Tips On Choosing The Best Garbage Disposal For Your Home

Plumbing

Preventative Maintenance for Your Garbage Disposal

Anyone who’s had their garbage disposal break down knows the hassle that this small appliance causes when it stops working. Often this happens when people don’t understand the correct way to use it. Here are some basic dos and don’ts that will help you keep your garbage disposal clean and in good condition and save you money on repairs or replacements.

Garbage Disposal Dos:

  • Use cold water. Keep a steady flow of cold water during and after every use. Keep the flow going for approximately 15 seconds after grinding has ceased to ensure that the food washes through. Hot water can cause fat to conceal and stick to the blades and interior. Also, cold water helps keep the unit from overheating.
  • Clean with ice. Occasionally put a small amount of ice into the garbage disposal and run it to keep the unit clean. Make sure you put the rubber stopper over the opening before you run it to keep ice pieces from flying out.
  • Clean with de-greaser. Use a disposal cleaner or generic de-greaser occasionally to keep fat from building up. This will help with the unit’s efficiency and eliminate odors.
  • Clear the drain. It’s good to have the drainage pipe snaked approximately once every two years to prevent clogs and keep the sink draining smoothly.
  • Use citrus as a freshener. You can grind up citrus peels from lemons, limes, oranges, etc. to keep the disposal smelling fresh. The natural acid also hinders bacterial growth.

Garbage Disposal Don’ts:

  • Avoid hot water during grinding. It’s perfectly fine to run hot water in your sink after you’re done using the garbage disposal, but always use cold water during the grinding process. As stated above, hot water can make fats congeal and stick to the blades and interior of the unit.
  • Don’t run grease, fat, pasta or fibrous waste through. These materials will clog the drain. Dispose of them through solid waste channels. This includes tough plant fibers such as celery and potato skins. Pasta is notorious for clogging garbage disposals.
  • Don’t fill the disposal. If you have a lot of food waste to grind up, make sure you do it gradually. If you cram the disposal full, don’t be surprised if it can’t handle the load.
  • Don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals. These can cause harm to you, the plumbing system, and the environment as they flow through.
  • Only grind food. Don’t expect the garbage disposal to be able to handle paper towels, rags, plastic, or other non-edible materials.

 

Do the Following to Maintain a Clog-Free Disposal

  • Lots of water! The simplest way to avoid a clog is to make sure you flush the disposal with plenty of water when it is grinding up food waste and then for 30 seconds afterward. Then occasionally maintain your disposal by regularly grinding up pieces of lemon or orange peel and ice cubes.
  • Use dishwashing detergents that de-grease your dishes. Grease is the ‘glue’ that holds bacteria causing odors in your drain pipes and adds to the likelihood of the slow draining clogs you want to avoid.
  • Avoid grinding up potato peelings, banana peels, coffee grounds or eggshells as described above.

By following these simple tips you will help keep your garbage disposal trouble-free, sanitary and clean smelling.

 

NEVER Put These Items down the Garbage Disposal:

  1. Glass, metal, plastic, or paper (including cigarette butts, fruit stickers, string ties, etc.).
  2. Grease, oil, or fat (including meat fat and cheese). Put your grease in a metal or glass container and either save it for reuse or throw it out in the trash.
  3. Stringy, fibrous, or starchy vegetables (celery, corn husks, artichokes, onion skins, potato skins, etc… small amounts are probably fine, but it’s best to avoid these tough vegetables).
  4. Pasta or rice (foods that expand when water is added).
  5. Hard stuff (bones, pits, and seeds… although small fish and chicken bones are OK).
  6. Large amounts of anything (large amounts of anything will cause a garbage disposal clog).

 

ELIMINATING FOUL ODOR COMING FROM A GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Foul odors can occur from a buildup of food debris within your garbage disposal. To eliminate this unpleasant odor, you can place ice cubes and lemon or orange peels in your disposal. Then run the disposal for about 30 seconds, after that squirt a little liquid dish detergent into the disposal while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away.

 

Garbage Disposal Care

How to clean your disposal and a comprehensive list of what you can or cannot put in it

Whether you are a long time garbage disposal user, or have just chosen your first ever disposal, knowing how to care for it will go a long way to making your experience a good one. Garbage disposals are valuable household tools, when used properly. If you are careful with what you put through your disposal, and keep it clean, it should provide you with many years of carefree service. Many of the common frustrations users experience can be avoided by following just a few tips.

Help! It Stinks!

A common garbage disposal complaint is bad odors. This is often due to a failure to run enough water through and ensure everything is adequately flushed out. To keep your disposal fresh and clean, consider the following tips:

  • Grind Thoroughly – Make sure you allow adequate time for everything to get ground and flushed with water. Leftover particles cause odors.
  • Clean Regularly – At least once a week, take a bottle brush and scrub inside the disposal. This small maintenance step will go a long way to keeping it fresh.
  • Grab Citrus – Fresh orange, lemon, or limes can help cut grease and eliminate odors. Simply grind pieces in the disposal.
  • Vinegar is Good – Freeze some vinegar in ice cube trays and blend in the disposal. This helps to eliminate bacteria which can cause odor.

Asphalt Tile Roof And Safe Roof Access

Roofing

Tips in Choosing The Best Roof Tile For Your Home Extension

Roofing tiles are the latest trend in home improvement and for good reason – roofing tiles are hardy, elegant, and long-lasting. Roofing tiles have had a long reputation of being one of the most reliable roofing materials ever made, in fact, it use goes as far back as the time of the Mesopotamians and Ancient Egyptians

Popularity of Roof Tile for Home Extension Returns

Today, its popularity is again taking hold thanks in part to a renewed interest in old-fashioned aesthetics. If you’re contemplating investing in roof tile for home extension purposes, it pays to educate yourself on the best roof tiles available, to suit your specific needs.

Pricier doesn’t always mean better – you’ll be tempted to invest in extremely pricey roofing tiles with the general presumption that the most expensive ones last longer, or that they require less maintenance, but don’t be fooled! More often than not, mid-priced roofing tiles and even ones that are downright dirt-cheap are just as hardy as the over-priced ones, and investing in them won’t empty your pockets.

Pick the right tile for your climate – if you live in a tropical climate, don’t pick roofing tiles that are made from rock, since these tend to trap and collect heat, but do not diffuse it as well as other materials. Opt instead for clay, terra cotta, or ceramic tiles which are more ideal for tropical environments. If you live in a place that has its fair share of sunny days and cold spells, investing in tiles made from rocks like shale or limestone will be worth your while.

Combine functionality and aesthetics when picking roofing tiles – the shape of roofing tiles aren’t there for mere aesthetics; it too also serves a very practical purpose. Slatted and curved tiles are perfect for climates that undergo regular bouts of rain, but dead-flat tiles are far more ideal for places which experience regular snowfall.

 

TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COLOR FOR YOUR ROOF TILES

Do you wish to give a stylish and elegant look to the exterior of the house? If yes, then investing in roof tiles installation in Phoenix will be a wonderful choice for you. A Tile roof can be described as a roofing system made out of tiles which are known for its high resistance, longevity, and impermeability. Choosing the color for the brand-new tile roof will surely be an exciting process for you, and the reason is that now you have several options to pick from than before.

Wait there is a caution for you! Avoid getting lost in the ocean of colors to find the iconic one for you. You need to keep in mind that whatever color you choose to need to match with the overall look of the house interior. There are some key factors that you need to take into consideration for choosing the colors for the roof and the roofing contractors of your locality

Paint Quality:

It is one of the key factors to consider when you begin the search for the perfect color for your roof. Your search should target high-quality paint perfect for applying on the tile roof and the one that can serve you long. There are various companies which are manufacturing a wide range of color paints for the flat roof tiles to select from. You can seek the assistance of the roofing contractors to help you choose the right quality and shade of paint for the roof. The paint should be the one with acrylic resin which can block the ultraviolet light. This will help to protect the roof from premature fading, corrosion, peeling, rust as well as water infiltration. Ask for the paint warranty period before you buy it, it is better to go with the one with the maximum warranty period. Check the reviews of the paints online for getting more ideas on quality roof paints.

Style Of The Home:

The roof color or better to say the roof tile color that you will be selecting for your roof need to match your overall home style. Select the color taking into consideration all elements of the exterior design of the home, for example, the color of doors, windows, walls, landscape, frames of doors, balcony grill, etc. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the color of the tiles will stay for several years and so even if you don’t like the color after a year and so, it will cost you big to change. Select the shade which will please your eyes long and keep complimenting the beauty of the house externally. There needs to be a cool balance between the roof color and the color of the rest sections of the house exterior. Take suggestions from roofing services in Arizona experts and compare color samples to pick the right shade for the roof. We will suggest you check the samples in the various time slot of the day. This will give an idea of how it looks under a bright light in the afternoon, semi-dull in the morning and when the sun is about to set.

The Appearance Of The House:

Many are not aware that the use of dark with light colors create a magical impact on the appearance of the home exterior. When you have a light-colored roof it will make the house appear taller than actual and will be an ideal option when the house is having a low roof or a shallow looking pitch. Contrasting, using a darker color will make the tall roof appear less overwhelming

Common Trends Of The Neighborhood Houses:

Besides personal aesthetic sense, you need to take into consideration the colors of the roofs of the neighborhood houses. If all have a similar pattern of color then its safe to go with the same color. On the other hand, you can make a little bit change in the shade or pattern of coloring the tiles of the roof to make your house stand apart from the rest without turning an eyesore.

