Divorce And Family Law Attorney For Unique Families

Questions to Ask Your Family Attorney During a Consultation

If you find yourself embroiled in a family dispute, you should consider seeking legal counsel from an established family attorney. 

A family attorney can assist with dealing in matters of divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, restraining orders, spousal support, premarital agreements, wills and trusts, and estate planning. No matter what the legal issue may be, it’s crucial to have the right representation when you need it the most.

Before making the choice to hire a family law attorney, it’s important to conduct an interview so you may thoroughly ensure your goals for the case will be met.

The Top Questions to Ask Your Family Attorney

Because lawyers often provide a free or low-cost consultation to discuss case details and possible avenues to pursue, you should take that opportunity to ask several questions. They will help you determine not only the merit of your case, but whether that attorney may be the right one for you.

While your questions may vary depending on the type of situation you need assistance with, here are the top  questions to ask your family attorney during a consultation:

What is your level of experience?

Depending on your circumstances, you may prefer to have a veteran attorney on your side. At the same time, you want to make sure your attorney is well-versed in the law when it concerns family affairs. 

Find out too whether the attorney has dealt more in one type of case over another, what their track record is, and how often their cases wound up settling outside of court instead. Most importantly, make sure this attorney is not only compatible with defending your case, but also bringing something unique to it.

What type of cases do you usually handle and who is your typical client?

Relating somewhat to the first question, you will want to know if your attorney will be right for the job. For example, if your case is for an adoption, you might want to reconsider if your attorney deals primarily with estate planning. 

It’s also important to find out who their typical client is, because if that attorney deals primarily with corporate clients or clients far beyond your financial means, they may not be used to handling a client like you or your best interests.

What are my options?

Another question to ask the attorneys you meet with that is related to the first one is what your options are. You should now know how the attorney or firm prefer to manage custody cases, but you should also find out if they’re giving you the whole picture.

While this might be something you will want to ask every attorney you meet with, you may want to dig a little more into this specifically with any attorney that seems overly zealous to get you into litigation.

Am I being reasonable?

Divorce is a time of extreme emotional strain. When children are involved it’s that much more amplified.

When emotions run high it sometimes clouds judgment. What you may feel is extremely reasonable in regards to your assumptions of how much parenting time you will have compared to your ex-spouse, attorneys may not agree.

I think the most important questions for a parent to ask a divorce attorney at the very beginning of a litigation is whether the attorney thinks that parent’s idea for a custody/parenting time arrangement is fair or not. Most parties come to an attorney with an idea as to what the custody/parenting time arrangement should be. If the party can provide his/her attorney with that idea and explain why they think it is fair, the attorney can then provide feedback and let the party know the likelihood of that custody or parenting time schedule being put into place by a Court or by agreement.

Getting on the same page with the attorney you hire right from the start will only make the entire process that much smoother.

How Long Does it Take You to Respond to Calls and Emails?

You need someone who is going to keep you up to date with information concerning your case. At the very least, your lawyer should be able to call you back when they miss your call or answer an email within 24 hours.

When you’re asking the lawyer about how long they take to answer you back you may also want to talk to them about their preferred contact method. Chances are that using it will get you a faster response.

Will Anyone Else be Working on My Case?

Depending on how complicated your case is, the attorney you’re talking to on the phone may not be the only one working on it. Sometimes they will bring on extra associates and paralegals. If things are really dicey then a personal investigator may get involved.

The reason why you want to ask about these individuals is that you want to make sure that they are experienced. You also want to find out how much adding them on will cost and if your attorney has dealt with them in the past.

“How Do You Charge Clients? Can You Provide Me With An Estimate For My Case?”

During your consultation, ask how the attorney typically charges clients. Is there an hourly rate? Do they work on a retainer or a flat fee? What other costs will be involved in your case (court costs, outside consultants, travel expenses, etc.)? A good family lawyer will be upfront about the costs involved and how the billing process works.

If you are thinking of hiring a lawyer for a flat-fee arrangement, find out what services are included in the scope of the agreement, and what will happen if your legal needs expand outside that scope.

If the attorney charges an hourly rate, you should ask how much cases like yours typically cost. While most family lawyers can provide you with a ballpark estimate for your case, a good attorney will also explain the many factors that could potentially affect the cost of your case, such as the behavior of the opposing party and opposing counsel, facts of the case that are uncovered at a later date, and more.

