Thinking Of Getting A Gas Or Electric Tankless Water Heaters

How To: Choose a Water Heater

Whether tank or tankless, water heaters can dramatically impact your home’s comfort and costs. If you are looking to replace an existing unit, the type, size and efficiency of the one you choose will be important

While we often take a hot shower or bath for granted, it’s important to note that up to 20% of a household’s annual energy expenditures come from heating hot water. That makes it the second largest utility expense in the home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, averaging around $400 to $600 per year.  If you are looking to install a new hot water heater—or replace an existing one—the type, size and efficiency of the unit you choose will have a big impact on its performance and long-term savings.

There are a number of different types of water heaters to consider from heat pumps to solar-powered units, but the most common are tank and tankless. Traditional, tank-style water heaters are large metal cylinders that keep hot water stored and on reserve for when it may be needed. Since they typically range in capacity from 40 to 60 gallons and are generally about 60″ tall by 24″ wide, they are often installed in a basement or laundry room.

Tankless units, also known as “on demand” water heaters, turn on only when hot water is required. With no holding tank, the system is not only more compact—typically 20″ wide by 28″ long by 10″ deep—but more efficient since it is not storing a reserve of hot water (or compensating for its subsequent heat loss). Tank-style water heaters are usually less expensive than tankless units, but tankless models generally last longer: a traditional water heater usually lasts 10 to 13 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years.

Regardless of whether the unit is tank or tankless, water heaters generally fall into two categories: direct-fired or indirect-fired. Direct-fired means that the water in the tank is heated directly by the heat of a flame; these units are generally used in homes with warm air furnaces. In direct-fired heaters, fuel is burned in a combustion chamber under the water storage tank, then hot flue gases heat water in the tank

Water Heater Buying Guide

The cost of heating water consumes almost 20 percent of your household budget, second only to what you spend on heating and cooling your home. Despite this expense, water heaters are typically ignored until they break, leaving you with no hot water and, possibly, a flooded basement.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its useful life and you’re thinking of replacing it before disaster strikes, you’ll be happy to know that you have better choices, thanks to recent federal regulations that require water heaters to be more energy-efficient. New storage tank water heaters are required to operate more efficiently, and tankless (on-demand) water heaters are even more efficient than that.

Typically, homeowners replace their old water heater with one of the same type that runs on the same fuel—natural gas or electricity. Switching from a tank water heater to a tankless unit can be expensive because it requires you to retrofit your plumbing and possibly your electrical system. But if you’re building a new home or adding to an existing one, installing a tankless water heater may make economic sense.

Consumer Reports recently tested several electric and gas whole-house tankless water heaters from brands such as Bosch, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Rinnai, Tempra, and Trutankless. We compared the results with those of conventional tanked heaters from Rheem, one gas and one electric, as well as with a Rheem electric heat pump water heater, which is a variation on a tanked water heater.

Following a “heavy use” industry standard test, we compared the performance of gas and electric tankless water heaters with the performance of their conventional tank counterparts. The test used a high draw pattern equal to using 84 gallons of water per day. That’s the daily equivalent of taking several showers, running the dishwasher, washing one load of laundry, and turning the faucet on and off multiple times. The test used an inlet temperature of 58° F for gas models and 74° F for electrics (plus or minus 2° F) and a target outlet temperature of 120° F.

How to Choose a New Water Heater

It’s the dead of winter, freezing cold outside, and you seek comfort in the piping hot confines of your morning shower. With the lights dimmed, the water hits your face and rolls over your shoulders. Your muscles relax one by one as the warmness of the water finds its way down your legs to your chilly, restless feet. Lathered with soap and shampoo, you slump against the warming tile, eyes closed. You consider falling back asleep standing fully upright when it happens — a sudden burst of ice cold water hits your chest like acid rain. You crank the cold water down to zero with no result. The water temperature has turned against you, refusing heat in a stubborn show of determination. The cruel reality hits you — your water heater has just bought the farm.

A visit to your local big-box home-improvement store is overwhelming, to say the least. You’re faced with too many brands and too many sizes to choose from. Different fuel sources and energy ratings confuse you. And what’s the deal with these heaters that don’t even have a tank? How on earth can they meet your needs? Unfortunately, your big-box home-improvement employee helps you none — you’re going to have to figure

You should start your journey by reading How Water Heaters Work to fully understand how a storage tank heater operates. We’ll get into tankless models in the next section, but for now let’s look at the fuel options you can use for a storage tank water heater.

Electric – uses large coils that hang down into the tank to heat the water. The coils are similar to the ones in an electric oven. Generally, electric water heaters aren’t as efficient as those powered by other fuel sources, and electricity is more expensive than natural gas or propane. However, they’re less expensive up front and don’t require venting. If your water demand is small, then it may be a good way to go.

Natural Gas – uses a gas burner at the bottom of the tank, with a venting chimney that runs through the center and out the top. The carbon dioxide and water vapor byproducts are vented through the chimney and then run outdoors through your house chimney or side wall vent. A gas pilot light or electric spark produces the flame. Natural gas models cost more than electric heaters but are more efficient to operate.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WATER HEATER

Heating water is the second largest single user of energy in the home. While we all enjoy a soothing hot shower, rising energy costs—along with their adverse environmental impact—make it a good time to take a closer look at the various options now available.

Storage Tank: The most common hot water system used in homes. Water is kept constantly heated in the storage tank by electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane. Hot water is drawn out of the top of the tank when a faucet is turned on and cold water flows in the bottom to replace it.

Tankless: Also known as on demand water heaters. Water is heated by electricity or gas when the water flows through it without the need for a tank.

Solar: Water is circulated from the tank through a solar collector where it is heated by the sun. If the water in the tank is not hot enough, a conventional water heater is used to bring it up to the desired temperature.

Heat Pump: Heat pumps use electricity to move heat from one place to another. Heat pumps can be used for water heating alone or in combination with your heating and air conditioning system.

Water Heater Buying Guide

Purchasing a Water Heater

Whether you’ve just taken that first unexpected and unwelcome cold shower or simply wish to reduce your energy bill, purchasing a new water heater can be an intimidating process

Fuel Source

First, determine what type of fuel source you have in the home. Once you know the fuel source, it’ll be easier to choose a water heater to fit your needs. Here are the differences among electric, gas/propane and hybrid fuel types.

Storage Tank

This is the most common type of water heater. These units have an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until it’s needed. They’re available in electric, liquid propane (LP) and natural gas models. Natural gas and LP water heaters normally use less energy and are less expensive to operate than electric models of the same size. When you buy a water heater, look at its cited energy efficiency and yearly operating costs. This information can be found on the EnergyGuide label.

Tankless or On-Demand

They don’t store hot water; they heat water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit. Since the unit only heats water as you use it, a tankless heater is usually more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater. They’re available in electric, LP and natural gas models. A tankless unit can provide only a limited flow rate of hot water. Most tankless units can provide up to 3.5 gallons of heated water per minute. These units are a good choice for anyone whose demand doesn’t typically call for hot water at more than two points at a time

Point-of-Use or Utility

Small storage tank water heaters, known as point-of-use or utility water heaters, are good choices for adding hot water to outbuildings, shops or garages. Utility water heaters usually range in size from 2.5 to 19 gallons. The largest of these miniature units can also be used to provide hot water to secondary bathrooms that may be situated far from your home’s main water heater.

Getting Safe Electrical Installation For Your Home

What you Should Know About Electrical Installations

Electrical installations can look mysterious. There are some basic requirements for electrical installation, and some things people need to know about them. Quality of workmanship, standards of performance, and possible hazards are some of the more important issues in electrical installation, and it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the basic requirements.

Electrical installations basics

New technology requires a very wide range of new electrical installations. These are very different from the old systems, particularly in communications, media systems and IT areas.

Issues, problems, and hazards

Everybody’s seen old or doubtful-looking electrical installations. The rule of thumb is that the worse it looks, the less likely an electrical installation has been professionally done or serviced. These tacky-looking messes are real hazards. Electrical wiring and connections need to be done properly.

Important: Make sure you have a good system for dealing with electrical faults and related issues.

Things to look out for:

Smells of ozone or burnt plastic: Wiring issues.

Scorch marks: The electrical board may have taken damage and be unsafe, even if there wasn’t a fire.

Any overheating appliance: Either the appliance is unsafe or there’s a power issue.

Odd noises or behavior in machinery: Electrical installations can be damaged by operating machinery which can create hazards by damaging wiring. The system should be taken offline instantly and checked ASAP.

Water around electrical fittings: Very serious problem, requiring immediate service. Water can do tremendous damage very quickly near live power sources. Water damaged areas around electrical fittings should be repaired, because they’re no longer water resistant.

Anything flickering: It’s normally the appliance, but if not it’s the power. Again, be suspicious.

How to check out your electrical installation for quality

It’s a good idea to get your electrical contractor to do a general system audit regularly. This is also good practice administratively, as well as for quality checking.

Key Factors To Look For When Choosing An Electrical Contractor

With so many cowboys masquerading as qualified, experienced electricians from a safety perspective, it has never been more important to choose the right electrical contractor for your residential or commercial project. Many people are tempted to opt for the cheapest quote, which more often than not could turn out to be a costly mistake. That said, knowing who to trust for your electrical installation and maintenance is not always easy, as there are many factors to take into consideration when making your decision. Read on to learn some important points to consider when making your decision

Risk of choosing the wrong contractor

Picture the scene; a rusty Robin Reliant three-wheeler pulls up outside your property. After screeching to a stop, several men in string vests jump out and promptly light their cigarettes as they loudly argue about whose responsibility it was to pack the tools that were forgotten. A couple of the men decide to go back to get them, screeching off in the rust bucket. Meanwhile, the remaining man asks you to show him what needs fixing whilst he curses about how unhappy he is to be expected to do a day’s work and complains about his incompetent colleagues.