 

tips for choosing clay roofing tiles

When your customer decides to invest in a clay tiled roof, naturally they will need to consult you regarding which tiles will best suit their home, their tastes, and their budget. Choosing the right roofing material is paramount, especially with clay tiles, since the initial investment is higher than concrete coverings. With a vast range of clay tiles available, the choice can often be bewildering; so to simplify things

Decide whether modern machine made clay tiles or handmade tiles will best suit the property: whilst machine made clay tiles can be used for both contemporary and traditional homes, there is simply no substitute for handmade tiles where authenticity or conservation is key. These include high-spec custom homes, or sensitive restoration projects, where local planning authority requirements count. Budget may well be an influencing factor at this stage too

Consider the whole life costs: handmade tiles are an investment, not a cost, asthey stand head and shoulders above most mass produced tiles. In addition to their long life span and colourfastness, they lend charm and authenticity to any building, contributing enormously to the resale value of a property.

Research the ranges and options available:clay tiles are synonymous with rich red roofs, however the beauty of handmade tiles lies in the array of shades that enhance the overall look. Speaking of colour, it’s important to ensure the tiles come with a complementary range of fittings.

Quality pays in the long run: not all clay tiles are of the same quality, and you should carefully review the manufacturers’ certifications to ensure that you are purchasing products that will provide the lifespan you expect. You need to be confident that the tile will maintain its beautiful appearance over time and survive harsh frost, as well as wet weather conditions.

 

Choosing the Best Type of Roofing Tiles for Your Home

Make the best decision for your home by considering all the features of your roof. Use this guide to make sure you choose the best roofing tile for your home.

With the home median price at $187500, and showing no signs of slowing down, you must protect your property. A home is an investment that will probably last you a lifetime, which is why it’s important that you choose a roofing system will best protect it

Style of Your Home

The architectural style of your house will dictate the type of roofing tiles to use. For instance, some roofing tiles are best suited for historic homes while asphalt shingles are suitable for most architectural styles. Consult with your contractor to choose the roofing that matches your home’s aesthetics

Roof Application

Are you applying the roof to a new structure or is it a replacement roof? With new roofs, your choices are not limited to the existing components such as the roof structure composition or the roof pitch

Your Budget

As a roof of thumb, choose a roofing material that is neither too expensive nor too cheap. The price will vary depending on the material. Always avoid cheap roofing materials, as they are costly to maintain due to frequent replacements.

Durability

Your choice on roof tile types should be guided by durability. The durable roof tile will cost more but it will be worth it since the maintenance cost will be low. Most homeowners will prefer steel or aluminum roofing materials as they can last up to 50 years or more

 

What Color of Roof Tiles Should You Choose?

Choosing a roof tile color is an essential facet and reflection of your home. A roof is up to 40% of your homes visible exterior, making choosing the color a significant investment for your home. What things should you consider and weigh when choosing a color for roof tiles? Here, we give you a few tips to consider when choosing the right color for your home.

Consider the Climate Your Live In

A significant factor when choosing a color for your roof tiles is the climate and area in which you live. Do you live in more tropical and sunny climates, or those prone to cold and snow? Dark colors tend to hold and retain heat much more readily than lighter colors, which in turn radiate into your home. Leading to your cooling costs rising in warmer months as AC units work harder to keep your home cool. A lighter roof will reflect and absorb much less heat making your home more energy efficient. Similarly, dark colors in colder climates will help keep your home warmer in colder months.

Color Coordination and Architecture

It’s also important to pay attention to the exterior color of your home and the existing architecture. The right coordinating colors and styles add an incredible amount of depth and curb appeal that can heighten the value of your home. You want to choose a color that compliments the color of your home. Brighter colors tend to accent better with black, gray, or brown colored tiles. Consider painting your house too if the color you like clashes with that of your home.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Before making the decision, take a second and look around your neighborhood. What are the general trends that you observe from your neighbor’s roofs? You want to pick something that doesn’t clash with your neighbors’ homes, who will have to live with your color choice just as much as you. Look at the natural surroundings too, factoring in seasonal color changes in contrast to your home.

Are you choosing to make a statement? Check to make sure that statement doesn’t go against the homeowners association. Consider how your color choice will affect the resale value of your home and your neighbors’

A Breakdown Of The Many Residential Cleaning Company Advantages

Cleaning

Reasons To Start A Cleaning Franchise

Cleaning franchises in particular take up a considerable share of the market, with the obvious benefits of designated territories and tried and tested business practices, training and support.

Cleaning franchises come in all shapes and sizes, from carpet cleaning franchises to commercial cleaning franchises to domestic cleaning franchises.

With the ever-growing number of companies outsourcing their cleaning, there’s plenty of business opportunities in the sector. And in our on-the-go society, it looks like there will never be a shortage of time-poor, cash-rich potential customers looking for domestic cleaning services.

Whichever option you choose, there are some universal positives. Here are our top reasons to start a cleaning franchise:

Low start-up costs

And as they are predominantly home-based, cleaning franchises are cheaper to run, on a long-term basis, than other franchised businesses that need premises. In fact, many franchisors in this sector claim their franchisees can start earning profit straight away.

No cleaning skills required

Firstly, running a cleaning franchise doesn’t mean you’ll have to pull on your marigolds.

Most cleaning franchises are management operatives where you will be organising a team of housekeepers or commercial cleaners and generating clients for their services. Organisational skills are a must as well as good people skills and buckets full of enthusiasm.

High demand

As an increasing number of families are becoming dual-income and our lives become busier than ever, a weekly cleaner has become more of an essential part of the monthly household budget, rather than a luxury used only by the wealthy.

 Rewarding

On paper, owning a cleaning franchise business may not seem like the most fulfilling job in the world but bear in mind that this is a role which involves interacting with people on a daily basis and creating positive outcomes for cleaners and clients as well as yourself. Becoming a cleaning franchisee will require plenty of social skills (so extreme introverts need not apply!) and if this is a strength, it will be an enjoyable experience.

 

It’s Easy to Get Started Today

  • Meet with us to learn more and explore options.
  • Review the circular
  • Pick a starting package
  • Schedule a signing date
  • Schedule the training
  • Start with your first customer that needs commercial cleaning
  • Build your janitorial services business

 

Why will commercial cleaning franchises always be in demand?

  1. They’re a cost-effective way of keeping the workspace clean. If bosses ask their employees to make sure their desks or work areas are always spotless, they’ll have to take time out of their day to do extra cleaning duties.
  2. They help create a professional feel for visiting clients. All businesses want to impress customers, whether they’re a retailer attracting shoppers, a legal firm welcoming clients or an online company hoping for new visitors – to name a few examples. By enlisting the help of a commercial cleaning franchise, bosses can make sure their workspace is ship-shape every single time a potential customer stumbles upon it. That means there’s never a mad panic at the last moment.
  3. A clean workspace helps maintain workers’ mental and physical health. Businesses can protect their employees’ wellbeing by making sure their premises are always clean and tidy. Letting dust and grime accumulate can lead to unhygienic working conditions and even be dangerous at times when viruses are spreading or allergies are flaring up. But as well as negatively impacting workers’ physical health, business owners who put up with dirty workspaces may be putting their employees’ mental wellbeing at risk too.
  4. They help maintain the building. If business owners make sure their premises are looked after on a day-to-day basis, they can reduce the likelihood of needing to carry out more significant work later on. In theory, paying for regular cleaning should be more cost-effective than forking out for major maintenance work. Either way, it’ll definitely save time.
  5. Professional commercial cleaners will do a great job. As you can imagine, an established cleaning business will probably clean a workspace to a much higher standard than its occupants would. People who clean for a living will have specialised products to get real results and know all the tips and tricks for making a space look as good as new.

 

Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Commercial Cleaning Franchise

There are many great opportunities when it comes to independently owned small to mid-size businesses for sale. There are also a lot of great franchise opportunities available.  If you are open to exploring the franchise opportunities available the commercial cleaning industry is an area you should consider.  Commercial cleaning franchises are quickly becoming a popular choice among business buyers and here are my 6 reasons why you should consider one.

#1 – Industry Growth

The commercial cleaning industry has seen consistent growth even during the recession.  It is estimated that revenues from commercial cleaning companies will exceed $67 billion this year.  More and more companies are outsourcing their cleaning and are willing to sign ongoing agreements with a reputable provider.  Commercial cleaning franchises provide instant name recognition to business clients looking for someone they can trust.

#2 – Home Based Opportunities

As you are researching potential franchises, keep in mind that there are some that can be run from a home office.  Home based business opportunities are becoming a popular choice among many Entrepreneurs as not needing a physical office space can greatly reduce overhead costs.  Having this flexibility is a great option.  You can always start out working from your home office until you get the business up and running and then move into office space when cash flow allows.  Growing your business in phases like this can be a great way to ensure your success because you aren’t taking on a ton of debt and expenses right out of the gate.  You’re giving your business a chance to get started before you have to start paying someone rent.

