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Do You Need A Metal Or Shingles Roof

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How to Pick Roof Shingle Colors

Facts and Tips on How to Pick Shingle Colors to Complement Your Home

More and more homeowners are adding value to their property – and lifestyle – by creating outdoor living spaces. When it’s time to think outside the home, it’s time to include that new roof in your plans. Wouldn’t you love to have an outdoor kitchen for al fresco cooking, dining and entertaining? Or a spa-like relaxation area complete with a pool, deck, hot tub or even a sauna?

See how much of your new roof will be visible from your backyard? Consider it an element of your exterior decorating! Maybe you’d prefer the quieter charms of a graceful gazebo amid a zen meditation garden or just a restful conversation area on your deck or patio?

The shingle colors of these roofs blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, gardens and landscaping. Altogether beautiful! No matter what your backyard dream is, you’ll be seeing a lot more of your roof when you spend that much time outside. So the asphalt shingles you choose for your roof should be beautiful to behold and make a personal statement about those who live under its protection.

Can a roof really express a homeowner’s personality? Yes! Depending on the style of home and the color of the roofing shingles you choose, you can create a warm, welcoming vibe or a bold, dramatic statement. You can opt for traditional elegance or an ultra-contemporary urban chic.

The right color and style of roofing shingles will also make a great first impression from the front of your home, enhancing its curb appeal and potentially boosting its resale value. A new roof is a big investment that you – and your neighbors – will have to live with for many years

Tips To Help Choose The Right Shingle Color

There are so many different options to weigh during the process of getting a new roof from what contractor to pick, what roofing material to get and what color you want your roof to be. If you choose asphalt shingles for your roof, like many people in New England do, what is the right color for you? Jancon Exteriors has put together a few tips to hopefully make your decision easier and right for you.

Choose a color that compliments your homes siding: When choosing a color it is important that you compliment the siding versus matching it. There are so many different options to choose from so try and pick a combination that is clean and cohesive

Ask your roofing contractor: If your roofing contractor is experienced, like Jancon Exteriors, they have worked on hundreds of roofs. They can help point you in the right direction and should be able to offer a number of shingle colors that works well with your homes siding

Look at your neighbors: Walk around your neighborhood and take a look at what nearby homes have from a siding and roofing combination. This may be the best way for you to gauge what you like and what you don’t like.

Factor in the sun & shade: The sun and shade will produce a different look on your house for both its shingle color and siding color. Take some shingle samples and try holding them up to your home to see how they look at different times during the day. Colors in the store or on the computer may look completely different in the nature elements next to your house.

How to Choose the Perfect Shingles for Your Roof

A new roof isn’t something you invest in every year, which is why you want to make sure that the one you choose—the shingle type, style, and colour—will be suited to your needs and preferences

Choose the Right Type of Shingle

One of the first things you’ll have to decide is what type of shingles you want for your roof. Herb Lodde & Sons installs laminate roofing as well as cedar shakes and shingles

Regular asphalt shingles (otherwise known as “3-tab” shingles) are flat with one shingle tab shape and size. They are lighter than laminate shingles; however the prices are typically comparable and 3-tab shingles are less durable over the long run.

Architectural or laminate shingles are a type of asphalt shingle, but they’re built with a heavier base mat and a greater number of layers of more refined asphalt. The tabs have different sizes and shapes, which gives them a more dimensional appearance.

Select the Style of Shingle and Features That Will Be Best

Factors to take into account include:

Appearance: How much dimension do you want your shingles to have? Architectural shingles are designed to provide a shadow effect that gives your roof an ultra-dimensional look.

Algae Defence: If you live in an algae-prone area, look for shingles that feature built-in guards against discolouration.

Fire Protection: To keep your home and everything in it safe, your shingles should have a Class A fire rating (the most effective against severe exposure)

pro tips to help you choose those shingles

Most people would agree that food, clothing and a roof over your head are basic needs. We’re two out of three at our house. The soggy realization that our roof was kaput soaked in a few weeks ago.

And the phone calls began. Two inspections, one insurance claim and four roofing estimates confirmed: This was not a patch job. We needed a whole new roof. Insurance would cover the interior damage (drywall and paint), but the roof was on us

Look at what you have: Replacing your roof with the type of material you already have is generally safe, since builders typically choose the right material for a home’s architectural style, structural support, color palette and location, he said.

Consider climate: Shingle color can affect your home’s temperature and, depending on your insulation, energy bills. Black attracts and retains heat, making attics hotter. A lighter roof reflects the sun and keeps interiors cooler.

Factor in house colors: Red brick houses look nice with dark brown, deep gray or black shingles. Light gray houses look smart with dark gray roofs. Beige or cream houses work with brown, warm gray or even colored shingles. If you’re planning to change the color of your house, now is a good time to consider the whole palette

A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Roof Shingle Type

How to Choose the Best Shingles for Your Roof

Whether your current roof is in need of replacing or you’re weighing design options as you build your dream home, choosing shingles is a big decision. There’s no shortage of options when it comes to roofing materials and styles, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Factors That Impact the Type of Roof Shingle You Need

How much you’ll pay for various roof shingle materials and installation is only the tip of the iceberg. There are several key factors to consider deciding on the best roofing material for your home

How Much Do Roof Shingles Cost?

Most homeowners pay between $4,700 and $10,460 for a new roof. When budgeting, keep in mind that the cost of installation and labor, as well as the cost of the material itself, will impact your bottom line. You’ll also need to account for the total square footage that your new shingles will cover. If you have a large roof area to cover, you might consider opting for cheaper materials.

What Is the Slope and Pitch of Your Roof?

Slope refers to how steep the angle of your roof is, and is normally measured with two numbers representing the rise, or height of your roof, and the run, representing it’s length. As an example, a slope of 4:12 indicates that a roof rises four feet and runs 12 feet. Depending on how steep the slope of your roof is, it may not be well suited for heavier roof shingle types, such as slate or clay tiles.

What Are the Weight Limits of Your Structure?

The weights of shingle materials vary widely. That’s why it’s important to know how much weight your home’s structure can safely support before making a decision. Buildings are designated a “dead load” tolerance, or the weight of the roof structure. If the dead load is exceeded, the structure will not be able to support its own weight. The average home has a dead load of around 15 pounds per square foot.

Home Inspection

The Benefits Of Mold Inspection Certification

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Mold Inspection Basics

WHAT IS MOLD?

Mold is different types of fungi that grow in moist environments. It’s often found in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and anywhere moisture resides for long periods of time. Unfortunately, leaks or floods are not the most common reason for mold growth in a home. Most often mold growth is caused by improper ventilation based on how the house is built and retained moisture behind the walls and floors of a basement.

These fungi spread by invisible “seeds” called spores, which travel through the air. They then take root wherever they find a humid surface. These spores proliferate quickly and can take hold in places with poor ventilation and high humidity in less than 24 hours.

The problem starts when you inhale these spores. They produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins that can produce an immune response in some individuals and actually extremely toxic themselves. This is why some molds are called “toxic molds”.

Types of Mold Testing

Here are the different types of mold testing which may be conducted by a mold professional as part of the remediation process.

Air Sampling.Using air sampling, mold experts collect indoor air samples from the home. A control sample is also taken outside of the home. A comparison is made between the between the indoor and outdoor samples to determine if there are elevated levels of mold spores inside the home that are not naturally present in the outdoor environment.
Lift Tape SamplA piece of tape placed onto any areas to be tested. It is then lifted and placed on a glass micro slide. The tape slide is then sealed and examined by the microbiology laboratory for mold spore presence
Tape Swab Test. This test is used infrequently because it is used to determine which type of mold is present. This test does not typically identify spore count, which is essential to determining if there are elevated levels of mold in a home. Because all mold requires remediation, the mold spore counts are far more important than the actual types of mold. The tape swab test uses a cotton material swab to wipe the surface to be tested. After touching surfaces, the swab is sent to a lab for examination.

When IS it time to call in a professional mold inspector then?

Ideally before mold has really gotten out of control. Yes, this means when you see mold growing no matter how small the area is. The exception to this could be toilet mold or shower mold as those are typically isolated to those areas and easy to remove before a larger mold problem arises. But other mold growth? Don’t chance it. A little visible mold usually means a lot of hidden mold.