NICEIC – CERTIFIED

The most critical factor to look for in an electrical contractor is whether they are accredited and approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). It is advisable to hire an electrician with NICEIC certification as the organisation assesses the competence of both domestic and commercial electricians to ensure safe systems of work that conform to standards set out by the IEE (Institute of Electrical Engineers), who set the standards for electrical installation work.

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

While some of us believe we can recognise high-quality electrical work when we see it, the reality is that not many of us fully understand the fundamentals of electrical systems. This lack of knowledge makes establishing what constitutes a quality electrical installation open to interpretation. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) developed the National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) in the 1990s to take away subjective judgements of this essential quality.

SAFETY STANDARDS

You have a right to expect your electrical contractor to work to the highest electrical safety standards. There are many safety standards that apply to electrical work that you should take into consideration. For example, Part P certification and the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018), this is the most recent update of electrical safety systems, which came into force for all new electrical installations from 1st January 2019

WIRING MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION METHODS IN ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION WORKS

Electrical wiring needs expertise attention to every building projects. It directly related to the safety of human beings and utilities / equipment people handle. The scope of electrical wiring shall cover supply, installation, testing and commissioning of all conduits and accessories, wiring, switches, socket outlets, spur outlets, junction boxes / pull boxes, GI pull wires, ceiling roses making connections etc. Unless otherwise indicated wiring shall consist of PVC insulated, copper conductor wires installed in heavy gauge steel galvanized conduits.

GALVANIZED STEEL CONDUITS AND FITTING

Conduit Type: In general interior and exterior wires ways shall be Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT).  Conduits shall conform to all provision of Underwriters laboratories UL 797, American National Standard Institute c80-3, Federal Specification WWC-563A and National Electrical Code Article 384.  The conduit shall be straight, have a circular cross section sufficiently accurate to accept approved couplings and fittings.  Wall thickness shall be uniform through and welding of seams shall be continuous and thoroughly done.  The interior surface shall be free from injurious defects.

Coupling Connector, Bends: Coupling and connector used with tubing shall be made up tight.  Bends in the tubing shall be so made that the tubing will not be injured and that the internal diameter of the tubing will not be effectively reduced.

RIGID AND FLEXIBLE PVC CONDUIT

Conduit Type: PVC conduit shall be of the grey / black, round, heavy gauge, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit conforming BS 4607 Part I, 1970 with compatible galvanized boxes.  The conduits internal surface shall be smooth.  All flexible steel conduits shall conform to 4607. The PVC conduit and fittings such as bends lock units, reducers, coupler check nuts, bushes etc. shall conform to BS 4607. Unless otherwise specified minimum size of conduits shall be 20 mm diameter. The conduits shall be suitable to use in an ambient temperature of 60 degree centigrade and shall not be installed in areas that receive direct sun light.  Ready Made bends shall be used.

Coupling Connector, Bends: Coupling and connector used with tubing shall be made up tight.  Bends in the tubing shall be so made that the tubing will not be injured and that the internal diameter of the tubing will not be effectively reduced.

Electrical Installation Guide

A practical guide with expert advice

Written by Schneider Electric’s most talented electrical distribution experts, the Electrical Installation Guide is written for professionals who design, install, inspect, and maintain low-voltage electrical installations in compliance with the standards published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Discover a multidisciplinary document

The Electrical Installation Guide is meant for all electrical professionals working in commercial, industrial, or domestic electrical installations, including consulting engineers, specifiers, designers, contractors, panel builders, facility managers, electrical engineering students and teachers, as well as for people involved in standardization, certification, or inspection of these electrical installations.

Tackle essential electrical installation topics

We cover voltage drop, electrical safety, cable sizing, electrical calculations, electrical standards, electrical design, electrical protection, circuit breakers, MV/LV substations, earthing schemes, electromagnetic compatibility, power factor correction, harmonics, overvoltage protection, and a whole lot more.

Photovoltaic for self-consumption

Solar energy production is booming worldwide. Many companies seek to incorporate photovoltaic (PV) systems for self-consumption – consuming energy produced while it is being produced – in their business model. To design the right PV system, consulting engineers and specifiers need to understand how to size the system, determine what equipment is required, or how to integrate the PV and electrical distribution systems. Explore our guide for typical architectures and state-of-the-art sizing guidelines.

Enhanced content on RCDs, AFDDs, measurement

Protection against electric shocks according to IEC60364 requires proper selection of basic protection, fault protection and additional protection measures, proper implementation according to the electrical installation earthing scheme (TT, TN or IT), selection and coordination of residual current devices (RCDs) types according to the loads’ characteristics and circuits. Protection against electrical fires may be ensured by different means, including advanced protection with Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs).

A Guide For Choosing The Right Electrician

Whether you need electrical installation or repair in your home, it is good to hire the best electrician to handle it. If your electrical system is not working in the right way, you can be sure that your entire home will also be dysfunctional. You need a good electrician with knowledge of how the system and appliances work so that they can work on your project in the right way. With the many electricians, you can get confused on the one that you can work within your home. The following are the important tips to follow as you look for an excellent electrician to work on your project.

Get recommendations

One of the ways that you can get the best electrician in your area is to ask for recommendations from other homeowners who have worked with professional electricians. By doing this, you will gather the information that will guide you in selecting the one that will offer you satisfactory services that will ensure that your system will not fail you. What you should do is to list three of the best recommended and take time to consult with them so that you get the best among them. Note that you will require their electrical services for a long time so you should also choose the one you can develop a long term relationship with them.

Verify insurance and licensing

You cannot make the mistake of entrusting your electrical project to an electrician who is not licensed – EJ Electrical Gold Coast. In case you work with such a professional, you will have nowhere to run to in case there is a problem because they are not recognised by authorities. Besides, it is good to know that there are also some risks involved in working on an electrical project, so they should also have an insurance cover. So, as you do the consultation, it is vital you request them to show you their license and insurance cover. With an insurance cover, you will not worry when the professionals are working on your project because you know that you are fully protected from any liability that might occur.

Training and credentials

During your search, it is paramount you only work with those with the right qualifications. They should have a strong education background in the industry. Besides, they should also be undergoing continuous training so that they get equipped with recent techniques in the electrical field. It is also important to look that they are certified and accredited by the relevant institutions to work on electrical projects.

Reputation

When you hire an electrician, they will be working inside your home. This means that if you work with someone who does not have a good reputation, you might end up losing some of your items. This is why it is good to check that your potential electrician does not have a criminal record. The reviews and rating provided by past clients will show you the reputation of the different electrical professional in your area, thus guide you to choose the right one.

Window Cleaning Tips For Different Types Of Windows

Choosing the Right Commercial Window Cleaner

Finding a Great Value Commercial Window Cleaner

Business premises are a big part of a business’ image. So, what does your building say about your business? Not only is a clean a shining building important for your clients, it’s also important for your employees. When people come to work, it helps to have a shiny premises that everyone can feel proud of.

At Bax, our commercial window cleaning service proposes to do just that—to maximise the value of your premises by making the exterior of buildings as clean as possible. We believe that this signals quality to all the stakeholders of your business.

Getting an estimate and quote

As a commercial decision, it’s always prudent to get a number of quotes when looking for a commercial window cleaner. The estimation and quote stage is an early opportunity to judge how professional and thorough a commercial window cleaning service will be. After all, if they are not meticulous at this stage, they will not take the extra time for your windows!

Avoiding cheap cleaners

The proposed price is not the end of the story—it’s what you get for that price which really matters. Naturally, cheap commercial window cleaners cut costs by cutting the quality of their work. This could be on equipment, cleaning products, or even the overall effort. This runs the risk of leaving windows dirty, streaked and spotty with water and soap residue.

Why choose Bax?

The quality of our services will reflect on your business. That’s why we make sure that our services are to a high, professional standard.

What is the Best Way to Clean Windows and How to Choose Good Window Cleaning Services?

The right windows add a unique style to your interiors. However, it is equally important to take care of those windows otherwise, you could end up battling hygiene issues. If you are trying to find out the best way to clean windows, nothing beats a professional company. But if you would rather clean them by yourself, here are a few tips you can take into account.

Is professional window cleaning worth it?

While many homeowners may think cleaning their own windows, the benefits of professional window cleaning are significant. To begin, hiring a professional instead of wondering how to power wash windows can actually save you plenty of time and effort. At the same time, professional help ensures sparkling, flawless results, making it the best way to clean windows

What do professional window cleaners use?

Professionals are familiar with an array of tricks and techniques that are best suited for high or low rise window cleaning. They first analyze the type of windows that you need cleaned and evaluate the amount of dust/dirt that needs to be washed off. Based on their initial evaluation, they then proceed with their methods that may include several tools and equipment best suited to your specific requirements. Cleaning solutions, vinegar, mops, different kinds of wipers and buckets are just a few of the tools that help professional window cleaners do their job properly.

What is the proper way to clean windows?

There are multiple ways to that can be called as the best ways to clean windows. However, it is better to hire professionals who are well-versed with different kinds of window cleaning processes. These include power-washing and scrubbing among others.

Why should I get my windows cleaned?

Regular cleaning of windows helps remove contaminants and unsightly stains. If not removed, these unwanted substances can prevent the entry of sufficient natural light and turn into breeding grounds for disease-causing microbes. Besides, you don’t want dirty windows to spoil the aesthetics of your home/workplace.

How to Choose the Best Window Cleaning Company

Anybody with a squeegee, bucket and a window mop can call themselves a window cleaner. However, getting the services of a professional window cleaning company is paramount. Choosing professional window cleaners ensures that your windows remain clean and in top quality for an extended period

Service and Experience

The duration of time that the company has been in existence matters a lot. Go through customer reviews. References work well when getting the best company. Ask past clients any questions that may give you clues about the quality of service the given company provides. The cleaning company should also provide a list of references from satisfied customers.  Best-quality window cleaning that uses approved cleaners for various types of windows is a recommended service. The cleaning exercise should also be reliable and fast. Choose a company that offers concentration to detail. The cleaners should wipe the windows frames, seals, and screens clean without leaving any dark marks. A company that has a list of references is also proving its authenticity and experience.

