Are you thinking about replacing your
carpet? Having a hard time convincing the spouse or the landlord that it’s
time? Flooring is one of the first thing guests and potential homebuyers notice
when walking into a house and can make a huge impression, sometimes for the
worst. Here are the top 7 signs that it’s time to get rid of that old carpet
and trade it out for something new.
Water Damage and Mold
Water damage and mold are very clear
indicators that you need new carpeting. Water stains are unsightly and hard to
get rid of. Water damage can be caused by leaking pipes in bathrooms, kitchens,
or ceilings in multi-story homes and can even lead to mold and mildew stains.
Always make sure you monitor your pipes for leaks that can cause water damage.
Mold can be dangerous, at worst deadly to
those with asthma and severe mold allergies. In those who are allergic, mold
can cause hay-fever like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and red eyes. It
can also appear rather suddenly, especially in warm, dark areas. The best way
to prevent mold issues is by regular inspection. Look for green, black, or
white stains that grow and change shape, or a musty, stale smell that won’t go
away no matter what you do or how you clean. Purchase a mold testing kit to be
certain you have mold in your carpet.
Wear and Tear
Wear and tear on a carpet can make a house
look trashy and dirty, no matter how clean it is. Tears, worn patches that are
nearly see-through, matting, fraying, and flat areas are all normal signs of a
carpet’s age and sometimes can’t be prevented. Carpet fibers often become
matted and frayed within just 3-5 years. A carpet can only be expected to last
5-15 years from installation, so if your carpet it starting to look a little beat-up
then it’s probably time to replace it. Areas that see the most wear and tear
are usually the hallways, stairs, and living areas.
Stains
If your carpet is stained beyond saving, it
might be worth your time to stop hiding stains with area rugs and furniture and
start shopping for fresh carpeting. Stains are usually just the result of
normal wear and tear, though accidents do happen, and if they happen with red
wine, mustard, or coffee, good luck getting it out. Stains make carpets, and
therefore a whole room. A dirty carpet is a devalued home, so if you intend to
sell or rent, it’s prudent to replace! To get more life out of a stained
carpet, rent a rug doctor or other carpet cleaning tool, or call a professional
to have your carpet shampooed.
Smell
The first thing people notice about your
house when they walk in is the smell, and old carpet certainly has its own
special aroma. Feet, allergens, dirt, and food stains can make a carpet smell
funky after years of buildup. If your carpet stinks and you’ve tried everything
to get the smell out, it’s time to replace.
Age
Carpeting is only designed to last between
5-15 years. Most people don’t replace their carpet that often, especially
landlords who are trying to save money. How many of us honestly know how old
the carpet in our house really is? The first places to show age are going to be
the areas that receive the most traffic—hallways, walkways and entrances. If
you suspect that yours is starting to get old, and is showing its age, it’s
time to replace it.
Aesthetics
Maybe your carpet is just out of style, or
you’d like to update a room for a fresh look. That 70’s shag carpet might have
looked good 40 years ago, but will quickly date a room and put all your other
decorating efforts to waste. This is also something you should consider if
you’re going to be selling your home anytime soon. Buyers and renters like to see new carpet in
a home and are willing to pay a lot more for something up-to-date and in style.
Make sure you look into regional tastes. Check with your neighbors to see
what’s stylish in your area, or ask a local decorator.
Allergies
Carpets hold on to allergens like sponges.
Dirt, dust, mites, pollen, and lots of other discomfort-causing substances are
hiding in carpets, and no matter how often or meticulously you clean your
carpet, they will find their way in there. Regular cleaning is important to
maintaining good hygiene and health in a home with carpet. Still, a carpet can
only be cleaned so many times before it starts to wear, and even the most
thorough cleaning can leave allergens behind. It’s important to have your
carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year in order to maintain the
lifespan of your carpet, but keep in mind that cleaning it too often can
shorten its lifespan.
How to Protect Your Carpet from Spills and
Stains
It can be difficult to keep your carpets
clean—especially when you live in a busy household of pets, kids, and messy
dinners. General wear and tear is expected over the years, but stains and
spills can make your floors seem unsightly and older than they appear.
Your carpets are a big investment, and you
want them to last as long as possible and maintain their looks for as long as
you can, but what’s the best way to prevent spills and stains in your household?
Here are five of our best tips for
protecting your carpet from spills and stains.
1. Routinely Vacuum and Clean Your Carpets
One of the best ways to protect your carpet
is to not let dirt or dust sit and let it sink down, which will make a carpet
appear dingy. If it’s not removed, debris and dirt can get trapped into the
carpet, making it more difficult to remove. Vacuuming your carpets regularly
can help combat the dirt and debris in your home and help your carpets have
more longevity.
2. Apply a Carpet Protectant
Although many carpets now come with a
protectant like Scotchgard, if yours don’t have one applied already, you may
want to consider doing so. This product actually repels liquids, blocks stains
and even resists soil, so you can rest assured that a spilled glass of grape
juice won’t ruin your flooring.
You can have a professional carpet cleaning
apply a protectant for you, which will usually be an added expense on top of a
cleaning.
3. Have a No-Shoes Rule
You never thought you’d have one of those
households, but a good way to prevent stains is to be a no-shoes house. Shoes
can track in all sorts of mud, dirt, and not to mention many germs that can
track their way inside.
4. Take Care of Spills Immediately
It goes without saying that when you see
someone spill a liquid or food inside your home, that you should clean it up as
soon as you can. Use the dabbing trick (don’t rub stains!) so that you can get
up as much of the stain as you can.
5. Get Your Carpets Professionally Cleaned
No matter how thoroughly you vacuum and
clean your floors, one of the best ways to protect your carpets from spills and
stains is by scheduling a professional carpet cleaning. Not only will this help
your carpets last a long time, but it will also eliminate any deeply set stains
that are difficult to treat with cleaning products you get at the store.
Carpet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
While your carpeting may not require the
regular cleaning that other types of flooring demand, your carpet should be
professionally cleaned once every year to 18 months, even if you vacuum
regularly. Professional carpet cleaning extends the life of the carpeting and
contributes to better air quality, reducing allergies and illness.
Do-It-Yourself Carpet-Cleaning Mistakes
Ideally, your carpet should be
professionally cleaned. However, to save money, many people alternate between
the do-it-yourself cleaning and professional cleaning. While the do-it-yourself
approaches are far less expensive, they are almost never as effective as
professional cleaning and involve a considerable amount of time and hard work.
Depending on the method used, it is also easy for the novice to damage the
carpet.
Beware of the three most common ways
do-it-yourselfers (and inexperienced pros) damage carpets:
Over-shampooing
Over-wetting
Failing to protect the wet
carpet from furniture
Over-shampooing occurs when either too much
shampoo is used or the carpet is not adequately rinsed. Both are practically
inevitable with some wet do-it-yourself approaches. This is the biggest reason
why even hard-core do-it-yourselfers should occasionally use a professional. If
they don’t, the build-up of soapy residue can be impossible to clean out,
leaving a carpet that is a virtual dirt magnet.
Over-wetting occurs when too much water
soaks into the bottom of the carpet. Some backing materials cause the carpet to
discolor if they get too wet. Some carpets will shrink, literally tearing
themselves up from the floor. If the backing and pad get wet, it is very
difficult to dry them, and you run the additional risk of mold and mildew
problems.
When Should I Consider Replacing the Carpet
Carpet today is made to last about 5 to 15
years, depending on the quality of the carpet and the padding. However, there
are a few signs that your carpet should be replaced.
Matting. One of the first signs that your
carpet needs replacement is when you notice that the pile begins to stay matted
down in the most frequently trafficked areas. This is especially true for
carpets that are made of polyester fibers. Once the pile begins to lay down due
to heavy foot traffic, there is not a lot you can do to get it to stand up
again. Even getting your carpet professionally cleaned may not do a lot to
renew its look.
Stains. If you are moving furniture, rugs,
or other items to hide stains, it is probably time to replace the carpet. Even
if your carpet has a stain-resistant coating, this treatment gradually fades
over time, leaving your carpet vulnerable to stains. It is also important to
know that not all stains are created equal.
Protein-based stains. These are
caused by baby food and formula, cream-or cheese-based foods, eggs, feces, and
urine.
Oil-Based Stains. These include
spots from car grease or motor oil, hair oil and mousse, hand lotion, kitchen
grease, butter, bacon, salad dressing, and suntan lotion.
Tannin Stains. These include
spots from alcoholic drinks, coffee or tea, fruits, soft drinks, and wine. Most
jellies also contain tannins, but cherry and blueberry jellies should be
treated as dye stains.
Dye Stains. These include
blueberries, cherries, grass, and mustard. Dye stains can be problematic as
dyes are usually meant to stick…and they do.
Worn-out padding.
The carpet padding provides a cushion and resilience
level and makes your carpet comfortable to walk and sit on. Additionally, the
carpet padding also provides a noise buffer as well as insulation for the
floor. General wear and tear over time will eventually reduce your carpet
padding performance, and once worn out, there are really few options other than
replacement. If you begin noticing wrinkles, unevenness, or a crinkling sound
under your feet when you walk on certain areas of the carpet, that is also a
pretty good indication that the padding may need to be replaced.
Bad smell. If it seems like your carpet
carries a lingering unpleasant smell even after it has been cleaned, this could
mean the residue from various spills, pet accidents, etc., over the years has
penetrated deeply into the carpet fibers or even down into the padding/subfloor
itself. Foul odors can also be a sign of mold or mildew, creating significantly
bigger problems if left unaddressed. If your carpet seems to retain an
unpleasant smell regardless of what you do, it would be in your best interest
to have the carpet replaced.
There are many things to look for in a
wedding videographer but the critical factor is experience. Wedding videos are
a specialist product and you need someone who understands the genre inside and
out.