When you have that first inkling that something is amiss, make the call to schedule a mold inspection. Beyond that, you may need a mold inspection:

When visible mold is not present, but the smell of mold Here a mold inspection and mold test can reveal whether there is indeed elevated mold, and where it is located.
There have been plumbing leaksor water issues and there is a suspicion that elevated mold may exist in the air and/or behind walls.
Post Mold Removal Clearance Testing to ensure that the previous mold issue has been resolved and mold counts have returned to levels found in normal environments of the same type.
Health Concerns: when someone has a health issue that they cannot pinpoint the cause of and/or mold related illness symptomsare present.
For real estate transactions for the protection of Buyers and Sellers.
Landlord/Tenant disputes as to whether there is a mold problem.
Someone thinks they see or smell mold but are not sure.
Someone is interested in a general Indoor Air Quality test of their environment.

These are the five basic elements that should be included in any mold inspection process:

Site inspection: There should always be a comprehensive visual inspection of the entire home including crawlspaces, attics, HVAC system, and of course, interior spaces. An outside inspection is also necessary. This will determine whether the landscaping, gravity, or uneven foundation is creating a flow of water into the home. The roof, gutters, and any exposed windowsills or door frames should also be inspected for water damage.

Incident History: The inspector should be prepared to ask many questions of the homeowner about the home. More specifically, the inspector should ask about any knowledge of leaks, flooding, water damage, pluming issues, storm repairs, etc. This will include information about previous incidents, repairs, and the health condition of occupants.

Detailed Visual Inspection: The inspector will look at each room in great detail. They will look for subtle signs of potential problems as well as generally checking inside cabinets, plumbing chases that are accessible, and appliances that use water. This must be done systematically with adequate controls to determine specific problems. Lab reports alone are not adequate. You don’t have to understand everything, you just have to ask the right questions to determine the competency of the mold investigator.

Occupant Interview: Some inspectors will have a written questionnaire to be filled out by the occupant and discussed further during the interview. Others systematically ask questions regarding the home and occupant health issues in the context of mold repairs. They will also ask questions about the occupant’s health

Sampling Plan: The inspector will develop a sampling plan to share with you based on their inspection and the information provided. They will explain the suggested mold sampling that should be conducted using a single or a variety of testing methods including mold test plates, swabs or tape samples, vacuum sampling, area wipe sampling, air filter sampling, or spore trapping methodology. The sampling plan should be able to explain the need for the number of samples and laboratory costs. This is an area where a homeowner can be “penny smart and pound foolish”. It is important to identify all mold sources and also areas where mold is present in acceptable amounts. This is critical information that can impact the scope and the ultimate breadth of the remediation. Additional information can be used to narrow the scope as well and save money. You can ask the inspector to use ImmunoLytics Swabs and Mold Testing Plates to augment their sampling plan so that more testing can be done to insure no potential source is missed.

Here Are Five Tips To Get Ready For An Inspection From Mold Testing & Remediation:

Isolate the Area:When you have identified a problem area, you should isolate the area. Seal the room or area off by covering any doors with plastic.
Seal Off Air Vents: Sealing the vents will reduce air movement which in turn causes spores to become airborne. Cover both return and supply vents with plastic or painters tape.
Don’t Clean It: Once you’ve identified an area with what appears to be mold, it’s important to leave it alone. Cleaning it can cause mold spores to spread through your home, making it harder to identify problem areas once a mold professional arrives.

Avoid Exterior Ventilation: For many who think they’ve got a mold infestation, throwing open the windows is often their first reaction. However, opening windows will increase air flow which in turn causes spores to become airborne. So keep them closed until the pros arrive.
Finally Leave It ALONE: Many people think that if they just tear out what is affected quickly they will be better off. However, you will likely cause a bigger problem than what you began with as you will be disturbing the mold and causing millions of mold spores to become airborne and spread throughout your home.

Movers

Run Business Smoothly With Store Management And Pick And Packing Services

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Tips for Good Packing

Packing a box properly is crucial when it comes to shipping. If your item is not packed well, it probably won’t stand a chance in the carrier’s fast-paced hubs full of drops and falls from conveyor belt to conveyor belt. The carriers know this and have come up with several resources to use for all the do-it-yourself packers out there.

PICK THE RIGHT BOX: Box selection is crucial. Everyone likes saving money and some do this by recycling a used box to ship their item. Recycling is great! Just make sure the box doesn’t have any water damage, rips, tears, holes, or anything else that weakens the integrity. What most people don’t realize is that boxes lose 60% of their strength after the first shipment. Keep that in mind when choosing a box!

REMOVE OLD LABELS AND BARCODES: You want your package to go to the right place, right? Make sure you remove or cover up old shipping labels so the package doesn’t get miss-sorted and go to the wrong place. Believe it or not this happens quite a bit. One time we had someone come into our store with a box that had three shipping labels on it

WRAP ITEMS INDIVIDUALLY: When shipping fragile items, it’s important to wrap them separately. This can be done with bubble wrap, foam sheets, or newsprint to prevent scratching. Wrapping items individually prevents them from hitting each other with enough force to cause damage. If you put two or more items together and wrap them as one, it may protect them from other items in the package, but it won’t protect them from each other.

USE PROPER CUSHIONING: You should never pick up a box and hear items shifting around in the box–unless your shipping something like LEGOs. Severe damage can result as nothing protects the item from the edges of the box or outside forces being applied to the package. There should be cushioning in the box to prevent items from freely moving about the package.

Easy Moving And Packing Tips That Will Make Your Move Dead Simple

Get rid of everything

Okay, maybe not everything, but the more unused and unnecessary items you eliminate from your home, the less stuff you’ll have to pack up, haul across town, unload, and organize.

Sort things by category

Take a cue from Marie Kondo and organize your belongings by category, not by room (note that the category part only applies to the organization process, not the unpacking — that’s a whole separate ordeal).

Donate

If you’d like to donate your items, check out our guide on where to donate your old clothes, books, furniture, toys, and more

Set aside stuff to sell.

You probably have a few items you no longer want, but would love to get a little money for. If that’s the case, set these items aside and determine where you can sell them

MakeSpace

For everything you don’t want to take with you but can’t say goodbye to yet, schedule a MakeSpace pickup.

The Best Packing Service

One of the greatest stressors while moving is not knowing whether you’ll arrive at your new home to find that your favorite dishes chipped and your vintage vanity mirror cracked

Between the fear of incorrectly packing your valuables and the pain of going room by room and drawer by drawer, there’s plenty of incentive to hire professionals to pack for you.

Plus, if you’re on a time crunch and need to get out of your house by the end of the month, if you have items that are too large to pack yourself, or if you have children or pets to supervise, pro packers can be especially worth the added cost.

We found the best by-the-hour packers in the biz for your DIY move. And if you’re doing a full-service move, you can pay for packing through the mover you’re working with or book any of the companies below.

It has lots of locations

A good packing company is of no use to you if you live outside its service area. It can boast all day about its killer swing set–breakdown or fragile-item packing capabilities, but if it can’t get a packer out to your house, you can’t benefit from those cool services.

Top Packaging Tips to Help Avoid Damage

Nothing is more disappointing than receiving a damaged parcel through the post. It’s the sender’s responsibility to make sure the parcel is packaged correctly but accidental damage obtained through transport is possible. Before you head to the post office compare parcel delivery quotes to make sure you get the best price for your delivery. You could save as much as 80% on potential shipping costs! Read our top five packaging tips to help prevent damage below

Use new, double-walled boxes

We start the packaging tips with focusing on the quality of boxes you use. Be careful if you choose to reuse old packaging. Cardboard boxes are easily damaged and provide much less protection if they are. Before shipping your package, you should feel comfortable that your item is secure and box is sturdy. You should also remove or cover any old labels that are visible to ensure your package is sent to the correct location

Don’t use fabric or cloth bags

Just like packing your item in a brand-new box, you want to avoid using fabric or cloth bags. Despite their attractiveness, they provide also no protection or support to your item even if you pad the bag out with bubble wrap. Use a robust material to avoid leaving your contents at risk.

Use bubble wrap for protection

No matter how big or small your parcel is, it’s a good idea to pad it out with plenty of bubble wrap to add an extra layer of protection to your item(s). Cushioning your items will prevent them moving around and protect them from accidental damage. If your package contains a fragile item, make sure it’s placed in the center, avoiding all four sides of the box

Avoid shipping expensive items – if you can!

If you’re concerned about the safe arrival of your package, don’t send it at all. If you have no choice but to ship your package because it physically isn’t possible to deliver it in person, make sure you have insurance. Although it is possible to send high-value items including jewelry and antiques by courier, you should find out the maximum value of an item you can send and if there is additional protection available.

THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL PACKING SERVICES FOR YOU

Packing everything you own for relocation can be a daunting task – it seems like something you should be able to handle once you figure it out. And besides, hiring a professional Vancouver moving company is expensive enough without additional costs. But using professional packing services can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Here are some tips on finding the right professional packing services for you and your family.

When to use the Packing Services of a Moving Company

Ideally, all of your belongings (except last-minute items) should be packed and ready to go by moving day

And don’t forget, before you even begin packing, you will need packing supplies such as china paper, bubble wrap, moving boxes, and packing tape. The moving company you hire will normally

Common Packing Options a Moving Company Offers

Most Vancouver movers offer different kinds and levels of packing services. When deciding the level of packing services you need,

Self-Packing: The movers wrap and prepare the furniture for transit; you pack up everything else. Vancouver moving companies offer supplies on order if you need them. This is advisable. When you order supplies from a professional moving company, boxes are a standard shape (easier to load) and packing supplies such as tape, china paper, and bubble wrap are industry standard.

Cleaning

House Cleaning Is More Profitable Than You Thought

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How to Find an Affordable Housecleaner

HIRING A REGULAR housecleaner was once considered a luxury for anyone but the ultra-rich. But today, especially with more dual-income or single-parent families stretched for time, outsourcing the scrubbing, dusting and sweeping can be real a sanity-saver

“Consumers are starting to wake up to how much their time is worth,” says Melissa Homer, chief cleaning officer for MaidPro, a Boston-based cleaning services company and franchise. The ability to spend an extra few hours each week on work, childcare or relaxation, she says, makes it worthwhile for many families to contract out regular cleaning tasks to the professionals.

Do your research. There are myriad places to start your search for a housecleaner. You can head online to Google, Angie’s List and other home services sites. Investigate the services and rates offered. Don’t forget to read online reviews for housecleaners on several different review websites. Why? “It’s easier on some sites than others to stuff the ballot box,” Homer says.

Ask questions. Make sure that you ask the potential housecleaner or cleaning company insightful questions to determine whether they’re the right fit for you

Note costs. The costs to hire a housecleaner vary widely, experts say, depending on the size of the house, the frequency of the visits, the level of dirtiness and the type of cleaning required. At Molly Maid, for example, the price may range from $100 to $140 for a houseclean once every two weeks, Roberts says, but those costs depend on the customer’s specific needs, services provided and even the region in which they live – the company needs to pay cleaning professionals higher wages in pricier parts of the country.

How To Find A Cleaning Lady You Can Trust

Anyone who has ever used a professional house cleaning company knows that it can be complicated finding cleaning professionals you can trust, and it’s even more challenging to hold onto them once you’ve found one. I owned my own cleaning company for 15 years, so from a cleaners point of view, I will tell you how to find a cleaning lady you or house cleaning company you can trust! I will give you all the trade secrets about how to keep your cleaner happy so she will be with you for years!

Who needs a cleaning lady?

Elderly customers who struggle to keep up with daily tasks

Professionals who work full time

People who have chronic pain or depression

People who have just compleated building work

New mums who struggle to find time to clean

People who dislike cleaning

People who are moving into or out of a property.

Landlords and end of tenancy.

Offices, shops and other commercial buildings.

The medical profession

Different types of cleaners.

Professional house cleaners are people who are paid to come and clean your house as often as you require.

They may be a house cleaning professional run by an individual cleaning lady who cleans solo with no team members or staff, often referred to as a cleaning lady or cleaner.

They may be a house cleaning company who employs various team members who rotate your house clean often referred to as a crew.

They may offer end of tenancy cleans, post-construction cleans, move out cleans, move in cleans, weekly, bi-weekly and monthly cleans.

There is a difference between a cleaning service and a housekeeper so be sure you know which service you require before hiring! Housekeepers often live in and do jobs such as meals, laundry, beds, childcare and many other jobs a professional cleaner does not.

The benefits of having a solo cleaning lady.

It can be difficult to know how to find a cleaning lady but when you find a cleaner you can trust the benefit are huge:

The routine of having the same person cleaning your home is attractive to the elderly, people who have small children, and dogs, as the family get used to seeing a familiar face each week.

Working relationships between house cleaner and client often get stronger the longer, the cleaner works for the client.

Often clients say how they enjoy the convenience of having someone they are familiar with in their home as it allows them to feel relaxed.

Continuity of cleaning increases, the more times a cleaner cleans your property.

Flexibility from both client and house cleaner increases as the solo cleaner becomes a valued member of the client’s circle

Solo cleaners often come via word of mouth and with personal recommendations.

Tips for Hiring a Cleaning Service

Cleaning companies may find themselves following a different method of deep cleaning when going into homes, home offices, and businesses during the COVID-19 panemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued recommendations on how to clean and disinfect multiple surface areas to help prevent the spread of the virus. Several states and provinces may be considering opening businesses or relaxing strict stay-at-home mandates as well. This may mean employers are finding ways to keep a clean environment for their employees if/when they come back to the office.

Research the company. Ask friends, family members, and neighbors to recommend a reputable cleaning business or individual. It’s a good practice to interview at least three companies to get an estimate before selecting one to hire. Check out the businesses through bbb.org to read reviews or complaints on them. Beware of businesses with poor reviews and multiple complaints, more importantly see how they address them.

Interview candidates. Interview multiple candidates to determine if you would prefer to hire a large cleaning business or an individual cleaning person. Request to meet with someone from the cleaning business, as well as with the person who will actually clean your home or office. During the interview process, determine if you would be comfortable with them since they will be in your home or office. Ask what type of cleaning products are used, especially if there are family or employees that may be sensitive to harsh chemicals.

Check credentials. Any individual or business that is considered for hire should be registered*, bonded and insured. This will protect your company and family in the event something is broken, stolen, or if someone gets injured on the job. Whether you hire an individual or a business, request that the employees working in your home have a background check done, or you may want to complete one on them yourself for peace of mind.

Request references. Before making an offer, ask that the business or individual provide a list of references you may contact. When speaking with the references, look for a business or individual that has repeat satisfied customers. Ask the references about the services they use and if the business met expectations.

What to Know Before You Hire a Housekeeper

Finally hiring a housekeeper can bring such a sense of relief, but only if you’ve done your homework. It’s important to find someone who is trustworthy, particularly if they will be cleaning your home while you’re at work or running errands, and will take their time to do the job properly. Ask around for referrals and consider the ins and outs of using a sole proprietor or hiring a larger cleaning company before you commit to a housekeeper.

Independent Workers vs. Cleaning Companies

A number of housekeepers work as sole proprietors of their own business, but you might be more comfortable with a larger cleaning company that hires their own employees. There are pros and cons to both: A benefit to hiring a cleaning company is that they are responsible for screening the employees to ensure that a background check comes up clean. On the other hand, if you want the same person cleaning your house every week, you should choose a sole proprietor—turnover tends to be higher with cleaning companies, and they might send someone different each time.

Find a Referral

The best place to start looking for a great housekeeper is to ask your family and friends if they have a company or person that they use and love. One of the great things about using a cleaning service is that they have multiple people who might work out well for your needs. A lot of services will allow you to try out different housekeepers until you find one that is perfect for your needs.

Interview Candidates

Take some time to come up with real questions, and make sure that you’re thorough with the interview. Ask questions about what they enjoy about their work. Why did they choose housekeeping as a line of work? Check references, work history, and criminal history. A lot of services will do these things in advance, but be thorough and check out the results.

Decide on a flat fee or an hourly fee

When considering hiring a housekeeper, one of the things that you might have to decide is if you’re going to pay by the hour or pay a flat fee, though the housekeeper or company might have their own non-negotiable policies.

How Hiring a House Cleaner Made Me Happier, Healthier and More Productive

Sometimes you have to admit mom was right. When my husband and I moved into a behemoth old Victorian in need of some love, she shook her head. “You’ll never have any time to enjoy the house,” she warned us. “You’ll spend all your time cleaning.”

Enthralled with the acres of hardwood floors, fireplaces in every room, and gorgeous trim you only find in houses of a certain age (this one dates to 1890), I laughed it off. We had moved from a 900 square foot home that took a team effort of just 20 minutes to get it clean enough for company and I couldn’t envision spending any more time than that. We’d just get a Roomba, we figured.

We tried various approaches; one room a day, x number of minutes per day, refrigerator lists, apps, paper planners with chore lists. But when there was always more to be done it came to seem pointless to even make an effort. So we’d let it slide. Then something would spur us into action; family coming to visit, hosting friends, wasting half an hour looking for something we’d misplaced, and we’d lose an entire weekend to mopping, scrubbing and fervent proclamations that this time we’d get clean and organized and stay that way.