Safety

Safety is a significant factor to think about when appointing a company that will clean your house windows.  Check the last time the company workers were involved in an accident. The best company should have professional, insured employees with full proper background checks. Employees who are respectful, efficient, well groomed, and competent at what they carry out should be your first choice. It also ensures that your home or business will get protected during the window cleaning exercise. You don’t want to hire a cleaning company that employs thieves who are masquerading as cleaners.

Certification

Check if the company you want to hire has all the required documents. Do not overlook documents such as licenses and work permits. These factors are essential as they ensure that you hire a company that has the necessary insurance policy. The company should prove to you that they have a valid insurance policy. Since window cleaning is a job that involves high risks, an accident at your home during cleaning can make you accountable for the injury. Make sure the company bears the liability in case of an accident. Do not employ any company that does not have these qualifications.

Price

window cleaning company should provide reasonable and competitive prices. Services offered by the cleaning company should go hand in hand with their prices. It is advisable to research thoroughly before choosing the best company to clean your windows. Although you may want to save money, an appealing cheap price may not be the best for you. Some of the competitive companies may not take any liability in case of accidents at your property.

How to Choose a Commercial Window Cleaner?

First impressions matter and if the first thing your customers notice about your business are dirty windows, they may not be coming back. By contrast a clean, well kept storefront not only enhances your business’ curb appeal, but creates a more hospitable workplace for your employees. Regularly scheduled commercial window cleaning is a cost effective solution for improving the appeal and atmosphere of your business.

We hope this article will give you the tools to make an educated choice when it comes to selecting a window cleaning company for your next commercial project. If you are looking for professional commercial window cleaning in the Denver metro area, call Summit Window Cleaning today! Our top priority is getting you the best results and giving you the best experience possible. We only employ highly skilled technicians who utilize the best training and tools available.

Getting an Estimate

Before you decide which company you would like to work with, it’s advisable to get quotes from at least a few service providers. Avoid sites like Thumbtack and Angie’s List. Their business model is built around aggressively marketing to new vendors. And while they claim to offer certified professionals, there is no actual review process for service providers to join. As a result these middle men primarily recommend low quality and inexperienced vendors. A professional window cleaning company will have certified reviews on an unbiased website like Google.

Reputable, professional companies are happy to offer free estimates and Summit Window Cleaning is no exception. The estimate process is a great opportunity to get a feel for how the company likely does business. Were they punctual? Were they responsive, and how was their communication? Did they take pride in their professional appearance? Look at their work vehicles and tools. Well-worn tools are not always a sign of neglect, however a professional window cleaner should be organized, appreciates and takes care of their tools.

Commercial Window Cleaning Pricing

As you are reviewing your estimates make sure you know what is included in the price you are quoted. Not all companies will offer the same level of service, so it’s a good idea to ask for clarification. When you are quoted you a per-window price, are they including interior/ exterior cleaning, exterior only etc.? Is wiping down the frames included? Selecting a window cleaning company that can offer a price that is within your budget is important. Keep in mind that as with most things, you will generally get what you pay for. Paying too much will not necessarily get you the best cleaning, but going with a cheap option will almost always result in problems and low quality work.

What to Look for When Considering Professional Window Cleaning Services

It is rare to find a homeowner who consistently makes the time to clean their windows themselves. Hazardous, hard to do and quite a headache when tackled on your own, most homeowners instead opt to make a small and worthwhile investment in professional window cleaning services. Though they may have to deal with a fee up front, the amount of time, energy and cleaning supply cost that is saved typically makes the charge well worth it.

Because of people’s general disinterest in braving the heights and hassles of doing it themselves, professional window cleaning services have become very popular. Everywhere you look, it seems that you can spot a new company offering window cleaning services. Since there is no specialized degree or expensive equipment required, many inexperienced entrepreneurs will venture into the window cleaning business, able to easily train and outfit a workforce to start recruiting clients. For this reason, there are many considerable differences in quality that will be seen in the professional window cleaning industry. Invisible to many, a definitive pecking-order exists in the window cleaning industry, with the established experts being distinguishable from inexperienced newcomers with a well-trained eye. The experts have assembled some useful tips to help you when looking for quality window cleaning service providers. Read on to learn what to look for when considering your professional window cleaning services.

Make sure that the company is insured and equipped with liability insurance.

While researching professional window cleaning companies you should always make sure that they are properly insured, registered and caught up on the proper documentation. Some unprofessional companies could put you at risk of being sued as liable if they happen to fall and have any accidents while working on your home. The workers are fully licensed and insured and will happily present their hard-earned certifications when questioned by clients. For over two decades, The professional window cleaners have been delivering high-quality results without incident to homeowners across America. The workers are well-trained and drive filled with the most up to date equipment available, making them the best choice to ensure safety and customer satisfaction.

Make sure that the company is experienced.

Try to research your chosen company’s experience. Window cleaning has been in demand for years, and will continue to be, especially as window tints allow home owners to increase the number of windows in their home without losing heat and energy efficiency. With professional window cleaning having been in demand for so long, there is really little reason to opt for a brand new company that has yet to be tested by customer reviews and industry ups and downs. Ideally, you want to choose a company that has been able to thrive in a competitive climate. This indicates that this company will be able to deliver great results capable of keeping their business afloat despite the presence of competitors.

Make sure that the price is appropriate.

We represents one of the window cleaning industry’s premier service providers, and at a very reasonable cost. Get your free quote today and find out why thousands of Americans choose we to grant their cleaning wishes. If you do not have a franchise in your area, you can at least hold your local providers to this high standard to find the best men and women near you for the job!

Reasons For Hiring A Professional Pest Exterminator

How to Choose Best Pest Control Services

When insects and rodents enter your yard and home, they can quickly become a nuisance. You can try to exterminate them yourself, but the likelihood of them returning, without regular treatment, is high. This is when an exterminator becomes handy. Pest control services are separated into two distinct categories: general household pest control and termite control. Depending upon which type of service you are looking for, there are a couple of things to take into consideration to choose the best pest control companies.

General household pest control services cover the extermination of cockroaches, fleas, ticks, termites, household and fire ants, beetles, gnats, fleas and several other pests. Due to the fact that these nuisances can enter your house by flying, crawling and being carried in, the residence must be treated year-round.

When selecting your general household pest control service, learn which chemicals they use and verify that you aren’t sensitive to them. The chemicals used to exterminate pests vary between the exterminators and the pests being exterminated. Regular exposure to intolerable chemicals can cause severe allergic reactions.

Study the contract closely to verify that it doesn’t contain any undisclosed clauses that may result in penalties should you cancel the service. Make sure the service will not charge you extra should you need them to spray between scheduled quarterly or yearly visits. Unfortunately, you can not predict when pests will pay a visit.

Verify that the company is licensed before signing a contract. The pest control service should have a Certified Operator within 100 miles of the office near you. Check that the pest control services have insurance coverage with an errors and omissions clause, which covers unexpected damage to your property

Tips for Choosing a Good Pest Control Expert

Pest management has never been a walk in the park. There are instances when you have pest infestations and you try to eliminate them on your own but in vain. Sometimes you also hire a pest exterminator and still the problem persists. That is an indication that you are not keen on the process of hiring a pest exterminator. This is why it is crucial that anytime that you think of hiring a pest extermination specialist, you make sure that you choose the best one. The following are important points to note anytime you are looking for a good pest control company. You can also check out exterminator Tampa Bay for more information.

License

You need to work within the constraints of the law to avoid problems with the government. That, however, cannot happen if you are going to hire a company that is not licensed. It essential to understand that a license is only given to those companies that prove to be capable of offering quality services and still be able to protect the environment. Therefore, if you meet a pest extermination specialist who is not licensed, then that is an indication that you are looking for a shoddy job.

Consider the Experience

The pest management company is another critical consideration to make when looking for a pest control company that you can rely on. This is important because treating some pests is hard because of the mutation process. A pest control specialists who have been in the business for many years is likely to have a clear understanding of how to deal with the stubborn pests.

Chemicals

Before hiring a pest specialist, it is good to find out the type of chemicals that they use to treat the pest infestations. This is essential because some insecticides used can be very catastrophic to humans and that is why you should pay special attention to this particular matter. Ensure that the insecticides used are certified with the relevant body.

Online Reviews

Always take time to read the online reviews before hiring a pest exterminator. The online reviews will always tell you more about what to expect if you hire those particular companies. A company that has many online reviews is better placed to give you the quality services that you seek.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Hiring a pest control company is often a necessary part of home maintenance. We cannot control nature and sometimes pests just try their best to get into our homes. The only answer is to hire a professional who will be able to deal with the pests and get things back to normal. Here are some of the best tips for choosing an exterminator for your home.

Choose Someone Local

You always want to choose a local exterminator. Though they may be part of a national chain, they are still going to know some of the issues you are facing better than someone who has come in from out of state. For example, if you live in Florida then you should be searching for the best pest control West Palm Beach has to offer. Someone here is going to fully understand some of the pest problems Floridians face, compared to if you were to bring in someone else.

Do Your Research

Just as you would not hire any other trade without conducting research, you need to make sure you are looking into the companies you are considering for this pest control job. There are so many little things that need to be checked out before you commit to a company.

What to Watch Out For

As with any industry, there will be some less-than-reputable characters trying to make a quick buck with bad practices. You may get a knock at the door from someone explaining they just cleared next door and want to check your home too in case the infestation has spread wider. Thank them and say you will look into it yourself. Never accept a cold-call like this or a door-to-door sales technique

Long-Term or One-Off Contract

Depending on where you live, you may want to engage the pest control company on a long-term inspection contract. At a rate agreeable to you, they will come to your property and perform a quick and non-invasive inspection to ensure that your property has no bugs. If any are found, they can then make an appointment to return and carry out the pest removal. This could be handy if you live in a state with lots of invasive local wildlife.