#3 – Lower Startup Costs

On top of having the ability to run this business from your home to save on expenses, the commercial cleaning business generally has low startup costs.  Of course there are some franchises that cost more than others but companies like Jan-Pro offer franchises with an initial investment as low as $3,100.  Jan-Pro was ranked #12 on the 2014 Franchise 500 list and they have over 11,000 locations worldwide so you can get into an established, reputable franchise for a reasonable initial investment.

#4 – Proven Business Model

The commercial cleaning service business is nothing new. Companies have been successful in this industry for years and the business model is proven for the most part.  With a franchise, the company has taken the time to put operating procedures in place as well as training and other essential functions to help you succeed. They have also done the leg work for you in terms of marketing by creating a brand identity.  If you are buying into a larger franchise, they probably offer advertising and other types of marketing services that you would otherwise have to do yourself if you were an independent commercial cleaning company.

#5 – Stability

Many small businesses have to worry about the ups and downs of the economy when it comes to their revenue.  In the commercial cleaning business you can expect a certain level of stability.  The customers you’ll be working with pretty much have to have your services in order to keep their facilities clean for their own employees and their customers.  With that, while you may see some cutting back when times get tough, they will most likely stay with you unless you give them a reason not to.  If you provide your customers with a high quality service and leave them satisfied with your work, you can expect your revenue to remain stable.

#6 – Not A Desk Job

There are many people that can’t stand the thought of sitting behind a computer all day.  If you’re one of those people, there is one more reason for you to consider a commercial cleaning franchise it’s not a desk job.  Even if you don’t want to be hands on and actually providing the services, as the owner your role could be traveling from job to job doing quality control.  You could be in the field when you want to be and spend time at a desk when you have to.  If you want a desk job, this business may also work since you could hire someone to be in the field.  Also, there are some cleaning franchises that allow for absentee ownership.  In that case you’d be able to check in occasionally and most of your work would be done from your desk.

 

The Cleaning Market is Stable

Cleaning falls under an important category of services: time savers. If a business had to dedicate an employee to cleaning up around the office, that employee would spend almost all of their day cleaning, costing the company money through lost productivity. That would be unrealistic, which is why almost every office out there has professional cleaners come and take care of the job for them. Saving time is one of the most valuable things that a business can do for its clients, and cleaning services are one of the time-saviest businesses out there.

Even though recessions and depressions affect cleaning services the same as any other business, cleaning services are likely to stay on the payroll in tough times. Even if layoffs are occurring, the office still needs to be clean, else productivity and morale will suffer. It’s common for businesses to reduce cleaning frequency in tough times, but it’s uncommon for them to cut off services altogether.

A Commercial Electrical Remodel Serves All Types Of Businesses

Electricians

Tips for Choosing the Best Electrical Contractor for Your Business

Whether you need to retrofit an area of your business or remodel your entire building, choosing the right electrical contractor is one of the most important decisions you make to determine the success of the project. Commercial electric work requires an electrician with experience and skill working on large scale projects at businesses such as yours.

Gather Recommendations from your Network

Work your network to get good recommendations from family, friends and other business owners. Specifically, ask about the scope of their projects and whether they were satisfied with the finished job. You can also consult with local hardware and electrical supply stores, which often have a short list of professionals they recommend to their customers.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Going with the lowest bid on your project might save some money in the short term, but you need to make sure that the commercial electrician you choose has the appropriate licensing and insurance for the work you need completed. A licensed electrician by law must carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance for accidents and injuries that might occur at your business. Hiring someone that only carries the minimum is opening yourself to risk, so never be afraid to ask a company for a copy of their insurance certificates. This is very common and they should have this information readily available. Note that bonded electricians have insurance that covers you if your electrician abandons the project and disappears.

Assess Credentials and Training

When you interview each electrician, you should evaluate their experience and capability, based on their past work. You should also find out if each electrician has the proper license. The highest license in Florida is the Unlimited Electrical Contractor license, which means the company is qualified to do anything electrical. There are various other licenses for specialties like fire alarm, low voltage, etc. Besides the company being state licensed, individual electricians can be licensed as either Master or Journeyman electrician by their local county. If they are a “card-carrying” electrician, they will at least have passed a basic test on code requirements.

Check Reviews and References

References still mean something in an increasingly digital world. So, find out as much as you can about the kind of jobs the commercial electrician has done. Then, ask for and call prior clients to assess their satisfaction with the work done. If you can, ask the electrical contractor to provide the contact information of recent clients for the same work being done on your home. Though it’s time-consuming to do this for each company you evaluate, make sure to follow through on the top three to five picks.

 

Expert Guide to Commercial Remodeling

Taking on a Commercial Construction Project

Commercial building remodeling is a big undertaking for any property owner. It’s so big that many will only go through a major remodel once or twice in their lifetime. When the remodel begins, many property owners don’t know what to expect. Being informed can help make a remodel or upgrade less stressful and more worthwhile. Doing research and working with top commercial general contractors is important.

Commercial building remodeling helps businesses stay relevant and functional. Buildings deteriorate quickly when they’re not maintained. As fixtures become inefficient and break down, repairs become critical. Buildings that do not get the maintenance they need when they need it may someday become too difficult or expensive to repair

Shut Down or No?

Business may not have to stop while the remodel takes place. Contractors can work in shifts before or after customers arrive, on weekends when the business is closed, or behind curtains, while business is conducted as normal.

Improved Use of Space

It’s important for businesses to optimize their use of space. Installation of custom cabinetry, reshaping or redesign of an attic or storage area, and even redesign of offices and cubicles are ways that a commercial renovation project can free up space in the office.

Cosmetic Improvements

Cosmetic improvements should be performed on a regular basis to prevent a building from looking dated or poorly maintained.

 

Tips from Lightning Mobile Electric

Whether you’re remodeling your entire business building, or simply doing a lighting retrofit, finding the right electrical contractor is one of the most important things you need to do for the success and safety of your establishment. Commercial electrical work is a little different from its domestic or residential variants. The former requires specific skills, experience, equipment, and tools, among other things. Hiring a professional contractor like Lightning Mobile Electric can make your life easier and save you money

Get Recommendations

As a business owner, you typically work with different companies and deal with different people on a regular basis. Use your network and ask around for any recommendations. Ask your family and friends, or other business owners. Make sure you inquire about the scope of their projects and their customers. Were they satisfied when the job was finished? You can also visit your local electrical supply and hardware stores and ask about their opinions on different contractors in your area. There’s a good chance they have a short list of professionals that they regularly recommend to their customers. Many electrical contractors in Denver, for example, are well-known in their local electrical supply stores in Colorado.

Ask About their Experience with Commercial Projects

Commercial electrical projects are different from residential ones. Obviously, you don’t want to risk your business establishment’s electrical system being installed by poorly trained and inexperienced electricians. Ask about the experience of the contractor’s workers with regards to commercial projects. Make sure they can provide you with workers who have all the knowledge, skills, and tools to do the job

Ask About their Guarantees and Warranties

A good company will stand behind their work, and will go above and beyond to provide you with the best service possible. Thus, choose those companies who take pride in their service. One great way to do this is to ask about their guarantees and warranties.

Ask for Their Estimates

You may have heard the horror stories of electricians demanding more money through excess charges, drawn out timeframes, and unexpected costs. Nothing scares business owners off more quickly than hidden fees. These things can affect your budget and the finances of your business. A good contractor will never do that. Thus, make sure you broach this subject with your contractor

 

Improving the Speed of Commercial Electrical Installations

Tough commercial installations

Commercial electrical installations are a tough job by any standard. As an electrician, you have to pay extreme attention to detail (locations of convenience sockets, lamp types, signal systems, etc.), while also having a broad overview of the electrical system of the building as a whole. Residential installation may seem like child’s play in comparison.

Speed through factors

The factors that affect large commercial electrical installation include busways, wiring, raceways and conductors. Each can be optimized to provide some time savings. From the use of I-line busways to EMT raceways, here are a few ways to improve the speed of commercial electrical installation.

Type of busway

Using an I-line busway over cable and conduit can boost your speed. The busway is one of the most important parts of any commercial electrical installation.Electricity is passed through a conductor, which is typically copper wire. The copper is not allowed to touch anything, or else it may lose the current. That is why conductors come with some kind of cover or sheath. Together, they make a wire.Many wires can be bundled together with a single sheath to deliver more electricity. This is called a power cable. In lieu of a power cable, many electrical installations use a busway or bus duct.The busway is a series of sheet metal ducts used to carry large amounts of current. The I-line busway is noted for having among the easiest installations, which is why it is a good choice if you want to speed things up.

Wiring method

Due to the plethora of regulations that exist in regard to wiring, this is actually a factor over which electricians will have little control. Regulations exist partly because of the sensitivity of wiring materials to degradation by heat, moisture and age. Even a light commercial installation may see several wiring changes a year. Facilities that handle special chemicals may be even more restricted by their wiring methods. Regardless of your wiring method, you will find that preparation, staging and proper organization techniques will increase the speed of installation. These include straightening the cable out first, so it’s easier to slip through holes, neatly packing electrical boxes and making snagless fish tape connections.