Here is an important point: It is quite
common for people starting out in the video production business to begin by
making wedding videos because they mistakenly see weddings as an easy way to
get started. To make matters worse, once videographers become competent they
often realise they can make more money doing other work. The result is that in
some areas wedding videography is disproportionately serviced by inexperienced
people.
However this just means you need to be
careful — there are still plenty of excellent videographers who do weddings for
genuine reasons. The key is to find out about their experience.
Ask For Demos
You must ask to see a demonstration tape of
the videographer’s previous work. There is no reason for them not to supply a
demo — if they say they can’t for privacy or other reasons, cross them off your
list.
Ideally you should see a range of work from
them, but also make sure you watch an entire video from start to finish. You
want to know that they can cover the whole event well, not just get a few nice
shots here and there. Note that it is normal to have a few minor errors during
a long video.
You might also like to ask for references
from previous customers.
Communication Skills
The videographer should be able to get on
with people and communicate well. Effective communication is important to make
the day run smoothly, as well as making sure that everyone knows what to do and
what to expect in relation to the video.
Videographers need to work with both guests
and other professionals. If there is a dispute between them and the celebrant
or photographer, the quality of the video could be affected.
Style
Different videographers have different
styles and you should choose one which you are comfortable with. Common styles
include:
Fly-on-the-wall, reality-TV
style
Documentary, including
interviews, voice-overs, etc
Arty, cinematic styles
Price
Making good wedding videos is an expensive
business and professionals need to charge a lot of money to turn a fair profit.
You should regard cheap quotes with suspicion.
Hire friendly photographers and
videographers.
There is a lot to capture on your wedding
day in a short amount of time. Both your photographer and videographer will
film the same key scenes: getting ready, first look, ceremony, speeches,
reception, etc. Coordination is important, so try to hire a photographer and
videographer who have worked together before. This way, they will likely have
systems in place to make sure each captures those special moments. Ask your
wedding planner for recommendations or have your photographer to suggest a
videographer (or the other way around) for a seamless day-of experience.
Find a filmmaker who is comfortable with
your venue type.
Found a filmmaker you love but notice that
all of their films take place outdoors and you’re getting married in a
ballroom? Raise the question to the filmmaker before you hire them and make
sure they’re comfortable shooting in your wedding setting. Request sample films
to watch and show them an example of a film you
Cameras & Equipment
You might like to ask what type of video
camera and other equipment will be used. If you are familiar with video
equipment this information might be useful but it’s probably not necessary. An
average camera in the hands of an expert is better than the most expensive
camera operated by an average videographer.
It is definitely worth asking how many
cameras will be used. A single camera is not really capable of capturing
everything properly and safely. Two cameras will allow for much better shots
and significantly reduce the chance of missing something important. A third
camera, usually left on a static wide shot, provides even more safety and
creative options.
Editing & Final Versions
Editing is very important. Good quality
editing will make a huge difference. Ask these questions:
How long will the final product
be?
Can you have more than one
version, e.g. a full version and 15-minute highlights package?
What titles, captions, etc will
be included?
Will the DVD have a title menu?
Will music be added? If so,
what is the copyright situation?
Note: If you are concerned about budget,
one option is to ask for the wedding to be covered but not edited. Instead, you
get the “raw” footage which isn’t very practical to watch, but you
can save it and get the editing done later when you can afford it. The most
important thing is to capture the day — editing can wait if necessary.
Unfortunately many videographers don’t like showing their raw footage but it
can’t hurt to ask.
Understand what’s included in your
package.
As wedding films have increased in
popularity, so have the package options and the terminology. Understanding
everything that comes in your package will help ensure you aren’t disappointed
later. When your filmmaker sends you examples of what comes in your package
(Instagram teaser, trailer, full edit, etc.) make sure to watch each example
and be sure it’s the type and amount of coverage you want!
Video Format
Ask what format the video will be shot and
supplied in. We recommend that you ask for wide-screen high-definition if at
all possible. In the future, when everyone is used to watching high definition
all the time, videos produced in standard definition will appear poor quality
in comparison.
As well as the DVD or video tapes supplied
for normal viewing, you should ask for a master-quality version in the original
format (i.e. the edit master before it is compressed or encoded). You can use
this version at a later date for further editing or transferring to new video
formats. Note that this is not a normal request and the videographer might be
surprised when you ask for it. Make sure you ask before the wedding day.
All formats die eventually and you will
probably need to transfer your video to another format at least once during
your life. Although you can convert video files from the DVD format, it is
preferable to have a better quality file to work with.
Things you should know before booking a
wedding videographer
Know What Coverage You Want
Think about the key moments you’ll want
covered, as this will impact how many hours of coverage you’ll need to book. Do
you want clips from while you’re getting ready, your ceremony, and that
sparkler exit you’ve planned? Depending on your answers, you’ll need a
videographer to arrive in the late morning or early afternoon, and stay through
the end of the night. On the other hand, if you just want the ceremony and
toasts, you can choose a shorter package that will cover just those highlights.
Think About Your Vendor Team
Ideally you will want to book a
videographer who your planner and or photographer also love. This makes
everything go much more smoothly on your wedding day as they are all accustomed
to working together already.
Clearly Lay Out Expectations
An important decision early on would be
whether the clients want the filmmaker to have a documentary approach or a
cinematic one. Both have virtues, pitfalls, and to a certain degree they
intersect, but the filmmaker has to approach the coverage differently, depending
on the expectation.
Pay Attention To The Package Details
Be aware of their pricing and your budget.
Ask if they have package deals and what those include. And most importantly,
how long will they be there on the day of your wedding and what does overtime
cost if you end up wanting them to stay longer.
One of the most difficult parts of any
business is often just starting with the procedure. When you start to plan your
move, you would need to start by getting rid of procrastination and also by
staying organized during a really chaotic time. You will be organized and be
stress-free during the move when you know the following guide
What to do before you start packing:
1) First things first, make a checklist
As soon as you get a confirmation that you
are moving, you should get a moving checklist. When you start with the process,
you will come across a lot of tasks. So, if you do not know how to streamline
the process, you will just end up stuck in the end. Make a checklist with a
probable timeline for all your tasks. For instance, make a list of categories
like kitchen utilities, books, etc and set a probable timeline to get started
on them.
2) Create a record of your inventory
Before you start to figure out what you
need to pack first, we recommend that you make an entire inventory. This will
help you understand what are your belongings and how much stuff do you own. You
can create a simple spreadsheet or also make a list with the simple pen and
paper method. For instance, you can start with how many bedsheets do you own or
how much expensive crockery is there to pack. Once you know of your inventory,
you would be able to pack all your stuff without much hassle.
3) Get rid of your stuff
Honestly, this is the ideal time for you to
figure out how much stuff you own and how much you need to get rid of. Once you
realize that you have plenty of stuff in life, you would be able to categorize
it in ‘leave behind’ and ‘take with you’ categories. Before you start packing,
throw out stuff that you do not need. For instance, your old and tattered clothing
would have no place here. You can also recycle books that you do not need. Once
this list is made, you can pack stuff with a really fresh mind.
4) Find the right moving company
Now, before we actually get to what you
should pack first; let’s start by understanding what you need to pack before
moving. Your company is definitely one of the most important categories of your
packing and moving, so do not take this lightly. Take a proper estimate and
approach two to three companies to get a better-negotiated deal. In order to
ensure the most accurate estimate, you wouldn’t want half-packed boxes
scattered throughout your home.
What to pack first while moving:
1) Clear off your storage
In our experience, the first things to go
should be the ones that are hidden. For example, dig into the garage or get
into the walk-in closet to figure what’s been hiding there. These items are not
only easy to pack first but you would not require them in your daily lives. So,
you can start ticking those off your inventory list.
2) Pack all of your out of season clothes
Out of season clothes are quite easy to
pack as well because most likely they may already be inboxes. It is best to
keep moving them while making a local move and shuttling between your new house
and old house. You may not even need to use these clothes for a lot of months
so its best to go ahead and keep them off.
3) China and the crockery should also be
packed
We can all agree on one thing. It is highly
unlikely that you’d be hosting dinner parties while making a move. This means,
your crockery or fancy china can all be backed and kept on the side. Since
these are fragile items, you would need to pack them really carefully. Ensure
that all the boxes are labeled properly and are not fragile at all. While you
are packing all this, remember you may want to even go ahead and pack the other
dishes which you rarely ever use. Even your daily utensils can be packed off
and you can use disposable items for eating.
4) Picture frames, wall hangings, and
artwork
As you move towards packing up your house,
you can start with wall hangings. They are tricky to pack and definitely one of
the first things you must pack. In all probability, the only use of artwork for
you is to decorate your home. So, pack all of the stuff which is going to find
a place in your new house. Do not wait for the d-day, otherwise fragile stuff
like this is surely going to be broken eventually. Hence, try packing it
properly with the perfect coating of blankets and t-shirts so they stay
protected.
5) Pack all of your extra linens and towels
separately
Another thing that takes a lot of stuff is
linens and towels as well. So we recommend that you keep a set that you want to
dispose off and use it in your current house till it wears out. Then simply
take required sets of linens and towels in an overnight bag. Rest of the linens
and towels can be used to pack all of your fragile stuff so that they do not
end up breaking.
6) Books should also be packed on priority
If you are a bibliophile, then this is a
super important note for you. Ensure that all of your books are packed in
advance. You can keep a copy of what you are reading currently with you.
However, it is crucial that you prepare yourself to part away from certain
books too. Depending on the space you have in the new house, you can decide to
clear off your books.
A Guide To Moving
From finding new schools, to setting up
utilities, or just packing your home, moving can be stressful. This guide will
help you along the way.
Moving involves a lot of variables coming
together in order to have the experience be a successful one. This guide will
provide you with tips and tricks for managing a move outside of simply hiring
the best moving company to handle transporting your property. These additional
steps can be just as important as the movers themselves. Take these pieces of
tips and advice as a series of general guidelines to follow when moving.