Pest Control: Tips and Secrets

This is the most comprehensive list of pest control tips and information on the web. Knowing that small steps taken by homeowners can dramatically reduce or eliminate many pest problems, we reached out to over 100 experts and asked them to weigh in with simple, actionable pest control tips

The experts are truly renowned and represent many sides of the pest control/DIY/entomology/gardening/organic/natural living spectrum. Naturally, there are a few differences of opinion, which we feel contribute to the authenticity of this resource. To round out a few topics, helpful tips already found on the web were curated from reliable sources and noted as such.

Commonly found in most homes and gardens, geraniums are known to repel cabbage worms, leafhoppers and red spider mites. However, a special variety of geranium known as the citronella geranium or mosquito plant has been known to repel mosquitoes. This plant contains citronella oil, the same oil that is contained in citronella candles, that can be released when the leaves are rubbed or crushed.

Before asking a pest management company to use the “green and organic stuff”, consumers should take a moment to understand what they are asking for.  There are three questions that consumers should ask themselves. 1.  How are green and organic defined? 2.  Why do I desire green and organic pest management? 3.  Am I willing to partner with a pest management provider towards green and organic goals? A true green and organic pest program begins with a thorough understanding of the environment, pest pressures and client tolerances.  Before any pesticides; even green, organic or exempt products, are selected, all reasonable and sustainable non-chemical pest removal and avoidance measures should be taken.  Even without declaring a pest program green and organic, these principles should still be applied.

Most people do not realize flies carry more disease-causing pathogens than cockroaches. By simply cleaning up animal feces and closing trash cans we can reduce the number of places that filth flies can breed.

How To Choose a Professional Termite Company

What should I look for when choosing a professional termite pest control company?

Every professional pest control company should offer a guarantee of effective services. Before signing with a company, make sure you understand the terms and conditions and how long the guarantee is good for.

Ask around for recommendations. A good reputation is an indicator of good and dependable service.

When you have a company in mind, check with your local Department of Agriculture or Better Business Bureau to find out if they have had any substantial complaints filed against them.

Don’t underestimate the power of credentials. The company you select should be a member of your state pest control association and the NPCA (National Pest Control Association). This is good indication that the company has access to the latest pest control technologies and education.

Don’t go with the first company recommended. Obtain proposals from a minimum of 3 reputable termite control companies. A proposal is very important and should document the company’s plan for chemical treatment procedures, bait station placements, repair or wood work, copies of insecticide labels, and warranties.

Find out about liability insurance.

Thoroughly compare bids before making a decision.

Make sure that follow-up inspections are included in the contract. The extermination contract should also include annual or semi-annual follow-up inspections to make sure the home is protected on an ongoing basis.

What should I know about annual termite pest control contracts?

It is a common misconception that an “annul contract” implies re-treatment by the pest control company on an annual basis. This is not how an annual contract works. Annual treatments are actually illegal under state and federal law, unless evidence of termite activity is present.

If an annual contract is written up, then the pest control company is liable for termite treatment only if you or the company can detect evidence of termite activity.

Termite treatments carry an automatic one-year guarantee in most cases, as do some homes. After one year, the contract may be renewed if deemed necessary.

On average, it costs between $75 and $200 to renew your annual contract. The exact price will depend on the size and construction of the structure.

The answer to this question is a matter of preference. Some things to consider:

If you have plans to sell your house in the near future, an annual contract is a good idea. This ensures that if termites are discovered at the time of inspection, the pest control company, NOT YOU will be responsible for termite treatment.

If you plan to sell your home, find out whether the pest control company allows for the transfer of the contract to a new homeowner, or if it automatically terminates.

If you do not plan on selling anytime soon and you feel comfortable with doing home inspections yourself, you don’t need an annual contract. The day that you find evidence of termite activity, however, you will need to decide if you can handle your own termite treatments or choose a professional company at that time.

Termites are always present in nature, but that does not mean they are always attacking our homes. However, it does mean there is a chance they will attack and that every home is at risk. Bait Stations can be a great tool for self-monitoring, to lend peace of mind.

Four End Of Year Tax Planning Strategies

What Is a Tax Advisor and How Do You Choose One?

A tax advisor, also known as an enrolled tax agent or certified public accountant, is an accounting professional who specializes in the complex U.S. tax code, and who uses that knowledge to help taxpayers minimize their tax burden to Uncle Sam

Enrolled agents: Specially trained enrolled tax agents must pass a rigorous test and meet annual industry regulatory requirements to meet and sustain their professional credentials. Enrolled agents are licensed by the federal government, and are fully approved to represent clients before the I.R.S. They also provide general consumer and business tax services like preparing income taxes and offering specialized tax planning advice.

Certified public accounts (CPA): A certified public accountant shares many of the same attributes as an enrolled agent, but with a key distinction. While enrolled agents are licensed by the federal government, a CPA is licensed by the state where they set up shop, and must complete 150 hours of undergraduate and/or graduate school study and clear a CPA test given by the American Institute of CPA’s.

Professionally credentialed tax advisors can work in a variety of business models. Some run their own offices, some work for large corporations and tax-preparation chains, and some branch out to become certified financial planners. Most tax advisors who work with the general public charge by completed tax return, or on a service-by-service basis (like after handling an estate case or helping a customer start a small business.)

How to Find a Tax Advisor

No matter which type of tax advisor you choose, finding one isn’t difficult. You can either opt for word-of-mouth (asking co-workers, neighbors, family and friends for recommendations) or through industry trade groups.

Need someone to prepare your tax return?

There are various types of tax return preparers, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys, and many others who don’t have a professional credential. You expect your preparer to be skilled in tax preparation and to accurately file your income tax return. You trust him or her with your most personal information. They know about your marriage, your income, your children and your social security numbers – the details of your financial life.

What kind of tax preparer do I need?

Anyone can be a paid tax return preparer as long as they have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). However, tax return preparers have differing levels of skills, education and expertise

How can I check a tax preparer’s credentials?

Our Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help you find preparers in your area who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion. You can also check the professional organizations many tax preparers belong to.

What if I have a complaint about a tax preparer?

Tax return preparer fraud is among the list of common tax scams. The IRS provides tips on avoiding unscrupulous tax preparers  and is committed to investigating paid tax return preparers who act improperly.

Tax Planning for Beginners

Your tax refund is based on how much tax you pay in excess of the tax you owe. Basic tax planning strategies aimed at reducing the amount of your taxable income may increase the gap and thus your refund. In some cases, these strategies benefit you in other ways, offsetting future costs for health care or providing for retirement. Though some aspects of tax law can be complicated, even a beginner can focus on taxable income reduction

Planning your deduction method

When completing your tax return, you have a choice between standard or itemized tax deduction methods to determine taxable income. The standard deduction is a dollar amount set by the government that you can claim without accounting for the expenses that typically make up a taxpayer’s allowed deductions. Itemized deductions are actual expenditure you make for deductible expenses. Your actual deductible expenditures in a tax year may amount to more than the standard deduction amount. If that’s the case, you’ll likely pay less tax or get a larger refund using the itemized deduction method. However, the itemized method requires support in the form of receipts and other documents to demonstrate these amounts were actually spent. Consider a filing system to save receipts. Even if you choose to claim the standard deduction, having receipts on file will help you make an informed choice at tax time.

Retirement savings strategies

“Savings plans such as qualified individual retirement arrangements save you tax in the current year, investment earnings grow tax-free year to year, and provide income for retirement, when you may be taxed in a lower bracket,” says James Windsor, certified public accountant from Ann Arbor, Mich. Many taxpayers turn to retirement plans for both the tax reductions now and income later. With a tax rate of 25 percent, for example, contributing $15,000 to a retirement plan may save you $3,750 on your current tax return. Investment earnings on money in your account are not taxed until withdrawal. Maximizing your annual contributions to retirement accounts may be an effective cornerstone for your basic tax planning strategy.

Other tax-sheltered savings

While the size of allowable contributions to retirement plans is attractive to many taxpayers, there are other savings plans that also defer tax and, in some cases, help you avoid tax altogether.

Using tax credits

Another way to reduce the tax you owe is to use tax credits that apply to your situation. Refundable tax credits not only reduce your tax but can be used to create a surplus, resulting in a refund

mistakes to avoid when choosing a financial or tax adviser

If you have the knowledge to do your own financial planning, tax preparation and/or investing, you can choose whether or not to do it yourself. Part of that decision is determining the highest and best use of your time. Doing the job of a financial or tax adviser, at least doing it well, requires a significant commitment of time and energy, both of which are limited and precious. Most people would rather spend that time on family, travel, hobbies, or volunteer work. If you’re in that camp, and need to find a financial or tax adviser, here are some common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them.

Not making a decision

Indecision—i.e., choosing not to make a decision—is like selecting “none of the above” on a test question, and can often be an impediment to financial success. This is as true when choosing an adviser as it is to sound investing. Many people let too much money sit in cash, or fail to rebalance their investment portfolios periodically, because they are waiting for the “right” time to make a change. Indeed, an inability to act (due to procrastination or indecision) is one reason many people choose to hire a professional financial adviser, who can eliminate the emotional element and use a disciplined approach to make decisions and take action as needed.

A professional financial adviser or planner will actually help guide you through the decision-making process, assisting you in determining the approach and allocation that best suits your needs, circumstances and goals. Once you agree together on risk and strategy constraints, you can choose whether or not to delegate day-to-day purchase and sale decisions to that adviser (or firm) by giving them “discretionary” authority. Either way, they should help you quantify your needs, decide on a plan of action…and set it in motion.

Not asking for referrals

If you are serious about hiring a financial professional, ask for recommendations from people you respect, such as work colleagues, friends, and professionals in related industries (e.g., an estate-planning attorney or insurance agent). If the idea of asking for a referral makes you uncomfortable, here are some questions to help you get the information you need

Assuming what a title or credential means

While no one can call themselves a “CPA” without considerable education and testing, literally anyone licensed to sell financial products (insurance, mutual funds, etc.) can call themselves a “financial adviser” or “wealth manager.” Similarly, certain credentials can be obtained by simply spending a few hours or a weekend taking a course, whereas others, including “CPA” (Certified Public Accountant) and “CFP” (Certified Financial Planner practitioner), require many months or even years of study, rigorous testing, and ongoing continuing education.