Type of raceway

The raceway is the part of the electrical system that protects the cables from the elements. It is basically an enclosed metal box in which the cables are placed, protecting them from heat, humidity, corrosion, etc.If the raceway is well grounded, it can also serve to deflect radio frequencies. In some occasions, plastic is used instead of metal, but only in cases where the cables have their own RF-shielding, as plastic does not provide this.There are many kinds of raceways, but one of the easiest and quickest to install is electrical metal tubing. Made from galvanized steel or aluminum, EMT is lightweight and easy to bend, cut and ream.

 

MAKING THE JUMP FROM RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

if you are a residential contractor, you likely spend considerable downtime contemplating ways to increase company revenues. But, aside from improving efficiency, greater revenues are often realized only by way of greater sales, and additional work can prove hard to come by in an already competitive local market. So where does one go for new opportunities? Well, instead of laboring to wring every last drop out of your current residential market, maybe it’s time to expand the market itself. Maybe it’s time to look into commercial construction.

NEW HORIZONS?

But I know what you’re feeling—apprehension, uneasiness, and that’s understandable. To those not yet indoctrinated, commercial construction (CC) can appear daunting. Suddenly there are architects, engineers, liquidated damages, bonding, and a cast of wealthy business clients with short attention spans and scary-sounding law firms on speed-dial. There are new regulations, strict protocols, and new competition. “I wouldn’t know where to begin,” you tell yourself.

FINDING COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION WORK: REPORTING SERVICES

As a residential contractor, new work likely came via local advertising, your website, personal referrals, and industry contacts (i.e., real estate brokers, material suppliers). These are still great strategies for acquiring work in CC, but there are other avenues for an opportunity in place for you. One of these is known collectively as reporting services. You may already be familiar with these reports,

These services are for construction managers (CMs), general contractors (GCs), subcontractors, suppliers and anyone with a vested interest in commercial construction work. Most of these reports include pertinent details regarding the project such as a description of the work itself, the architect/engineer (A/E), the owner and even bidding companies currently holding plans. They’ll also give a bid date/time and may even tell you how to go about acquiring bidding documents (many sites even offer downloadable electronic versions).

CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATIONS & PLAN ROOMS

Another popular avenue for exploring CC opportunities is through your local construction organization such as the AGC (Associated General Contractors) and ABC (Associated Builders & Contractors) and a host of other groups that represent a wide and varied array of sub-contractors, suppliers, support agencies and government bodies who work in the CC industry. You may already belong to one of these associations. These groups also often sponsor local and/or area plan rooms (both physical and online) where blueprints and specifications on upcoming/bidding CC projects can be viewed or (in some cases) checked out or downloaded for you to perform takeoffs and estimates. Again, some ask for a fee and others don’t.

The Necessity Of Professional Post Construction Cleaning Services

Cleaning

POST CONSTRUCTION CLEANING CHECKLIST: A LIST WITH BEST CLEANING TIPS

Whether you’re remodeling retail space or building new commercial property from the ground up, there’s nothing like that last day. Construction crews are finished, they’re clearing things out, and you’re ready to open the doors. One good look around tells you that you’ll have to wait.

POST CONSTRUCTION CLEANING TIPS: YOUR 10-POINT CHECKLIST

Most contractors clean up a finished job site, but their services don’t include scrubbing, dusting and polishing. As you size up your capabilities to tackle final detailing, let our post construction cleaning checklist be your guide. First, make sure you’re equipped with the right supplies for the job.

DEAL WITH CONTRACTORS’ LEFTOVERS

Address the aftermath of your construction project with a thorough trash patrol. Walk property exteriors and interiors keeping an eye out for discarded plastic sheeting, drop cloths and tape strips. Look for small things like dropped nails, bolts and screws. Construction crews don’t mean to leave a mess, but be prepared for extensive pick-up work.

MAKE HARD FLOORS PRESENTABLE AGAIN

Every post construction cleaning checklist should include a floor inspection. Construction jobs take a toll on hard floors, so check them for any signs of damage before mopping, waxing and buffing. You can take care of most vinyl flooring tears with DIY techniques, but wood flooring problems need professional attention.

RESCUE CARPETS FROM HEAVY TRAFFIC

Carpet fibers trap everything from fine dust and tiny wood splinters to lingering construction odors. Use a heavy shop vac to remove ground-in dirt and foreign objects. Follow up with a shampoo and deep-steam cleaning. Let treated areas completely dry before opening them back up to foot traffic

 

HOW TO START A POST CONSTRUCTION CLEANING BUSINESS

Construction cleanup service providers clear a building’s construction area. These crews make sure an area is ready for the next stage of work, while also ensuring the area’s safety. Construction cleanup companies have several duties. They clean buildings between construction stages and prepare areas to become safe work environments. Construction cleanup crews can conduct final sanitization and cleanings, making sure a remodeling project is complete.

Plan your Business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns

What are the costs involved in opening a post construction cleaning business?

Startup costs are relatively low—sitting around $2,000. Materials will need to be purchased. Normally, a cleanup crew needs chemical cleaners, mops, brooms, a shop vac, ladders, window cleaning materials, and similar items

What are the ongoing expenses for a post construction cleaning business?

A construction cleaning crew’s expenses aren’t too high. Cleaning materials, per job, can amount to less than $100. These expenses account for used cleaners, equipment depreciation and worker time. On average, a cleaning crew operator is paid between $20 and $30 for their time. Ideally, you’ll be paying your workers more than you’ll be paying for materials

Who is the target market?

Typical construction cleanup company clients are commercial and residential property owners. A construction crew can work on a home, a warehouse, a factory, or even an apartment complex. Because they can serve many areas, the best clients are those who communicate effectively. To make more money, a construction cleanup company may provide services to networks such as apartments, hotels, and business strips

 

Professional Commercial Cleaning

It’s an exciting time when the construction workers start collecting their tools and packing up their trucks. Whether it’s an addition to your office building, a whole new venue, or just some minor renovations to your home, you’ve been patiently waiting for the project to be done and start using the new space. There’s only one issue: after they leave, the place is still a mess. Post-construction clean-up is a must.

Our post-construction clean up service does not entail a quick pick up of trash and a half-hearted sweeping; instead, it’s a meticulous full clean. We get into areas you wouldn’t even think of to ensure that your new area is not only clean, but spotless. Here’s a list of some of the main post-construction cleaning services we provide.

Debris Removal

After the job is done and the workers have left, the site is often left looking like a cluttered wasteland. Not only will there be burger wrappers, water bottles, and other assorted trash left about, but also sharp and hazardous material that can cause harm to anyone walking through. If you decide to use your workers, friends, or family to help do the clean up, you can be held liable for any injuries that may take place.

Wall Washing

Wall washing is an often overlooked task post-construction until someone realizes that they can write their name on the wall through the dust. Not only will there be a mass accumulation of dust, but also mud, caulk, dried up soda stains, and who knows what else. Let our professionals give the walls a thorough scrubbing with our green cleaning products so that the rooms look as they should, brand spanking new

High-Dust Cleaning

When the job is done, the dust begins to settle, literally. Finding its way into every corner, crack, orifice, and surface, our job is to find every single speck left behind. Our promise is to leave no remnants of the construction, only a clean, dust-free space for you to enjoy

 

Construction Cleaning: Overview, Checklists and Tips

Everyone dealing with a renovation, be it residential or commercial, knows how difficult it can be to handle construction waste. Dirt and dust always find a way in, regardless of the measures you took to cover important surfaces. Drywall and brick dust also pose a significant health risk, and they can seriously damage some appliances and building equipment if neglected

At New York Engineers we have ample experience with construction administration and building commissioning. Our engineering and design services cover HVAC, electrical works and plumbing, among a portfolio of trades. We published this blog about post-construction cleaning to share our tips, checklists, and know-how from rough clean to shine.

What is the Definition of Post-Construction Cleaning?

Post-construction cleanup is meant to take care of debris and waste from a fresh commercial construction, remodeling, renovation or residential project, to set the stage for coming handymen and further interior touches. This applies for commercial applications like hotels, education, retail, restaurants and healthcare, as well as government buildings and manufacturing facilities.

Post-construction cleaning is when a team of specialists performs a careful process of clearing out anything ranging from larger pieces of debris to small types of waste. This includes nails, screws, insulation, caulking, sealant remains, tile scraps, cement and wood pieces, among other things left behind by builders and technical personnel. The process also includes wiping all surfaces and floors to remove drops of paint and other liquids.

Why do You Need Post Construction Cleaning?

“You need post-construction cleaning because of complexity, lack of proper gear, practice, time, and nerves required to do it yourself, not to mention quality guaranteed by professional cleaning companies,” commented experts from the Australia-based FantasticCleaners.com.au professional cleaning company. “The importance of post-construction cleaning as a guarantee for coping with post-construction cleaning chemicals and heavy particles is a fact,” they added. “If one is unaware of the risk and hazards from a poorly-handled construction site cleanup, a wide range of health hazards might emerge.”

 

THE LONG CHECKLIST OF POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING

Construction jobs can vary in size and scale, but there’s one aspect of it that’s almost universally common — construction crews don’t clean up the mess they leave behind. Instead, the industry standard is to leave the job to a professional cleaning company, allowing construction workers to move on to jobs where their skills are more useful, and for the cleanup process to be comprehensive.