Is the lawyer someone I can relate to and trust?

If you get a bad feeling during the initial consultation, trust your gut. It’s better to get a second opinion than to hire an attorney that is not the right fit for you, a decision that you will regret later. In fact, it’s never a bad idea to consult with two or three lawyers when before making your decision. In comparing one law firm against another, think about how the firm handled the screening and intake process of your case from the first contact to the present.

For example, when you first attempted contact, did you receive prompt service and attention? Or did your call go to voicemail? Was the person that you spoke to knowledgeable about family law matters such as child support modification and child custody? Did they ask probative questions that led you to believe that they were both experienced and professional? Did they take a special interest in you? Or did they try to get you off the phone as quickly as possible? Did they promptly send you an intake form for you to complete? Did they make the scheduling process simple and efficient? After the initial consultation, did they follow up with you in any manner? All of these factors can help you assess the level of attention that you will likely receive at the law firm in question should you hire them to represent you. The best firms have professional, experienced staff members ready to assist you at a moment’s notice.

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How To Combat With Drain Clogged Toilet On Ones Own

Dont Let Your Drain Clog Up Your Day

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home. And when your sink, shower or toilet gets backed up, it creates not only a mess, but a major inconvenience. So if you see water draining or flushing slowly, you need to take immediate steps to eradicate clogs.

HOW TO FIX BATHROOM CLOGS

The steps you take to fix bathroom clogs will vary depending on which drain is backed up. Below, you’ll find some different types of clogs and ways to fix them. Additionally, we’ve got a list of items that can clog your drains, so you can try to prevent the problem in the first place.

A clogged sink will drain slowly, or not at all. Below, you’ll find some tips to help clear out those pipes.

1. Clean the stopper: Soap scum, gunk and hair can collect on your sink stopper. Remove yours and soak it in hot water. Afterwards, you can clean the stopper using distilled white vinegar.

2. Plunge: Plungers aren’t just for toilets; they can also unstop sinks and showers. Just make sure you’re using one of the good ball-shaped models that you buy at a hardware store.

3. Remove the drain trap: If you or someone in the house is fairly handy, you can try cleaning out the p-trap, which is the bendy pipe you can see under the sink. You’ll want to turn off the water first.

4. Make a drain volcano: Pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar into the clogged drain. Then, gently sprinkle ½ cup baking soda into the drain. Plug that up immediately, and let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, remove the plug and flush the drain with very hot water. Note: If you use this method and your sink is still clogged, do not follow up with a commercial drain cleaner. The resulting chemical reaction can be extremely hazardous to your health

If you notice the toilet seems to be flushing slower than usual, there’s a good chance you have a clog. Here’s how to get that forceful flush back:

1. Try a plunger: As with the sink, we mean a solid plunger like you’d find at a home repair shop. Only flush once after plunging. Otherwise, you risk overflowing the toilet. If it’s still flushing slowly, move on to the next step.

2. Break out the snake: Snakes can help you remove clogs that a plunger can’t extract. You can pick one up at the hardware store, and find instructions on how to snake a drain online.

3. Call a plumber: You probably don’t want to try to remove the toilet yourself to see what’s clogging the drain. If plunging and snaking didn’t render any results, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Every time you brush your teeth or wash your hands, you’re sending things down your sink that form into soap scum and have the potential to cause a clog one day. These items include:

Emollients and moisturizers

Floss

Hair

Skin flakes

Soap

Toothpaste

Things That Will Clog Your Toilet

Can You Flush Cigarette Butts Down The Toilet?

Many people mistakenly believe that there is no harm in flushing cigarette butts down the toilet. Not only can cigarette butts potentially clog your pipes, but they are also filled with dangerous chemicals that can leach into and contaminate the water supply. You should never flush your cigarette butts down the toilet!

Bathroom Wipes

These have become an increasingly popular alternative to normal toilet paper, but even “flushable” wipes can create clogs and back up sewer systems. These types of wipes may go down the toilet, but sanitation officials say they don’t degrade after they flush and cost city sanitary systems thousands, if not millions, of dollars to repair city pipes and septic tanks.

