that dog bite victims suffer more than $1 billion in monetary losses every year, and much of those losses come in the form of medical bills.
  • Lost income and future earning potential: Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be facing a long leave of absence from work as you undergo surgery or other treatment after being bitten. Worse yet, your injuries may impact your ability to keep working in the future. Damages for lost income and future earning potential can help keep you living comfortably in the aftermath of your attack.
  • Pain and suffering: You may be in serious physical pain after being attacked, and dog attacks can leave mental scars that linger for years afterward. In successful dog bite injury claims, you can be compensated for both the mental and physical pain you suffered when you were attacked.

Dog Bite Prevention

While it is impossible to prevent all dog attacks, there are certain measures a person can take to decrease the likelihood of a bite. For example, a person should be cautious around strange dogs, especially any that look unfriendly or do not have an owner in the vicinity.

Furthermore, a person should be alert and aware of their surroundings, and teach the same to their children.  Also, asking an owner for permission to pet a dog before doing so may also help to avoid suffering a bite.

After sustaining a dog bite, a victim may feel overwhelmed and frightened. Of course, seeking medical attention should be a person’s number one priority. However, getting a dog owner’s name and contact information is also important for a future claim. Additionally, requesting proof of a dog rabies vaccination can determine if a person needs a shot to treat the disease.

Reasons That Totally Rewiring Commercial Electrical Remodel

Posted on by

Keep Your Family Safe From Faulty Wiring

We live in a do-it-yourself era, and many homeowners want to take matters into their own hands. As electricians, we understand the satisfaction that comes from solving a problem. But when it comes to the safety of your home’s electrical system, you should never take chances

DO YOU NEED A COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR?

Not every electrical contractor can handle the demands of a commercial property. Commercial electrical projects often require far greater expertise than the typical electrical installations and repairs found in the home. Whenever your business has an electrical issue, you need professionals with:

Experience serving commercial properties

A dedication to top-notch customer service and professionalism

The ability to act quickly so you can get back to business

commercial electrical contractor understands that when you have an issue with your power, you’re losing profits. Choose a commercial electrician who can get you up and running as soon as possible. We also offer comprehensive generator services, including generator installation services.

MEET YOUR ELECTRICIANS

locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity. You can trust us to:

Treat your home with respect

Offer competitive pricing

Pay close attention to every detail

Need More Power?

When your home was built, no one had any idea how much energy modern homes would use. Older electrical systems aren’t equipped to manage the amps you need to power all your appliances, lighting and HVAC system.

ADVANTAGES OF GETTING AN ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADE

Is it really worthwhile to upgrade your circuit box? When you do, you’ll get:

More amps: Draw more energy into your home without the danger of tripping a circuit or blowing a fuse.

More circuits: Your new panel can include more circuits than your old box, letting you use more appliances safely.

More options: Additional circuits and more power means you have more control over your home’s electrical system.

Commercial Electrical Services

dedicated to providing our customers with top quality workmanship in a friendly and professional manner as we strive to make every customer a customer for life. We take pride in being a company that grows through success and customer referrals. We have the knowledge, skill and man power to service your electrical needs. No job is too large or too small.  We provide electrical installation and wiring for new construction, remodels / renovations, service work and repairs.

a large volume of our work has been drug stores, strip mall centers, banks and professional offices.  We have done numerous Eckerd, Walgreens, and CVS Drug stores.

have also done a few RBC Centura and Washington Mutual banks.  Other work by our company has included post offices, restaurants, and offices for medical, dental and legal professionals, self-storage facilities and machine shops.

Electrical Contractor

Remodeling your home is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into an outdated space and even increase the resale value of your home. Whether you’re considering doing much of the work as a DIY project or you’re working with a contractor to consider opening up walls or how you can increase counter space in your kitchen

Why Your Remodel Needs an Electrical Contractor

If your remodel is more involved than painting and changing out flooring, it’s important to work with a licensed electrical contractor to help you as you make changes to your home

Many remodels include the following projects:

Removing walls to open up space

Changing the functionality of a room or area

Adding additional interior lighting or updating existing lighting

Moving locations for appliances or updating appliances

Replacing and removing bathroom light fixture

Updating bathrooms to include more sinks and more spacious bathtubs

Creating a home office space

These projects can all benefit (or simply require) the assistance of an electrical contractor. With our services, we can improve the safety and effectiveness of your remodel by:

Running a full electrical safety inspection to ensure your home can handle your remodel plans.

Update faulty wiring and provide rewiring that allows you to open up space and run new components through your home.

Designing and installing updated electrical systems for large-scale remodels.

Updating and installing outlets in kitchens and bathrooms to be GFCI-capable.

Adding additional switches and outlets to improve the convenience and functionality of your home.

Updating your electrical panel and circuit breakers.

Installing all types of interior lighting and providing ceiling fan installation

Installing energy-saving outdoor lighting

Track lighting troubleshooting

Why Choose Us for Your Electrical Contractors

Experience and dedication, we ensure that all tasks are done with the highest quality of workmanship, whether it’s simply installing outlets and ceiling fans to designing and installing complex electrical systems.

Electrical repair and remodeling services

have teams of licensed electricians who specialize in troubleshooting electrical problems and helping customers evaluate and upgrade the wiring systems in their homes, offices, or industrial buildings. We have earned multiple Gold Star Ratings from the Better Business Bureau because we consistently meet the needs of our customers on time and on budget. Whether you have a broken outlet in your home or are retrofitting a large industrial building, you can be sure that our electrical repair team will accurately troubleshoot any concern and recommend the best course of action,  the first time.

A licensed electrician will be there to receive your call and address your issue as soon as possible. If you see any sign of electrical troubles in your home or business, give us a call right away so we can assess the issue and get it fixed.

Residential Electrical Repair and Remodeling Services

We offer a wide array of residential upgrades and electrical repairs that will quickly improve the safety, security, and performance of your home electrical systems and get them up to code:

Specialty receptacles like GFCIs, tamper resistant outlets, and Hubbell USB chargers

Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) to protect expensive electronics and appliances

Life safety devices like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Aluminum wiring repair

Home panel inspections

Home lighting and ceiling fan installations and upgrades

Commercial Electrical Repair and Remodeling Services

When it comes time to upgrade or repair outdated or faulty electrical systems at your business has a licensed team devoted to commercial electrical repair and troubleshooting. We have experience working with retail locations, hotels, recreation and sports facilities, schools, and more. No matter what kind of business you have, our services will keep your customers and employees safe and your costs down:

Preventative maintenance

Shock, surge, and fire prevention devices

Circuit upgrades and inspection

Parking lot lighting

Elevator power upgrades

Specialty receptacles like GFCIs, 240-volt outlets, rotating outlets, etc.

Advanced troubleshooting solutions

Industrial Electrical Repair & Remodeling Services

We recognize the unique challenges of keeping an industrial facility running at peak efficiency and reliability. Having worked with chemical plants, manufacturing plants, and more, our licensed and experienced Plant and Facility Services team is sensitive to the complicated demands of industrial buildings, and they excel at troubleshooting and upgrading industrial electrical systems with the least amount of interruption possible. Here are some of the industrial electrical services we provide:

Preventative maintenance

Manufacturing equipment repair

Oil and Gas facility specialization

Life safety system upgrades or repairs

Motor control maintenance or repair

COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL

When you need electrical services for your business, you need professionals who are knowledgeable, courteous, and fast don’t lose out to the competition when something goes wrong with the electricity in your commercial building.

Today’s businesses rely on power more than ever. Companies with higher usage loads require more durable and powerful equipment. There should be no time when your business suffers because you are without power.

Because you could be liable for problems that affect your customers, it’s of the utmost importance that every aspect is installed correctly and triple-checked for accuracy. We can ensure that your installation is safe and wired correctly, so you can get back to what matters – running your business.

Electrical Services, we understand how vital proper handiwork and equipment are. All our staff members are well trained and experienced in commercial needs. They have the necessary skills to complete the job quickly and efficiently, so you take care of your customers and their needs.