Between those frenzied bouts of cleaning I’d find myself in one of two untenable situations. Working from home I don’t get to leave dirty dishes or the mountain of laundry behind each day. So I had to either look at it all day, which left me feeling stressed and overwhelmed, unable to focus — or just deal with it myself, which ate away large chunks of my work day and left me feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You see where this is going.

We needed professional help. But I felt guilty at even the thought. What would people think? My own mom cleaned houses when I was a kid and I helped sometimes. We’re not one-percenters by a long stretch; I’m a freelance writer plus Airbnb host with a full-time rental on our home’s third floor, and my husband works in HR and is pretty much an eternal college student. We share a car and are more likely to shop consignment and thrift stores than luxury boutiques. Thoughts of a housecleaner conjured up fancy people with shiny jobs and paychecks to match. Who did we think we were?

Events

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing An Event Videographer

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How To Film an Event

How you film an event can either make or break that event. If we watch closely events like those organized by TEDx, we will realize that these events are not shot haphazardly, but are directed in various ways to really embrace the nature of the speech given, the speaker’s expressions, as well as the audience’s reactions. The same goes for entertainment events, sports events, etc

Write a Plan

Shooting an event can get really tricky. There’s usually something that’s the center of the event, whether it’s a performance, a speech, a prize-giving, etc, as well as the audience or crowd, and the atmosphere of the event. Each of these elements has to be included in the plan with the right balance so as not to waste any of your assets.

Keys to A Successful Event Video

One of the keys to success in capturing an event on video is the formation of the right crew for this particular event. A director, cameraman, or sound engineer might be great at their job and highly qualified, but nothing works without them having the right specialty. Just like a heart surgeon would not perform plastic surgery, you have to make sure the team you pick for your sports event is specialized in such events, which would substantially differ for example from a conference on astronomy.

Live Event Camera Set-up

The first thing you have to make sure is available while shooting your event is the variety of angles. Whether you are using one camera or more, you need to make sure the organizers take into account this issue while setting up the stage or the hall where the event is taking place. Also, if there are seats for the audience, it would serve you best to secure a seat in middle for front shots.

Camera Positioning

When you position the camera, you have to know what your limitations are. If you’re only using one camera, keep it close to the stage, because if you’re only shooting the event from one spot, it should obviously be focused mainly on the main performance. However, if this is the case, then you should at least manage to get a sliding deck so that you can move smoothly from one angle to another without causing any disturbance to the video or any rigid movement

Videography Tips

Shooting documentaries is part technique and part instinct. Depending on the type of documentary you’re shooting, you may have to shoot on the fly “following the action” or everything may already be planned out in advance — for example a historical documentary where you’re shooting a lot of “talking head” interviews.

Steady Eddie – Keep the camera steady. If possible, use a tripod. Don’t constantly zoom in & out or pan right to left. In general, you want to record at least :10 of each shot. Let the action in the frame speak for itself. You will thank yourself once you’re back in the editing room

Wide, Medium, Close-up – For every scene or event you’re shooting, make sure to get different angles so that you’ll have choices in the editing process. For example, if you’re videotaping a protest, get the widest angle possible (perhaps on top of a building looking down on the crowd), then get close-ups of the faces in the crowd and then some medium shots of people from the ground level. Again, don’t forget the :10 rule for recording each shot.

What’s in the background? – When you’re shooting an interview or a speech, make sure to notice what’s in the background. You can either move the camera to get the best angle, move the subject in front of a good background or create a new background. Ask yourself, does this background “support” this story visually?” Is it a good backdrop for what is being discussed?

Timelapse – time-lapse is one of the most visual and fun ways to capture an event or story. Before heading out for a shoot, think about whether the story could lend itself to a time-lapse shot. Various video cameras these days are equipped with special time-lapse settings. If they’re not, just set the camera up on a tripod and let it roll. You can always speed up the footage in editing later

Reasons Why Your Corporate Event Needs a Videographer

If you’ve got a corporate event coming up, you’ll want to capture it with a corporate event video, there’s no question about that. Event video coverage is a great way to build brand awareness for your company and get people interested in and excited about what you do

After looking at event videography rates, you might be tempted to try to figure out how to film an event yourself. Videography is like photography, writing and other pursuits, in that everybody can do it, but it takes specialized skill to do it well.

A Professional Corporate Event Video Reflects on Your Company

People who are watching your corporate event video aren’t just learning about who your company is and what your company does. They’re also learning about your commitment to quality.

A Professional Videographer Stays Out of the Way

A professional videographer knows how to film (by film people might think we are actually using film instead of digital 4k for the event) an event unobtrusively, allowing activities to continue uninterrupted.

A Professional Videographer Knows How to Edit

Videoing your corporate event is about more than just filming, it’s knowing how to cut the event together, how to mix the shots and the sound, and add music and any subtle effects or graphics that will make the video really shine without appearing overproduced.

Tips for Finding Your Niche as a Videographer

Ten years ago, I had no idea that freelance graphic design and a strong interest in documenting travel, waves and concerts would ultimately lead to a fun and rewarding video production business. And I’m not flying across the world shooting surf documentaries (maybe next year), but instead, I’m growing a sustainable video business that could eventually take me there.

Don’t Rush the Process.

Trust and believe that finding your niche will happen organically. The saying, “An overnight success takes 10 years,” definitely applies here. A passion for creative work led me ultimately to realize that I enjoy being in the field, directing, shooting and producing videos.

Make Opportunities to Build Your Portfolio

Early in your video career you have to take (or even make) opportunities! Experience in the field is priceless and sometimes you have to get it where you can. For me, this meant working with friends for little or no money while I learned the craft and slowly built up funds for better equipment

Embrace Failure.

You will botch jobs. You will miss critical shots. You will lose footage and audio and experience heart-stopping gear catastrophes

Work with Others.

There’s no denying the power of collaboration. Just being around and talking with other videographers is invaluable to finding your niche. Through conversations about gear, workflow, camera settings and clients you can learn an incredible amount in a single afternoon

The best Canon cameras for wedding videography – three pros reveal what they use

Weddings are big business, with couples now spending more money than ever on their special day – including, increasingly, hiring a professional wedding videographer to record the day’s events, alongside a stills photographer

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of couples recognising that both creative formats offer something beautifully different to enable them to remember their wedding day,” says photographer and videographer Andy Mac. “In our business, we’re helping preserve precious memories of a deeply important, emotional moment in people’s lives with the people they cherish most around them.”

While still photographs record the event in their own unique way, wedding videos offer another dimension, and Andy enjoys shooting them. “I love the storytelling abilities that video allows,” he says. “The context of a moment, movement, sound, music, time, tempo – all these factors provide something a little different to what [still] photography provides.”

DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

British wedding photographer and videographer Andy Mac started out as a stills photographer, shooting commercially before he began specialising in weddings. He provides a luxury wedding stills and video service through his company Andy Mac Photography & Filming, for clients including celebrities and royalty.

Full-frame mirrorless: Canon EOS R

Leipzig-based Canon Ambassadors Julia Blumenthal and Gil Gropengiesser are destination wedding photographers and videographers who like to work in a natural and spontaneous way

Legal

Realizing The Importance Of Dui Lawyers

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HOW TO FIND A GOOD DUI LAWYER

Statistics from MADD show more than 1.1 million vehicle drivers were apprehended by law enforcement for driving when under the influence of narcotics or drugs in 2014. More than seventy-five percent of the people arrested were male as opposed to female. Wondering how to find a good DUI lawyer? Keep reading to find out

Driving when intoxicated poses a great risk not only to yourself but also to others. When you have been caught by law enforcement, you will need a lawyer. While it’s true you could utilize the services of a court appointed lawyer – it is highly likely you will be much better off by deciding to hire the services of an attorney of your own

Searching For A Lawyer

A competent DUI lawyer will listen to you, have an understanding of your case and then assist you in court is not always easy to find. It may be a wise to ask friends who you trust as well as family members to see if they have any recommendations or suggestions. Next, assemble a list (perhaps a spreadsheet can be used) include the name of the attorney, their area of practice, contact details and their address. If you have spoken to them, write down the cost of their services in another column. Furthermore, check the background of any lawyers you are considering. The State Bar website will have useful information on any malpractice in their history. Also ensure they are licensed to practice law in the area you live.

A good DUI lawyer will cost about $350 per hour but prices can range between $200 and $500 per hour or more. The average total costs for a DUI Lawyer is about $6,500 with prices varying from $5,000 to $8,000 in the USA for 2019-2020 according to Thervo. Learn more about DUI Lawyer Costs.