How to Pack for the Move
Packing is half the battle when it comes to
moving. Knowing how to do it right can save you a huge amount of grief, make
life easier for your movers, save you money, and ultimately, make sure your
belongings get to their destination intact. Use these tips to help you have
more success with your packing:
Use proper boxes. Weak and/or repurposed
boxes can fail, leaving your belongings scattered all over the streets. Make
sure the box is strong enough to securely hold the weight of the items you’re
going to place inside of it. Most moving companies will have high quality
moving boxes available for purchase.
Ensure all breakable items are properly
wrapped and secured. Use bubble wrap and/or packing paper to insulate each item
from others in the box so that breakable items are not banging against each
other.
Pack items tightly together so they can’t bang
and move around in the package.
Where to Get Boxes For Packing Your Home
Items
Getting proper boxes is vital in order to
pack up your things for the big day. First of all, you always have the option
of purchasing boxes from the moving company. The upside here is that you know
you’re getting a high quality product that can hold up to the stresses of a
move.
If you don’t want to get professional-grade
moving boxes, there are many other places you can ask for boxes, including:
Grocery stores
Liquor stores
Office supply stores
Advertising requesting boxes on
buy-and-sell websites
Facebook groups – many communities have
groups where members can chat about various community issues. This is a great
place to look for moving boxes, as new members will often have many that they
need to get rid of anyway.
Setting Up Utilities Before Moving
When moving, always remember to attend to
the utilities on both ends of the move. When leaving a home, some utility
companies have cut-off dates that you must give them notice by, otherwise you
could find yourself paying for another full month of utilities when you aren’t
even living on the property. By the same token, the utility companies at your
new location may need advance notice in order to ensure that your services are connected
when you arrive.
Utilities you should look into (on both
ends of the move) include:
Water
Sewer
Power
Heat
Cable
Internet
Telephone
Security system monitoring
Know The School Systems
From elementary to high schools, if you’re
moving with a family to a new city, or even to a new school district in your
current city, then schools are going to be an important part of your move. Be
sure to research schools in your new neighborhood in advance. Learn how
registration, bussing and other programs work. If you have options in regards
to schools in the area, set up meetings and learn which option is going to be
the best fit for your family.
Moving Tips and Checklists
6-8 Weeks Before Moving:
Organization is the key for a smooth move
and this is the time to start getting the details of your move.
This is the time to decide what items you
wish to transport to your new home. If you decide to dispose of items that you
don’t need you should either donate them to a charity or consider having a
garage sale. Contact a local charity or pick a date at least two weeks before
moving date for the garage sale. Advertise the garage sale locally. Team up
with your neighbors who want to sell some of their old belongings, and plan a
large neighborhood “sale”.
Start collecting suitable moving and
packing supplies if you plan to do your own packing or partial packing. You can
purchase all these materials from your agent or a moving supply company. All
boxes that you purchase from us or a moving supply company are specially designed
for the moving industry to prevent any damages to your belongings. Getting
boxes from other sources may create some difficulties when packed in the van.
These boxes may be unusual sizes and they may not be strong enough to prevent
damages to items packed inside.
Think about your new home layout and start
thinking about where you’ll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your
new home that will prevent the stress of making decisions when your furniture
arrives at your new home.
Get familiar with your new community.
Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from
the local Chamber of Commerce.
All travel arrangements (hotel, flights,
car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your
plan flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.
Finalize all real estate and rental needs.
Contact your insurance agent to transfer
medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
All medical and dental records should be
placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription,
vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.
Plan on taking all important documents,
such as wills, stock certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, coin
collection, photos etc.).
4-5 Weeks before moving
Contact the Post Office for the Change of
Address form to tell of your move. give your new address to:
Friends and Family
Post Office
Utility Companies
Telephone Company
Trash Company
Cable Company
Water Company
Electricity Company
Internet Provider
Insurance Companies
Banks and Financial Institutions
Checking
Savings
Loans
Creditors
Local Government agencies, Federal
agencies, the IRS
Health Providers
Doctors
Dentist
Veterinarian
Pharmacy
Schools
Subscriptions
Magazines
Book Club
Record Club
Newspapers
Travel/Auto Club
Church
It is the time to take a look at what you
own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. All items such as old
books, magazines, broken items, old toys can be left behind. Remember-adding
more weight to your shipment costs more money.
Organize your move by deciding and making
lists of what items you will not transport, what items your van line agent will
move and what items you will move yourself.
Make a decision if the items not going that
will be sold at a garage sale, picked by a charity or trash it.
Make a decision on who will do most of the
packing or all the packing. It is a good idea that you let the van line agent
do most of the packing. The van line agents know the best methods for keeping
items safe; that’s what they do for a living.
Get your kids involved with the moving
process. Let your kids do some packing and let them suggest a layout for their
new room. Make it fun and exciting for them to move.
3 Weeks before moving
Notify your agent if there are any changes
in the dates of your move. If you will need any additional accessorial service
such as piano moving, packing and unpacking, storage you should inform the van
line agent for pricing information. Also inform the van line agent if you add or
subtract items from your planned shipment.
Decide how much packing your will handle
yourself. You should inform your agent of any items that you decided for
him/her to pack.
Whether you move your car with the us or a
car carrier, you should make your final reservation for a car pick up at this
time.
Consider giving your plants to friends or a
charity if you are moving from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit
the moving of houseplants.
Make transportation arrangements for your
pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health
certificates and rabies inoculations. Some states will require these documents.
You will need to carry all valuable jewelry
with you. If you have any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them
before leaving.
Return any borrowed items such as library
books. Also collect all items that are being repaired stored or cleaned
(clothing, furs, shoes etc.).
2 Weeks before moving
Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore
in your new city. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your accounts.
Clear all your safety deposits boxes.
Disassemble and disconnect your computer
system before your move. Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider
taking all back up files disks with you in the car. Exposure to extreme
temperatures can damage your software.
Make final packing decisions. Clean and
clear your home including closets, basement and attics and the items that you
will take.
Dispose of items that represent a hazard
and are not allowed to be shipped.
Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are
non-toxic, non-flammable in plastic bags.
Drain your lawn mower, snow blower, power
tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.
Schedule appliance disconnection and
preparation with a service provider.
If you need to store anything call your van
line agent about storage options available.
Inform gas, electric, cable, and telephone
services of your move. Arrange to have them disconnected from your present home
the day after your scheduled moving day. Sign up for services at your new
address and connect them on your moving in day.
Have your automobile serviced if your
travel is by car.
1 Week before moving
Make sure to mark which items you’ll take
yourself, so the movers won’t take them or have any questions.
Make sure you haven’t overlooked anything
in the house.
Mark your boxes to be shipped with
“Fragile”, “Do Not Load”, “Load Last” stickers.
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator,
freezer and clean your stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them
air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.
Prepare items you will need while your
goods are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for
you and your family. Try to keep plans as flexible as possible in the event of
unexpected delay or schedule change.
Make sure your agent knows the address and
phone number your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number
of where you can be reached until you will get to your new home.
Arrange for payment to your van line agent.
Contact your van line agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted.
Inquire with your moving company or van
line agents about protecting your goods.
1 Day before moving day
Pack a box of things you’ll need as soon as
you arrive at your new home. (This might include non-aerosol cleaning supplies,
disposable plates and cups, light tools, snacks, bathroom items and trash
bags.)
Take this box with you or have the driver
load it last and unload first. This is usually the day packing is done.
Make sure all packing services have been
performed before you sign for them.
Defrost, thoroughly clean and dry
refrigerator.
Moving out day
Be on hand when the driver arrives and
throughout the loading process. (If you won’t be there, make sure someone will
be there to direct the movers. Make sure the driver has in writing the name and
phone number of that person.)
Accompany the driver during inventory.
Check on the condition of your goods as they are loaded.
Make a final tour of your home. See that
nothing is overlooked.
Sign the bill of lading and make sure your
new address and phone number are correct.
Lock all windows and doors, and turn off
all switches.
Moving in day
Arrive at your home a day ahead of time, if
possible, to make sure utilities are connected and to plan placement of major
items in your home.
Be on hand to pay the driver with cash,
traveler’s check, certified check or money order prior to your goods being
unloaded.
MOVING CHECKLIST
Get prepared for your next move with our
handy moving checklist! Using a simple timeline, this moving to-do list will
help you focus on specific areas of your moving and packing tasks to keep you
on track and ensure you’re ready come move day. Best of all, it’s broken down
into easy-to-follow sections so you can tackle the pre-move process piece by
piece as you work your way through the entire checklist.
A MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE
Reserve a moving company for your move as
soon as you know you are moving. If you need packing assistance
Start to clean out closets, the garage, and
attic.
Host a garage sale or donate your unwanted
things to charity.
Arrange to transfer school records.
Get change of address cards from your local
post office or change your address online.
Notify magazines, charge accounts,
insurance companies, clubs, and all other organizations of your change of
address.
ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
Make a “survival closet” of
things you will need for the final clean-up and include snacks for the last
day.
If you decide to pack yourself, label all
moving boxes as you pack. Write the destination room on the top and sides of
each moving box to ensure it gets to the right place in your new home. If
you’re pressed for time, or overwhelmed with packing
Schedule disconnects for utilities such as
gas, electric, water and the telephone. If you have a landline, do not
disconnect it until after your move. Arrange for refunds that are due, and
schedule connections for your new residence.
Cancel newspapers, Internet, cable TV,
security, pest control, cleaning help, lawn maintenance, and any other services
you receive.
THE WEEK OF THE MOVE
Mail in your change of address forms.
Clean the stove and finish up any last
minute cleaning before move day.
Finish up packing and be sure all items are
boxed and ready to go prior to the movers’ arrival.
Think about where your kids and pets will
be during the time of the move, and if necessary, plan for them to go to a
relative or friend’s house during that time.
Ensure you have transportation to your new
home for yourself, family, and pets.