One reason so many businesses love us is that we don’t keep them in the dark about pricing. We offer free estimates on all our installations, and we believe honesty matters. We understand how important it is to have a budget for your project, so we’ll look at your needs to give you an in-depth breakdown of your costs and the project completion time. We don’t leave you in the dark – literally or figuratively.

Some our services include, but aren’t limited to:

Upgrading to high-efficiency lighting

Installing dimming systems

Generalized energy management

Wiring and fixture service upgrades

General electrical needs

Thorough electrical safety audits

LEED

Water Testing To Know Drugs In Our Drinking Water

Posted on by

Drinking Water Testing

The taste, odor, and appearance of your drinking water can give you an indication of its quality, but do you know if your water is really safe? A glass of water may contain dissolved minerals, organic compounds, or even live organisms. Some of these materials, if present in very small amounts, are no problem for drinking water. Other materials, however, may be serious health risks.

Public water supplies present few concerns because they are routinely disinfected and tested for a long list of potential contaminants according to rules and regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

The SDWA requires that water treatment plants notify customers if any of these standards are violated. In 1996, Congress amended the SDWA requiring water suppliers to put annual drinking water quality reports into the hands of their customers beginning in 1999. The report is referred to as Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

It is possible for water to meet SDWA standards when it leaves the public water treatment plant, but not meet those standards by the time it reaches your kitchen or bathroom sink. For example, water can extract lead from lead solder. Therefore, if you live in a home with plumbing that pre‑dates the 1987 plumbing codes, or if you have a very old home in which there are lead pipes, you may wish to have your water tested for lead. Few other problems require testing by public water supply users.

If you get your water from a private well, it is your own responsibility to monitor its quality. Aside from your health concerns, most lending institutions require a water test before they will approve a loan for purchase or construction of your home. In some areas, however, there are health concerns, such as nitrate, fluoride, or arsenic concentrations above the drinking water standard. The more common problems, like hardness or high concentrations of iron, sulfate, or chloride are not health concerns.

Public Environmental and Water Testing Prices

Special information regarding HUD/FHA Loan Requirements

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all of the above tests on private well water prior to accepting a house for FHA mortgage insurance. The Veteran’s Administration has the same requirements. The test results must meet the minimal drinking water quality requirements specified by HUD based on EPA recommendations

Water Testing Policy and Sample Requirements:

To ensure quality services, carefully follow all instructions, complete all test request forms thoroughly and submit water samples in the bottles provided by the WSLH. The bottles provided are pre-approved (i.e., quality checked) for the specific tests you requested. Failure to follow instructions or not use approved sample bottles may result in rejection of your sample(s).

Because some drinking water samples must be tested within a short time period after sampling, it is strongly recommended that you NOT ship samples to WSLH on Fridays for Saturday delivery. The WSLH building is not open to the general public on weekends and holidays and staff may not be available to process your samples. Even with overnight delivery, samples may not be received or processed to meet the time limit requirement and another sample will need to be taken and shipped.

Water Testing

Ensure Your Home Water is the Best it Can Be

When you’re in the process of buying a new home, having your water tested is essential. While public water systems are mandated to test and treat their water, these tests only cover the water that has yet to leave the treatment plant. Once it leaves the plant, your water must pass through miles of piping,

some of which may be in disrepair or contain lead, before it enters your home’s plumbing system. Inspection Service is equipped and eager to ensure the water in your home is high-quality and safe to consume. Whether you are just moving in or you’re already settled and just recognizing that your water has an abnormal odor, color, or taste

The Dangers of Low-Quality Water

Not only does low-quality water have an unpleasant taste and smell, but it can also have a number of long-term effects on the body.

According to the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, there are two categories of contaminants. Primary contamination encompasses contaminants that have health-related effects. Secondary contamination includes contaminants with aesthetic effects. It’s possible for your water to have no traces of Primary contaminants above the recognized limits but still contain Secondary contamination that yields a bad odor, color, and taste. Fortunately, HomeTeam has the tools and expertise necessary to identify any contamination in your water so you can ensure your family’s safety, health, and peace of mind.

Well Water Customers

If you get your water from a private well, you are responsible for scheduling water testing services. Most homeowners who use well water don’t request these services until they decide to sell their property. The EPA highly recommends that well owners schedule water testing services every year and whenever they suspect an issue. You should test your well for any traces of pH, total dissolved solids, nitrates, coliform bacteria, chemicals, and any other suspected contaminants.

Home Inspection Water Test Kit

As a home inspector, clients rely on your expertise when they are making a decision to buy a house.  Now you can provide them with details about their water quality and the long-term effects that it may have on their plumbing, water-using appliances, and their health.  Our easy to use testing kit will provide you with everything you need to help home buyers understand their water quality and the costs of treatment options if necessary.

Whether you are inspecting a home that is on municipal water or well water, water testing is something that more and more home buyers are looking for as part of their home inspection. With our Home Inspection Water Test Kit, you can easily collect water samples to be tested for common pollutants and contaminants such as Arsenic, Nitrate, Nitrite, Lead, Total Coliform, E.Coli.  Water testing is a simple way to let your clients know if the water in a home is potable and safe.

No water source is completely free of impurities, many of which are odorless, colorless, and tasteless.  It is recommended that private wells be tested at least once a year and some mortgage lenders even require water quality testing for homes with well water.  Even municipal water is not without concern.  The possibility of contamination increases if the plumbing system is aging or if there is nearby farming, fracking, or other mining.

Offering water quality testing with certified laboratory results is an often-requested service that takes very little time and does not require additional equipment.  Simply use the leak-proof sample containers and the packaging to send the samples to the laboratory for testing.  Once the lab testing is finished, you will receive a detailed analysis that you can share with your client.

Water Quality Testing

Tap water quality in homes has become a growing, nationwide issue. There has been a growing awareness in America that what is coming out of a kitchen sink may not be as safe as once thought. There are many substances that can be found in tap water that can be harmful to yourself and your family. Water quality testing is the only way to know what is in your tap water.

lead testing within municipality drinking water has become a common occurrence. While this may have been triggered by a series of events, there is still a danger of lead contamination across the country. It is estimated the water supplied to almost 10 million homes in America runs through older lead supply pipes at some point in the delivery process.

There are many consumer-grade filtration systems available to the public, but awareness is the first step. This is why all of us at Scott Home Inspection found it very important to add a water quality testing service. There is no better time to test the water than before you move in. Water quality testing will give you the information needed to make an informed purchasing decision, give you actionable information to mitigate the water, or just give peace of mind that your drinking water is safe.

Water Quality Testing – What We Test For:

Lead – Lead is a metal commonly found in older water piping materials that can have harmful side effects when consumed.

Copper – Copper piping is a very popular water supply pipe material. However, similar to lead, heightened levels of copper in drinking water can have adverse health effects.

Chlorine – Chlorine is used by water treatment facilities to clear the water of bacteria before it comes to your home. However, the level of chlorine needs to be reduced before it gets to your tap. In rare cases, the levels are not reduced sufficiently. Also, if levels are too low, then there could be the potential for bacteria to survive in your water.

Hardness – Hardness of water is caused by dissolved magnesium and calcium ions. These minerals can build up on fixtures and surfaces in your home. Our water test can help determine the hardness level.

TDS – Total Dissolved Solids, also known as TDS, are inorganic compounds that are found in water such as salts, heavy metals and some traces of organic compounds that are dissolved in water. Elevated levels have been known to cause adverse side effects when consumed.

pH – This is a measure of where the water falls on a scale from acidic (low pH) to alkaline (high pH). The acidity of water (low ph) can result in increased corrosion to the plumbing pipes and fixtures in your home, while high pH can cause a bitterness of taste and can reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine in the water.