TIPS ON HOW TO FIND AND HIRE A GOOD CONNECTICUT DUI LAWYER

No matter what the circumstances are, being charged with a DUI can be devastating. Most likely, a million thoughts are frantically running through your mind. You’re probably wondering, “How did this happen? Will I have to go to jail? How am I going to defend myself in court?” Your natural inclination is to panic, however, there are ways to defend yourself. There is no guarantee that your case will be resolved in your favor. But, the best thing that you can do to protect yourself from a guilty verdict is to hire a good lawyer

Finding a DUI Lawyer

Think about it. If you have been getting bad headaches, you’re going to make an appointment with a neurologist, not an oncologist. You need a doctor that specializes in head and brain care in order to get the best treatment. An oncologist or some other type of doctor probably has some general knowledge concerning head problems. But, if you want the best treatment, you see a doctor that works with brain functioning and the nervous system

It’s the same with lawyers. It’s true that lawyers can work on many different kinds of cases. However, most lawyers work with a few types of law. If you have been charged with a DUI, you don’t want to retain a lawyer that deals mostly with divorce cases. This lawyer can do the research necessary to be able to represent you in court. But, they aren’t going to be experienced in DUI cases. Some other type of lawyer might do a good job, but when the stakes are this high, “might” isn’t good enough.

Finding the Right Lawyer

It’s not enough to just hire a DUI lawyer and be done with it. Not all DUI lawyers are the same. Some are incredible, but some are mediocre. Some are affordable, while others are expensive. Fortunately, there is one way that you can sort through the good, the bad, and the ugly at no cost to you. Free initial consultations are offered by most DUI lawyers in Connecticut. Consultations can help you get a feel for a lawyer before you hire them.

Meeting with a Lawyer

Lawyers understand that trusting someone to represent you in court is a big decision. For this reason, many lawyers offer a free consultation in which you can meet with a lawyer in order to discuss your case before retaining them. At this time, you can explain the situation that you are in to the lawyer and ask any questions that you have. A good lawyer will be interested in your case and start planning out a strategy for your case during this initial consultation.

HOW DO I FIND THE BEST DUI DEFENSE LAWYERS? QUESTIONS TO ASK DUI ATTORNEYS

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE

Frederick Slone has successfully defended DUI cases in the state of Alaska for over 30 years. At Kasmar & Slone, you’re assured of being represented by a lawyer who understands drunk driving laws, what it takes to build a solid successful defense, and one who will guide you through this ordeal.

ATTORNEY REFERRALS

The best way to find an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer is by reputation. Ask other lawyers in the area for recommendations as to the best DUI attorneys. Ask them who THEY would hire if arrested for a drunk driving offense

NATIONAL COLLEGE FOR DUI DEFENSE

Another excellent source for finding an experienced and competent drunk driving defense attorney is the National College For DUI Defense, a non-profit legal organization committed to the education and training of DUI defense lawyers. The College admits DUI attorneys selectively.

ATTORNEYS COMMITTED TO DUI DEFENSE -VS- DABBLERS

As drunk driving cases can be very complex, you should look for an attorney who devotes the majority of his or her practice to the defense of DUI cases.

TRUST IS PARAMOUNT

Above all, you must have a sense of comfort and confidence about your case after meeting with an attorney. If you don’t trust the attorney, you should look further.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT DUI ATTORNEY?

When you are facing a DUI charge you have a lot on the line. Your reputation, criminal record, driver’s license, even your freedom are all at stake. You need an attorney that has experience and specialized training on your side. DUI law is an ever changing area of the law with continually evolving case law, complex scientific testing devices and voluminous data and law enforcement training manuals available. In short, there is a lot of information to know and apply when it comes to properly defending a DUI charge

National College of DUI Defense:

College Members represent the most experienced DUI Defense attorneys in the county. The National College of DUI Defense is an invite only non-profit organization aimed at improving the criminal defense bar and to educating the public about DUI defense law as a specialty area of law practice

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certification:

DUI defense lawyers that have participated in this training are certified to administer and interpret the standard filed sobriety tests to NHTSA standards. Less than 1% of practicing attorneys have received this specialized training. The NHTSA program is the exact same program that law enforcement officers take. The certification takes 21 classroom hours to obtain and encompasses in depth training on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test, Walk and Turn Test and the One Leg Stand Test

Science of Breath Testing Course Certificate:

DUI defense attorneys that have participated in this course have spent time working with the equipment law enforcement uses to administer breath tests on drivers suspected of DUI. If your lawyer has participated in this training then they have an advanced knowledge of how breath test machines work, what faults the machines have, what maintenance the machines require and what protocols an officer must follow to correctly administer the test.

American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys:

Members of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys have received advanced level training on the strategies that win the most DUI cases at trial and are also used to get DUI cases successfully resolved for the defense prior to trial. Members of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys also have access to the resources and tools that are used to win and successfully resolve DUI cases. The resources and tools AAPDA members have, only a very small percentage of DUI attorneys have access to and use including law enforcement manuals, testing protocols and validation studies

HOW TO HIRE A REPUTABLE DWI LAWYER

A drunk driving charge can have a devastating impact on your future. Aside from the high cost of legal fees and court fines, the charge will always remain on your record and may lead to difficulties in your professional life.

Experience with DWI

Many people have a misconception that any criminal defense attorney will be able to handle their DWI case. While drunk driving is under the umbrella of criminal law, not every criminal attorney handles that type of charge

Go Local

Don’t go for a big national firm for your DWI case. They’re expensive and likely won’t know the area too well. In fact, you may want to start your search will well-established lawyers near where you live.

Look at Online Reviews

Online reviews play a pivotal role when deciding on products and services. Lawyers are no different. When trying to find representation, look at the online reviews of anyone you’re considering. You’ll get more insight into their professional demeanor and track record.

Get a Personal or Professional Referral

Personal referrals provide a unique and effective way to find the perfect DWI lawyer. It has a few advantages, one being that it’s free. You also get a first-hand account of an attorney’s performance and a glimpse into how they conduct business. When it comes to personal referrals, it helps to use discretion. Only ask someone you trust, or someone you know has gone through a similar ordeal

Legal

Must Know How To Find The Best Immigration Lawyer

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How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Immigration lawyers represent people who are not born in the United States but are trying to maintain a permanent residence in the country. Immigration law is quite complex and if you are trying to become a U.S. permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, it’s a good idea to consult or hire an attorney. It’s especially important to consult with an attorney if you are facing arrest or deportment because of an immigration issue.

An immigration attorney can help to:

Prepare immigration paperwork for an immigrant who speaks English as a second language.
Represent an immigrant in court, speak on his or her behalf, and help file the necessary paperwork to avoid detention.
Defend an immigrant against arrest and detainment as well as help prevent that person from being deported.
Defend an immigrant who is incarcerated by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Tips to Choosing an Immigration Lawyer

The best way to kick off the immigration process for you and your loved ones is to have exploratory consultations with a number of immigration attorneys. But what guidelines should you keep in mind as you go through the process of interviewing immigration attorneys?

Here check out these seven pointers to take into account as you evaluate which attorney is the best one to help you reach your goal of immigrating to the United States:

Don’t Look for a Bargain

Don’t just blindly choose an immigration lawyer. There are a lot of terrible and mediocre immigration attorneys out there. Some may be juggling too many cases at once, making it tough for them to dedicate quality time to your case. Others don’t have enough experience in specific areas of immigration law. Still others are only looking to make as much money as possible from their current portfolio of clients.

Get a Trusted Referral

Tap into your network of friends and acquaintances to find other individuals who have dealt with immigration attorneys in order to acquire a green card residency visa. Word-of-mouth referrals are the best to consider as you can learn firsthand about the kind of experience the visa recipient had when working with the immigration attorney.

Negotiate Fees

Immigration law firms typically charge by the hour. However, some law firms charge fixed fees for the standard preparing and filing of your case. Opt always to pay a fixed fee for a law firm’s services or else require that they give you an estimation of how much time it will take to file your case so that you know how much their services will cost you in terms of time and money..

Hire a Lawyer Who Speaks Your Language

Pick a lawyer who speaks your language fluently. This greatly streamlines the process and ensures that you and your lawyer are always on the same page in terms of understood legal nuances. The lawyer would also be able to make sure that the certified translations of your documents from your native tongue to English are accurate.

Build a Relationship with your Attorney

Your visa is the first step to being able to legally live in the United States. It is also the first, but, more likely, not the last time you’re dealing with USCIS office.