Hair

Just because hair is a natural part of your body doesn’t mean it’s safe to flush. Hair can clog up any drain, including that in your shower, sink, and toilet. When hair goes down the toilet, it clumps together and forms blockages in your plumbing system.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

You may have flushed fats, oils, or grease down your toilet, but this practice can cause serious plumbing issues. While these fatty substances generally flush as liquids, they eventually cool and create buildup on the sides of pipes. These buildups eventually form blockages.

Disposable Diapers

Even though they contain human waste, diapers are not made to go in the toilet. In fact, disposable diapers are made with toxic plastic that expands when exposed to water. If you do manage to get the diaper down the toilet, you may soon find it stuck in your pipes, leaving a dirty mess on your hands

Never Flush These Things Down the Toilet

Too Much Toilet Paper

Yes, toilet paper belongs in the toilet—but to a point. Use a reasonable amount of TP and your plumbing will be fine. But if you start tossing excessive amounts into the bowl, chances are you’re going to not only wind up with a quick-fix clog but, over time, some serious issues.

Paper Towels

These are one of the most common sources of clogs. Many people consider them to be in the same category as toilet paper—but they aren’t. Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are not designed to break down when they get wet. In fact, most are designed for the exact opposite purpose—to stay strong when mopping up liquid messes. While that’s great for cleaning, it also makes paper towels a nightmare for your plumbing.

Medicine

Flushing old or unwanted medication down the toilet can, again, seem like a simple way to safely dispose of potentially dangerous or expired pills, capsules and tablets—but doing this often causes more harm than good. These medications can seep into waterways and enter the systems of fish and other creatures, causing major damage along the way.

Wipes

While many baby wipes and personal hygiene wipes say “flushable” on the package, they’re actually not flushable at all. These wipes don’t break down when wet. The proof? They’re wet inside the package, and they don’t break down, even after months or years—same when you flush them. These are one of the most common causes of plumbing blockages we see.

Cigarettes

Flushing cigarette butts might seem like the safest way to make sure they’re fully out, but those cigarette butts ultimately end up in the water, contaminating rivers and lakes as well as the environment. They can also do damage closer to home, clogging up your toilet in less time than you’d imagine.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO DOWN THE DRAIN OR TOILET

Before you put anything down the drain remember, it could end up in your drinking water. As we live increasingly busier lifestyles, looking for shortcuts along the way is natural. But sometimes those shortcuts don’t save us any time at all and ultimately end up costing us hundreds – or thousands – of dollars.

That’s especially true with a delicate plumbing system and why it’s important to be aware of the many household items you should never put in a sink or flush down the toilet. Look, we’ve all been there. We’re trying to prepare dinner for the family and clean up the mess left behind, so we just dump the grease in the sink. Or, someone is coming over to visit and – in a rush – we try to flush the cat litter down the toilet.

Medications and Pharmaceuticals

Any unused or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications should never be flushed down the toilet or drain. Studies have established that medicines flushed down the drain can contaminate lakes and streams, which can harm fish and other wildlife, and often end up in our drinking water.

Chunk Waste

Big chunks of waste – such as sand, plastics, toys, animal parts, grass, goldfish, metals and cat litter – should never be flushed or disposed of down the drain. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? You’d be amazed at what we find in clogged drains. That includes whole meals kids have dumped off their plates and flushed down the toilet.

Tampons and Sanitary Napkins

Tampons and pads are meant to absorb moisture and expand. They don’t dissolve in water. They get stuck in plumbing systems all the time and clog toilets and drain pipes. That means more work for us plumbers, but needless expense for homeowners

How to unclog toilets: advice from an expert plumber

It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare. You’re going about your day conducting your business when suddenly, disaster strikes: your toilet is clogged. You flush, as normal, but this time, the waterline rises. And rises. And keeps on rising

Water approaches the brim – it might even overflow, spilling out onto your bathroom floor! That’s when you start freaking out. Just what are you going to do? While your local plumber is always on-call in case of emergencies, there are ways to provide temporary relief until a professional arrives

Home solutions while you wait for professional diagnosis

You’d be surprised at the things we’ve found clogging up people’s toilets! In many cases, toilets can be clogged by a whole range of everyday items – some of which are even marketed as “flushable”.

Here are some of the usual suspects when it comes to toilet blockages:

Poor-quality tissue paper

Sanitary napkins

Paper towels

Cat litter

Wet wipes

Tissues (believe it or not!)

Cotton buds

Take the plunge(r)!

When it comes to unclogging toilets, plungers can be one of the most effective weapons at your disposal.