Alkalinity –The alkalinity of water is a measure of its capacity to resist or neutralize acid. In general, alkalinity in water comes from calcium carbonate (CaC03) that is introduced as the water is leached through soil or rock, or from acid rain or snow. Alkalinity is an important consideration in the treatment of water because it influences the cleaning process.

Water Quality Testing Equipment:

EPA approved portable testing devices.

Reagent based water testing.

Digital readout for accurate measurements.

On-site results – no waiting for labs.

Checking Accountant With Overdraft Reserve For Seniors

Posted on by

Characteristics of an Accountant

Every accountant worthy of their certification should be expected to thoroughly analyze and report financial records, but the most essential characteristics of an accountant extend beyond the bare minimum demands of the job. In addition to being financially literate, top-notch accountants must also possess a number of personal characteristics to ensure that they can provide the best possible quality of service.

1. Service-oriented Mindset

No matter how many numbers may be involved in the job, accounting is still primarily a people business. Accountants must not only be comfortable with financial calculations, but they must also have a certain level of finesse and enthusiasm in dealing with their clients as people. Accountants should look forward to directly interacting with their clients in order to build rapport while learning as much as possible.

In addition to being fully aware of all of the economic and industrial factors, accountants must also be fully invested in their client to learn as much possible; not only will this demonstrate genuine care for the client’s needs, but it will also make the accountant far better equipped to determine what courses of action will be the most relevant for their client’s specific needs.

2. Innovativeness

Just because an accountants trade is primarily in numbers doesn’t mean that there isn’t any room for creative thinking. The best accountants will never settle for cookie-cutter methods if there is an opportunity to develop a better solution.

Competent accountants will have the skill to implement unconventional yet effective approaches to problems that demand more than the textbook approach. The ability to intuitively formulate an out-of-the box strategy to deal with unique situations must first be developed with experience, but before that, an accountant must at least be willing to practice and strengthen their innovative capabilities.

3. Reliability and Trustworthiness

The intimate details that clients share with their accountants must never be leaked to third parties, neither intentionally nor accidentally. The client must be able have well-placed trust in their accountant’s ability and willingness to keep vital information confidential at all times; this is both a matter of professionalism and basic ethics. The impression that an accountant leaves on their client will likely color the impression that future clients have on them as well, which means that trustworthiness is essential for both the client’s safety and the accountant’s career.

4. Strong Organizational Skills

The best accountants will always be characterized by strong organizational skills. Every single bit of data and paperwork must be accounted for at all times, no matter how minor it may seem. Poor organizational skills will be the Achilles’ heel of even the most naturally brilliant and well-intentioned accountants in the field. Being well-organized ensures that accounts are always capable of quickly accessing any material they need, which optimizes productivity and frees up more time for the most important tasks at hand.

5. Vigilance

The state of the economy and nuances of tax law are subject to change at any time, so it is essential for an accountant to always be aware of the latest amendments. The fact that the field is constantly in flux is one of the primary reasons why an accountant’s expertise is necessary in the first place.

Even if the accountant is fully confident in their awareness of all of the fine details, they must always keep current with the field in order to ensure that their knowledge is still relevant and applicable. What might have been an airtight strategy months ago may no longer be viable in the current time, and a high-quality accountant must always be able to react to this scenario before it becomes an immediate problem.

The most important characteristics of an accountant are what will drive them to go above and beyond the call of duty. Innovativeness, reliability and organizational skills are what separate bare-minimum accountants from true professionals.

The exceptional accountant must possess two vital characteristics above all else: a genuine passion for their field that compels them to constantly keep up to date with the latest news, and a strong focus on providing each client with even better service than they expect. For the best in the industry, over-delivery is standard policy in accountancy.

Benefits of Becoming an Accountant

Pursuing a career as an accountant might be one of the best ways of investing in your education. All too often, graduates have celebrated their milestones of completing their associates, bachelors, masters, and even Ph.D. degrees without knowing whether or not the degree that they’ve worked so hard for will render a return on their investment.

Pursuing a career as an accountant might be one of the best ways of investing in your education. All too often, graduates have celebrated their milestones of completing their associates, bachelors, masters, and even Ph.D. degrees without knowing whether or not the degree that they’ve worked so hard for will render a return on their investment.

Getting a degree in accounting from FNU has many advantages. Here benefit of accountant :

Accountants Have a Better Understanding of Finances

After years of studying the art of managing money, accountants gain the type of knowledge many people are happy to pay for. Earning an accounting degree at FNU offers students a wide array of knowledge beyond ledger management and financial reporting; the FNU accounting curriculum also includes courses in areas such as micro and macroeconomics, business and tax law, corporate finance, spreadsheet analysis, banking and finance, management, and supervisory skills. These skills are applicable to any job profession, and this means that employers would greatly benefit from job candidates who possess these skill sets. Accounting skills can also be applied toward other professions such as financial planners, fund managers, banking specialists, and others.

The Growing Demand for Accountants

As previously mentioned, there are no guarantees that anyone will land a job once they have earned their degree, but it is worth noting that the demand for accountants consistently ranks high. Since accounting essentially entails managing money, it can be considered to be a major driving force of our economy. Every business needs at least one accounting professional to handle their finances; in some cases, large corporations will employ accounting departments with hundreds of employees at offices around the world. It is safe to assume that significant demand for accountants will continue in the 21st century and beyond.

Everyone needs accounting; the demand is always constant, spanning across all business and industrial sectors, thus creating job security along with career longevity. It is up to prospective accountants to take the first step and learn more about what FNU has to offer. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program can be fully completed online; however, you can also take a blended approach that combines classroom education with internet courses. Students with full-time jobs can take evening classes at FNU campus locations in Hialeah and Miami, and they can also apply for financial aid. For more information about this FNU program, get in touch with one of our academic counselors.

Opportunities for Advancement

With the right kind of networking connections, an entry-level accountant may increase his or her salary potential within a year. With the right combination of college accounting skills plus continuing professional education, accountants can expand their options by pursuing specialized positions such as Budget Analyst, Auditor, Controller, Tax Accountant, Payroll Clerk, Certified Public Accountant, and even a Corporate Financial Officer. Additionally, the combination of accounting with other business skills will create an attractive resume that employers will certainly notice.

Having general knowledge of accounting principles provides a good foundation for advancing into higher positions. With positions such as Cost Accounting and Financial Planning and Analysis, it is important to know how reported figures are generated. Modern financial statements and reporting are more than just PowerPoint presentations; the finance sector is under pressure to become more strategic because this is what shareholders demand. Companies expect their accounting and finance departments to analyze, explain, and take action.

The Pay Range for Accountants is Competitive

Because of the nature of their profession, accountants typically begin their careers at enticing salary levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $70,500 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $122,840. These salary figures may vary depending on one’s regional location, whether the company is privately owned, public, or operated by the government. It is also likely that higher-paid salaries are offered in bigger metropolitan areas.

The Ability to Start Your Own Business

It is not uncommon for accounting professionals to become entrepreneurs; this often happens after years of on-the-job experience when accountants have developed a good amount of business contacts. Accountants may feel more comfortable after years of networking to use the contacts that they’ve developed to start their own business. Whether it’s consulting or specializing in tax accounting and representation, the options are endless when it comes to financial affairs.

Forbes magazine often lists accounting as one of the best for prospective college students, and this is likely because it is the type of profession that can hold its own in today’s job marketplace, and it is often recommended for people who live with disabilities because of easy accommodations. Even as a self-employed accountant, there is good potential to earn a great deal of income just because of the steady demand for money management.

Gaining a Better Understanding of Taxation and Business Law

A good accounting degree curriculum will include courses on business law as well as taxation, and this is what the FNU Bachelor of Science in Accounting program offers. Because of the personal, legal and business repercussions of breaking or neglecting tax laws, accountants must acquire some taxation knowledge. As part of FNU’s commitment to serving the South Florida community and maintaining its degree-granting accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and the Florida Commission for Independent Education, courses and programs are regularly evaluated for freshness and relevance; in the case of accounting, making sure students learn about taxation and business law topics is crucial.