How to Find an Excellent Immigration Lawyer

Choose carefully before hiring an immigration attorney.

However, a bad immigration lawyer can overcharge you, fail to provide the promised services, and/or damage your case in a way you might never recover from. Whether you are seeking to file a petition for a visa or green card, trying to avoid deportation, or applying for some other immigration benefit, make sure you get the right sort of lawyer on your side. Here are some tips to avoid the shadier types of practitioners.

Avoid Lawyers Who Approach You at USCIS or Other Immigration Offices

A few “high-volume, low value” immigration attorneys prowl the hallways of immigration offices attempting to solicit business. This is not considered ethical behavior by the legal bar. Besides, any good immigration attorney is probably going to be too busy practicing immigration law and working for their clients to spend their time rounding up new clients this way.

Make Sure You’re Dealing With a Real Lawyer, Not a “Visa Consultant,” “Notario,” or “Petition Preparer”

Would you ask a neighbor to replace your heart valve, or your doctor to fill out your tax forms? Hopefully not. For the same reasons, only an actual, practicing lawyer should be trusted to handle your immigration matters. Unfortunately, many non-lawyers; even some well-meaning ones, who don’t recognize how complex this area of law really is; claim to be capable of assisting foreigners who need help with the immigration process. In many cases, they offer little value other than a typing service. In the worst cases, they might literally take your money and run, or fill out your forms in wrong and dangerous ways without telling you the meaning of what they’re doing.

Run From Lawyers Who Give Unethical Advice or Make Illegal Offers

Be careful of any immigration attorney who suggests that you do something fishy: perhaps lie on an application or to a USCIS officer, give the attorney extra money with which to bribe an immigration authority, or buy a fake green card from him or her. Such cases have actually occurred. The sad thing is that if you are caught going along with such a scheme, you are likely to get into much more trouble than the attorney. Saying, “But he told me that buying this green card stamp was the fastest way to work in the U.S.!” is likely to get you nowhere, and will create a permanent stain on your immigration record, potentially making you ineligible for any future visas or green cards (inadmissible).

Questions To Ask Before You Hire an Immigration Attorney

Given the current administration’s tightening and unrelenting enforcement of an already wildly complicated immigration system, it is essential to have excellent legal help on your side to successfully navigate the process toward finding immigration relief, permanent residence, and ultimately citizenship in the United States. The question becomes, HOW do you find a great immigration lawyer to resolve my immigration problem? Here a questions to ask to help you locate the best immigration lawyer for you.

Is the Attorney a Member of AILA? Perhaps the most important thing you need to be aware of when looking for a qualified, competent, and experienced immigration attorney is how long that attorney has been practicing immigration law.
Where is the Attorney Licensed? You also need to be sure that your attorney is actually licensed in the state of the attorney’s principal office.
Is the Lawyer a “Jack of All Trades?” Be very careful of the lawyer who practices in multiple areas of law, in addition immigration. It is very difficult to be an expert or specialist in a dozen different things. “Jack of all trades, master of none” is what you want to avoid in someone representing you in the ever changing area of immigration law. Immigration law is so much more than filling out forms and mailing them in. Especially under this administration which threatens deportation proceedings with any rejected application.

Does the lawyer specialize in visa and family immigration law?

Many law firms include immigration law as only one part of a broader portfolio of specialties. If immigration law is not the primary focus, changing laws and accelerated enforcement may catch your attorney off guard. Knowledge and experience are the best defense, and a dedicated visa immigration lawyer understands how each situation should be managed.

How long has the lawyer practiced immigration law? The adage that there is no substitute for experience is as true in immigration law as in anywhere. Knowing how immigration courts operate, understanding law enforcement, or even having gained the respect of the officials involved can put your case in a more favorable light.

What would be the best strategy for my case? Once you have described your circumstances and shared your objectives, the visa immigration lawyer should propose a plan of action. The plan should include a timeline and defined deliverables.

What are my chances of success? An experienced visa immigration lawyer should have an idea about whether they can help. They should be realistic and honest about solving the problem. Integrity is important since some attorneys accept cases and fees even when they believe there is no chance for success.

Electricians

Tips The Best To Learn About Electrical Wiring

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Electrical Wiring Tips

When I think back on how I acquired most of my knowledge about electricity, I have to laugh. I did get some expert instruction from a wise older electrical engineer who happened to know many aspects of the National Electric Code by heart. He helped me re-wire the first house I owned. My brain was so receptive to getting this information that I absorbed everything he showed me. For example, once he showed me how to wire two 3 way switches that worked independently to power a stairwell light fixture, I instantly understood

As I took on other jobs, I started to read books on the subject and do trial and error experiments. Back 25 years ago, I didn’t have the respect I currently have for electricity. Luckily, I am still alive and my work has never caused a fire. But there have been some close calls

Top Tips

Perhaps the biggest tip I can offer is to plan for plenty of circuits. The cost of a 40 circuit panel vs. a 30 circuit panel is peanuts. Two hundred fifty feet of 12 / 2 cable with ground is peanuts. Anticipate what the load for a circuit might be and if in doubt, simply add another circuit to a room addition or house. Heck, add two more!

Consider using 12/2 wire as your minimum wire size. I did that in my own home after years of frustration working at other people’s homes. I could notice a voltage drop at some houses when I used my power tools. I quickly learned that I was at the end of a long stretch of 14 gauge wire. Fourteen gauge wire supports 15 amps or 1,800 watts. But 12 gauge wire is rated for 20 amps or 2,400 watts. That is a significant difference.

Plan for big tools in your garage or workshop. If you have a table saw, it should have its own circuit. Those motors can draw lots of juice on startup and when a thick board is being cut with a semi-dull blade!

What are the tips for electrical wiring

Electrical wiring is like the vein of your house. If your vein gets cut then you may die, likewise if wiring is not done properly then your whole house may get charged causing accidents. so before doing wiring Consult an expert electrician which can give best suggestion to you.

Home Electrical wiring can be a tricky business and requires a great deal of attention. It is an essential requirement for almost every household and commercial building. This industry has seen significant growth in the past few decades. The standards have improved both in the safety and aesthetic avenue of the segment. This growth is attributed to the enhanced awareness and increasing lifestyle expectations. The consumers have a clear view of their requirements and have the capability to communicate their needs in the right manner. Though there is a high demand in the sector, there are still instances of faulty wiring and electrical fires. It is mainly due to the usage of a low-quality product and underestimating the current flow. This calls for the need for identifying the ideal electrical companies in Brisbane as the partner to meet the growing demands.

The ideal thing to do would be buy some cable cover conduit. It arrives in various sizes and lengths and also colors. It’s flexible and is split the whole length of this conduit, that way you’ll be able to come out of it everywhere together with your wires and get diam. Conduit to cover cables which come out of the main/larger conduit. Then use matching zip ties to fasten it neatly set up.

Electrical wiring can be as simple as following these tips. Connecting cords, circuit connections, device connections, and electrical panel connections all require some type of wiring connection. This tutorial is loaded with electrical wiring tips to make the job simple and easy to accomplish.

Whether you’re a first-timer or an old pro who just needs a few refresher tips, having a hands-on lesson will make the job that much easier. Sometimes, having the right tools for the job is just as important as knowing how to do the task. These electrical wiring tips will make your electrical projects a snap!

Electrical Rough-in Tips

Which electrical box works best?

Either plastic or fiberglass boxes will do the job, and each is completely code compliant. Some electricians prefer fiberglass models because they’re tougher, but others prefer the plastic models because they’re cheaper. Whatever style you choose, pick box sizes that have a volume of at least 20 cu. in. Dimmer switches and other smart devices are common these days and take up more room in the box than the simple devices of the past. Plus, bigger boxes just make wiring easier, especially if they’re crammed full of wires and connectors. Boxes destined for exterior walls and ceilings must be equipped with a vapor barrier seal.

Special cable staples

Staples (and drilled holes) need to be at least 1-1/4 in. away from the edge of a framing member. In some cases, that means stacking wires on top of one another and using one staple to secure them. Most standard staples can handle two wires. Never install staples over multiple wires unless the staple is approved for it. The staple package should list how many wires it’s rated for. The staple shown here is good for up to four wires.

Auger nits and angle drills work best

A 3/4-in. spade bit will work OK for drilling the holes, but auger bits drill faster and require less effort. Choose a bit like this Milwaukee ship auger bit that will chew through nails. It’s easier to drill straight holes through the studs with a right-angle drill. You can rent right-angle drills by the day, or you could buy an angle attachment for your own drill.