You might think that cleanup isn’t that hard of a job and that it should be customary as part of the construction process, but the reality is that post-construction cleanup can be a monumental task. As a post-construction cleaning company who has done this job on many commercial building sites in Gloucester, we know this better than anyone

CLEANING MOUNTAINS OF DUST

Dust is annoying. It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. And that’s not an understatement — dust really is ubiquitous on any construction site, whether its sawdust or drywall dust. Proper cleanup is easiest with the industrial equipment that professional cleaning services have access to. You might think you’re a master duster by how dust-free you keep your home, but trust us when we say that construction dust is truly on another level.

CLEANING INTERIOR GLASS

When you walk into a new building, the windows are usually crystal clear — but they didn’t come that way. Construction dirties up new glass windows immensely, but your local post-construction cleaning company such as CleanPro will make sure that they’re shiny and perfectly transparent.

CLEANING THE LIGHTS

Remember all that dust we talked about? It really does get *everywhere,* including the lights. Lights aren’t something that a lot of average joes remember to clean, but it’s an essential part of getting a building ready for use after construction. This is especially important for the sake of presentation. If you’re a commercial building owner who might be housing tenants or businesses, you don’t want the interior brightness to be dampened by dirty lights that you hadn’t thought to clean

How To Install Vinly Flooring In Your House

Flooring

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Understand what makes vinyl such a viable flooring option—as well as the downsides to this popular product—to decide whether to install it or remove it from your home

Vinyl is the most popular form of resilient flooring (a category that also includes linoleum and cork) because it’s low-maintenance, water-resistant, cost-effective, and long-lasting. It also has the perfect balance of firmness and “give,” meaning it springs a bit when you walk on it for a comfortable feel underfoot. And thanks to recent technological advances, today’s vinyl comes in a wide range of high-quality, beautiful finishes.

But vinyl flooring does have its downsides. So whether you’re considering installing vinyl or wondering what it takes to remove an existing vinyl floor, read on. We’ve laid out key vinyl flooring pros and cons—from installation and removal—so you can make the right decision for your home.

PRO: Vinyl floors are relatively easy to install.

Developments in the vinyl flooring industry have made the product more DIY friendly. While vinyl was once only available in large, unwieldy sheets, today’s tiles and planks are much easier to install with no sawing or hammering. Most luxury brands now offer “self-adhesive” vinyl—simply remove the backing and press into place on a properly prepared subfloor.

CON: Vinyl floors can be tough to remove.

Once vinyl’s adhesive backing hardens to the floorboards, the glue is difficult to remove. Fortunately, removing vinyl floors doesn’t require professional tools or techniques; it’s all about elbow grease.

Clear the room of furniture and remove baseboards and trim if possible.

Cut vinyl into 12-inch strips, using a utility knife. Manually pull up the flooring strip by strip.

 

Luxury Vinyl Guide LVP and LVT

WHAT IS LUXURY VINYL? AND LVT VS LVP?

In the flooring world, luxury vinyl is one of the new kids on the block. Luxury vinyl is the cousin of sheet vinyl and the competitor of laminate. When someone talks about “vinyl flooring,” they’re most likely talking about sheet vinyl. This is NOT the same a luxury vinyl. Sheet vinyl is has been around for a long time. It’s cheap and water-resistant, but it also doesn’t have a great reputation because it can look and feel cheap

PROS AND CONS OF LUXURY VINYL

Before we get into what to look for in luxury vinyl, let’s consider if it’s the right flooring for you

CONS OF LUXURY VINYL:

A Carpet Captain guide wouldn’t be complete without giving you a heads up on the problems you may run into. This isn’t to scare you off from luxury vinyl—all types of flooring have their problems

A NOTE ON PHTHALATES AND SAFETY OF LUXURY VINYL

One specific question I receive on luxury vinyl is its safety. At times, it’s had a bad reputation, and maybe even an earned a bad reputation. The reason? Luxury vinyl is a plastic. Most plastics are brittle without chemicals called plasticizers, and often these chemicals are thought to possibly be harmful especially to children and pregnant women. You’ve probably heard similar concerns with the plastic used in drinking bottles, and in Europe, some countries have banned certain plastics in children’s toys.

The plasticizers that are concerning in luxury vinyl are called phthalates. The definite impact of phthalates are unknown, but they are thought to possibly be a carcinogen and cause development and reproductive harm. With this in mind, nearly everyone is already exposed to phthalates. The CDC states 90% of Americans have measurable levels of phthalates in their bodies

 

How to Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

I’ve installed just about every type of flooring the world has ever known. So when my wife chose luxury vinyl planks (LVP) for the new dining room floor, my first thought was: Why couldn’t she pick something I already know how to do? Now I’ll have to muddle through installing floating vinyl plank flooring — an unfamiliar product, hoping to avoid costly mistakes along the way.

But it turns out that there was nothing to worry about floating vinyl plank flooring. I was able to install 150 sq. ft. in less than a day without any problems. Installing vinyl plank flooring was was fast and easy compared with the other floors I’ve installed. And the next time we need new flooring, my vote will be for luxury vinyl. This article will walk you through the installing vinyl plank flooring process I followed and show you some key tips along the way when learning how to install vinyl flooring.

LV flooring is similar to sheet vinyl, but it’s thicker, tougher and easier to install. It comes in tiles and planks, but this article covers planks only. I used a product called Adura LockSolid. It’s a floating floor which means it isn’t fastened to the subfloor—it just lies there. Luxury vinyl is the fastest growing category in the flooring industry.

Installing vinyl plank flooring ca be done over most surfaces as long as those surfaces are smooth. Rough and uneven spots will telegraph through the new flooring, causing noticeable high spots that will wear faster than the rest of the floor. Concrete subfloors must be at least six weeks old, dry and free of powder and flaking. Large cracks and expansion joints should be filled and troweled smooth. Home centers sell mixable and premixed products that work on most surfaces.

Find the high and low spots on wood subfloors with a straightedge. The floor height should not rise or drop more than 1/8 in. over the span of 4 ft. Sand down the high spots with a belt sander equipped with a coarse-grit belt (Photo1). This is a dusty job, so turn off your furnace to avoid spreading dust all over the house, and wear a dust mask. Fill the low spots in the plywood with floor patch

 

Vinyl Plank Flooring: Reviews, Best Brands & Pros vs. Cons

Does this sound familiar? “Vinyl flooring gives you the look of hardwood and the durability of laminate — for a fraction of the price.” If you’ve shopped around enough, I’ll bet you’ve encountered at least one variation of that speech.

But, is it the truth or just another pitch? Well, that depends on your outlook. No flooring is 100% perfect, but Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) –  aka Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – comes close. Before we dive in any further, understand vinyl won’t work for everyone. There are a few drawbacks. We’ll go into that in a bit, but before we do let’s discuss the benefits

Price

Luxury vinyl plank is a cost-effective way to update your home without breaking the bank. You can save thousands without sacrificing style. Unlike real wood, you can find quality vinyl for under $4 per square foot.

Style

The sky’s the limit when it comes to designing with vinyl. The options are endless. Whether you’re looking to replicate rich earthy mahogany, silvered barn wood or even natural stone, you’re sure to find the perfect shade.

Easy Installation

You won’t need to be a carpenter to install your new vinyl floors. If you’ve tackled home improvement projects in the past, it should be an easy task. Vinyl tiles are usually glued down, while most planks come pre-fitted with click & lock: locking mechanisms that click into place like a jigsaw puzzle

 

vinyl flooring buying guide

Our selection of vinyl flooring is seemingly endless, with designs ranging from wood to a stone effect, and everything in-between. Vinyl allows you to create any look you want, with hassle-free fitting and with very little on-going maintenance. We aim to make buying your new flooring easier by offering expert advice to guide you smoothly all the way through from browsing to installation. This buying guide will make it easier for you to find the perfect vinyl flooring

why choose vinyl flooring?

Also known as cushion flooring or lino flooring, vinyl will bring comfort and warmth to your home as well as amazing functionality. It works well with underfloor heating and your feet will thank you for the extra comfort it brings underfoot.

how to choose vinyl by room

You may be surprised to learn that you have probably walked on vinyl flooring in homes and businesses many times firmly believing that it was real wood, laminate or stone. Vinyl is so realistic that guests to your home will never be able to tell the difference

vinyl flooring styles

Due to the ever-improving process of vinyl printing, vinyl flooring comes in a huge array of designs and patterns – pretty much any design you fancy can be yours with each one being incredibly realistic. This wide variety of designs allows you the freedom to be creative in your home with colour and pattern. From wood to stone, mosaic to patterns, vinyl flooring is a great way to be creative with your home’s interior whatever your style. Find out what effects are available in our vinyl flooring range below.