What Is a Tax Advisor? Attributes to Look For

Since Betterment isn’t a tax advisor, we often suggest that customers see a tax advisor regarding certain issues or decisions. Who exactly is a tax advisor and how should you think about picking one?

Anyone with an IRS Prepare Tax Identification number can be legally paid to file tax returns on behalf of others. But merely having this number doesn’t tell you much about the tax preparer; tax preparers have different experience, skills, and expertise.

Tax season is now upon us. Now that you’ve probably received all of your tax forms, you may be facing a choice for how to proceed with filing: do it yourself with tax software or hire a professional tax advisor?

Although it certainly will be more expensive than using tax software, hiring a tax advisor makes sense for certain individuals, depending on their financial circumstances

Here are two important factors to consider when deciding if a tax advisor is right for you:

Time: Even with tax software guiding you, filing your taxes yourself can be time consuming. You’ll need to make sure that you’ve entered or imported the data from your tax forms correctly, which often takes at least several hours. We’ve written before about valuing your time here.

Complexity: The more complicated your financial situation, the more a tax advisor may be able to help you. Have partnership income, or income from an S corporation? Been subject to alternative minimum tax in past years? Received or exercised stock options this year? Tax software can handle these issues, but it will take time, and the risk of mistakes (and even an audit) increases.

Benefit For Wedding Dj

All the Questions You Need to Ask Your Wedding Band or DJ

Let’s be honest here: The music can make or break a party, which means the band or DJ is one of the most important factors of your reception. And you definitely don’t want to hire someone without thoroughly vetting them first. Ask the below questions when you meet with any potential musicians to find the right fit for you.

How would you describe your style?

You need to figure out if their style will work with the vibe you’re going for. If you want an elegant cocktail party with lots of casual conversation, a band that describes itself as “rock and roll with a whole lotta edge” is a music mismatch. (And if you’re having trouble determining what kind of band or DJ you want

Can we come listen to you perform?

Seeing them perform live will give you the best idea about what your wedding entertainment would actually sound and feel like. While most musicians and the couples that hire them mutually agree in advance that the wedding is closed to prospective clients, some will have mini “concerts” for the public to attend and see whether they’re a good fit or not.

Do you know our reception space and its acoustic, power and amplification requirements? If not, will you check it out beforehand?

Your musicians may need an extension cord, backup generator or other supplies, and it’s important to know this beforehand. If they don’t want to check out your venue, cross them off your list.

Can you play the songs that are important to us (such as a traditional Jewish hora tune or a favorite pop hit)?

The band or DJ should be able to play, learn or download any tune you’d like. If a band says “yes,” but they’ll need to learn and/or arrange it, ask them if they’ll charge for that.

How did you pick your DJ?

We ended up going with the more expensive one, because his personality was outgoing. He was so much fun to talk and our meeting ended up running longer than anticipated. We were looking for someone outgoing and confident in what they did. We sa down and talked to 3 different DJS. Make sure you talk to them on the phone or in person. The DJ sets the tone for everything at your wedding you want to make sure they are good at it.

This is going to sound corny, but it will just feel right. I spoke with a few DJ’s, I even booked one, then canceled because he and I just did not connect as far as what my vision was, etc. The DJ I ended up finding was extremely personable and knowledgeable. He took the time to go over every detail and explain his cost compared to the industry, etc. He also gave me great tips on finding a photographer and made suggestions on how to cut back cost. I trust that he will make my wedding day run as smooth as possible.

I picked 5 DJs based on their reviews and pricing and made a spreadsheet. I listed what they were offering, how long they would be there, extra fees (set up, traveling) and the cost of each one. It really helped me to see all the options laid out and I was able to narrow it down to two. I contacted both and figured out which one would work best for what we needed/wanted.

They’re not corny, cheesy, they don’t dance, they don’t have plasma TV’s, uplighting or photobooths, they are always there early, they don’t dress like slobs, they don’t put giant ugly banners on the DJ booth (which always looks neat). They don’t do games, they don’t miss ceremony cues, they don’t mispronounce names and they actually have the processional order and the entrance details down before they are going to happen. We live in an area with very busy airwaves; they bring backup equipment in case the frequencies are a problem (Hudson river area, flight path, marinas….). They play well with others. They have interesting music suggestions beyond 1000 years and I think I wanna marry you. If I have couples that need international music, I have two DJ’s that shine in that area.

Most importantly, they realize it’s not THEIR wedding; they’re not the show, the couple is. Their prime reason to be is to be the catalyst for the evening, to create a soundtrack and concierge the night, not to have everyone looking at them.

Most Important Tips For Finding The Best Wedding DJ

Find a DJ that does more than just play music at the reception.

You have a playlist. You also have a do not playlist. You hire someone who knows how to mix music well. How hard can it be? The truth is, it’s not. Music should be the easy part for the best wedding DJs. Most brides and grooms today are looking for a lot of dancing at their wedding, and while you’ll want a legit DJ spinning your music, the secret isn’t all about the mix

Talk about timelines.

More often then not, you’re going to want your wedding DJ to make announcements and play music. But what you didn’t know, is that you should look for a DJ that takes it even further. The best wedding DJs know how to create and run a wedding timeline that is engaging and ensures that all of the details are covered. Things like checking in with the bride and groom, making sure photographers capture the important moments, and working directly with the banquet manager are just a few of the most basic details that the best wedding DJs are trained to cover. If you enjoy perfection, you’ll want a DJ that will ensure you can relax and be a guest when it matters most.

Hire a two person wedding DJ team.

The best wedding DJs consist of a two person team, an emcee and a DJ. It’s practically impossible for one person to play music and run your wedding reception at the same time. Formalities can be announced from behind the turntables, but don’t be surprised if the solo DJ talent that you hired to focus on the music for the reception is a little overwhelmed by the additional demands that come from performing for a wedding (as opposed to a nightlife event). A two person team will make formalities smoother, allow the emcee to check in where needed, and much more. In addition, some venues that host multiple weddings on the same day only allow for a small window of time for your vendors to setup. If this is the case, hiring a two person team is going to ensure that they are setup in time. You should have a great DJ focused on the music at all times, and a great emcee to focus on the rest of the party.

Beware of the all-in-one.

Generally, any company that provides a lot of multiple services such photography, videography, entertainment, decorations, etc. in one package is  not great at any of those things, or only great at one of those things. Your DJ should be able to provide you with music for your ceremony & cocktail hour, and also lighting and sound for your reception. But beyond that, you’re not going to find the best of anything all from one single vendor.

Know what you should wait for, and know what you shouldn’t.

Uplighting gets cheaper every year. There’s a new style photo booth coming out each month. The point is, no one is going to run out of a commodity like lighting or photo favors for your wedding date. However, great wedding DJs get booked up far in advance because they have a high demand. With only 52 weekends a year to perform from the 100s of requests they get each year, make sure you don’t wait too long to secure a DJ. Unless you don’t want the best, which in case you should wait as long as you’d like.

Tips for Choosing Your Wedding DJ

KNOW THAT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

When you start talking about wedding DJ budget, you also have to talk about value. People will invest only where they see a direct value. Be wary of national websites that create wedding budgets. Since those websites that do things on “average,” they are good for couples looking for an average experience. You deserve more! Because entertainment is a service-based business, it is not a product-based business. This means that wedding entertainment professionals are singular – there’s only one Jason Jani. In addition, there’s only one Denny Testa. Your wedding DJ cost will correspond to the experience and professionalism of that DJ.

BOOK OPEN FORMAT STYLE

What is an open format wedding DJ? Open format entertainment mashes different genres of music together, so that wedding guests of all ages can enjoy themselves at your wedding reception. An open format DJ may play Jackson 5, then NSYNC, then Usher, then The Chainsmokers. It’s a DJ’s job to create a unique experience so everyone at your NJ wedding or NY wedding enjoys themselves. Bad song requests can kill your dance floor – an open format DJ ensures that doesn’t happen as they read the crowd. Good songs can inspire and create emotion – music has the power to bring people together and escape from life’s stresses. This is why song selection and timing matters. Therefore, the right open format DJ will spin live and keep the party bumpin all night long!

FEEL THE VIBES

Chemistry is a big part of choosing a wedding vendor. Your wedding is probably the biggest and also most expensive event you’re ever going to throw, so you should meet with your wedding entertainer prior to your big day. This will relieve stress and ensure you’re making the right choice for you. Start with Googling the person/company and reading their reviews. Watch any videos they may have from other weddings. If you can tell that you like their style, schedule a meeting with that wedding DJ to make sure you vibe with each other in person. Then seal the deal!

PEEP THE GEAR

DJ Jason Jani incorporates DJ gear into your wedding reception that subtly enhances the atmosphere. Special lighting, screens, as well as equipment that looks like strategically placed furniture rather than a bulky DJ booth make your wedding reception look expertly designed and clean. The right entertainment gear adds ambiance to your wedding reception instead of taking away from it. Ask your wedding DJ what gear he/she brings along and how it looks in a ballroom, backyard, or wherever your wedding reception is taking place!

SHARE WHAT YOU LIKE

Your wedding is your wedding – not a replica of what other people have experienced. As a result, detail with your wedding DJ what is important to you. Some couples may have specific songs lists of what they want to be played. Other brides and grooms may give their wedding entertainer complete freedom to play what they feel is right to keep guests on the dance floor. Love Beyonce? More of an 80s fan? No matter what your style is, make sure you communicate your wants and needs, so your wedding DJ is on the same page.