Install plates before pulling wire

Electrical cables need to be set back 1-1/4 in. or more from the edge of a stud or wood-framing member to protect cables from wayward nails and screws. Install steel cable-protection plates over holes drilled closer to the edge. Keep several plates in your pouch while you’re drilling and install them right away so you don’t forget.

Drill straight, aligned holes

Keep the holes straight and at the same height. Pulling cable through several consecutive holes drilled at different angles or heights is difficult because the cable will snag on the sharp edges and fight you the whole time! Straight, aligned holes make pulling cable a breeze.

Why you should know the basics of your house wiring

for a homeowner, it is important that you should at least know the basics of house wiring to avoid any challenges in future especially if you are not an electrical contractor. When your electrician is doing electrical installations as part of the remodelling project of your house, you should have some amount of knowledge about the house wiring basics by simply noticing the processes. The parts of electrical wiring fittings that are located in your house are-receptacles, switches, light outlets, appliances etc. We shall briefly explain them

Main Service Panel

This is a basic house wiring point responsible for the distribution of power to all circuits present in the house. This electrical wiring at home is the central distribution point and each circuit has a fuse or which is called circuit breaker.

Electric Meter

This is a basic electrical wiring point to indicate how much power is used in a household. The standard unit of measurement in the electricity meter is the KW hour. This amounts equal to the energy used by a load of one kilowatt over a period of one hour.

Service Head

This type of house wiring is also called the weather head/weather cap. This is the entry point of aerial electrical wiring installation into your home. This is a pivotal point where all the wires will enter the home at an angle of 45 degrees. It looks like a hood, waterproof in nature. These wires are powerful and carry a standard amount of 240-volt service to your home. They contain two wires with 120-volt current and one grounded neutral wire.

Electrical Boxes as a part of house wiring

They are a basic part of the house wiring structure where the endpoint where the wires are connected and provides power either as a switch or an outlet. This type of electrical wiring is an essential requirement for mounting devices, for example, switch, receptacle and light fixtures. The outlets are mostly used, while a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCIs are needed in some places of your house. They are usually contained in either a plastic or a metal electrical box as per standard recommendations.

proper steps to follow when wiring your house

Design a writing diagram

Design a wiring diagram which shows the location of the breaker box and the path of the wires to each outlet

Install conduits

Start by running the longest wires first to avoid wastage conduits in walls even if you don’t anticipate using them right away. Start each wire upstairs and pull it through to the basement. This way, you do not use a ladder to push the wire up between floors. You should also leave at least one foot of extra wire at each end just in case you need to move things around later.

Know outlet count

Determine how many outlets and switches will run on one circuit. Normally, six outlets per a 110-voltage circuit is advisable in a living area, while as few as two per circuit are the standard in a kitchen, where appliances use more wattage.

Drill wire holes

Before drilling any holes, make sure you know what is on the other side of the wall/floor to avoid drilling through any electrical wires, ductwork, or water pipes. Proceed by drilling holes with a 1-inch bit in the middle of the studs where your wires will travel. The more outlets you have, the safer your home.

Set a breaker

Set your breaker box where you can easily access it in the future. A location in a basement or a utility room is desirable.

Health

Must Learn How To Control Pain Management

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Your First Visit to a Pain Clinic

What Is a Pain Physician?

Pain physicians, or pain specialists, are experts in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of pain. “Pain physicians come from many different educational backgrounds,” says Dmitry M. Arbuck, MD, president and medical director of the Indiana Polyclinic in Indianapolis, a pain management clinic. Dr. Arbuck is certified by the American Academy of Pain Management and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. “Any doctor from any specialty—for instance, emergency medicine, family practice, neurology—may be a pain physician.

The pain physician you see will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, and needs. “Chronic pain is an especially wide field,” Dr. Arbuck explains. “The doctors within a pain management clinic or practice might specialize in rheumatology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, psychiatry,” or other areas, for example.

ain physicians have earned the title of MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Some pain physicians are fellowship-trained, meaning they received post-residency training in this sub-specialty. Pain fellowships often emphasize interventional pain treatments, which typically involve injections (eg, nerve blocks), spinal cord stimulation through an implanted device, or insertion of a morphine pump in to the intrathecal space of the spine. (Read more about interventional pain approaches.)

Pain physicians who have met certain qualifications—including completing a residency or fellowship and passing a written exam—are considered to be board-certified. Many pain doctors are dual-board certified in, for instance, anesthesiology and palliative medicine. However, not all pain physicians are board-certified or have formal training in pain medicine, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consult them, says Dr. Arbuck: “Some of these doctors are really good!”

What Is a Pain Clinic?

The term “clinic” often refers to an outpatient medical facility staffed by multiple doctors and other health professionals.

Ways to Get a Doctor to Take You (Very, Very) Seriously When You’re in Pain

How we see the world shapes who we choose to be — and sharing compelling experiences can frame the way we treat each other, for the better. This is a powerful perspective

Let’s say you’ve been suffering from pain for a while, perhaps years. Thinking, ever so naively, that being in constant pain for months on end isn’t normal, you go to your doctor. He orders blood work and maybe an X-ray or a sonogram. All results come back normal, so your doctor dismisses your concerns.

Say “I am in pain.” Be ignored or dismissed, because it can’t be that bad. Leave with your tail between your legs, you wascally wabbit

Say “I am in severe pain.” This time your doctor will respond! With an eye roll. Followed by a reminder that all your blood work is negative and you don’t “look sick.” Leave the doctor’s office, you dramatic exaggerator, you

Wear a button that says, “Friendly reminder: I Am in Pain.” Pin it to your shirt that says, “REAL BAD PAIN, DOC.” Make sure he looks at your throat so when you stick your tongue out and say “ah,” he’ll see your new tongue tattoo that says: “YOU TOOK AN OATH.”

How can I find a good pain-management doctor?

What is Pain Management?

Pain Management NYC Specialists is a group of physicians and staff devoted to helping patients accurately identify and manage chronic pain. By combining traditional, advanced and regenerative pain-management techniques, and by delivering quality, comprehensive healthcare to patients, CPS endeavors to provide efficient, effective and compassionate pain management for a broad range of ailments and pain syndromes.

Pain management,

also called pain medicine, is a type of specialized medical care. It is designed to minimize the impact of surgical pain or chronic pain. Chronic pain, in particular, can be difficult to control. It can sometimes be impossible to cure. Pain management treatment can help reduce pain. It can help patients enjoy a better quality of life.

Pain is an unpleasant sensation in humans, Decrease your pain and improve your overall physical function with Pain Management Treatment in NYC. Make your health your top priority. you can’t buy your health or life back after years of neglecting it while you earn your living. Professional Pain Management NYC offers the best medication in New York

step Approach to Chronic Pain Management

Understand your pain problem

Try to separate hurt from harm. The pain you experience is real, but the cause may be a heightened sensitivity of the nervous system and not increasing damage to some part of your body (even though it feels that way).

Maintain a cooperative but not dependent relationship with your doctors

Doctors have a difficult time treating chronic pain and may feel frustrated as well. Be honest and assertive with your doctors, but also let them know you understand they cannot perform miracles and that chronic pain management is a team effort

Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your emotional response to pain, be it fear, anger, or depression

Seek out psychological help if needed. Remember that the best chronic pain treatment should include both mental and physical elements.

Seek support when needed but stay in control

Family, friends, and health care professionals are all important resources for you, but often they are not sure how best to help. Let all the important people in your life know that you appreciate their support and that you will ask them directly when you need their help or just someone to talk to.

Remember that new knowledge and treatments are coming so stay in touch

Pain is a rapidly expanding area of research. New technologies in functional brain imaging and molecular biology are generating, for the first time, detailed portraits of our brains in action and the biochemistry of pain transmission. There is no doubt that improved pain treatments will not be far behind.

Tips to control patient pain

A number of studies and surveys on pain management have all come to the same conclusion: Despite strides in therapies to ease pain, too many inpatients experience significant levels of continuous pain during the course of their treatment. A recent report from the World Health Organization, for example, found that at least 25% of all cancer patients who die in a hospital die without adequate pain relief

The good news is that several other studies have shown that physicians can manage pain effectively in most patients by using some relatively simple strategies. Of particular interest to inpatient physicians, researchers say that pain management plays a critical role in the recovery process.