This entry was posted in Plumbing on by .

Dealing With Shingles Roof

Useful Tips: Installing Asphalt Shingles

So you’ve decided to try your hand at roofing. Awesome! Before you get started, please take a few minutes to go over the main steps involved in the process and a few things to look out for.

Get Ready

Before you start, make sure you have all the tools and equipment needed to properly install your BP asphalt shingles – listed below.

Tools required to install asphalt shingles:

Roofer’s hatchet or pneumatic nail gun

Utility knife, for cutting felts and roofing roll

Tape measure

Chalk line

Carpenter’s square

Tin snips, for cutting metal flashing and shingles

Square shovel, for removing old shingles

Caulking gun

Notched trowel

Material required for the installation of asphalt shingles:

Shingles

Galvanized roofing nails of appropriate length

Asphalt plastic cement

Eave protection (smooth or slate surface roofing roll)

Underlayment

Valley and flashing treatment (smooth or slate surface roofing roll)

Roof ventilators

Determine the slope and ventilation requirements of the roof

In order to determine the slope of the roof, simply place a ruler perpendicular to a staright level on the 30.5 cm (12 in) mark. The distance measured on the ruler between the roof and the level corresponds to the slope of the roof.

Refer to the diagram above for a detailed representation of the instructions.

Low slopes are slopes between 5 cm (2 in) and 10 cm (4 in): installing an eave protection and an underlayment is mandatory.

Standard slopes are slopes between 10 cm (4 in) and 20 cm (8 in): installing an eave protection is mandatory while installing an underlayment is recommended.

Strong slopes and sloping ceilings have a slope of over 20 cm (8 in): installing an eave protection and an underlayment is recommended.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Instead of working with several different contractors, Keyprime Roofing can help you with all aspects of your roofing job. We can answer your questions, go over the details of your project, and help you design your roof the way you want it.

There are several reasons why asphalt shingles are a great option for your roof.

Versatility. With asphalt shingles, you have endless options; you can choose from an array of colors, textures, sizes, and brands. We can help you find the right asphalt shingles for your exterior home layout.

Cost vs Value. One of the things you love best about asphalt shingles is that they are the most cost-effective roofing product on the market. Plus, you never have to sacrifice value for savings. So, if you are on a budget, our roofing contractors can still help you get what you want at a price you can afford.

Impact Resistance. Do you have trees around your home? Is there a chance that something could hit your roof? Today’s asphalt shingles offer greater impact resistance than ever before. We offer shingles with a Class 4 impact resistance rating. This is the highest rating you can get for asphalt shingles.

Easy Installation. Compared to other types of roofing, asphalt shingle installation is fast and easy. We can complete most jobs within one to two days depending on your roof. Easy installation means fewer labor costs. Keyprime can guarantee fast installation with our experienced roofing contractors.

Class-A Fire Rating. Are you concerned about safety? Asphalt shingles have a Class-A fire rating that meets or exceeds all industry standards. Fiberglass asphalt roofing shingles offer exceptional protection against potential fire spreading throughout your roof.

Personalized Roofing Service Just for You

One of the things that distinguishes Keyprime Roofing from other companies is our commitment to a high level of customer service. When we first meet with you, we learn about what you are looking for and what you expect from our roofing company. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about asphalt roofing installation.

Once we get an idea of what you are looking for, then we take care of everything from there. We care about our customers and want you to be 100% satisfied with every aspect of our work. You can count on Keyprime Roofing to deliver superior results, competitive rates, and work of the highest caliber anywhere in the area.

Roof Fix Radio Show: What’s New in Shingles

discusses some of the new shingles from GAF, including the Architectural HDZ. This roofing shingle has a wider nailing strip to protect roofs from high winds. The wider nailing strip (along with metal detectors) ensures that all six nails are holding down the shingles and protecting them from high winds. This new shingle has no wind limit, meaning it won’t come off even in 150 miles per hour winds

shouting from the rooftop over 30 years of Home Improvement experience and roof expertise, solid advice about roof repair, replacement, leaks, insurance claims, warning signs and the ever-popular small print. It’s all about the shingles under the sunshine

I mean they manufacture more shingles and they have one of my favorite shingles that we just launched out is going to be the new architectural HDZ. This roofing shingle has a 600% wider nailing strip and let me tell you what we’re doing coastal communities and stuff like that. They have tweeted out there that is an inspection firm that’s a third party insurance. And you know, a lot of those roofs failed because they weren’t getting the nails and the nailing strip.