Questions to Ask Wedding DJs and Bands

Every wedding day has a soundtrack of its own—from the walk down the aisle to the first dance, the bouquet toss to your final farewell, music helps set the tone for the entire day… which is why your DJ or band has such an important role. To help you better vet the candidates, we’ve compiled this master list of questions to ask wedding DJs and band before booking. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right decision and find the one for your wedding.

The Basics

First things first, you’ve got to figure out the basics… like, is the DJ or band even available on your desired date? The answers to the following questions will help you get a sense of how experienced the candidates are.

How long have you been doing this professionally? Why you need to know this: Obviously, there’s a difference between volunteer gigs and legit, paid performances. Make sure your candidates are seasoned so there are no hiccups on the most important day of your life.

How many weddings do you do on an average weekend? Why you need to know this: If the band or DJ is playing ’round the clock all weekend, their performance might suffer. If they’re running on empty, you might want to rethink booking them.

Will you be the DJ/bandleader personally playing at our wedding? Which band members should we expect? Why you need to know this: Bands usually have a roster of performers and might alternate who’s playing based on their availability

Choosing A Chiropractor For Optimum Chiropractic Care

Key Facts About Chiropractors

History of chiropractic

The chiropractic profession was established long ago in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer who realized that though chiropractic techniques had been used for thousands of years, no one had looked at the rationale to explain their effects.

He performed his first adjustment as an established chiropractor in 1895, improving the hearing of a deaf janitor who had suffered from back pain for over 17 years.

The profession became licensed, and today there are more than 70,000 active chiropractic licenses in the United States!

Key Facts and Figures About the Chiropractic Profession

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. These disorders include, but are not limited to: back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) practice a conservative approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. DCs have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, lifestyle and dietary counseling.

  • There are more than 70,000 chiropractors in the United States who are required to pass a series of four national board exams  and be state licensed. Roughly another 3,000 chiropractors work in academic and management roles. 
  • There are approximately 10,000 chiropractic students  in 18 nationally accredited, chiropractic doctoral graduate education programs  across the United States with 2,500 chiropractors entering the workforce every year.
  • An estimated 40,000 chiropractic assistants (CAs)are in clinical  and business management roles for chiropractic practices across the United States.
  • It is estimated that chiropractors treat more than 35 million Americans (adults and children) annually.  
  • Chiropractors are educated in nationally accredited, four-year doctoral graduate school programs  through a curriculum that includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical internship,  with the average DC program equivalent in classroom hours to allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools.
  • Chiropractors are designated as physician-level providers in the vast majority of states and federal Medicare program. The essential services provided by chiropractors are also available in federal health delivery systems, including those administered by Medicaid, the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Federal Workers’ Compensation, and all state workers’ compensation programs.

What Disorders Do Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors diagnose and treat many different spinal disorders that cause musculoskeletal or nerve pain. Similar to other types of doctors, a chiropractor performs a physical and neurological examination as part of his or her process of making an accurate diagnosis. X-rays or CT scan studies may be ordered to confirm your diagnosis. This article highlights several spine-related problems that may be evaluated and treated by chiropractic care.

Back sprains and strains are experienced by approximately three out of four adults. Sprains are caused when ligaments—the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together—become overstretched or torn. Strains involve a muscle and/or a tendon.  Either one can occur when you lift too much weight, play a strenuous sport, or even bend or twist improperly during regular activities during the day. The pain may be aching, burning, stabbing, tingling, sharp, or dul

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by referred neck pain. The pain from this type of headache is usually felt at the back of the head, in the temples, and/or behind the eyes. A cervicogenic headache may be mistaken for migraines or cluster headaches.

Coccydynia is pain that develops in the spine’s tailbone. Some people who fall down or who ride a bike for a long time may develop coccydynia, which can get worse when sitting.  Sometimes the pain begins without any known cause.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is usually associated with aging.  As you become older, your intervertebral discs— the pillow-like cushions between your vertebrae—can degenerate or break down due to years of strain, overuse, or misuse. The discs may lose flexibility, elasticity, and shock absorption. They also become thinner as they dehydrate.

Herniated disc usually occurs in the neck or low back. A herniated disc can cause pain when the outer ring (annulus) or interior matter (nucleus pulposus) presses on a nearby nerve root.

Myofascial pain is a chronic pain disorder where pressure on sensitive points in your muscles—called trigger points—can cause deep, aching pain in seemingly unrelated parts of your body. This is known as referred pain. Sometimes myofascial pain feels like a “knot” in your muscle, and occurs after a muscle is used repeated

A CHIROPRACTOR OR A MASSAGE THERAPIST: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

What most chiropractors and massage therapists have in familiar is; they use their hands to treat you, both of the treatments have immediate effect and they provide drug-free alternatives to pain management.

What differs them from one another is that chiropractors are focusing on manipulating hard tissues (your bones), while massage therapists work on your muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

The main goal of a chiropractor is to release subluxations in the spine to make sure that your body and your nervous system are at their optimal level. Massage therapist is focusing on treating muscular conditions only and they aim to relieve muscle pain, tension, and stiffness.

Is chiropractic subluxation theory really so different? How many chiropractors even believe it?

I’ve heard many chiropractors scoff dismissively that “most chiropractors don’t believe subluxation theory anymore anyway.” Even if they are right, it admits that the profession is still burdened with a faction that does believe. But it’s not that small a faction. In fact, it’s probably a large one, between those who vocally defend the original, untainted theory and those who avoid the term because of its baggage but still believe it quietly, or who reject the most extreme versions but are still deeply influenced by the theory.

Openly defending the original chiropractic subluxation theory are many chiropractors who often call themselves “straight” chiropractors, meaning “pure.” Straights subscribe to the full, traditional “subluxation theory” more or less exactly as formulated more than a hundred years ago, they practice “subluxation-based chiropractic,” and they definitely think of a chiropractic subluxation as being fundamentally different than how a doctor would define subluxation. They believe that subluxations cause not only back and neck pain, but practically any health problem, simply by impinging or irritating spinal nerve roots.

Choose The Best Commercial Roofing

Tips to Use When Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Whether you are looking to have a commercial roof installed or repaired, choosing the right roofing contractor is the first step towards ensuring you get the roofing done the right way. But what makes a roofing contractor the best for the job? Is it the amount of money they charge, the amount of time they spend on the job or the type of materials they use for the job? If you have been grappling with such questions, it is time to put the matter at rest. When looking for a commercial roofing contractor, keep in mind these tips that will act as guidelines in helping you choose the right person for the job.

High professional standards

A roofing company that has been offering their services for a while should exhibit such high levels of professionalism that there will be no question as to their ability to do the job well. Remember that this professionalism should start right at the moment you contact them seeking their services, so if there is any behavior at the customer care point that speaks of unprofessionalism, you might want to look elsewhere. A great indication of professionalism and great customer support is when your roofer maintains direct communication with you and answers all your queries as soon as they arise.

Diligence

Roofing is a task that requires paying attention to the finer details, and you must always choose a commercial roofing contractor who is not afraid to pay attention to these details. Roofs must be installed and repaired according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and you should therefore stay away from contractors who want to cut corners

Safety standards

Roofing is a dangerous field that is prone to accidents, which is why every reputable roofing contractor must have safety standards in place to cushion personnel and clients against injuries and losses that may occur during the installation or repair of the roof. Be sure to ask what the safety standards of the contractor you are hoping to hire are, as you do not want to work with a contractor unless you are certain that your welfare, and that of the people working on your roof, is a priority to them.

Insurance cover

Besides safety standards, another way used by commercial roofing companies to cushion clients and personnel against unpredictable occurrences is by having a solid insurance cover. Be sure to ask about this too.

Tips for Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

it is quite possible that the contact information for a local roofing contractor is on file in their mobile phone or computer or on a business card among a stack of business cards in their desk drawer. This is likely the information for the roofing company that installed the initial roof or that was contracted to do some repair work, which in turn makes it convenient to call them if and when any roof installation or repair services are needed again.

But convenience should not be the primary factor when choosing among the commercial roofing contractors in Toronto; commercial roofing expertise and experience, the quality of their workmanship, and their reliability should hold more influence in separating these companies and thus lead to the right choice, not just the most recent/most familiar one.

When that time comes to replace or repair commercial roofing, the business or property owner will unquestionably want to have the matter resolved as soon and as efficiently as possible.  This can add an element of self-imposed pressure to hire a roofing contractor who can get the job done with the least delay; it can also often result in a rash decision.

Though there are several commercial roofing companies in Toronto that can be identified through online searches or in print directories, finding the right contractor, i.e. one that is both skilled and trustworthy, can prove more difficult than a business owner/property manager might anticipate.  So how do owners/managers go about the selection process?  It takes an investment of time and effort to investigate several local roofing contractors.

While this may at first appear to conflict with a need or desire to get the roof repaired or replaced as quickly as possible, the consequences of making a poor decision can be quite substantial and long-lasting, and unfortunately not in any positive light.  Accordingly, the commercial roofing contractors at Can-Sky Roofing in Toronto offer the following advice to help businesses choose the right roofing company to address/satisfy their immediate and long-term roof-related needs

How to Choose a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Choosing a commercial roofer for your Oakland Park, FL, requires in-depth consideration. In fact, it is essential that you make the right decision and find a company that will deliver a high-quality service at a reasonable price. If you have never hired a commercial roofing contractor before, it may seem like a daunting process — but there is no need to worry; we will take you through the stages to ensure that you make a well-informed decision

Ask for Referrals

If you know other businesses in Oakland Park who have recently hired a roofer, ask them for referrals. This can help narrow down the qualified commercial roofing contractors at the very outset.

Gather Several Proposals

If you are looking at your roof as an investment that will last a long time without needing repairs in the near future, avoid bids that stand out as “too low.” Interview all potential roofers to find out about their experience, materials, and how they intend to handle your project.

Request References

Ask roofers to provide you with references. Call these businesses to discuss their satisfaction with the process and finished result.