THE DAY BEFORE THE MOVE
Ensure all breakables have been removed
from dresser drawers and packed away properly.
Gather firearms or ammunition to be moved
yourself, as these items cannot be transported
Clean the refrigerator, then defrost and
dry.
Get enough cash to tide you over. Cash
comes in handy if you need to order pizza during your move, or dinner in your
new place!
Say goodbye to your neighbors!
DAY OF THE MOVE
Create a safe path for the movers to
navigate by clearing your driveway of objects, snow, or ice.
Pack your suitcase and day of the move box
with all necessary essentials to get you through the next few days in case you
don’t get to unpacking right away.
Be sure you’re present when the movers
arrive so you can walk them through the home and indicate what you need moved
or anything in particular they should be aware of.
Once all belongings are loaded onto the
moving truck, be sure to do one more walkthrough and lock all windows and
outside doors, in addition to checking all lights and your thermostat are off
before heading to your new home.
Moving Checklist
You may not be able to move mountains, but
you can plan an organized move with a little help from this step-by-step
timeline.
Two Months Before
Sort and purge.
Go through every room of your house and
decide what you’d like to keep and what you can get rid of. Think about whether
any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.
Research.
Start investigating moving company options.
Do not rely on a quote over the phone; request an on-site estimate. Get an
estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S.
Department of Transportation) number on it.
Create a moving binder.
Use this binder to keep track of everything—all
your estimates, your receipts, and an inventory of all the items you’re moving.
Organize school records.
Go to your children’s school and arrange
for their records to be transferred to their new school district.
Six Weeks Before
Order supplies.
Order boxes and other supplies such as
tape, Bubble Wrap, and permanent markers. Don’t forget to order specialty
containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
Use it or lose it.
Start using up things that you don’t want
to move, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.
Take measurements.
Check room dimensions at your new home, if
possible, and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.
One Month Before
Choose your mover and confirm the
arrangements.
Select a company and get written
confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
Begin packing.
Start packing the things that you use most
infrequently, such as the waffle iron and croquet set. While packing, note
items of special value that might require additional insurance from your moving
company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per
pound, such as a computer.
Label.
Clearly label and number each box with its
contents and the room it’s destined for. This will help you to keep an
inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll
need right away.
Separate valuables.
Add items such as jewelry and important
files to a safe box that you’ll personally transport to your new home. Make
sure to put the mover’s estimate in this box. You’ll need it for reference on
moving day.
Do a change of address.
Go to your local post office and fill out a
change-of-address form, or do it online at usps.gov. But in case there are
stragglers, it’s always wise to ask a close neighbor to look out for mail after
you’ve moved. Check in with him or her two weeks after the move, and again two
weeks after that.
Notify important parties.
Alert the following of your move: banks,
brokerage firms, your employer’s human resources department, magazine and
newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.
Forward medical records.
Arrange for medical records to be sent to
any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them yourself. Ask for
referrals.
Two Weeks Before
Arrange to be off from work on moving day.
Notify your office that you plan to
supervise the move and therefore need the day off.
Tune up.
Take your car to a garage, and ask the
mechanic to consider what services might be needed if you’re moving to a new
climate.
Clean out your safe-deposit box.
If you’ll be changing banks, remove the
contents of your safe-deposit box and put them in the safe box that you’ll take
with you on moving day.
What you Need to Know Before Hiring a
Personal Injury Attorney
If you don’t hire the right personal injury
lawyer, you may lose out on a good settlement that covers the full cost of your
injuries. A good personal injury attorney won’t settle for what the insurance
company wants to offer. If the settlement offer isn’t fair, a good lawyer will
take the case to court. The best personal injury attorneys engage in thorough
discovery to build the best possible case.
Because of the nature of personal injury
cases, you need an attorney who ruthlessly negotiates with insurance companies.
Your attorney should not settle for an amount that is too small to cover all
your medical expenses, whether they are in the past, current, or ongoing. Your
attorney should also be well-versed in workers’ compensation law if your injury
was due to a workplace accident. Before you retain any lawyer, you should
evaluate the lawyer and the firm, because the outcome of the case could
determine the quality of your life in the future.
Types of Damages in Civil Lawsuits
If you go to trial, the court may award
monetary amounts corresponding to the injuries you suffered if proven that the
defendant is guilty of wrongful misconduct. Here are some of the significant
damages which can be awarded by the courts:
Nominal damages
– These awards are small monetary amounts
given to you if you suffered no substantial losses or injuries but experienced
an invasion of rights.
Compensatory damages
– The court will award you a fair amount to
cover your expenses and other losses due to the wrongful actions of the
defendant.
Punitive damages
– These damages aim to punish the defendant
due to grievous and unreasonable conducts rather than to compensate for your
injuries and losses.
Questions You Need To Ask Before Hiring An
Injury Lawyer
When you’ve been injured due to someone
else’s negligence, you can expect to face many difficult decisions in the days,
weeks, and months following your injury. Finding the right personal injury
lawyer to represent you after an accident can help you secure proper
compensation to cover the costs associated with your incident, including
medical treatment, lost wages, property damages, etc. It’s important to avoid
hiring an inexperienced personal injury attorney by asking the right questions.
So what questions should you ask a personal
injury lawyer? Here are the top 5 questions to ask before hiring a personal
injury attorney.
What Is Your Experience With My Specific
Legal Problem?
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, you
should first find out how much experience the attorney has handling your
specific type of case.
There are many law firms with a wide array
of legal cases, while others have specific specialties. If you have a serious
personal injury case, you may prefer to work with a law firm that has cases
like yours on a daily basis, because their experience can speed up your case as
they are up-to-date on the latest developments in your specific type of case.
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, you
should first find out how much experience the attorney has handling your
specific type of case. You should ask if you will win your case, and what kind
of compensation you can expect — keeping in mind that this is an estimate, as
personal injury cases are unpredictable.
How Are Your Fees Structured?
Many personal injury attorneys work on a
contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive an acceptable
settlement or win a judgment in court. The percentage your attorney will take
is typically between 25% – 40%, with 33% being standard. This is something you
should not be afraid to ask prior to hiring your attorney, and continue to ask
for clarification when needed, as changes in cases can bring higher or lower fees.
Have You Tried Any Personal Injury Cases
Like Mine In Court To A Jury Before? What Is Your Track Record Of Success?
While most people believe that personal
injury attorneys try cases in court on a regular basis, there is actually a
significant percentage of lawyers claiming to be personal injury trial lawyers
who, in actuality, have little to no jury trial experience.
This is important, because you’ll need an
experienced attorney who is prepared to present a compelling case in front of a
judge and a jury.
Do You Have Any Peer Reviews?
There are several organizations and sources
that rate attorneys based on what their peers say about them. This can provide
you with valuable insight into what a lawyer’s reputation is among his or her
peers. The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory has peer-review ratings of lawyers,
where potential clients can identify, evaluate and select the most appropriate
lawyer for their legal issue. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding
lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of
peer recognition and professional achievement. These resources can help take
the guesswork out of choosing an experienced lawyer to handle your case.
Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
Who at the firm will handle the different
aspects of your case? This is an important question to ask because some law
firms tend to advertise their senior partners as the ones who will represent
the potential clients, and then the clients never see or meet with the partners
again once the agreement is signed. Determining who will be your contact and
who you can expect to speak with when you have questions about your case will
help you understand what to expect.
Things You Need To Know When Hiring a
Personal Injury Lawyer
Finding a personal injury lawyer can seem
like a daunting task. You have
experienced a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you’re hurt and
suffering, and you don’t know which direction to turn for legal assistance with
your case. With so many possible
attorneys available to you, how will you know which is the right fit to handle
your case? When considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, take the following
advice into consideration.
Cost
People who experience a personal injury may
be reluctant to hire a personal injury attorney because they are unsure of the
cost. A good lawyer will always meet for
an initial consultation free of charge to discuss basic facts with you and give
a general opinion of your case. Most
personal injury cases are handled for a contingency fee, which means that you
don’t pay the attorney anything upfront, and a fee is determined to be paid
once your case is settled. This allows
you to hire a qualified attorney without having to pay in advance. It is
important that you understand the fee before you hire your attorney. Make sure
you ask about expenses as well.
You may be responsible for any expenses
incurred on behalf of your case that are not related to your lawyer’s
work.
Experience
Personal injury law is complex with many
specialized rules. If you have
experienced a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you will want a
lawyer who has experience in dealing with cases similar to yours. An experienced personal injury lawyer in
Austin will know how to investigate your case.
He or she knows what to look for, where to look and how it affects your
case. The lawyer also knows the laws
pertaining to personal injury in your state and how they are relevant to your
situation. Knowing how to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement is
critical to your case since 95% of personal injury cases are settled. However, it is important to hire an attorney
who is comfortable going to trial and has trial experience. If your attorney is afraid of the courtroom,
the insurance company may use that as an advantage to make a lowball settlement
offer that your inexperienced attorney may pressure you to take. Ask your lawyer about similar cases and how
they handled them. And understand there are no guarantees. If your attorney promises a win, find another
lawyer.
Specialization
Most lawyers specialize in one or two kinds
of law. It is imperative to your case
that you hire a lawyer that specializes in personal injury law. A lawyer that practices many fields of law
may have a wide range of knowledge, but he or she will be an expert at
nothing. You will put yourself and your
case at risk without an expert personal injury lawyer. For example, if you have
been injured by a slip and fall, look for an attorney that specializes in slip
and fall cases.
Reputation
An attorney who has a strong reputation
with insurance companies, lawyers and the court systems can benefit your
case. A good reputation puts everyone
involved at ease, giving you a better chance to get a quick and fair outcome.
During your initial consultation with a lawyer, ask how many cases similar to
yours have they won or settled successfully. This will give you an idea on the
attorney’s confidence on the outcome of your personal injury claim. Look at the
attorney’s discipline record to see if there have been any complaints filed
against them. You can do this by searching the attorney’s name under your local
state bar association’s website.