What is a CPA and what do they do?

CPAs are many things. They are chief financial officers for Fortune 500 companies and advisors to small neighborhood businesses. They work for public accounting firms, both small and large. They are well-respected strategic business advisors and decision-makers. They act as consultants on many issues, including taxes and accounting.

A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals. Whatever those goals-saving for a new home, opening a new office, or planning a multi-billion dollar merger-CPAs can help.

Getting your CPA certification opens the kinds of doors that can fast-track you into influential jobs in every industry. Whom do you think the FBI recruits to investigate criminal fraud? What profession is often a stepping-stone to holding positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)? Who helps rock stars manage their money, and avoid going broke? View the career opportunities section.

What Are Recruiters Looking for in Accountants?

According to recruiters in the accounting industry, the most desirable candidates have experience working in public accounting for a large firm. But if you don’t have that, don’t let it deter you! There are many other skills and experiences that you can demonstrate to set yourself apart.

When interviewing for accounting roles specifically, it’s important to demonstrate a healthy mix of both technical acumen and soft skills. One of the biggest myths I hear about accountants is that they sit behind a computer for hours, looking at numbers and ridiculous formulas in Microsoft Excel with no human contact, ever. On the contrary: Accountants must demonstrate skills in a variety of areas to be successful in the job hunt, such as communication, client engagement, data analysis, and time management.

Here are the five main skills that I found most valuable as a recruiter:

  • Written Communication: Hiring managers will want to know that your writing skills are on point—after all, you may be drafting audit reports, creating workpapers, developing and editing financial statements, and providing updates to your internal or external clients as needed.
  • Verbal Communication: Strong verbal communication skills are important to your success in accounting as you’ll be speaking with clients, internal or external, in just about every aspect of your work.
  • Time Management and Prioritization: Accountants take on a great variety of tasks, especially during month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounting. Just in one day, you may be in and out of client meetings, drafting workpapers, reviewing financial documentation, and walking through your clients’ accounting processes. It’s important to be able to work well when there are many things going on at once and know how to organize your work so your tasks get done on time.
  • Technical Experience: There’s no doubt that accounting is a pretty technical role. Aisha Holt, a corporate accounting recruiter at Tradesmen International, makes sure to gauge candidates’ experiences with various accounting tools and software. Accounting programs are used to prepare financial statements, make journal entries, perform account reconciliations, and complete other important accounting procedures. You’ll find yourself working with these tools every single day, so recruiters want to see that you’re knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest emerging technologies of the profession.
  • Attention to Detail: Maintaining accurate reporting with zero errors is crucial in accounting. Can you imagine the financial implications if an account was overstated or understated by $1 million dollars and an auditor didn’t pick up on the error? The work of an accountant is to maintain high integrity, as the public is dependent on ethical reporting, and there are also a slew of regulations that accountants must uphold. As such, candidates need to show that they do sweat the small stuff and aren’t likely to make or miss an error that leads to a massive loss.

You Can’t Underestimate Upholstery Cleaning Importance

Posted on by

A How-to Guide For Furniture and Upholstery Cleaning

Upholstery cleaning is an integral part of taking care of your furniture. Most people are aware that spills and stains on upholstery should be cleaned immediately to stand the best chance of successful stain removal. However, at times, it’s just not possible to immediately handle a sudden spill or accident.

First things first: vacuum

Upholstery should be vacuumed regularly, as it keeps the fabric in good condition, preventing dust and crumbs from settling into the body of the furniture. When it comes to old stains, it’s surprising how much a simple vacuuming can help.

Check for cleaning instructions

Check whether your furniture manual came with its own cleaning codes. This gets you on the right track of how to best tackle your stain, whilst still ensuring the piece is being cared for in a suitable manner. Some pieces can be cleaned with water, while others will need some solvents. However, use the latter option cautiously.

Step 1

Check whether your furniture can be cleaned with water – if so, it’s just a simple matter of mixing together a solution with dish soap. Dip a sponge in the mixture, squeeze it thoroughly and blot the stain very gently, taking care not to rub very roughly.

Step 2

Next, rinse the sponge, using only water to blot out some of the soap mixture. Press dry with a cloth or paper towels. If this doesn’t prove to be effective, try using vinegar or vodka on a cloth to blot the stains. And don’t worry about the smell: both odours of vinegar or vodka will disappear once the area is dry.

Step 3

If a gentler clean doesn’t work, it’s time to opt for a heavy-duty route. This step calls for the tough cleaners. Any cleaner you choose to use should be spot tested in an inconspicuous place on the piece of furniture. Be sure to read both the instructions and ingredients to avoid the risk of ruining the piece of furniture

Carpet and upholstery cleaning: Bring your living room back to life

No matter how often you dust, clean and tidy your living room, if your carpets and upholstery are tired, dirty and worn, the room will struggle to look its best. Daily life and all its wear and tear can take its toll on soft furnishings, but it’s incredible the difference a deep clean of your living room carpet and upholstery can make

Carpet cleaning

Giving your carpet a thorough clean will not only freshen it up and transform the look of your home, but it can also help to extend the lifespan of the carpet.

Carpet cleaning tips

Stains

To remove common stains from your carpet, make a paste by mixing equal parts vinegar and baking soda, with a touch of warm water. Scrub the stained areas with the mixture and a sponge until the stain disappears. Then, soak up as much moisture as you can with a clean cloth.

General cleaning

An excellent general clean can really freshen up your carpet. Mix one part laundry detergent with ten parts of warm water, and scrub with a medium-bristled brush. Leave your newly cleaned carpet to dry before vacuuming it thoroughly.

Buying a carpet cleaner

There are a whole host of carpet cleaning appliances on the market and, if you’re considering buying one, you must choose the one that best suits your needs. Factors to consider include:

Capacity – If you’ll be using your carpet cleaner to clean a large, fully carpeted home regularly, you’ll need a cleaner with a large capacity.

Cable length – Equally, if you’re cleaning a large space, you’ll need a longer cable.

Attachments – There is a wide range of different attachments available for carpet cleaners, including attachments for stair carpets, car interiors, upholstery and curtains. Look for a model that comes with the attachments you need.

Upholstery cleaning

It’s a common misconception that carpet and upholstery cleaning methods are the same. Although there are similarities, they each require different cleaning methods – a carpet is made from synthetic fibres, whereas upholstery is often fabric based. The fabrics used for upholstery, such as cotton and wool, are sensitive to certain chemicals that can be used on carpets.

The Clear Signs of Needed Upholstery Cleaning

How often do you clean your upholstered furniture? Many people might vacuum theirs or wipe away some dirt. However, it can be easy to neglect your upholstery if you don’t set regular dates to clean it. Some signs indicate that you need to clean your upholstered furniture. When you notice them, it’s best to have the fabric cleaned as soon as you can. Although you can do it yourself, it can up a lot of your time. You might also find it difficult using only the products you have at home. If you notice any of these signs that your furniture needs cleaning, professional cleaning is best.

Dirt and Stains

Everyone gets the occasional stain or bit of dirt or dust on their upholstered furniture. If you are quick enough, you can wipe it away and remote it. However, sometimes you don’t notice until it’s too late. Rubbing at the stain might only make it worse, and so could trying to use various home remedies. The best thing to do is contact a professional upholstery service. They can take care of new stains, as well as any that might build up over the years. You might not notice how dirty your furniture has become until you have it cleaned.

Pet Hair

If you have a dog or cat, you probably try your best to keep their hair under control. Vacuuming regularly can help, but it can’t do everything. You might notice that your furniture has become fuzzy, and you’re struggling to get the hair out. You can use a lint brush to pick up what a vacuum doesn’t but they can’t both leave hair behind. A professional service will perform a deep clean to ensure that they can get everything. At the same time, they can clean any dirt or bacteria that might come from the pets being on the furniture.