Assessing pain

At the Heart Hospital of New Mexico in Albuquerque, hospitalists follow an institution-wide pain management model that relies on two basic elements: regular assessments of patient pain and ongoing adjustments to reflect patient input

A tiered approach

While you have many options to manage patient pain, experts say that opioids typically offer the best approach to short-term pain management in an inpatient setting. Many physicians, however, avoid opioids because of side effects, the potential for addiction, tolerance and possible respiratory failure

Many experts say these concerns are exaggerated and should not keep you from prescribing opioids to patients who are in pain. “When properly used and monitored, opioids offer the most effective pain relief available with limited risk to patients,” says Eugenie Obbens, MD, associate attending neurologist at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York

Events

Find The Best Wedding Dj

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TIPS TO FINDING THE RIGHT WEDDING DJ

Don’t automatically go with someone you know. You may have a cousin, friend, or acquaintance who is a DJ, so you feel like you should choose them for your wedding. Maybe you should and maybe you should not; let their qualifications, not your relationship, be the determining factor. If you do choose to go with someone you know, don’t keep things casual- make sure that you are in a contract that specifically spells out your obligations and theirs!

Check with the venue. Does your venue have a preferred DJ? If so, that DJ probably knows the venues acoustics and any special concerns. You might not decide to go with that DJ, but their preferred DJ should be on your interview list.

Ask for referrals. That friend whose reception was awesome? Ask her for her DJ’s name

Look at wedding forums for your area. Who do people recommend? Dig deeper than the star rating and actually read reviews to find out why people recommend a particular D

Make a short-list of DJs and interview them. If a DJ won’t make time for an interview, how likely is he or she to make time for you during the wedding planning.

Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ

Is this your full-time business? Are weddings your primary focus? What clubs, lounges, and corporate clients have you performed for in addition to weddings

Determine whether they are a well-rounded, successful entertainer who can bring a level of expertise and versatility to your event. “You want to ensure that your DJ isn’t a one-dimensional part-timer, but a true performer whose had varied and extensive experience performing in front of different (and tough) audiences,” said DJ Kev Sakoda. It’s fine if your prospective DJ mainly focuses on weddings—DJ Vito Namio performs at well over 100 per year—as long as they squeeze in some time for other types of parties as well.

How do you customize the music experience for each couple? Can you help with song lists and providing suggestions

Find a DJ who will create a soundtrack for your wedding that is based on your style, taste, and vision for that day. “One size does not fit all—if your desire is to have a mosh pit at your wedding, then you will need to deliver that and anything else you want, for that matter,” said Sakoda.

How do you get the crowd pumped

There are all kinds of incentives that DJs use to encourage guests to storm the dance floor, whether it’s asking couples to join the newlyweds for a good-luck dance or playing a meaningful throwback song from the bridesmaids’ college days. Ask them how to get the crowd pumped, but, more importantly, listen to their music demos or watch wedding performances to get a sense of how they will interact with your guests in person. Interviewing prospective DJs is certainly helpful, but hearing them in action will really seal the deal.

How do you handle song requests

“There could be instances where the client directives are diametrically opposed to the guest requests. How a DJ strikes a balance to deliver on the couple’s desires—while still satisfying the guests’ requests—determines the skill and experience of the DJ,” said Sakoda.

Can I hear some examples of mixing and blending different tracks

When mixing is done correctly, you probably aren’t even aware of it. The DJ should be able to blend between songs seamlessly; you don’t want guests to become bored by a ten-minute long Queen rendition! However, when this technique is performed incorrectly, you’ll be able to discern it instantly: “When there is no mixing or blending, there is awkward silence between songs (it’s the same thing as your iPod),” said Sakoda.

Expert Tips on Finding the Perfect Wedding DJ

How does my DJ choice affect the overall environment of an event

The quality of the DJ makes a big difference in the outcome of the wedding event because music inspires the energy of the guests. From the ceremony music to cocktail hour and the reception, the music will change with the environment. Having a professional person who is equipped with the appropriate equipment and confidence to lead the crowd is key. DJs don’t just mix music, they MC an event and keep it flowing. They need to adhere to a timeline, be without an ego, and love what they do so much that they do it full time.

Why is there such a big difference pricing

One DJ may be $300 and the other $1,300. Can you explain? There are no barriers to entry when it comes to wedding services: photographers, DJs, video – you name it. Anyone can pick up some equipment, come up with a catchy name, and then start promoting. So pricing is all over the board. It all comes down to the DJ’s time commitment to their craft and size of their organization. A reputable DJ company employing several team members equipped with backup plans is going to be a bigger investment, but the security you get with spending more is worth the headache you get when your part-time person bails.

Consider the following

Does your potential vendor have liability insurance? (Many venues now require this). How about a business license? A professional website? How fast is the response time? All of these things require investment on behalf of the DJ. If the possible DJ is offering you a price point under $1,000 for a wedding reception on a Saturday, make sure you get a contract which states what happens if they cancel. You would be amazed how many brides frantically call us 30 days before their wedding because the DJ they booked cancelled or worse yet – just disappeared! They end up losing the money they paid for the “Good Deal” DJ, and worse, may not have a DJ at all

Are all DJs created equally

No. Experience and attitude make all the difference. A reputable wedding DJ will have a great website complete with digital mixes of their work and maybe even video footage from their events so you can see what their style is like. Do your research.

Do we get to determine a playlist with you or will you customize music based on our preferences

Our tagline includes “your style, your taste, your vision” and we mean it. Everything is designed to match your style, including how you provide music options. Some brides will give us a few songs suggestions and some will give us 4+ hours of music for 2 hours of actual dancing time at a reception. It is really whatever you as a bride would like to do

Tips to Finding the Best Wedding DJ

Radio DJs

We all hear them on our local radio station. In most cases they are very professional and easy to work with. Often they have a local celebrity status, have great microphone skills to handle announcements, and current trends in music. The biggest problem – not all DJs are the kind that can play for a party. Radio is standardized, and is typically pre-recorded in order to add commercials and radio plugs.

Mobile DJs

These DJs are the most common among the culture. Typically working full- or part-time, doing what they love the most. It’s important to understand that not all mobile DJs are the same and they certainly aren’t all good. Experience is valuable when looking for a mobile Dj and most will be able to provide you with customer reviews as well as promotional materials (Videos (youtube – Vimeo,) Pics, and documentation) showing off their skills. The mobile DJ world is eager to book a gig so much so that there are DJs willing to do a wedding for $500 or less. This may sound like a great deal and I’m sure some of them can provide a satisfactory experience, but most of the time they are priced low to take gigs away from professional DJs and often leaving a bad reputation in the DJ industry. This is why its important to do your research on a potential DJ so your big day won’t go sour. A lot of DJs will tell you what you want to hear to get the gig, but not all of them can deliver. Google, Facebook, Instagram, and personal interaction are the best tools for making your decision.

Club DJs

Usually stand out in most cities as the best and sought after for special events. They are usually current with today’s hits, have exceptional mixing skills, and usually a residency at one or more venues. This experience often comes with a higher price tag, but tend to be lacking in crowd interaction due to an over-inflated ego and proper training in the wedding industry. They might be an incredibly talented DJ who is amazing to witness live but will they be a good choice for the reception on your big day?

Turntablist

his is a dying breed of DJs. In 1943 Jimmy_Savile launched the world’s first DJ dance party. Throughout the 40’s and 50’s artist began sampling tracks to create new music. In 1975, Grand Wizzard Theodore invent the technique of scratching. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s beat juggling, aligning beats, and effects to create new songs. These typically aren’t the DJs you’d want for a wedding reception but they are fun to watch.

Music Producers / Superstar DJs

These two are unlikely to perform at your wedding or special event. With price tags in the 10 of thousands of dollars and extensive touring schedule its almost impossible to hire this type of DJ unless your a celebrity yourself.

TOP TIPS FOR HIRING YOUR WEDDING DJ FOR YOUR BIG DAY

Don’t feel obliged to use the ‘in-house’ disco at your wedding venue. Some venues offer this in their package but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best DJ for the job. Shop around! Look for recommendations, or maybe phone a past client. Check the DJ’s website if they have one, if it looks unprofessional, chances are, their performance could be unprofessional, too.

Arrange a meeting with the DJ before booking them and again before your wedding day. As well as gauging their appearance, you’ll be able to see if you ‘get on’. Ask the DJ for their advice on when to have the first dance, buffet and so on, and remember you’ll need to allow about 90 minutes for the disco to set up.

Try to avoid being ‘too cool for school’ and remember it’s a party for your guests, too! The best wedding DJs are booked up well in advance so make sure you check availability and book early – don’t risk leaving it until the last minute.

Do you need wireless mics for speeches or special lights? Make sure you get these extras included in any quotes. Use your budget wisely. Good wedding DJs may cost a little extra but will make the entertainment more memorable.

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