Initial consultations are usually free.
Many people don’t call a lawyer because
they believe it will cost too much. A good lawyer will be willing to discuss
the basic facts of your case and tell you whether he believes you have a case,
for free.
Beware of Ambulance Chasers
Ambulance chasing is illegal in most States
for good reason. If you were in an accident and get a call, letter or mailing
from a lawyer right afterward, beware. Check with friends and family about a
lawyer before you hire any lawyer.
You may have to pay back your insurance
companies.
The number one misunderstanding clients
have in personal injury cases is insurance. If you have health insurance, you
may have to pay them back for bills the health insurance company paid. Good
lawyers will work with you and your insurance companies to make sure you get
the most possible from your settlement.
An electrical circuit is a continuous loop.
Household circuits carry electricity from the main service panel, throughout
the house, and back to the main service panel. Several switches, receptacles,
light fixtures, or appliances may be connected to a single circuit.
Hot wires are black or red, and neutral
wires are white or light gray. For safety, all modern circuits include a bare
copper or green insulated grounding wire. The grounding wire conducts current
in the event of a ground fault and helps reduce the chance of severe electrical
shock.
The service panel also has a bonding wire
connected to a metal water pipe and a grounding wire connected to a metal
grounding rod, buried underground, or to another type of grounding electrode.
If a circuit carries too much current, it
can overload. A fuse or a circuit breaker protects each circuit in case of
overloads. Current returns to the service panel along a neutral circuit wire.
Current then leaves the house on a large neutral service wire that returns it
to the utility transformer.
Grounding and Polarization
Electricity always seeks to return to its
source and complete a continuous circuit. Contrary to popular belief,
electricity will take all available return paths to its source, not just the
path of lowest resistance.
The Electrician’s Guide to IET Wiring
Regulations
For more than 30 years, students and
practising electricians have relied to guide them through the complexities of
the Wiring Regulations. His Guide is a recognised brand and has consistently
been a bestseller with a 4/5 star review over the years. Unlike other
publications, it does not assume that readers are fully conversant with
electrical theory. It assumes just a basic knowledge and introduces technical
matter with brief easy-to-understand explanations.
This 4th Edition covers Amendment 3:2015,
regarded as ‘potentially life-saving’, which takes effect July 2015. Changes
such as in auxiliary circuits, earth fault loop impedances for protective
devices, surge protection and outdoor lighting are all covered in simple and
practical terms. Furthermore, up-to-date terminology has been introduced and
chapters organised to correspond to the Regs, making it easier to follow.
Most importantly, the Guide benefits from
the hands-on expertise provided by the co-author, whose credentials are
second-to-none. He has taught electrical installation in industry, in FE
establishments and in the private sector.
As in earlier editions, all useful relevant
details derived from other IET publications such as Guidance Notes, Wiring
Matters, which might otherwise be overlooked by electricians, are included.
The authors also understand that many
readers might be sole traders, and so they spell out the financial implications
and suggest money saving action wherever possible.
Electrician Qualifications: A Guide for
Beginners
But there’s a problem: you’ve been looking
at the various training courses that are available for budding electricians,
and each one seems to result in a different qualification. Now you’re wondering
which of those certificates and diplomas you actually need – which one will
mark you out as a qualified electrician and enable you to turn professional?
Thing is, the world of electrical work is a
rich tapestry, comprising lots of different tasks in lots of different places.
There are lots of different electrician qualifications because there are lots
of different electricians – some specialise in domestic installations, while
others work exclusively in commercial/industrial environments. Some make a
living from portable appliance testing (PAT), while others spend their days
designing and installing complex electrical systems.
Basic Electrician Qualifications
Let’s start with the qualifications that
are included on our Essential Electrician Course. This a great course for
beginners, consisting of three crucial electrical qualifications that just
about all electrical engineers are expected to hold:
Part P Domestic Installer – The Part P
qualification allows you to install, inspect, test and certify a broad range of
domestic electrical systems. Along with the 17th Edition certificate (see
below), Part P is widely recognised as the essential qualification for new electricians.
17th Edition Wiring Regulations – The
phrase ’17th Edition’ refers to the current Wiring Regulations to which
electricians must adhere. Gaining your 17th Edition certificate demonstrates
that you have a good understanding of the Regulations and how to comply with
them.
Building Regulations for Electrical
Installations in Dwellings – The Building Regulations are another important
piece of legislation for electricians. Obtaining this qualification
demonstrates that you understand the Building Regulations as applicable to
electrical installations in homes and dwellings.
Once you have earned the above
qualifications, you may wish to work towards obtaining additional
qualifications so as to set yourself apart from the competition and broaden the
range of jobs you’re capable of undertaking.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An
Electrician?
Electrician Hourly Rates & Costs
Electricians usually charge between $50 to
$100 per hour. Most homeowners pay a typical range between $161 and $522 for an
electrician to visit their home and complete electrical repairs. Both hourly
and project rates vary depending on the type of project, license and experience
of the service provider.
Frustrated by the lack of outlets when your
cell phone, laptop or pad starts to die? Want to install a dimmer, fix a light
or upgrade your home’s security? Old electrical systems often can’t keep up.
Because smart homes and personal electronics are becoming commonplace,
electricians are increasingly in demand to update and modernize the aging home.
Electrician Cost Per Hour and Guarantees
Licensed electricians can charge anywhere
from $50 to $100 an hour depending on experience level, license type and
complexity of the job. This does not include additional costs for parts or
minimum trip fees ($25 to $74). An apprentice electrician could charge less
than this for simple jobs.
It’s important to note that there are two
hourly rates when it comes to most electricians. There is a difference between
the rate the electrician gets paid and the rate the electrician will bill.
Travel, supplies and overhead are sometimes included in the hourly rate, though
some electricians provide a detailed line item bill with hourly rates separate
from all other costs. This guide references what a licensed electrician will
charge.
Most large companies don’t do small jobs
like fixing a light. Some electricians will do “side work”, or work
without the overhead of an electrical company. In these cases, you may be able
to find electricians working at a slightly lower rate than a professional shop
charges.
How to become an Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, repair,
test and commission electrical and electronic equipment and systems for
industrial, commercial and domestic purposes. Electricians may also work on
electrical transmission and distribution equipment.
Personal requirements for an Electrician
Enjoy mathematical and technical activities
Good hand-eye coordination
Good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal
colour vision
Logical thinking and diagnostic ability
Aptitude for mechanics and electronics
Able to do precise and detailed work
Able to work independently or as part of a
team
Able to cope with the physical demands of
the job
Good communication skills
Education & Training for an Electrician
To become an electrician you usually have
to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but
employers generally require Year 10 and some may prefer Year 12.
Additional information
After completing your apprenticeship or
traineeship, you will need to apply for a licence to perform electrical work
from the relevant government department or authority in your state or
territory.
A Seller’s Guide to Navigating the Home
Inspection
In Every Inspection, There Are Stakes for
Buyers and Sellers
Once the buyer has made, and you’ve
accepted, the offer, your home will get the once-over from the buyer’s home
inspector. The inspection is usually a contingency of the offer, meaning the
buyer can back out based on serious problems discovered. The lender also
expects an inspection to make sure it’s making a good investment. Makes sense,
right?
Your agent will work with you to negotiate
those requests. Don’t want to be responsible for a repair? (Maybe it’s best if
the buyer has the fix made by their own contractor anyway.) Your agent may be
able to negotiate a price credit with the buyer instead.
By the way, inspections aren’t necessarily
a big, scary deal. Your agent will help advise you about repairs you need to
make before the inspection. In fact, she may have made those recommendations to
you even before you put the home on the market. And if you’ve been maintaining
your home all along (and you have, right?), your punch list may be minimal.
In addition, back when you put the home on
the market, you were required to disclose to buyers the home’s “material
defects” — anything you know about the home that can either have a significant
impact on the market value of the property or impair the safety of the house
for occupants. Material defects tend to be big underlying problems, like
foundation cracks, roof leaks, basement flooding, or termite infestation.
What a Home Inspection Covers Depends on
the Home
Every home is different, so which items are
checked during your property’s inspection may vary. But home inspectors
typically look at the following areas during a basic inspection:
Plumbing systems
Electrical systems
Kitchen appliances
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
(HVAC) equipment
The home inspection is one of the most
important parts of the home-buying process. And it’s something homebuyers —
especially first-time buyers — should take seriously. Avoiding mistakes in this
process could help you save money (sometimes a lot of money) down the road.
When putting an offer on a house, you
should be sure to include an inspection as a condition of the sale. Once the
offer is accepted, you’ll want to hire a professional, qualified home inspector
to go through a thorough home inspection checklist. This guide will help you
make every bit of the inspection count.
Research the inspector.
Your realtor or real estate agent should be
able to recommend reputable house inspectors. But you still need to do your own
research to ensure you find an honest, reliable and experienced inspector.
Ask them questions about their background
and length/type of experience. You should also check their credentials and
understand what certifications your state requires for qualified inspectors.
There are also two national organizations that require inspectors to adhere to
ethics and professional standards in order to belong: the National Association
of Home Inspectors
Show up to the house inspection.
Don’t just let your real estate agent
handle the inspection process. Witness everything your inspector has to say firsthand
during the walk-through. Plan for the inspection to take several hours — this
is not something that you want to rush. Feel free to bring along a friend or
family member for another set of eyes and ears.
Home Inspections
Home inspections are a critical part of the
home buying and selling process. Failure to obtain a home inspection could
potentially cost you a great deal of money and hassles in the long run. Uncover
valuable tips on the importance of a home inspection and helpful links to a
variety of professional home inspection organizations, plus useful information
available to you from the National Association.
Questions to Ask a Home Inspector
Do you belong to a professional
association?
Will your report meet all state
requirements?