Allergies

Suffering from various allergies is common, and many of the can be in the home. Dust mites and pet dander are two of the things that might cause an allergic reaction. Even when you are vigilant about staying clean, these allergens can get into your upholstered furniture. Keeping the furniture clean is essential for your health. Professional cleaners will give your furniture a deep clean so you can be healthy.

Appearance

Do you have a photo of when you first bought your furniture? If you compare it to now, you might notice how much it has changed. It’s easy for us not to realize if our upholstered furniture gradually changes color or texture. But when you look back, you know that it’s time for it to be cleaned. A professional cleaning will transform your furniture, so it regains vitality and looks like new again. It can renew the color and fluff up the fibers so that your furniture no longer looks dull and lifeless.

Upholstery Cleaning Services Pricing

How much does upholstery cleaning cost?

Upholstery cleaning services include furniture items such as couches, lounges, sofas, arm chairs, dining chairs, mattresses and ottomans. Each of these items are covered with fabric and just like your clothing, they need regular cleaning. Let’s face it, your couch gets a fairly good work out these days! Whether it be binge watching your favourite Netflix drama, snuggling up with loved ones or a place to eat dinner while watching the news. What can you expect to pay for professional upholstery cleaning services?

How often should I have my upholstery professionally cleaned?

The most common method of cleaning is hot water extraction or steam cleaning. Regular cleaning will not only ensure you furniture looks clean, but also helps reduce wear and tear and premature aging as well as remove odour causing germs and bacteria. These big ticket furniture items can last a life time if they are well maintained. We suggest using professional upholstery cleaning services at least once or twice a year.

How do you price upholstery cleaning?

It is difficult to publish exact price lists for our upholstery cleaning services, as the size and condition can vary considerably from one couch to another. We like to price each job individually, however we also understand that it is helpful to have a general pricing guide, when selecting a cleaning service.

We usually price couches, sofas and lounges by the seat. By seat we mean how many people can comfortably sit on the furniture, rather than the number of seat cushions. This is because some seat cushions are very large and actually designed to seat 2 or more people.

For couches/sofas our price per seat is currently $35 (inc GST).

Armchairs are around the same price, however some larger recliners are slightly more (usually around $45).

Dining chairs start from $10 per seat, depending on whether they are base only or back & base

Mattresses are priced according to size and start at $55 for a single, $66 for a double, $77 Queen, $88 King.

Our minimum charge is $99

Many customers ask why it often costs more to clean their couch than it does to clean all of their carpet. Surely cleaning, several rooms of carpet is a bigger job than a sofa? Upholstery cleaning services are priced according to amount of time they take to complete rather than just surface area.

Upholstery Cleaning Process

cleaning system gives you multiple benefits step by step

1.   High-Filtration Vacuum – NO need to dig out those lost coins before we arrive

Vacuuming is carried out with a professional vacuum cleaner specifically designed to prepare your upholstery for cleaning. Not all companies will carry out a full vacuum before they start.

2.   Pre-spot stubborn or difficult stains

Stains or marks that we know will be difficult to remove will be pre treated with specialist products and techniques.

3.   Pre-spray and agitation

An application of heavy-duty pre-spray will be applied to your upholstery. This will lift dirt and oily residue from your delicate upholstery fibres and suspend them in the solution ready for extraction with our top of the range upholstery cleaning equipment.

4.   Hot water extraction – Where the magic happens

Hot water extraction is then applied to the upholstery. Our machine heats the pre-spray solution and pushes the water into the upholstery fabric to break down the dirt and oils. It is then quickly removed in the same action with powerful vacuum suction drawing the dirt and cleaning products out of the fibres.

5.   Residue rinse

​Any product left in the fabric can attract dirt and make a sofa or chair look dirtier quicker. We carry out a second rinse extraction to make sure all the cleaning solution is removed which ensures your upholstery will stay cleaner for longer and prevent re-soiling.

6.   Grooming

Where required we will groom the upholstery to make sure it is looking its best post clean.

7.   Fabric Protector – The best decision you will make

​If you have a  busy house hold, especially with young children or pets, carpet protector will help to protect upholstery fabrics from spillages and everyday wear. It makes the fabric more resistant to staining and if a spill does happen gives you more time to save the day. It makes regular cleaning of your upholstery easier. Fabric protector does wear off, particularly around heavy contact areas. It normally lasts from 12 – 18 months and needs re-applying following cleaning. Read more on our protection page.

9. Drying

Our final step ensures that you can use your upholstery sooner. We know that at the end of the day you just want to relax. Therefore, we use specialist upholstery dryers to make sure your furniture is dried rapidly and you can enjoy your upholstery as soon as possible.

Dentist Hygiene Supplies Dental Infection Control

Posted on by

How to Get Rid of Cavities

What causes cavities?

Dental cavities, or caries, are tiny holes in the hard surface of the teeth. They are caused by bacteria on the surface of teeth creating acid out of sugar. The most common culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans.

The bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque. The acids in plaque remove minerals from (demineralize) your enamel — a coating of the teeth made mostly of calcium and phosphate. This erosion causes tiny holes in the enamel. Once the acid damage spreads into the dentin layer underneath the enamel, a cavity forms.

Getting rid of cavities at home

Many home treatments are based off of a studyTrusted Source from the 1930s that suggested that cavities are caused by lack of vitamin D in the diet. In this study, kids who added vitamin D to their diets showed a reduction in cavities. However, those who added vitamin D while also removing grain products from their diets had the best results. This is possibly because grains can stick to the teeth.

Not getting enough vitamin D may make teeth more susceptible to cavities, but we now understand that this is only a part of the puzzle. Other risk factors for cavities include:

  • dry mouth or having a medical condition that reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth
  • eating foods that cling to teeth, like candy and sticky foods
  • frequent snacking on sugary foods or drinks, like soda, cereals, and ice cream
  • heartburn (due to acid)
  • inadequate cleaning of teeth
  • bedtime infant feeding

Can you get rid of cavities at home?

However, some people prefer to use natural home remedies, rather than products containing fluoride. Some of these remedies include:

1. Oil pulling

Oil pulling originated in an ancient system of alternative medicine called Ayurveda. It involves swishing a tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil around in the mouth for a prescribed period, then spitting it out.

While some claims about oil pulling are not scientifically supported, research indicates that it can improve tooth health. A 2009 study found that using sesame oil in the pulling technique reduced the amount of plaque and bacteria to the same extent as mouthwash.

If oil pulling reduces plaque, this may help to remineralize enamel and prevent cavities. More studies are needed to confirm these effects.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera tooth gel may help to fight off bacteria that cause cavities. The antibacterial effect of this gel kills harmful bacteria in the mouth, according to a 2015 review.

While more research is needed, aloe vera gel may help to remineralize enamel at the pre-cavity stage.

3. Avoid phytic acid

Phytic acid may damage tooth enamel, and some believe that cutting it out of the diet can prevent tooth decay and cavities.

Phytic acid is most commonly found in cereals and legumes, including the following:

  • maize
  • wheat
  • rice
  • rye
  • kidney beans
  • haricot beans
  • pinto beans
  • navy beans
  • blackeye beans
  • broad beans

More research is needed to determine whether phytic acid affects the minerals in tooth enamel.

4. Avoid sugary foods and drinks

Consumption of sugar is among the leading causes of cavities. Sugar mixes with bacteria in the mouth and forms an acid, which wears down tooth enamel.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that people prevent cavities by consuming fewer sugary foods and drinks, this 2016 review notes.

Getting Preventative Care

Get a dental check-up every 6 months.

During these visits your dentist will check on any past work that’s been done and look for any potential problems. They may suggest a treatment plan that requires additional visits or even give you medication to fight any infections.

  • For example, if your dentist suspects gingivitis, they may give you a prescription mouthwash to use.
  • Getting twice yearly teeth cleanings also prevents the accumulation of plaque, which can lead to cavities.

Take any mouthwashes as directed by your dentist.