Wood effect vinyl

Wood effect vinyl complete with knots and grain detailing is fantastically authentic. Available in any wood type you care to think of from a whitewashed finish or pale beech, to atmospheric dark walnut, in every wood shade, plank detail and finish. Some even have a textured surface creating even more realism, especially when walked on with bare feet. In fact, all wood effect vinyl flooring doesn’t have is the on-going maintenance of a real wood floor

Tips To Choose The Best Immigration Lawyer

Legal

Tips For Finding The Best Immigration Lawyer For You

One of the most important choices immigrants make is hiring the best immigration lawyer to represent them before the USCIS or in Immigration Court. The same is true for employers. We all share the urge to get the best deal we can get, but often saving money and obtaining the best representation are polar opposites

HIRE A CERTIFIED SPECIALIST

Immigrants frequently choose attorneys just because they speak their language or are from the same country as they are. Some immigration attorneys have built huge followings by blanketing ethnic newspapers with ads touting their successes. Other attorneys, including Yours Truly, are known largely through their websites

HOW IMPORTANT IS LOCATION?

Immigration law is federal. Therefore, an immigration lawyer in Texas or California can represent corporate and individual clients in all 50 states. For example, during the past few weeks, attorneys in our law firm flew to New York City, Reno, Dallas, and Philadelphia to represent clients. In a typical case, however, the petitions and applications are simply mailed to the USCIS, and no interview is required

FIND INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAWYER ONLINE

There are a host of websites that you can use to learn more about the lawyer you are interested in hiring to represent you. One especially helpful site is Avvo. You can use Avvo’s “Find a Lawyer” tool to search for immigration lawyers. Avvo contains client reviews, endorsements from other attorneys, an Avvo rating and the number of years that the attorney has been licensed.

HOW TO FIND A CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN IMMIGRATION LAW

Four states currently certify attorneys as specialists in immigration law. If enough savvy consumers of legal services use certified specialists, we predict there will be a clamor in all states to certify legal specialists in the future.

 

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

CHOOSE QUALITY

When trying to find the best immigration lawyers, it is best not to choose blindly and hire the first lawyer you come across. It is also much better to look for a high-quality lawyer that can handle your case like a professional than to choose the low-cost bargain option.

LOOK FOR A REFERRAL

When looking for an attorney for your immigration case, it is an excellent idea to dig into your personal network and find out if anyone you know has used an immigration lawyer in the past

CONFIRM CREDENTIALS

When you identify a potential attorney for your case, you need to make sure they are the real deal. Find out what their credentials are and where their experience lies. While you can find out some of this information from the lawyer’s website or from them, you can use several other sources to verify attorney credentials.

INTERVIEW THE BEST IMMIGRATION LAWYERS YOU HAVE SHORTLISTED

Once you have created a list of the best immigration lawyers you could find and narrowed down the choices to who you may want to work with, you need to reach out to them.

CHECK FOR REFERENCES

If you’re considering using a lawyer, chances are you will sit down for a consultation to discuss your needs. This is a great time to ask the attorney for references

 

Tips To Help You Find The Best Immigration Lawyer

Find out whether the attorney is recognized positively by others in the profession.

The best immigration lawyers in Dallas are recognized by their peers as the most knowledgeable and professional, and they’re a credit to their industry. Those seeking help with immigration matters should avoid attorneys with little or no positive reputation. You may also want to avoid lawyers who have limited experience but still claim to be the best immigration lawyer in Dallas. Also, please note that so-called “notarios” are not certified to practice immigration law in the United States

Ask each attorney you talk to what his or her success rate has been in similar cases.

During an initial interview, ask the immigration lawyer you’re speaking to about cases he or she has worked on. Find out if any were similar to yours, and then ask about how successful they were. In order to find the best immigration lawyer in Dallas, you’ll also want to ask for references and read reviews if any are available

Make sure the attorneys you talk to are certified members of the American Bar Association. You should also find out whether the law firm has an attorney who’s certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Immigration and Nationality Law.

Find out if the appropriate certifications are in place. If not, you should begin to search elsewhere. The best immigration lawyer in Dallas will be a member of the American Bar Association – and the firm where that attorney works, if not the attorney him- or herself, should have someone who’s certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Immigration and Nationality Law.

Check how far away the attorney’s office is from your home.

Your immigration attorney’s location is important. Being near is particularly essential if you or your family are involved in a confrontation that requires immediate protection from an immigration attorney. Contact the best immigration lawyer in Dallas at Davis & Associates Immigration Law Firm

Ensure the attorney speaks your language – or has a translator who can.

Legal advice can be complicated and must be fully understood. Firms that provide multilingual assistance ensure that their customers understand the strategies, risks, costs and processes involved

 

HOW TO FIND A GOOD IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY

Finding a lawyer who will represent you before the immigration service is one of the most important decisions an immigrant will make in their life. This task is made more difficult by the assorted advertising claims of attorneys. When you and your family seek to find the right lawyer to immigrate or to obtain permanent residence status or defend you in deportation court, it is vital to establish that this attorney has the experience, the integrity and is devoted solely to the practice of immigration law.

When looking for a lawyer or law firm it is important to examine their internet web-site. A good law firm website will list all the attorneys working at the firm with a full description of lawyer’s education, type of immigration work he or she has performed, any published articles or opinions, certification with the California State bar and admission to the various courts, both immigration and federal courts in which that attorney is admitted to practice. Well organized web-sites also provide timely information as to developments in immigration law and are a valuable resource

Equally important is client access to attorneys and paralegals in order to ascertain the status of their cases 24-7. Many top-tier law firms now make available through the internet (using a secured password) the notes of their lawyers and paralegals on the progress of the case. Clients are free to check the status of their case from any place, twenty four hours a day – seven days a week

It is also important to examine the advertising of the law firm. Avoid firms that claim to do everything. The web of laws, regulations, administrative decisions and constant changes requires the full attention of an immigration attorney. Avoid law firms or attorneys who present themselves as the “everything” firm. It’s simply not possible for an attorney to competently represent clients in immigration, real estate, family law, contract disputes, criminal law and dog bite cases. The immigration lawyer you want should be devoted to the practice of immigration law exclusively. An attorney willing to do everything, is the mark of an attorney desperate for business and willing to take on any case. Also, avoid attorneys who make outrageous claims as to results or using cheap flashy promotional stunts to impress the reader. The key here is to pay attention to the attorney’s credentials and reputation.

CREDENTIALS

Consult the California State Bar. With a click of the mouse and keyboard you can visit the California State bar at www.calbar.ca.gov. You can then click on a bar in the left-hand margin marked Attorney Resources, and just follow the cues. You can check to see if your attorney has current California Bar membership by clicking Member Search and entering the attorney’s name or bar number. Also click on Legal Specialist Search and see if your attorney is a California Bar certified specialist in immigration law, but don’t stop here!

 

Tips for Choosing an Immigration Lawyer

There’s a fair bit of paperwork to get done during the immigration process, and you may feel overwhelmed when you first sit down to prepare your immigration forms. You might begin to wonder if you need to hire an immigration lawyer to manage the process. However, if your case is fairly straightforward, you should be able to manage things on your own

There are good reasons, though, to hire an immigration lawyer to handle your case. If you run into a snag partway through the process, you might need legal assistance to work through the issue. If your immigration situation is complicated, or if you simply don’t have the time or confidence to prepare the forms yourself, you might benefit from the help of an immigration lawyer.

Get references. Ask family, friends or colleagues if they know any immigration lawyers. Even if they haven’t been through immigration themselves, they may be able to connect you with someone they know who has retained the services of an immigration lawyer. People are quick to recommend a good lawyer and even quicker to name a poor one, which can be a great help when you’re beginning your search.

Search AILA. Search for a lawyer on the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website. AILA is a national association of lawyers and attorneys who teach and practice immigration law, so you can be reasonably certain you’re dealing with someone who understands immigration law and policies. If you’re starting your research from scratch, you can search for a lawyer in your area. If you’ve been given the names of a few lawyers, you can look them up to see if they are members. While membership in AILA is not a requirement to practice immigration law, membership can be a good indication of a lawyer’s level of commitment to the practice

Interview your short list. Interview potential lawyers to find one who matches your needs. Ask them if they have any experience with your type of case. Immigration law is a huge specialty, so you’ll want a lawyer who is familiar with your type of case. If the lawyers provide client references, use the contacts to get a better understanding of the lawyers’ work styles.

Must Kow How To Choose Good Photo Booth For Your Party

Events

Why Rent A Photo Booth For A Corporate Event?

All of the benefits here apply to corporate events as well as private. Photo booths certainly make your event more entertaining but they’re practical for business as well. For example, you’ll receive crowdsourced content for later use in social media or traditional marketing. You also get a feel for the energy you inspired.

Without a photo booth, your attendees get all the social media clout. When you also have access to those files you can share, tag and engage for boosted exposure. Promote a customized hashtag before, during and after your event to catch those straight to IG moments, too.

Photo booths build camaraderie which makes stronger teams and networking allies later. From the files we give you, you’ll see the connections that exist between your attendees. Turn these pictures into personalized gifts for sponsors, donors or customers.

 

Are there different types of photo booths that I can rent?