How experienced are you?
How do you keep your expertise up to date?
Do you focus on residential inspection?
Do you offer to do repairs or improvements?
How long will the inspection take?
How much?
Will I be able to attend the inspection?
Do you belong to a professional
association?
There are many associations for home
inspectors, but some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications
in return for nothing more than a fee. Make sure the association your home
inspector names is a reputable, nonprofit trade organization
Will your report meet all state
requirements?
Also, make sure the organization complies
with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as those
adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association
of Home Inspectors.
How experienced are you?
Ask inspectors how long they’ve been
working in the field and how many inspections they’ve completed. Also ask for
customer referrals. New inspectors may be highly qualified, but they should
describe their training and indicate whether they work with a more experienced
partner.
How do you keep your expertise up to date?
Inspectors’ commitment to continuing
training is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced
knowledge is especially important with older homes or those with unique
elements requiring additional or updated training.
What Buyers Should Ask After a Home
Inspection
After an inspector has finished a home
report, buyers may feel overwhelmed by any flaws that might have been found.
That’s why it’s important they take the opportunity to learn more so that they
can move forward confidently in the transaction.
recommends home buyers ask their inspector
clarifying questions like: “I don’t understand this; what does it mean?” or “Is
this a major or minor problem?” and “Do I need to call in another expert for a
follow-up?”
Home inspectors are bound to uncover
something in a home; no home is perfect. But the majority of the problems they
uncover will likely be minor. Have the home inspector clarify which problems
fall within the “minor” or “major” categories.
If the inspector identifies a potentially
major problem, consumers will want to follow up whether they should call an
additional expert in to investigate further. For example, consumers may need to
bring in an electrician to take a closer look at potential electrical issues
that were flagged or a roofer if a roofing problem is suspected. Those
specialists can then give an idea of the cost to fix it, which the real estate
agent can take to the seller to request a concession, if the seller doesn’t
want to fix it prior to the sale.
How to Handle Home Inspection Hurdles
Brought on By Coronavirus
As coronavirus complicates the real estate
business in many ways, home inspections are one step that may be putting a
monkey wrench in your transactions.
Here’s the trouble: Sellers are naturally
uncertain about allowing anyone — inspectors included — inside their homes.
Furthermore, stay-at-home orders can make it difficult, if not impossible, to
meet contractual obligations related to home inspections and repairs on a
certain timeline. And the choice to ignore these orders can result in fines,
delays, stressed-out clients, and more.
The landscape is rapidly changing with coronavirus,
and one thing that’s for sure is that nearly everyone must adapt. This includes
how to approach home inspections, especially since they are traditionally the
most common contract contingency. In this article, we ask three experienced
agents to give tips on how to handle home inspections during coronavirus, in a
way that benefits everyone involved.
Get familiar with local ordinances related
to coronavirus
The first consideration is awareness of
your specific state’s stay-at-home-order (or lack thereof). These orders
constantly change from day-to-day. Real estate is an essential business in some
states but not in others. It becomes more complex when some metro areas
consider real estate essential but other metros in the same state do not.
Furthermore, each state’s government
website has information regarding essential businesses. You might find this in
the form of a press release or a set of listed criteria. It differs from state
to state.
How to Build a Culture of Accountability in
the Workplace
Creating accountability in the workplace is
one of the hot topics in today’s business world. But, do you know what it
means? How it works? Or, why you need it in your business?
What is a “Culture of Accountability?”
A culture of accountability is a work
environment where people demonstrate a high level of ownership to think,
respond, and proceed in a manner necessary to reach business goals. Accountability
in business is directly related to higher performance.
Why Should Your Company Have a Culture of
Accountability?
In many companies, employees are working
across time zones and different departments to achieve their business goals.
Creating a culture of accountability in the workplace is a multi-dimensional
and multi-layered issue in this fast-paced business world.
Building an accountability culture makes a
powerful impact on your business goals and success. Accountability helps you
ensure that your employees show up for shifts, know what their roles are, and
meet deadlines. This structure makes every employee responsible for fulfilling
their duties and automatically makes a positive impact on business growth.
How Can You Build a Culture of
Accountability?
Building a culture of accountability in
your business isn’t easy. It takes time and hard work to plan and implement. It
also involves dedication to maintain. However, it’s the best way to ensure
business success and boost employee morale and is part of maintaining a
workplace that is transparent.
Understanding the meaning of “being held
accountable” is the initial step in creating a culture of accountability for
the company to reach desired business targets. It’s never too late to create a
culture of accountability and empower the workforce, allowing your employees to
perform better.
All it takes is an effective strategy. Here
are 5 simple tips that will help you create accountability in your workplace.
Define the Responsibilities of Employees
First and foremost, you need to clearly
define and delegate tasks to every employee so they fully understand what they
are responsible for. Your staff needs defined expectations to achieve their
targets. Whether it’s evergreen responsibilities, which support the mission and
values of the company, or short-term or quarterly goals everything should be
laid out very clearly to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.
Set Your Business Goals
Once the staff has gone through employee
onboarding and understands what they are responsible for, employers should help
them set individualized and measurable goals that come under their job role.
Make metrics to help the employees know if they’re fulfilling their business
goals.
Deliver Progress Updates
To achieve your desired goals, employees
need feedback to stay motivated. This feedback can come from customer surveys,
key listening posts with critical stakeholders, and ongoing project updates, or
a combination of all these points. However, the most effective feedback a team
member can get is from a manager.
When providing progress updates to
employees, managers should have updated and correct data to show employees how
their progress is making an impact.
Align Development, Learning, and Growth
Whether as a part of an ongoing development
process or through frequent conversations between employees and managers,
businesses must offer opportunities for their staff to learn, improve, and
grow. Companies that focus on staff development to help their employees address
the barriers that prevent them from reaching their business goals while
learning and growing in their roles constantly.
Acknowledge and celebrate Progress
Praising your employees for a job well done
is the best way to motivate them to do well. Your top employees need to know
that their efforts are acknowledged and valued. So, identify, celebrate, and
learn from your employees’ successes. It will motivate your employees to
stretch and design responsibility role model for other staff members to follow.
A strong work culture not only inspires employees
to perform better but also encourages clients to spread the word about your
company. Building a culture of accountability isn’t always easy. But, strategic
and careful planning can definitely help you in developing one that
differentiates you from your competitors.
A culture of accountability makes it easier
for employees to be responsible for their job roles. It also boosts your
employees’ morale to go the extra mile as they identify their personal growth
and are receiving regular appreciation for their work. So, shape a work culture
that can help you promote employee responsibility and your business growth.
Normalize and Prioritize Feedback
When you start by holding yourself
accountable, many employees will follow your lead; however, you will still need
to be explicit about your expectations and coach your employees along the way.
In a workplace that values accountability, everyone on the team has to be
willing to give and get input, provide and receive constructive criticism, and
express and accept praise.
In a culture of accountability, regular
feedback should be a normal and comfortable part of your working relationships.
If your team hears from you often about their performance on a consistent
basis, they’re far more likely to be receptive to feedback, even if it’s tough
to hear. Nobody respects a boss who only shows up to criticize or discipline
them if they’ve done something wrong.
So if you want your team to put forth their
best effort, take responsibility, and truly own their job, you have to be
willing to have difficult conversations and create a safe space to talk about
almost anything. Otherwise, you can expect some employees to pass the buck,
blame leadership, or even lie when things hit the fan. The goal is to open a
productive dialogue that encourages accountability.
To promote accountability in the workplace,
you’ll need to build self-confidence among your employees. If employees aren’t
reaching milestones or meeting expectations related to stated goals and
objectives, have a plan in place to address their performance issues. If
something isn’t working for employees, be willing to hear and address their
concerns. And always create opportunities to celebrate success.
Give employees clear roles in driving Key
Results
A lack of ownership is surprisingly
prevalent in large organizations. In fact, 81 percent of the Workplace
Accountability Survey respondents cited an inability the follow through on
commitments as the biggest challenge they experienced with co-workers.
The problem often comes down to employees
feeling their positions don’t contribute to the company’s overall success,
which leads them to disengage from work. They begin to skirt their
responsibilities, letting others pick up the slack and detracting from what could
be a high-performing company culture.
When there are gaps between what an
employee does each day and the results the company must achieve, it’s time to
reevaluate expectations to better align actions and results. Motivate employees
to complete their tasks by ensuring all team members understand how their
individual contributions directly impact the achievement of Key Results.
Without micromanaging, connect expectations
to those Key Results and make a point of recognizing when employees positively
impact companywide goals. Doing so builds a team of focused and engaged
employees who are successfully pulling their weight.
Achieve Results, Rather Than Do the Job
How many times have you heard a leader in
real life or fiction demand: “I don’t care how you do it. Just get it done!”
Many times, organization charts and job descriptions push people into boxes.
They give people the idea that they are getting paid and using their skills to
perform a defined function or set of tasks. This task-oriented mindset leads
people to believe that if they perform their functions they’ve done what
they’re supposed to do, whether or not the result was achieved.
Effective leaders operate on the premise
that their people must focus on achieving results. They lead people beyond the
boundaries of their jobs and inspire them to pursue results by creating an
environment that motivates them to ask, “What else can I do?” over and over
until the results are achieved. They manage their people so that their “job” is
to achieve results. Each person’s daily activities must be in alignment with
the targeted results.
Get the most from vet visits: what questions
to ask and how
Ever get home from a vet visit and realize
you aren’t really sure when to start that medication or what exactly the next
step is for your pet’s treatment? Happens all the time. Here’s how to get the
information you need.
When I worked as a veterinary technician
many years ago, pet parents asked questions all the time, but rarely to the
veterinarian. Folks often acted embarrassed, or waited to telephone from home
hours or days after the appointment. Perhaps they felt intimidated by the
doctor or feared their questions were dumb. Maybe the busy schedule of the
clinic offered little opportunity to ask.