Check Insurance

Roofers should hold both general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Request a copy of insurance certificates to ensure both are currently valid

TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMMERCIAL ROOFER

When you’re having work done on your building’s roof, it’s not enough to hire a regular roofing contractor for the job. You should consider one who specializes in commercial roofing. After all, a building’s structure is vastly different from a home’s. Hiring the right commercial roofer ensures safe and efficient solutions to your system’s issues

Make sure your commercial roofer has the right bona fides. This should include proof of current state licensing. This makes them eligible to perform commercial roof work in your area. Your prospective roofer should also carry the right insurance, along with liability coverage and workers’ compensation. This protects you and your investment in the event that an accident occurs in your property.

Consider hiring a commercial roofer in your area. All you need to do is ask your friends and neighbors for referrals. This provides a more accurate description of what your experience with your prospective roofer will be like. Hiring one from the community also cuts back on travel time. Since they’re from your area, they’ll be able to work on your commercial roofing in Richmond, VA, with undivided attention.

Choose a roofer that communicates well. Establishing clear communication between you and your prospective roofer is vital. This builds trust and lays the groundwork for a smooth and worry-free process. Make sure that your choice can answer your questions in a polite and professional manner. It helps clue you in if the contractor is really up for the job

Confirm if your prospective roofer can offer a full range of services. No matter the issue with your building’s roof, your choice of contractors should have the right services to address them. American Enviromental Service Company, for instance, doesn’t just excel in replacement or roof repair in Richmond, VA. You can also count on us for maintenance and elastomeric roof coatings. We have deep experience and are highly trained to work on any kind of commercial roof, including ones on shopping centers, offices, warehouses, and hospitals

The Greatest Tips on How to Find and Hire a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Because of the monetary investment needed for full replacement, it’s important to know that your new commercial roof will withstand the test of time. Thus, it’s essential to hire a reliable, reputable commercial roofing contractor. So let’s take a look at some tips to get the best of the best!

Check Your Local Roofing Laws

there is no statewide licensing regulation for roofing contractors. Instead, licenses and permits are required by the building departments and vary depending on location.

For instance, the City of Akron requires all contractors to have a tax account number. They need to obtain this from the Income Tax Division before starting a project and only then will the department issue them a Certificate of Registration.

Choose a Commercial Roofing Company that Offers 24-Hour Service

A leaky roof requires immediate repair, because when left untreated, it can cause severe interior damage (especially in commercial properties with a lot of assets, such as expensive equipment). For example, water can drip into electronic devices and fry up their internal components.

Team Up with a Contractor Specializing in Commercial Roofing Services

Even if you’re in the market for a new commercial roof, it’s best to hire a contractor offering roof repairs, as well. In fact, you should choose a company offering roof maintenance and restoration, too!

Tips For Planning Your Office Movers

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING PROFESSIONAL OFFICE MOVERS

People often say, relocating a business is perhaps the toughest and most cumbersome things have to manage at the office. Imagine the amount of work that goes into the entire process! There are various thing like sorting, packing, moving and arranging which may use up too many resources. Choosing a professional company who are well experienced in such tasks is a smart move. Now that does not happen with a flick of a wand! It needs a professional and experienced team who have experience with commercial moving services to get that kind of work done.

Selecting a commercial moving company can be very challenging. There are many things to be considered when hiring a company. If an office relocation is being discussed, obviously, there will be a lot of electronic gadgets, important documents, furniture, hardware, etc. that will need relocation

Is the moving company licensed?

The importance of this first step cannot be highlighted enough. This is a crucial step to look into while hiring a commercial moving company. Be wary of the search results when you begin your Google search for movers and packers. Do you investigation. There are inexperienced moving companies all over the internet. Avoid falling into one of their traps.

How Long Has The Company Been In Business?

Practice makes perfect. Or in the case of a company offering commercial moving services, “experience makes perfect”, it is important to select a commercial moving company which has been in the industry for long time. For sure, over the years they have become better and better at their job and will be able to provide your organization with quality moving and packing services. Though experience generally does not mean perfection, in this industry it does!

Select A Company with Affiliations:

Certifications and affiliations play a very crucial role in commercial moving services. We recommend choosing a company which has noteworthy affiliations. Look for affiliations to larger van lines along with certifications provided by the FIDI, The International Association of Movers, BSI and such others. Why are affiliations to ProMover and AMSA so important? In order to get them, a commercial moving company must meet certain criteria and standards. By choosing a certified, affiliated company, you’ll get quality service and won’t waste money on some inexperienced mover, who might end up damaging your goods. Additionally, it is important to ask for recommendations from people who have used commercial moving services before. Nowadays every company has a website. Websites are filled with sugar-coated words, and cherry-topped stretched-out truths. You can’t only go by what is written on the websites. Take some time out to check the client testimonials and the reviews sections of the company before you call them.

Tips for Choosing Professional Office Movers

Moving your office can be one of the most daunting tasks in your corporate life. Apart from all the planning and packing that comes with moving, you’ve got the leases to negotiate, consider how the new office may affect employee morale, renovation costs, amongst many other issues that will keep you awake. Hence, the last thing you want is a mess on the day of your move. This is why you need a professional office moving company to provide a trusted and assuring service, one who not just physically moves your properties, but a pro who can sit, plan and advise you on how best to execute the entire moving process.

You want to find movers who are experienced in commercial and office moves.

Moving an office often requires a different set of skills than moving household items. Too often, run-of-the-mill house movers claim to be professional office movers when they do not understand the nuances associated with office moves. These include knowledge of the loading / unloading logistical issues, the moving hours stipulated by your building managers, and most importantly, your needs to ensure minimal downtime for your business. As a professional office mover, we give thorough considerations to all your concerns, plan and propose our moving plan and offer one-flat rate for our services so that you will not be met with nasty surprises on the big day.

Do background checks on your movers.

All authentic movers would have built their credentials and integrity as professional movers. A quick search on Google and the many social media platforms should give you a decent review of the moving company that you are considering. Google reviews and ratings come from genuine users and give you some insights into the company’s reliability. For example, a website with 4+ stars and genuine-looking reviews can be trusted. Do not miss their 1-star to 3-star reviews because most people speak some truth while giving these reviews.

Ask a friend!

The traditional word-of-mouth hardly fails. Getting opinions from a family member or a close friend who has engaged the services of a professional mover will help you increase your chances of finding that reliable moving company. This is so as a professional mover always believe in building strong rapport with their clients to provide a trusted and assuring service.

Insist on a site visit.

Unless you are moving a small office where you can easily list the items you have to move, always insist for your moving company to view your office and the assets that you have to move. This site visit will allow professional movers like us to better understand your move requirements so that we can help you plan and organize your move, in addition to just providing the muscles for the physical move on the move day.

Tips for Selecting the Best Office Movers

Has your company become so large that you are no longer able to work in such a small place? Congratulations, it has officially the time come for you to relocate. You need to bear in mind that this process is complex and that it will take some time for you to make plans. One of the tasks that need special attention is selecting the best office movers. Even though there are many moving companies on the market, it does not mean that all of them are reliable. In order to avoid moving scams,

Do some research

The proper way of selecting the best office movers is researching their customer history. However, before doing that you should check whether they are listed on the Better Business Bureau. If you confirm that they are licensed, go to reading customers’ reviews. Of course, bear in mind that it is not likely that you will find only the positive comments. There will always be some negative ones, but what is important is that they are the minority. In case a certain company is on the market for many years, there will certainly be a great number of reviews. People are willing to share their experiences, so, you will know what you can expect

Find out how many years they have been in business

Since there is great competition among moving companies, it is probable that only the best ones have survived. This means that a piece of information that will help you make a decision is how long they have been in business. The longer they have been on the market, the more experience they have. Having a more extensive history will make them a more reliable choice. For example, Dallas-Fort Worth movers can be said to be a company of this sort. Not only do they have experience in home relocation but they also have experience in office relocation. Feel free to rely on them for disassembling, transport and reassembling all of your equipment. They also have the proper tools, which means that your items will not be damaged during the relocation

When selecting the best office movers, ask everything you need to know

Do not be shy when making an arrangement with the moving company. Once you find yourself talking with their representative, make sure you ask everything you would like to know. For example, you can directly ask them to send you references from several moves of theirs. In addition to this, you should ask about the insurance for your goods, how many people will be assigned to your move, do you need to find moving boxes, etc. Once you get the answers to questions like these, it will be much easier for you to keep on with the moving process. You will know that you have a reliable partner by your side who is going to help you and do some things on your behalf. In this way, you will be able to focus on completing some others, equally important tasks

Ask them about a free moving estimate

A document that each and every reliable moving company should provide you with is certainly a moving estimate. This is a piece of paper where all of your items are listed and from which you can learn how much your relocation is going to cost. It is not likely that this amount is going to change on the day of the move. The only reason for which it can change is the fact that you have either not listed all of your items or that you have not mentioned there are some obstacles for the movers, such as too many stairs or narrow hallways. In order to avoid this from happening, make sure you mention even the most minute details. In this way, you will get a free moving estimate that will not be prone to any change.

Tips for Choosing a Corporate Relocation Company

When the time comes to move from one office to another, choosing a corporate relocation company can certainly cause some serious anxiety for the person in charge.  How do you find office movers who are trustworthy, honest and careful with your company’s most prized possessions?  How do you know they are truly relocation experts?  Below are several important moving tips to consider when choosing a business mover.

Think through all of your company needs. Determine the additional services you might need besides the general move, such as assistance with packing, storage units, auto transport for company vehicles, handling of sensitive items, and artwork crating.

Evaluate your options. You should get quotes from at least three different corporate relocation companies to ensure that you are not paying too much or receiving an unrealistic low-ball proposal. Have your list prepared with of all of the important points relating to your move.

Identify the moving companies that specialize in corporate relocation. This goes beyond the obvious local movers or long distance movers. Make sure you confirm the experience of the movers with moving large-scale office supplies. How many moving trucks will you need? Do you save money by using more small trucks, or fewer large moving vehicles?