If you are prescribed a mouthwash by your dentist, use it according to their directions and do not cut the treatment short. A mouthwash can prepare your mouth for surgery or it can help you to avoid infections afterwards. It might also reduce the possibility of other teeth rotting.

  • The mouthwash will likely come with a dosage cup for you to use and specific instructions regarding how long and how often to rinse.

Ask for fluoride treatments.

Your dentist can apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth during a regular office visit. This coating protects your teeth from additional rotting, and can make fillings last longer. Fluoride carries very few side effects.

  • Ask your dentist about fluoride toothpaste. This is a great way to get extra fluoride if a coating treatment is not an option.
  • If your child is suffering from rotting teeth, be careful when using fluoride toothpaste or treatments. Exposing a child to extra fluoride can actually speed up any damage to teeth.

Consider getting your teeth professionally sealed.

This is a coating that your dentist applies with a small brush to your teeth. It takes only minutes, but it can protect your teeth from additional damage. Getting your back teeth (molars) sealed is an especially good idea.

  • Most dentists will not seal teeth that are already beginning to rot due to cavities. This would only trap the bad bacteria inside. Talk with your dentist about other options for those damaged teeth.

Request a deep gum cleaning from your dentist.

If your rotting teeth are due to persistent gum problems, your dentist may be able to slow the decay by cleaning inside the gum flaps. This is an in-office procedure where your dentist will pull your gums away from your teeth and use tools to clean the exposed areas.

How does a cavity develop?

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently — for example, if you eat or drink often, especially foods or drinks containing sugar and starches — the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay.

Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources.

But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.

Options for restoring damaged or lost teeth

Your permanent teeth are designed to last for the rest of your life. But, sometimes, circumstances can keep your teeth from surviving as long as you do. There are a number of reasons why a tooth might be damaged, from tooth decay to gum disease and from an injury to biting down on something hard.

Although once upon a time, you might have simply  had to live with a missing or otherwise damaged tooth, these days you have more options than ever when it comes to repairing or restoring the tooth. The option that is best for you depends on the extent of the damage and on how long you want the restoration to last.

FILLING

When you think of ways to repair or restore damaged teeth, a filling might be the first thing that comes to mind. It’s certainly the most common dental restoration option. While fillings won’t restore or replace entire teeth, they are used to correct damage caused by tooth decay. If you  have a cavity, for example, your dentist will most likely  use a filling to correct it.

Fillings are available in a variety of options and materials. Silver amalgam fillings were once fairly common, as they are cheap, easy to apply and pretty durable. The drawback of silver fillings is that they are clearly visible on the tooth. Composite resin or porcelain fillings might not have the durability of silver amalgam fillings, but they are usually the same color as the tooth and much less noticeable.

BONDING

Bonding is a quick option for restoring a chipped or broken tooth. The treatment involves applying a composite resin to the affected tooth, then shaping the resin until the issue with the tooth is corrected. A dentist can use bonding to reattach a piece of the tooth that has broken off or to fill in a chip or crack.

One advantage of bonding is that it is usually a one-and-done treatment. A patient only  has to go in for treatment or correction once. There’s no need to wait for a replacement restoration to come in from the lab or for the patient to return for a follow-up.

CROWNS

While bonding or a filling might be sufficient to correct smaller issues on the teeth or to fix small areas of decay, a more extensive restoration is often needed when there is a considerable amount of decay. In some cases, a crown, which covers, or “caps,” the top of the tooth might be what a patient needs when there is a lot of decay or when the tooth cracks.

A crown is made to fit perfectly in the patient’s mouth and is often colored to match the shade of a person’s teeth. For the most part, other people aren’t able to tell that someone has a crown, unless that person decides to share the news.

Although crowns are fairly durable and can last for many years, you do want to take care to protect yours. Avoid chomping down on hard objects, chewy foods or pieces of ice. If you’re a teeth grinder, talk to your dentist about wearing a night guard or finding other ways to relax your jaw.

DENTURES

Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth completely. Depending on how many teeth a person is missing, he or she can have a full set of dentures, a single denture, or a partial set. Although dentures are meant to replace the entire tooth, they are also designed to be removable, so they aren’t anchored to the gums by a root. Instead, they are often held in place by pastes or clips.

One major advantage of dentures is that they are often an affordable restoration option. But, they also have several drawbacks. Since they aren’t a permanent part of a person’s mouth, they can move around, cause wear and tear on the surrounding teeth, and are generally uncomfortable. There have also been instances of people accidentally swallowing their dentures, if they didn’t take the dentures out at night or if the dentures came loose while eating.

IMPLANTS

You might think of dental implants as dentures’ more sophisticated younger sibling. They are more expensive than dentures, but they also have a number of benefits. For one thing, an implant replaces the damaged or otherwise lost tooth root, meaning that is firmly positioned in a person’s bone and gums, then covered with a realistic looking crown. Since a person can’t remove the implant, there’s no risk of swallowing it. Implants are also much more comfortable than dentures and can be brushed and cared for like the natural teeth.

How To Make An Apartment Sparkling Move Out Cleaning Before Vacating

Posted on by

A Landlord’s Guide to White-Glove Cleaning After Move-Out

After the tenant moves out, you hope that everything’s been perfectly cleaned, and you won’t need to lift a finger. Unfortunately, that’s usually not the case. As a landlord, most of the time you’ll need to go in after the tenant has moved out, and clean a little deeper before the next tenant arrives.

Generally, this type of cleaning is known as white-glove, which refers to an extreme cleaning wherein“immaculate” and “spotless” are the standard. It means cleaning all of the spots off of the blinds, wiping baseboards until they shine, and even polishing the individual slats of the air vents.

When your new tenants arrive, they want to see a clean space, and if you want to make a good first impression, you’ll give it to them. If you’re not sure how to clean to the white-glove standard, use this guide to get you started.

Gather Cleaning Supplies

Begin by gathering the necessary cleaning supplies. This is the most important step in cleaning success. It’s much easier if you have the right types of materials and tools with which to begin

Here are a few supplies you’ll want to collect:

Vinegar: This acidic mixture will be your best friend during white-glove. It has some surprising uses, including removing hard water deposits.

Rubbing Alcohol: Cleaners usually leave a residue. Even if you can’t see it looking straight on, if you look at a shiny surface from a different angle, you can usually see streak marks. Rubbing alcohol will remove all of the extra streaks and residue for a perfectly clean shine.

Magic Eraser: This little gem has so many uses, from cleaning baseboards to removing grime in the tub. It really is magic when it comes to removing stubborn marks and stains. Just be careful about using it on walls because it’ll take the paint off if you rub too hard!

Brushes: You’ll want an assortment of brushes to get into the nooks and crannies. A pack of toothbrushes from the dollar store should do the trick. Q-tips are also excellent for cleaning miniscule corners.

Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber can clean, dust, and polish without soaking up too much of the chemicals. You won’t need to switch out your cleaning rags as often, and you can use less product to get the job done. A microfiber cloth takes the place of a duster and a polishing cloth as well.

Dryer Sheets: It may seem like an odd tip, but dryer sheets are perfect for dusting off baseboards and blinds.

Cleaner Varieties: You’ll also want a variety of cleaners, starting with all-purpose, which are good for almost any surface. You can make your own by mixing three parts water, one part vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. For the bathroom, look into getting an abrasive cleaner, such as Comet, to clean the porcelain on the tub and toilet.

Oven Cleaner: A good quality oven cleaner (avoid dollar store brands) left to soak overnight in your oven will remove the bulk of cooked-on messes. Make sure you get the kind that’s fume free!

Pumice Stone: Grab one to clean the stubborn ring in the toilet and another for the stuck-on grease spots in the oven.

Here’s your Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Why do I need a “move out cleaning checklist?”  Well, moving can be a massive ordeal between packing and organizing, and of course the actual transporting of your belongings from your old to your new home. Aside from making your deadline, there is also the task of cleaning your apartment before you leave for good.