Whatever the reason might be, remember that
there are no stupid questions when it comes to your beloved cat and dog. As
your pet’s top advocate, it’s up to you to arm yourself with expert advice and
information to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips to be fear
free when asking your vet questions.
Why You Should Ask Your Vet
My career as a veterinary technician began
long before “Dr. Google” or “Alexa” answers. Today, some pet parents rely too
much on the Internet to answer questions or only seek the opinions of friends.
Even though I am not a vet, I often am asked pet health or care questions.
Here’s what I say when ask about pet health or care concerns.
While some online resources like vet
schools are terrific, they can offer only very general information and nothing
specific about your pets. Your veterinarian has personally examined your dog
and cat, possibly run additional tests, knows what treatments have already been
tried, and has the most specific and detailed information available.
When To Ask Your Vet
The veterinarian may have a busy schedule,
so plan ahead for your questions. The best time to ask questions is at the
beginning of the exam. Ask follow-up questions at the end of the visit before
the doctor leaves the room.
If you’ve researched from the Internet or
friends, you may think you know what’s needed, but ask anyway. Your pet is
unique and could have very different needs than Aunt Freda’s dog’s. Once the
doctor has examined your pet and explained any treatment, be sure to ask for
any necessary clarification before you leave the clinic.
How To Ask Your Vet
Very often it’s not what you ask, but how
you ask that gets the most out of your veterinary visit. The staff may become
frustrated by pet parents who base questions solely on “Dr. Google” research
that may not be applicable or that could be dangerously wrong.
That said, veterinarians want pet parents
to be invested in caring for their cats and dogs. Recognize that the doctor and
many of the staff studied for many years to attain the expertise to offer
medical advice and care. You know when something’s “off” about your pet—but the
vet has the tools and ability to figure out the cause and what to do about it.
Preparing for your visit
Preparation before your first visit to the
veterinarian can make all the difference. While you may be taking mental notes
before your visit, writing down any questions or concerns you may have is a
great way to make sure you don’t forget anything.
In these notes, be specific. Write down
specific food and treat brands you are feeding your pet, along with the
quantities – because telling your veterinarian that you feed your pup a
“handful” of dog food doesn’t tell very much!
If this visit goes beyond a routine
checkup, write down all symptoms you notice in your pet and any medication your
pet may be taking. Takes notes on your pet’s water drinking habits, appetite,
energy level, or any behavior that may be unusual.
If you have a pet going to the veterinarian
for the first time, contact them ahead of time to determine if you will need to
bring in a stool sample for a fecal exam.
Dog and Cat Questions to Ask the Vet
For your first vet visit, it’s important to
have questions prepared to ask before the big day. Not only is this extremely
helpful to you and your pup but it will give you the most out of your visit.
Vets are very busy and have several patients so they won’t always have the
answers you anticipate. Don’t be afraid to write these questions down, as your
vet is a valuable resource to your pet’s health and to your peace of mind. Here
are some helpful questions to prepare:
Is my pet a healthy weight?
Are they eating the right food
and getting proper nutrition?
Are they sleeping too much or
too little?
What resources are available at
this vet clinic? (ex. X-rays, labs, etc.)
Are there any common parasites
or pests in the area? How can I prevent them?
Is pet insurance worth it and
if so, who do you recommend?
Do you have any grooming
recommendations for my cat or dog?
Are there any vaccinations my
pet needs?
Where are the nearby emergency
services for off-hours or holidays?
What do you recommend for flea
and tick prevention?
Is spaying/neutering right for
my pet?
How is my pet’s dental health?
Any pet food label questions
such as how to read them, what to look for, etc.
The first vet visit is a pivotal experience
for new pets and owners. It’s important to be prepared in advance and to create
a cool and relaxing situation for you and your pet. Hopefully, these questions
and tips help you and your dog or cat make the most of your first vet visit.
Then I came home and realized how many
things I forgot to ask or mention.
You can do that only so many times before
you realize that perhaps you should get better prepared. I started making notes
beforehand, making lists, tracking symptoms. Today, I would not go unprepared.
The more you have your sh*t together, the better value you get out of the
visit.
How to prepare when visiting your regular
veterinarian
Make a list of all your concerns. If you
have the time, start a day or two beforehand; you’d be surprised how many times
you’ll go back to add things. I put down everything that is bothering me,
however trivial it might seem. You never know what’s important and what is not.
Your list should include
all symptoms and signs you
observed
when it all started or how it
all happened
how often does it happen and
how long it lasts
when it usually happens
(daytime, nighttime, after exercise …)
If the symptom is intermittent, bring
evidence
Many times your dog might be limping,
showing other signs of pain and act perfectly fine when at the vet’s office.
It’s not unusual. As the adrenaline gets going it can mask many symptoms. Other
things just happen only from time to time. If you can, videotape the concerning
behavior. It is much easier to show than trying to explain or re-enact.
If your dog has diarrhea or vomits, bring a
sample. Bring a urine sample. Ideally, you want first-morning pee but you also
want the sample to be fresh. Come clean to your vet when you collected your
samples and how and how you stored them.
If symptoms are chronic, chart them
With an ongoing issue, I like to keep a
visual chart. I include the symptom(s) in question as well as other details and
things that I figure might influence what’s happening. Jasmine’s chart got
quite elaborate. You can keep a diary too but I find that a visual chart allows
seeing any progress, decline or correlations in a glance. It is much easier to
glean some information that way.
Scorpions belong to the class Arachnida,
the same class as mites, spiders, and ticks. These nocturnal predators have
four pairs of legs, a single pair of pincers, and long, segmented tails that
curve over their bodies and end with a sharp stinger. Scorpions use their
powerful pincers and stingers to capture prey, injecting a potent venom and
paralyzing it. They have poor vision and rely on touch and vibrations to hunt.
Female scorpions produce live young that they will carry on their back for up
to 15 days.
Are scorpions dangerous?
Scorpion stings are excruciating and, like
bee stings, can cause localized swelling and an intense burning sensation. The
venom they produce is potent enough to trigger allergic reactions and sometimes
even life-threatening anaphylaxis. In the United States, the bark scorpion has
venom that is strong enough to be potentially fatal.
Why do I have a scorpion problem?
Scorpions are nocturnal and like to hide in
dark, secluded spots during the day. Unfortunately, most residential properties
have places they can hide such as trees, woodpiles, rocks, and logs. They are
also great climbers and like to scale walls or any rough surface they come
across. Properties with a lot of insect activity are desirable to scorpions.
Like any pest, scorpions make themselves at home anywhere there is easy access
to food and often find their way into homes, garages, and other structures
while foraging for food.
Where will I find scorpions?
Outdoors, scorpions hide in dark, damp, and
secluded areas where they will wait for their prey (insects, small rodents,
spiders, and lizards) to come by so that they can subdue them. Scorpions that
move inside chose to hide in places that mimic their outdoor environment;
basements, bathrooms, closets, crawlspaces, and laundry rooms are their top
choices.
How can I prevent scorpions in the future?
In addition to our professional services,
the following prevention tips will help you to prevent problems with scorpions
in your home or business:
Use dehumidifiers in the basement,
ventilate crawlspaces, and fix leaky pipes to reduce moisture levels indoors.
Seal cracks in the foundation and exterior
walls of your home or business.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Wipe excess moisture our of sinks and
bathtubs.
Create a barrier of crushed rock or stone
between your property and any mulch, soil, or grass.
Remove piles of leaves, fallen trees or
tree limbs, excess woodpiles, and other organic debris from your property where
scorpions can hide.
Scorpions – a hard-to-kill stinger
Scorpions are nuisance pests known to sting
as a defense mechanism or as a way to kill prey. A handful of species like the
bark scorpion, which is found in your region, possess more dangerous venom,
which can be fatal to humans.
Scorpions are becoming a prevalent pest,
especially in the southwest United States, which appears to be the result of
the increasing urban encroachment into the scorpions’ natural habitat.
Scorpions are predatory and will enter homes in search of harborage and food
such as crickets and roaches. There are over 70 species in the United States,
but less than 10 species are considered urban pests.
Scorpions are related to spiders as they
have just two body segments; an abdomen and a cephalothorax (combined head and
thorax). The abdomen terminates in a tail containing a stinger, while the
cephalothorax has two chelicerae to chew prey and two pedipalps (pincers) to
grasp prey. Young scorpions begin life as first instar nymphs, which crawl to
the mother’s back and remain there 7-30 days until the first molt.
The species of urban importance are the
desert harry scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis); Devil’s scorpions (Vejovis spp.);
and the bark, common striped, and margarite scorpions (Centruroides sp ). Most
stings from scorpions cause short-term pain, swelling or slight discoloration,
but allergic reactions can be more severe. The most dangerous species in the
United States is the bark scorpion, whose neurotoxic venom can cause
hyperactivity, anxiety, numbness radiating from the point of envenomization,
respiratory distress, dizziness, and death within two to 24 hours after the
time of stinging. Morphine should not be administered, since it will synergize
the effects of the venom. Antivenom is effective if administered within two
hours after stinging.
The following five-step approach should be
followed when addressing a scorpion problem.
Inspection // Check for harborages both
indoors and outdoors. Scorpions will reside under debris such as wood piles and
rocks during the day. Place sticky traps along walls inside suspected areas.
Check under boxes, furniture and carpets, as well as attics, vents and light
voids in ceilings. At night when scorpions are active, scorpions can be
observed with an ultraviolet light as they will fluoresce.
Elimination of Harborage // Remove wood
piles, landscape timbers, and rocks near the structure. Inside, where scorpions
have been seen, move boxes and other objects that may serve as refuges off the
ground.
Exclusion // Ensure that door thresholds
are tight. Windows should have tight-fitting screens. If the weep screed is
open, be sure that the screen is in good order. Frames, vents, utility pipe
entrances, fascia boards should be sound and caulked, if necessary.