Turns out there are many types of photo booths that are available to rent for your wedding—it all depends on your style and venue constraints. These photo booth types include the following:

  • Open-air photo booth: No booth required here! With this option, a camera is placed on a tripod or table and guests can control when the photos are taken.
  • Old-school photo booth: This is the type of photo booth that you’re most familiar with. Crowd into a booth, make some silly faces, and then wait for a printout of your images.
  • Slow-motion video booth: Instead of taking still photos, these booths provide your guests with slow-motion videos that they can post on social media.
  • GIF-maker photo booth: Everyone loves a good GIF, and these booths allow your guests to star in their own short animated clips to share with all their followers.
  • Flip book photo booth: If you and your partner are the nostalgic types, then these photo booths are for you. These booths take a series of photos and create a fun flip book that make a cool favor, too!
  • 360-degree photo booth: You’ve probably seen these on the red carpet, but these photo booths make a great addition to weddings as well! Some photo booth companies offer multi-camera photo booths to capture your well-dressed guests from every angle.
  • Green screen photo booth: Green screen photo booths allow your guests to choose a fun or funny backdrop to truly personalize their images.

 

How to Save

There are tons of ways that party patrons can save on the cost of a photo booth for their event. Here are some key tips to consider:

  • Discounts are frequently available for non-profit groups, schools, military groups and other organizations, so it’s a good idea to inquire about a group discount.
  • Patrons should consider the full length of time they will need for their guests to enjoy the photo booth and how many guests will attend their event. This will help them to determine if buying an upgraded packaging with additional time will save them money compared paying extra fees for going over the standard photo booth timeframe.
  • Open-air booths typically cost less than enclosed booths and present a savings opportunity that patrons can take advantage of.

 

The Benefits of Starting Your Own Photo Booth Business

If you’re considering starting out on any new venture — particularly a business venture where you’ll be investing money up front on the promise that it’ll pay off down the line — you’ll want some confidence going into it. You’ll want to feel at least moderately hopeful that the payoff will be worth the risk.

Because of this, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask yourself about the benefits of starting your very own photo booth business:

  1. The Freedom

The first and most obvious benefit is the level of freedom this type of work offers you. The hours and schedule are so flexible that, depending on your specific situation, you could do this work as a second job in the evenings or on the weekends. Or if your situation allows for it, you could even make this your full-time job.

As the owner of the photo booth, you have the power to either accept or decline bookings entirely at your own discretion. If it’s the middle of winter, the roads are covered in snow and someone asks you to bring your photo booth to their birthday party, you can simply say, “Sorry. We’re booked.”

On the opposite side of that coin, you also can go after as many bookings as you can handle. If it’s summer and you want to make a little extra money for a big expense you have coming up, you can knock on as many doors as it takes to get more bookings than usual. As the owner of a business that’s already inherently quite flexible, you have the kind of freedom that’s almost too good to be true.

  1. The Money

Photo booths can make a fair amount of money. Exact amounts will depend on your specific situation, making it difficult to make predictions in that area. However, it’s highly likely that you can successfully turn a profit.

What’s more, you will be making this money in exchange for operating a photo booth. While hard work is wonderful and important, there’s also something to be said for earning money doing something that’s fun and relatively stress-free. If you’re going to have a side-business or even a full-time startup business, operating a photo booth is a fun way to earn money that doesn’t require excessive amounts of manual labor.

 

How Much Money Can You Make In The Photo Booth Business?

People love working in the photo booth business for many reasons: it’s a great alternative to sitting behind a desk all day, it provides a fun environment where you can work for yourself, and you get to bring excitement and positive energy to events. As a photo booth owner, it’s your job to be the life of the party! The photo booth business is FUN; but what is less often talked about, is that the photo booth business can also be very profitable too. You can actually make a living, doing what you love.

To give you an idea of how much money you can make, we’ve broken it down for you.

Social events (birthday parties, holiday parties, sporting events, and graduations) can typically run anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per event; or $250 – $350 per hour. These rates will of course vary from market to market, and the pricing will depend on the owner’s strategy: do they want to be less expensive and do more events per month; or do they want to have more competitive pricing so their service is regarded as a top-tier offering? There are pros and cons to both business models.

Corporate marketing events often run for a bit longer than social events, and are billed at higher hourly rates – or sometimes even by daily rates. The average hourly rate for a basic on-site activation at a corporate event is $350 – $450 per hour; more if you’re providing branded photo booths, branded photos, custom green screens, and other unique elements designed specifically for their event. The more customized the experience for a client’s event, the more revenue you can generate. Corporate clients are ideal because they come with the potential to work with the same company on a recurring basis.

Photo booth owners will initially start off slow, but will get busier as they develop a database of repeat clients and referrals. The best way to get events is to do events. Being present in person and allowing potential clients to see your business in action is the best way to entice them to add your photo booth to their event as well.

Must Know How To Choose Good Shingles Roof

Roofing

METAL ROOF VS. SHINGLE ROOF: THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH

If you’re in the market for a roof replacement, or buying a new home, it’s important to know your roofing options. There are a lot of different materials used to construct a building and those materials have an impact on the aesthetics, functionality, and longevity of your home. While many people focus on the interior and specific details of the exterior, an often-overlooked area is the roof. Roofing material doesn’t usually cause much speculation other than, does it look nice or not. However, your roof is your home’s first defense system and the type of material used to construct it makes a big difference. In this article, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of a metal roof vs. shingle roof so you can better understand your roofing options.

The Difference Between Metal vs. Shingle Roofs

Before we dive right into metal vs. shingle roof pros and cons, it’s important to have a strong grasp on the underlying differences between a metal roof and a shingle roof.

A metal roof is a blanket term for a roof that’s constructed from a variety of different metals. Metal roofs are available in tin, steel, aluminum, and even copper and zinc. Needless to say, metal roofs are a bit more complex than shingle roofs. While metal has traditionally been used for commercial or industrial buildings, it’s recently made its way into residential buildings.

A shingle roof is the more common type of roofing you see in residential areas. They’re constructed using small pieces of asphalt shingles and is seen as the “traditional” type of roof used for most homes.

So what are the pros and cons of each?

 

Metal roofs tend to be more durable.

Metal roofs can stand up to nearly anything Mother Nature throws at them, so you’ll find that they come with 30- to 50-year warranties, and often outlast that with lifespans of 40 to 70 years. Metal roofs are not without weaknesses, however: Extreme hail or falling branches could dent a metal roof, as could walking on it improperly. Discuss vulnerability concerns with the manufacturer. You’ll learn, for example, that steel is hardier than copper.

Shingles have a shorter lifespan due to their own unique set of weaknesses. Pooling water and chronically damp conditions can lead to algae and fungus growth, ice dams can create cracks, and temperature spikes between day and night can reduce the life of your shingle roof. Shingle roofs come with 15- to 30-year warranties, depending largely on the region, environment, and climate.

Metal roofs are more eco-friendly.

Because they’re largely made of recycled material and can be recycled again and again, metal roofs are considered a more sustainable choice than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are also more energy-efficient thanks to their reflective qualities, which can block heat transmission to the home’s interior. Specialized paint coatings can further reduce your cooling bills. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, need to be replaced more frequently than metal roofs; it’s estimated that U.S. landfills receive nearly 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles annually. Also, asphalt shingles are a petroleum-based product, which increases dependency on fossil fuels.

Asphalt shingle roofs generally are easier to install and repair.

For pros, the work requires little specialized knowledge and basic tools. Shingles can be installed in a day or two in some cases, sometimes right over the existing layer. Metal roofing installation typically requires a more skilled and specialized tradesman. The job is more precise, with less room for error, so it won’t move as quickly as a shingle installation. However, some lightweight metal products may be able to be installed right over an existing roof in good condition, simplifying installation overall and eliminating the cost of ripping the original roof out.

 

 

Varieties

Metal roofing comes in a variety of styles, largely dependent on the metal used and coatings applied. Aluminum is a metal that needs no coating. Steel, on the other hand, requires specialized treatment to prevent rusting. Other metals used for roofing are copper, zinc, stainless steel, and titanium.

Asphalt shingles come in two varieties, the newer fiberglass shingles and traditional organic ones. The difference is in their layered make-up. Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass 3 core covered with an asphalt layer. Organic shingles have a heavy felt layer under the asphalt.

Appearance

The layered look of asphalt shingles is by far the more popular of the two types. The vast majority of homes in the United States have asphalt shingles, largely because asphalt is the material most builders trust and what homeowners are accustomed to seeing on houses. Asphalt shingles can vary in colors to match the paint or brick of a home, and the variety of their colors is more than with metal roofing. The three-tab shingles give a flat appearance while the more expensive architectural shingles appear more three dimensional.

Metal roofs are rarely seen in urban and suburban areas. The sleek, metallic appearance seems more suited for an agricultural setting. Metal roofing does come in a variety of colors and styles to match the rest of the home. The metal can be in panels, tiles, or shingles, but the look of a metal roof still can be jarring in a neighborhood full of asphalt shingles.

 

What to Consider Before You Choose a Metal or Shingle Roof

Your roof not only protects your home and the items on the inside, it also keeps you and your loved ones safe, which is why choosing the right roof based on your individual needs is vital. Start the decision process by evaluating the following aspects.