The expenses of moving can also add up quickly, so being able to earn your cleaning deposit back can be a huge help financially. No one wants to say goodbye to the money they put down when they started renting, but taking the time and putting in the work to completely clean your apartment can seem overwhelming during a move.

Room By Room

Go through your apartment and tackle chores room by room. An orderly method will keep you from overlooking any of the items on your move out cleaning checklist. Staying focused and organized and following your list will help you finish cleaning on time. And, it will get your deposit returned.

Bathroom

Cleaning the bathroom is likely not a favorite job, but you’ll need to make sure it’s sparkling clean before you move out.

Clean shower thoroughly. Remove soap scum from the grout, shower door, tiles.

Make sure all of your drawers are empty and clean by vacuuming them out and wiping them down

Wipe down the mirrors

Clean your toilet including around the base

Countertops, sinks, and floor should all be cleaned

Kitchen

The kitchen is potentially one of the most used areas in your home, so cleaning it might take a little more time. Don’t worry, following your checklist will keep you on the right track.

All cabinets and drawers should be emptied and cleaned out

Wipe down fronts of cabinets

Don’t forget to clean out appliances: the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher need to scrubbing

Make sure the sink and countertops are cleaned well and disinfected

Sweep and mop the floors, including behind appliances.

Cleaning the house before moving out – why is it important?

The importance of cleaning everything before moving out is double-fold. So, you will relocate clean items, and you will leave behind a clean house for someone else to move in. Of course, if you are selling or renting your previous place of residence, having it clean will attract more buyers or tenants. Likewise, you can only move electronics safely if you clean them first. So, here is more about the general importance when this is concerned:

You cannot relocate dirty items. This goes against every relocation policy ever. Moreover, most long distance movers offers will not accept to relocate dirty items. So, if you have planned to relocate with a moving company, you will need to meet their standards first. Apart from being unhygienic, dirty items can “spread” dirt onto your new items, so you will have more to clean once you unpack. For this reason, it is really important to clean everything before moving out.

You need to clean your home before you move out. Moving and relocation are not the cleanest of processes. If you are moving on a rainy day, for example, you can count on making your floors dirty, as well as some other items due to the mud. So, you will need to clean everything before heading out. Imagine leaving a large pile of mud to dry up in your hallway? This is one of the worst ideas ever. Thus, make sure that you clean everything before you move out. It will be for the greater good.

How should you clean everything?

When it comes to your items, the process is really simple and you would not even need to include it in your week-by-week moving guide. However, for most other items, you might need a good strategy. Here is how you should approach the entire process:

Clean all items before you place them inside moving boxes. Start with a room-by-room packing/cleaning. Simply clean the room you are not using and clean all the items inside. However, make sure that you clean/pack all of the items before you proceed with cleaning the entire room. That way, you will simply clean after your packing. A really good idea, right?

Clean the kitchen/bathroom last. You should both pack and clean the rooms you will be using a lot last. Imagine if the first thing you pack is your bed. Where will you sleep? So, you should make sure that you leave the “most useful” rooms last. The same goes for the bathroom, make sure to clean it last.

Cleaning the house before moving out – some other useful tips

There are countless tips and tricks when it comes to cleaning and it does not matter if you are relocating – you will use all of them. Here are the most useful ones:

Plan everything in advance. You cannot simply decide that you wish to relocate one day and start packing and cleaning everything the next day. This simply does not work that way. Thus, you will need to make a really good moving-day plan and you will also need to stick to it. The more you plan, the better it will be for your relocation in general. This being said, you should make sure to ask for help whenever you need it for your relocation. It is simply one of the best options you can have.

Get a lot of cleaning supplies. If you think that you have enough cleaning supplies for your entire house, well, you are wrong. You will need to double the amount of that, and it is the bare minimum. Cleaning an entire room properly will take you at least two bottles of spray. So, make sure that you have enough ready at hand. The more you have, the better. After all, you will not throw anything away.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist – Complete guide for apartments and houses

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

One of the hardest areas to clean when moving out is the kitchen. To get started, empty all cabinets and wipe them to get rid of grease stains and dust. After removing the liners, replace them with quality and sturdy ones. For countertops, wash them with soap and warm water to reduce mold, bacteria, grime, and other residues. For glass cases, tabletops, doors, and windows, always take advantage of a specialized cleaning solution to restore its original appearance.

After that, it’s time to scrub the faucets and sinks. Chlorine-free bleach and powdered cleaning solutions are among the best products you could use. If you want an eco-friendlier cleaning solution, use lemon, salt, and ice cubes to lessen any unpleasant odors and other accumulated grime.

When you’re done with cabinets and countertops, the appliances are next on our checklist. For the refrigerator, it’s important to empty and defrost it. While defrosting it, place a large bowl to gather all the water. After defrosting it, you should start wipin the shelves, place a container with baking soda to get rid of possible bad odors. Set the fridge on a low setting and leave the door open to avoid mold growth.

After finishing with the refrigerator, it’s time to clean the stove. Start by removing the grills, drip pans. When scrubbing them, use warm water with a little bit of soap. To clean the oven racks, you can use steel wool to scrub the grease. Be sure to wear thick gloves and other protective gear to avoid respiratory and skin problems.

Bathrooms Cleaning Checklist

Since you’re done cleaning the kitchen, the bathroom will be the next on the checklist. Every bathroom consists of different elements such as tiles, tub and shower, sinks, toilet, vents, floor, countertops, vanities, and medicine cabinets. Start from scrubbing the tiles and grout with warm water. You can use a tile cleaning solution to remove stains and give the tile a shiny look. Then, clean the showerhead, shower enclosure, tub fixtures, tub, and shower rod. When it comes to the sink, pay extra attention to the chromed surfaces, faucets, and handles. Make sure to use a toothbrush to get the stains and mold out of nooks and crannies.

Move Out Checklist

Set a Move Out Date & Provide Written Notice

Once you set your move out date, contact your Renewal Coordinator, who will walk you through the process of submitting your notice to vacate. Once your notice is submitted, we’ll schedule your Pre-Move Out Visit.

Submit a written notice to vacate at least 60 days before your lease end date (30 days for Seattle)

Complete the Notice to Vacate form provided by your Renewal Coordinator and include a signature on your notice for every resident on your lease

Do a General Deep Cleaning

Make sure your home looks like it did when you moved in. Our team made sure your home was clean from floor to ceiling and that your systems were in working order.

Kitchens – clean all surfaces, including cabinets, countertops, sinks, etc.

Bathrooms – clean all surfaces, including sinks, tubs, toilets, bathtub surrounds, etc.

Appliances – emptied, clean, and free of damage, such as broken parts

Ensure all personal property, furniture, and trash is removed from the home

If you have pets, please eliminate pet odors and repair damage caused by pets

Check and Clean Walls, Windows, and Floors

Walls, doors, and trim – Wipe down all surfaces and ensure they are undamaged. Any painting should be corner to corner or done by a professional. Improper painting or patching could cause a deposit deduction.

Carpet – Have the carpet professionally cleaned and confirm that all stains are removed. Please leave a copy of your receipt in the home.

Other flooring surfaces – Ensure that all other flooring (tile, laminate, wood, vinyl, etc.) is clean and free of any discoloration or residue.

Make sure all hardware is still in place and functional, including doorknobs, blinds, shower rods, door stops, towel bars, closet door guides, etc.

Maintain the Outside of Your Home

Driveways – Leave driveways and garages free of oil stains. If necessary, have your driveway power-washed.

Landscaping – Ensure the landscape is well-maintained:

Have the lawn mowed, edged, and weed controlled

Cover flower beds with mulch to protect from weeds

Don’t forget to trim trees (up to 10 feet high), hedges, and shrubs to be one foot away from the home

Pest Control – ensure pest control service has been scheduled within the last three months of residency.

Pools – If applicable, ensure that any pool alarms and provided equipment are still in place and functioning properly. Verify that all gates, pool fences, and other access points to the pool are closed.