Food/Prey Reduction // Establish an 18-inch
grass-free perimeter band around the structure. Use a perimeter pesticide
application to eliminate insect prey.
Pesticide application // If scorpions are
inside the structure, applications should be made behind appliances, along
walls, in wall and ceiling voids housing lights and vents, attic areas, and
crawl spaces.
SCORPIONS
Scorpions are often feared for their
painful and poisonous stings. They’re typically not aggressive, but will attack
if they are accidentally touched or feel threatened. Learn where scorpions
live, how to help keep scorpions away, and get tips to help protect your family
from these stinging creatures.
Scorpions are most active at night.
While many people think of scorpions as
desert dwellers, these creatures are equipped with incredible survival skills
that enable them to live in a variety of environments. In fact, scorpions are
found on every continent in the world
Scorpions must have water to live, but can
survive for months without food.
Similar to other arachnids like spiders,
scorpions have two body regions and eight legs
WHAT SCORPIONS EAT
Scorpions eat other small creatures,
including spiders, crickets, centipedes, and caterpillar
WHERE SCORPIONS LIVE
Scorpions can be found under rocks,
woodpiles, or other debris.
Indoors, they are often found hiding in
dark, secluded areas
WHAT ATTRACTS SCORPIONS
Scorpions enter your home looking for food,
as well as a secluded or quiet place to hide and escape the heat
Help get rid of Scorpions – have dogs
First, I don’t want to sound mean to the
other posters but I have a great deal of experience with scorpions… scorpions
do not have eggs, they give live-birth to as many as 32 young and mom carries
them on her back for a week or two afterwards till they are big enough to get
along on their own
And they don’t come up drains or come in
your house looking for food. They have plenty of food outside. They are coming
in seeking comfortable temps and WATER. They are HIGHLY attracted to water
which is why peaple often find them in their sinks
Filling your sinks at night will probably
only attract more. Getting rid of them takes time, even with a professional
exterminating service. They can live as long as seven years and are very hardy!
Dusting your attic with diatomatious earth helps. Sealing all the cracks in
your house, including those around light fixtures, light switches, baseboards,
etc. also helps
use Cy-Kick, I only spray it on the outside
of the house. In fact I dont use anything on the inside of my house. I have
block perimeter walls so I spray all along the bottom block of the walls. I aim
slightly up from the ground line so I also get 4 or 5 inches of the ground.
On the pillars I spray all the way up where
the wall connects in and I spray the wall on both sides of the pillar up and
out two blocks. For these walls I had noticed they were normally in those areas
so that’s where I spray. On the house I do the same thing at the base and never
go up more then a foot from the ground, then I go back and spray the eaves
Scorpion Identification & Prevention
What are scorpions?
Scorpions are a type of stinging pest. They
use their stinger located at the end of their segmented, curved tail to inject
venom into their prey. Scorpions are a type of arachnid and are related to
spiders, ticks, and mites. These arachnids have four pairs of legs that end in
claws and a pair of large pincers they use to hunt and hold onto their prey.
Despite being excellent hunters, scorpions have poor vision. To hunt, they
depend on their sense of touch and vibrations.
Are scorpions dangerous?
Scorpions are a pest you need to avoid and
one that you should never handle. Some species of scorpions have venom that is
life-threatening to people. However, most healthy adults will not have a
life-threatening reaction to a scorpion sting. The venom that most scorpions
deliver is as potent as bee or wasp venom, and in some – especially children –
the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, the venom could
trigger a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
When you first spot scorpions on your property, contact a professional to get
rid of them safely.
Why do I have a scorpion problem?
Scorpions live together in groups and
become a problem on any property that offers them plenty of food. Scorpions
feed on a wide variety of creatures, including insects, spiders, mice, and
small lizards. Once in your yard, they are likely to find their way into your
home, usually while hunting. They move inside through spaces under doors,
around windows, torn screens, or spaces in exterior walls.
Where will I find scorpions?
Scorpions are nocturnal and like to hide in
dark, cool places during the day. Common hiding spots for scorpions include
under rocks, logs, fallen trees, woodpiles, and mulch in gardens. Most
scorpions are very good at climbing, and you’ll see them hanging out on trees
or the exterior or interior walls of buildings. Those that have moved indoors
usually choose damp, cool places to live like basements, crawlspaces,
bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
How can I prevent scorpions in the future?
Prevent problems with scorpions the easy
way by partnering with Pest Control! It is also important to implement the
following prevention tips to avoid problems with scorpions:
Use caulk to repair openings in the
foundation and exterior walls of your home.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Repair any loose door or window screens.
Replace loose siding or shingles.
Install screens over any vents entering
your house.
Seal up spaces around wires and other
utilities entering your home.
Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and
debris from your yard.
Remove areas of standing water in or around
your home.
Another question, referenced above, is how
long your car is likely to keep running with the proper maintenance. If you do
make the repairs in question, how many months can you expect to go before more
major repairs are needed? It can be hard to tell, but, again, having an honest
conversation with a trustworthy mechanic can help.
For instance, though, say you have some
necessary work done on your vehicle for $1,500. Your mechanic thinks another
$500 problem will need attention in a couple of months. That’s $2,000 in a
short amount of time. But if that amount of maintenance will keep your car
running well for a year, it may still be worth the money over the long haul.
One way to get a feel for the answer to this
question is to figure out your car’s average life span. How many miles are
other drivers getting out of the vehicle before it breaks down for good? One
way to find out is to check out Consumer Reports’ car reliability guides. They
can give you an idea of how many miles your vehicle is likely to last. If
you’re getting close to that mark, it may be time to part with your car.
Engine Replacement Warning Signs
There is a fine line when it comes to cost
when an engine rebuild isn’t the best repair plan for your vehicle. Engine
replacement is many times a less costly option than completely rebuilding a
heavily damaged engine. Here are 3 blow engine signs to help you make a
decision or trust the advice of your repair mechanic.
1. CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE
Clearly this is one of the easiest signs
that your engine is blown. If there’s a massive puddle of your engine’s oil
with chunks of your engine in it, you’ve got a problem. If your vehicle stopped
suddenly and there’s pieces of your engine in a pool of oil on the road, you’re
going to need to replace your engine.
2. ENGINE STOPS SUDDENLY & LOUDLY
If you hear a loud noise and your engine
suddenly stops you have likely seized it. This happens if the oil has ran out
or you have likely overheated. Excessive heat can melt your cylinder walls and
pistons which can fuse them together. Once the engine fuses together
replacement is the only option.
3. NEGLECTING ENGINE MAINTENANCE &
REPAIRS
Some engine problems are ones that drivers
choose to ignore. If you’re check engine light has been on for months or even
years or you’ve been ignoring a rough running engine damage has probably
progressed. If the damage is severe enough an engine rebuild may be more costly
than simply replacing the engine.
Engine Replacement Cost Factors
Some of the other factors that should be
taken into account are discussed below, but you should start by deciding what
type of engine you need and how to define one. For starters do you need an
entire engine replacement, or would you be ok with just replacing the short or
long block itself? Another factor is if a new engine is needed, or would a used
engine be fine and if you are installing a used engine how many miles are too
many and what condition should the engine be in. If cost is a determining
factor you should expect to pay a newer engine, but a rebuilt engine can
perform just as well as a new engine if done properly. An additional factor is
whether the engine will be imported from Asia or Europe instead of using a
domestic engine. The final cost factor will be labor for instance if you are
having a friend install the engine after work or if you are taking it to a
repair shop for an emergency replacement.
Long Versus Short Block Engine
The main difference between a long or short
block version of an engine is the components that are actually included with
the engine. A short block engine is an engine that comes with only the lower
section included, or in other words, the engine without the cylinder heads or
head gasket attached. Short blocks include the engine block, crankshaft,
connecting rods, pistons, bearings and oil pan.
On the other hand, a long block engine is
more of a complete bolt-in replacement option as it includes the cylinder
head(s), camshafts (if applicable), valves, valve springs and most importantly,
a brand-new head gasket. The head gasket’s primary function is to separate the
engine coolant from the engine oil. Head gasket failure is the #1 reason why
engines eventually get replaced. The reason they fail is because of
overheating. The expansion rate of the cylinder head and engine block are not
the same, and as the engine temps increase, the natural tendency of that
expansion slightly warps the cylinder head allowing coolant and oil to mix,
which can lead to catastrophicengine failure.
The cost you pay for any replacement engine
will directly depend on the year, make and model of your vehicle. Naturally, a
long block engine will always cost more than its short block counterpart, but
saves headaches and hassles with removing and re-using parts off of your old
engine.
Pros And Cons Of Putting A New Engine In A
Classic Car
There are many advantages as well as
disadvantages to replacing the engine in your classic car. When it comes down
to it, it all depends on you as the owner of the classic car and what your
personal preferences are since you are the one who is driving it.
The first advantage of adding a new engine
to your classic car is that it will usually give you more power. Older engines
tend to keep you going slower than 60 miles per hour which, for a classic car
enthusiast, can be a little painful. New engines give you the freedom to ride
around the neighborhood and show off your ride or ride it down the highway to
the next town over.
The second biggest advantage is that you’ll
have less maintenance and more reliability. Older engines have a tendency to
leak, overheat, and just straight up break down during the worst times because
they are, well, old. Having that new engine will give you the peace of mind
that your classic ride will take you from A to B without problems.
The disadvantage of putting a new engine in
your classic is that you take out a huge part of it’s originality. Many argue
that all parts of a classic car should be preserved at all costs, even if that
means a little discomfort for the driver. The engine is kind of the heart and
soul of a classic car, so you’d basically be giving it a heart transplant by
replacing the engine.
The other disadvantage may be that
replacing the engine may require you to replace other parts in the engine bay,
too, simply because other parts may not be compatible with the technology of a
new engine. It can get a bit pricey after adding up all the replacement parts
you’ll need to get.