Get the right price. Most moving companies will insist that they do a walk through prior to delivering an office moving quote – this is very important.  Movers must see how many flights of stairs you have, the presence of narrow hallways, the weight of items, and the distance from the exit point of the office building to the moving truck bay doors.  All of these factors contribute to the price.  The time it takes to assemble and properly secure all the office goods will be factored into the final cost unless you pack them yourself. Be sure to get any quotes in writing, and find out what circumstances could cause the estimated price to increase.

Ask the Right Questions

Finally, consider asking moving companies the following questions when preparing for your business relocation.

For peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to go online and search for moving company reviews and ratings about the experiences others have had with your potential moving choice.  Don’t forget to check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that no formal complaints have been lodged against any of the movers you are considering. Choosing a corporate moving company may not be an easy process, but comparing quotes online helps people find the best price on moving services.

How To Choose The Best Office Moving Company?

If you are planning to shift your IT firm, then you will agree that office relocation can be a challenging process, as it can be time-consuming and would require you to handle several tasks at once. Apart from the hassles of packing and unpacking, it can be hard to lift or move office stuff from one building to another.

Selecting The Right Office Moving Company

The perfect moving company will help you to relocate your office in an effective and seamless manner without affecting your office productivity. The experts at the moving company are efficient and experienced to handle office moving process without any hassles to ensure that office relocation does not impact your workforce and departments. Before selecting an office moving company, it is important to consider a few pointers to choose the services of an IT relocation company.

Consider Their Years Of Experience

Always check how long an office moving company has been in this business. Only those companies that offer best services can survive in the competitive industry. Choose the company that has a long history of being a well-established business mover, which indicates that they are a trusted choice. Make sure that they have been relocating offices in and around a specific location that you are planning to move, as it will help you stay assured that they are well versed in relocating offices in that region.

Check Their Reputation

Check the website of the office relocation company and check the testimonials sections to find what their customers wish to say about their services. The real users are from real users who have chosen the moving services to shift their business establishment from one place to another.

Understand Their Pricing

It is important to understand their terms of pricing to ensure that the quote offered by the business relocation company is realistic. Know how the pricing is set for their service, whether it is for the number of hours, the volume or on square foot basis. Do not forget to ask about the add-on charges for handling very heavy office items, assembling or disassembling the furniture or for packing supplies.

Electrical Home Inspections Find Problems

What Your Electrician Looks For During an Electrical Inspection

My hometown of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is full of relics of the American Atomic Age—after all, the city was built with the sole purpose of housing the federal employees who processed and refined the uranium that powered the massive weapon that effectively ended World War II

As you drive around the city these days, you can still see remnants of the 1940s version of Oak Ridge in the neighborhoods of war-era, government-issued modular homes and the post-war, cement block homes that were constructed once it became clear that the city’s residents were here to stay.

Do I Need an Electrical Inspection?

he short answer is yes (probably). “Ninety-nine percent of the time, homeowners aren’t aware that they need an inspection,” Wes notes. Some electrical problems are easy to ignore, after all. A circuit breaker tripping from time to time probably doesn’t occupy much space in your brain once you’ve reset the breaker and restored power, and you’re in good company if you’ve never tested the GFCI outlets in your house.

Buying a house

If you just bought a house or are in the process of purchasing a home, you’re probably well versed in the importance of a good home inspection. But any home inspector worth their salt will tell you that they simply cannot catch every little thing that could possibly go wrong.

Lack of inspection history

If the pre-closing home inspection is the only time you’ve had your house looked over by a pro, an electrical inspection is one of the best things you can do for your safety. Safety issues, Wes says, are the primary focus of any electrical inspection his team conducts.

Home Inspections

Home inspections are a  part of the home sale process. They are usually done sometime after a purchase agreement is signed. A purchase agreement should contain a clause that the sale is contingent on the results of an inspection. A new mortgage or a home warranty typically requires an inspection.

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an inspection of the structure and systems of a house. They typically include the foundation, basement, heating system, plumbing, central air conditioning, electrical, roof, and attic. An inspection should be done by someone who is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

Electrical Panel Inspection

During an electrical panel inspection the inspector typically looks for the following:

Clearance in front and top of the panel (3 feet deep and 30 inches wide) (6 feet headroom on top of panel).

Proper wiring, grounding, and bonding.

Discolored, oxidized, corroded, or damaged wires.

Correct circuit breaker or fuse amperage ratings. Breaker size shall be 15 amps for #14 (AWG) wire, 20 amps for #12 wire, and 30 amps for #10 wire, and 40 amps for #8 wire.

Only one wire is allowed to be connected to each circuit breaker.

Check for copper and aluminum wires and whether the breakers are listed for copper or aluminum

Electrical Systems Inspection

An electrical systems inspection and testing typically includes the following:

GFCI protection for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, within six feet of a sink, unfinished basements, and boathouses.

Service-entrance, electric meter, and main disconnect.

Receptacles and switches are in working order.

Any wire connections that are not inside of an electrical box.

Smoke alarms are present.

Electrical Inspection: Why It Is Important Before Buying a Home

A proper home inspection is incomplete without having the electrical inspected thoroughly. That’s because an electrical inspection not only clearly reports the health of your electrical system, but it also makes sure that the home is up to safety standards, as required by the National Electrical Code. Therefore, you should never ignore the importance of getting an electrical inspection done when purchasing a home.

What is involved in an electrical inspection?

The comprehensive electrical inspection for a house involves looking for uncovered or exposed wires, outdated wiring, and electrical equipment, testing safety switches, power box, smoke alarm testing, and determining any electrical hazard. These are some standard electrical inspection checklist components that should be taken into account.

Why You May Need a Home Electrical Inspection?

There are many reasons for getting an electrical inspection. Old wirings cannot withstand modern-day living needs, so electrical inspection services aid you in your decision to buy an older home. Besides, when purchasing a resale home, you should always have a comprehensive electrical inspection. Owners renovate, add equipment that is often unlicensed and not up to today’s standards.

Helps You Identify Common Electrical Mistakes

An electrical inspection should be included in the overall home inspection report. Before hiring your home inspector make sure that they will thoroughly inspect the electrical of the house, so ensure any dangerous electrical situations are found. These can be very expensive to repair once the property has been purchased. The inspector should identify any common electrical mistakes that were made by contractors and previous DIY homeowners. The inspector should also check for electrical wiring and components that may have degraded over time

Assures That Your Electrical Wiring Is Safe

It’s known that electrical can be extremely dangerous, even deadly, so it is imperative to make sure that the electrical systems in a home are safe and up to code. Inspecting the condition of electrical should be every home inspector’s top priority. Incorrect, faulty, or DIY wiring can be a huge safety and fire hazard, along with exposed wires and overloaded circuits. Having a home inspector who has electrical knowledge and will meticulously analyze the system is very important.

What Sellers Can Expect from an Electrical Home Inspection

home inspection covers a lot of details to make sure that the house you’re selling is up to code, safe for a potential buyer, and doesn’t have a costly hidden maintenance issue. But even though home inspectors are trained to identify a lot of issues, they might recommend that a buyer call on an electrician’s expertise for an electrical home inspection.

That’s often because of a home’s age, its wiring, and whether the electrical service panel has been updated. “A lot of older homes have different wiring,” said Glover “There’s a wiring called knob-and-tube that still exists in a lot of homes today. There are some complications with that.”

Electrical home inspections 101: Keeping your home’s wiring safe and up to code

Your home’s electrical system is a vital component of protecting your family—and anyone who buys your home. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment in the home remains the 4th leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association.

The National Fire Protection Agency said in a 2017 report that electrical distribution, lighting, and power transfer equipment was involved in 57% of home structure fires from 2010 to 2014.

In all, U.S. firefighters from 2010 to 2014 responded to an estimated annual average of 45,210 home structure fires with some type of electrical failure or malfunction, the NFPA said. These fires caused an estimated $1.4 billion in property damage and killed an estimated 420 people and injured about 1,370, NFPA statistics show.

Common Electrical Problems Found During Home Inspections

Whenever a home is being sold, it’s a common (and smart) practice for a prospective buyer to hire a qualified home inspector. Home inspectors can not only help assess a home or buildings condition but identify potential problems that may be factored into the terms of a sale or purchase price. In some cases buyers also engage the services of a licensed electrician to check and identify any electrical problems that a regular home inspector might miss. The most common problems we have seen that result in failed home inspections include the below

Extension Cords in Permanent Use

Extension cords are to be used on a temporary basis for an external or remote power supply. If somebody is using extension cords on an everyday basis, that can only mean one thing: There aren’t enough outlets to handle all of the electrical devices the home or building uses today. This is more common in older homes, but it is a safety concern and it should always be corrected prior to a sale.

Improperly Wired Switches

This is a common problem electricians find when doing an inspection. People who try to do their own wiring or hire somebody who has only rudimentary electrical skills will often use reverse polarity when wiring a switch or an outlet. This happens when hot and neutral wires get “flipped” around, and doing this creates a shock hazard.

Missing or Faulty GFI Outlets

Faulty GFIs are a major issue even in newer homes in the Las Vegas / Henderson area due to the common use of cheap > lower quality materials. GFI (short for ground fault interrupter) outlets are what’s required wherever an electrical outlet is close to a source of water (like in a bathroom). The indicator of GFI failure is when they prematurely or frequently ‘trip’ resulting in the loss of power to localized electrical components (lights or other power supplies on the same circuit). GFI replacement is a relatively quick fix for a licensed electrician, and with higher quality components will result in several years of reliable use. It’s essential that GFIs are kept in good working order as their function is to protect you from the possibility of electrocution

Double-Tapped / Lugged Breakers

This is when multiple wires are attached to a single breaker – a dangerous practice. As most circuit breakers are designed for single wires, this can cause loose connections, arcing, and potentially a fire. This is typically corrected by either the addition of additional breakers or in some cases where there are not load concerns, by wire nutting the connections together prior to the breaker panel.