Home Exterior – If your home had window screens at the start of your lease, make sure they’re in good condition. If you had a satellite dish mounted, please have it professionally removed.

Do A Final Check

On move out day, take a final walk through your home to make sure you’ve taken all your belongings and left the home clean and clear. Make sure you don’t leave behind any boxes, trash, paper, or other items.

Leave all garage remotes on the kitchen countertop

Install new HVAC air filters

Replace any light bulbs that are not working

Replace batteries in smoke detectors and Smart Home equipment, if needed

Ensure all personal property, furniture, and trash is removed from the home

Place your house keys in the lock box provided at your Pre-Move Out Visit

Knowing Your Rodent And What Attracts Them Into Your Home

Posted on by

How to Get Rid of Rats

How can you prevent rats or mice from infesting your house?

Regularly clean cluttered areas in your house like the garage and basement.

Carefully store food, leftovers and edible products in a sealed container to avoid attracting mice.

Seal any cracks in and around your house.

Get rid of debris and wood piles that can become a nesting ground for these pests.

Tend to your garden and make sure that plants, shrubs, or trees do not harbour pests.

Use rat bait and rat traps. Baits can be sprinkled around hard-to-reach areas in your house where rats may be hiding.

Getting rid of rats or mice can be a bit tricky. A rodent infestation is not always apparent and can occur without any visible evidence. Mice tend to come out only at night and hide during the day, making it difficult to spot a mice infestation immediately. These pests are unsanitary and may spread harmful diseases. That is why it is important to get rid of this common pest.

Can rat traps or rat baits stop a pest infestation?

Mice baits and traps are commonly sold in the market and can be used to catch these rodents. However, using baits or traps does not offer a lasting solution to any rat infestation.

How can I get a long-term solution to a pest problem?

To stop a rat or mice infestation permanently, you’ll need to implement a strategic pest control process that involves:

Exclusion– Protect your home from a pest invasion by blocking entry points.

Restriction – Prevent pests from breeding and spreading in your property.

Destruction– Let pest control experts remove pests once and for all.

Rats should not be allowed to grow in number. The further they expand their territory, the worse it will get for you. Rats are able to reproduce very quickly. A rodent population can grow to hundreds within weeks. Imagine what it is like living in a house with 100 rats.

A Guide to Pest Remediation in the Home

The end of summer and beginning of fall is a time when many outdoor pests start looking for a winter home. Mice and rats in particular are a common problem for homeowners at this time of year. This is especially true for homeowners in rural areas, where outdoor pests are abundant. At this time of year, homeowners must do what they can to fortify their home and keep pests out.

Seal Holes in the Home Exterior

Many pests enter the house through foundation cracks, open vents, pipes and other holes into the house. Sealing these holes is very important. Use wire screen to cover vents, to allow air to flow to continue. Use caulk to seal cracks. Homeowners can find the holes that need to be covered up by walking around the house from the outside and inspecting areas like the attic and foundation. Homeowners can also find holes by entering the attic during the day and looking for areas where daylight is shining through.

Get Rid of Food and Water Sources

Pests need a steady source of water and food near their home. They are unlikely to live in a place where this cannot be easily found. Homeowners can deter pests by making food and water hard for rodents to access. Storing food in glass or plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes is a good way to make food inaccessible. Another way to do this is by fixing all plumbing leaks as soon as they become a problem, since leaks can be a source of water for rodents.

Clean Your Home Regularly

Rodents like to eat crumbs off the floor, and they also like to invade garbage cans. Cleaning the floor regularly and taking out the trash on a nightly basis can help keep rodents away. It’s also important to do the dishes every night, instead of allowing the dishes to sit in the sink.

Weather Strip the House

Most homeowners install weather stripping because it helps them to control the temperature in their home when the weather outside is very cold. A surprising benefit of weather stripping is that it prevents pests from gaining entry to the house. By sealing up the cracks, weather stripping closes up all entry points into the home and prevents rodents and other pests from entering. Weather stripping is installed on doors and windows. Homeowners can buy weather stripping at home improvement stores and hardware stores.

Pest control on your property

There are things you can do to control pests (insects or animals causing harm or nuisance) on your property.

You can:

contact your local council to find out if they provide pest control services – you may be charged a fee

hire a pest controller

Controlling pests yourself

You can:

only trap or kill permitted animals

use permitted methods to kill animals

only use poison to kill the pests it’s intended for – this will be written on the packaging

only use traps that have been approved for use with the species you want to control – you must follow the instructions for use

You cannot use the following control methods for any wildlife:

self-locking snares

bows and crossbows

explosives (other than legal ammunition for a licensed firearm)

live birds or animals, known as ‘live decoys’, to attract pests (unless you have a licence)

Get advice

Get professional advice if you do not know:

which animals you’re permitted to trap or kill

how to use control methods (such as traps and poisons) correctly

The Essential Guide to Rats

Infamous pests, rats target kitchens, spread diseases and are even known to bite people. The crafty rodents also breed fast and can infest a home or building quickly. Rats are known to hitch rides in goods transported by ships or planes.

In the Essential Guide to Rats, we look at the most common questions asked about rats and provide answers so you can know everything you need to know about rats. If you think you have rats on your property,

What is a rat?

A rat is a medium-sized rodent related closely to mice, as well as other rodents, such as shrews and moles. They are part of the mammalian order called Rodentia. They are very adaptable rodents, which means they have become populous around the world, existing in all areas of the world except for extreme areas such as Antarctica. Because rats are able to adapt to their environment so easily, they have become one of the most common pests and have been around for millions of years, likely living exclusively in the wild at one time, then adapting to humans as they gained prominence in the world.

Where do rats come from?

It is unknown for certain where rats originally came from. However, there are theories that rats might have originated somewhere in Asia. This is particularly true of the species of rat known as the Norway Rat and the Black Rat, which are two of the most prominent rats in the world. They soon hitched rides on ships and within containers as Asia was reached by Europeans and quickly populated Europe and other areas of the world. When humans then expanded to the Western hemisphere, rats once again stowed away on cargo and ships and came ashore, starting up new populations in North and South America.

Where do rats live? Where do rats live in the wild?

Rats live in a variety of places. There are rats who live in the wilderness such as woods and forests, as well as fields and meadows. There are wild tree rats that live on tropical islands and they are invasive species and have taken over entire populations of wildlife. In the wild, rats eat vegetation and other small animals meat.

How to Get Rid of Mice Now: The Ultimate Guide

One of the most common home invaders for centuries has been the rodent. Between mice and rats, these pests can damage your walls, eat your food, and cause all sorts of problems. Today we will pesent you with the ultimate guide on how to get rid of mice once and for all.

Why Are There Mice in Your Home?

Unfortunately, mice infest homes because their natural habitat is shrinking and they seek food, water, warmth, and shelter. It is important to identify whether you have one mouse or an infestation. Mice and rats are closely related, but methods for removing mice differ slightly from rat removal due to the size of the intruders. Luckily, it is possible to identify these invaders without having first spotted one.

Mice versus Rats

A rodent infestation needs the proper management depending on the rodent that invaded your home. Here are the main differences between mice and rats so you know what you need to do.

Mice are curious, so you will be seeing them around more often than you are likely to see rats.

Most mice species are smaller than most rats species.

You are more likely to find mice burrowed in walls. As a comparison, rats usually dig deep under the house, plants, etc.

Why Should You Get Rid of Mice?

Rodent infestations pose numerous health risks. While a larger infestation poses a more significant threat, even a small number of invaders can be dangerous. There is a chance that disease and parasites accompany your mouse problem.

Parasites

The term “plague rat” is based on the 14th century outbreak of bubonic plague, more commonly known as the “Black Death”. The plague’s bacteria Yersinia pestis remains a threat today; although another strain of Y. Pestis which caused the Justinian plague has become extinct. The virus is transmitted by fleas which generally feed on rats, gerbils, and other rodents.