Your Budget

Between metal roofing and shingle roofing, the biggest factor to consider is how much money you have to spend and are willing to spend at one time. If you have a lower amount of money or small cash flow to spend at one time and don’t mind the idea that you’ll have to replace the roof in 15-20 years, a shingle roof is your better option. Or, if you have more money to put down at one time or want the peace of mind that your roof won’t need to be replaced for at least 60 years, a metal roof is the best choice

Your Roof Design

Every roof is different, which could really make a difference when choosing the best material for your roof. Get to know your roof by finding out:

  • Roof pitch (slope)
    • It’s imperative to check the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum slope requirements for both metal and shingle roofing before installation, as it could be restricted based on different products or materials.
  • Square footage of the roof
  • The complexity of the design of the roof, including the number of dormers, valleys, hips, skylights, penetrations, flashing points, and vent pipes
  • How much and what parts of the roof are in the shade and in the sunlight

The Building’s Lifecycle

Knowing the predicted lifecycle and use of the building or home the roof will be going on is just as important as knowing your roof design. For example, is the building or home older and in need of extreme renovations or tear-down within the next 20 years? Go with a shingle roof. Or is the building or home newer and likely to last five decades or longer? Go with a metal roof.

Your Environment

There are definitely environments where a metal roof or a shingle roof is the better choice. For example, if you live anywhere threatened with potentially high winds or extreme heat, metal roofing can help alleviate some of those concerns. Or if you live in a very mild environment where you are less concerned with extreme weather, a shingle roof will work just fine too.

 

How are Metal Roofs Better?

Metal roofs reflect the sun, which reduces the amount of heat penetrating the home. A reflective roof can reduce peak cooling demand by 10 to 15 percent, according to the Dept. of Energy. That, in turn, means the home’s cooling system needs less energy to cool the house.

Some metal roofs can save up to 25 percent in energy costs compared to a dark gray asphalt shingled roof, according to the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Some metal roofs come with warranties of up to 50 years, but can literally last for hundreds of years, whereas traditional roofs typically last 10 to 20 years. Metal roofs aren’t as vulnerable to hail, wind and fire damage and some insurance companies even offer discounts on homeowner’s policies due to metal’s storm-resistant properties.

A metal roof is no (noisier) than a traditional roof. “When you have a metal roof, you’re going on top of a solid deck. In that solid deck you have an attic space, insulation, a ceiling. If you don’t hear rain today, you won’t hear rain with a metal roof on. It doesn’t attract lightning anymore than any other roofs do, but the benefit of a metal roof is if it does get hit by lightning, it will disperse the energy throughout the roof instead of being isolated to one spot where it can cause a fire.”

Must Know How To Do Home Builder At Your Home

Home Improvement

Find a Builder: Where to Start Your Search

Find a Builder Working Locally

Finding a builder locally can have huge benefits when it comes to your build. Time on site, their knowledge of local planning, builders’ merchants and other local trades are all invaluable nuggets of knowledge that you’ll welcome on site.

Find a Builder Other Tradesmen Recommend

If you’ve used an electrician before or a local plumber and liked their work, why not contact them and ask if they know of any good builders they’d recommend. Most tradesmen get used to seeing the same familiar names around the sites they are working on and often have preferences for who they like to work with — and who they see as a good source of work.

Find a Local Builder Through a Friend

It’s a cliche we hear mentioned whenever we’re on the look out for a trades person but asking friends and family if they’d recommend anyone is always a good place to start. A lot of trades rely on word of mouth and if you can find a builder through someone you trust and whose work you can go and visit, then you can make a decision about whether they’ll do a good job.

Always Talk to Previous Customers

Once you’ve found a builder you like, don’t be afraid to ask them for a list of previous customers; they should be happy to provide details if they’re confident they’ve done a successful job. This will give you an ideal opportunity to really find out what they’re like and see examples of their work first-hand.

Find a Builder Online

A good place to starting looking online to find a builder is on sites like the Federation of Master Builders. They have a search tool where you can find specific trades in your area and look at their references. All FMB members are vetted and independently inspected, and are checked to ensure that they have the correct insurances in place.

 

How to Find a Good Builder for Your House

Start in the Right Place

The National Association of Home Builders recommends that consumers contact the local association of home builders association to obtain a list of member builders. The association offers a list of local home builders groups on their website, or you can check the Parade of Homes website to search for a builder. If you are in contact with a local real estate agent, ask her for a list of reputable dealers. Finally, ask neighbors whose homes have been built in the last four or five years about their builder and if they are happy with the job he did.

Gather Quotes

Although it is important to hire a builder who is qualified, the last thing you want to do is pay more than is necessary. Gather quotes from the list of builders you’ve collected. Make sure you understand what is included in each quote. Does the builder include cleanup of the job site and finish work, such as landscaping in the overall cost? Also, similar materials should be listed for both quotes, including any included appliances, kitchen cabinets, flooring and windows.

Consider the Builder’s Specialty

You wouldn’t hire a heating and cooling specialist to install your plumbing or a plumber to replace your roof, so don’t hire a commercial builder to create a 1400-square-foot ranch home. Ask the builder about other projects he’s worked on that are similar to yours. Find out if he has pictures and if you can speak to those homeowners about his work.

Research Your Top Three Builders

Narrow down the choices to three builders you might like to use. Do your homework on these builders. The National Association of Home Builders suggests contacting other people the builder has completed homes for and asking questions like if the project was completed on time and on budget and if there were any major issues. Also, visit the Better Business Bureau website to see if any complaints have been filed against the builder and if they were resolved.

Experience

If a builder has completed 30 houses similar to yours, he is more likely to anticipate and resolve the common issues that arise with building a new home than a builder who has only one other home under his belt. Find out how many houses your builder has completed and the sizes of those projects.

 

How to Find a Good Home Builder

Home Builders for Hire

Home builders provide turnkey services. An in-house crew of professionals works with the client on every aspect of the project, from design and development to construction and installation. The only exceptions are jobs like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work. In these instances, a builder will sub-contract a licensed pro.

Hiring a General Contractor

General contractors (GCs) hire and manage the pros who construct your home. They are also in charge of acquiring permits and materials. Most clients use their own architect to design a floor plan and hire a GC to implement it. Clients typically sign a contract that includes a fee of up to 20% of the project cost in exchange for the contractor’s services.

Project Managers or Construction Management Companies

Project managers and construction management companies charge a fee to oversee the construction process. Independent project managers are typically local and can provide on-site services. However, management companies may be national corporations with limited personnel in your area.

Architects, Draftsman, & Structural Engineers

Architects, draftsman, and structural engineers turn a client’s ideas into an actual blueprint. While the work they do is similar, each of these professionals play a separate role in the construction design process

Custom Home Builders

Custom home builders typically construct a one-of-a-kind house to a client’s specifications on his or her own land. They handle every aspect of the process, from site preparation and land development to building and landscaping

 

How to find a reliable builder

Ask around for builder recommendations

Personal recommendation is always the best way of finding a builder. It’s a major undertaking, and you want to make sure you have complete peace of mind from the start that the right builders are doing the job for you.

Look at boards at building sites

Keep an eye out for boards on building sites in your area, but always do your own research too. Check online for reviews and get feedback from people who have used the builders before.

Search online for highly-rated builders

These websites hold the details of thousands of builders and building companies. Builders’ ratings on these sites are based on the feedback from clients, so the better the job done by the builder, the higher the rating.

Choose a reliable builder from trading associations

If a builder is a member of a recognised trading association, this is another way of sifting out the good guys from the cowboys. It’s not obligatory for builders to join a trading body, such as the Federation of Master Builders, the National Federation of Builders, or the Guild of Builders and Contractors. But you’ll be giving yourself a level of consumer protection by choosing builders and building firms who are members, plus those who meet Government-endorsed trading standards with the ‘TrustMark’ seal of approval.

And one final big no-no to remember when choosing a reliable builder

If anyone knocks on your door and claims to have spotted structural defects on such as your roof or guttering that may need repairing – just never take their word for it. Always seek professional advice from a reliable builder before giving any work the go-ahead.

 

Tips for Finding a Home Builder You Can Trust

Do they ask about your family’s needs? Not every builder is willing to customize and modify floor plans to meet your specific needs. Frequently, you may be expected to fit into a “cookie-cutter” mold of a buyer and not all buyers have the same needs. If you have specific desires, you need to be clear what you are looking for and see if they builder will be able to cater to your needs.

Do they offer references? Depending on the type of project you are looking to start, you may want to ask for references from customers that the builder has done similar work for. If the builder cannot provide references, you will want to reconsider this builder.

Do they have a good reputation? This can be determined not only by speaking with references as mentioned above, but all ensuring their licensing is in good standing with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors and potentially even the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask around the area and speak with your realtor regarding the reputation of the builder you are considering.

Do they provide details in writing and review them with you? One of the most essential parts of a build for a buyer should be to get all details in writing up front. You need to know specifically what you are getting and what features are included in your home. They should be clear on the process of the build with you as well. It is best prior to starting any construction that you have a face to face meeting with the builder and ensure you are on the same page with everything. Even in writing, things can get lost in translation. There is no substitute for a face to face meeting when starting your new home.

Do they listen to your concerns? It is essential that your builder take the time to listen to questions and concerns you may have. If your builder is too busy to communicate with you, be it via email or some other way, regarding your concerns initially, you can be sure they will be too busy to communicate with you along the way. That is not the type of build you want. Be sure your builder listens to you.