You know, we use actually metal detectors folks on the roofs to make sure our crews are putting six nails per single Now, this new shingle has no wind limit. I mean, this is an amazing shingle. They put this shingle in a wind environment and got it all the way up to 150 miles per hour. And the neat thing about this was this extra strip, they took also the granules

GAF developed it. They’re the only company that has it and DuraGrip will seal against that 600% wider now thin. And then, of course, we’re using six nails per shingle. So we went from 130 miles per hour wind guarantee to a no wind limit and a lifetime warranty a full 50 years on labor and material. This will be the last roof you ever put on your home.

Things to Know About Metal Over Shingle Roof Problems

Both metal and shingle roofs are great options for your next roofing project. If you are trying to decide between the two materials it’s important to carefully consider the drawbacks of installing a shingle or metal roof. After all,  you’ll be making a significant and long term investment. Conducting an honest comparison can help homeowners make the best decision on what roofing system that will best benefit they’re home.

Common Metal Roof Problems

While metal roof systems are one of the most durable and environmentally friendly roofing material available on the market it does come with its fair share of disadvantages. As you probably know, a metal roof is a major initial investment so knowing some of the drawbacks of this roofing material is important

Corrosion

A galvanized steel metal roof is highly susceptible to corrosion and rust over a period of time. You’ll be surprised to learn that the primary cause of rusting and corrosion is water. Yes, oxygen and pollutants in water combined with the moisture create iron oxide otherwise known as rust. Rust eventually eats away at the metal ultimately decreasing its performance. However, most metal panels are covered with water-resistant paint. Before purchasing metal panels you’ll need to inspect the coating of the paint.

Failing Fasteners or Clips

Fasteners and clips are what holds a metal roof down on the seams. Fasteners and clips are also subject to deterioration largely due to corrosion. Improperly installed and failing fasteners can allow water to enter into the home through open spots. That’s why it’s important to use stainless steel fasteners so you won’t have to worry about the integrity of your metal roof is compromised. When the fasteners or clips fail this can cause the metal panels to expand and contract resulting in the panels lifting.

Easily Scratches

Of course, metal panels are easily scratched. At some point during its lifecycle, you can expect the metal panels to get scuffed or scratched.  However, scratches down to the metal can be problematic. Overgrown trees, debris, and even snow can scuff up the surface. In some instances, this can lead to punctures and tears that result in leaks.   Metal roofs require regular inspection so that needed repairs can be made before the problems become gets worse.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles More To Consider Than You Might Think

Asphalt roofing shingles make up the lion’s share of roofing materials used in residential roofing, and for good reason. They have a number of benefits for the homeowner, including relatively easy installation and low cost compared to other roofing types.

They’re versatile too. Whereas wood shake roofs generally look the same you can get asphalt shingles in a range of colors and styles.

They can even be energy efficient, helping to keep your attic and the rest of your house cooler, provided you buy the right product that’s rated as an ENERGY STAR roofing shingle

There aren’t too many drawbacks to asphalt shingles but if there’s one that stands out, it’s what to do with them once they’re used up. It’s one thing to consider if you’re looking for “green” roofing choices.

And while you might think that all of these products look the same you might be surprised at what’s available. Manufacturers are always working to develop the latest feature or innovation that’ll set them apart, and there are a few that you’ll want to know about before you choose your next asphalt shingle roof.

This entry was posted in Roofing on by .

Hire A Professional Company For The Best Results In Commercial Cleaning

Reasons to Outsource Your Office Cleaning Services

In many aspects our economy has continued to improve since the 2008 financial crisis. That being said, we have still seen peaks and valleys and the only certainty seems to be uncertainty. As such, many Facility Managers are still pushed to find lower cost office cleaning services as a result of tight budgets and the near continual drive for cost saving measures. One good cost saving option is outsourcing your commercial cleaning services. Not only will outsourcing help reduce costs, it can also significantly improve the quality of cleaning as well as reduce the overall workload in your facility.

Making the choice to outsource commercial cleaning can be a significant one. Outsourcing isn’t a one and done solution for fixing all the problems that can plague your office cleaning, and outsourcing your janitorial services does not guarantee competency, professionalism or responsiveness. However, choosing the right commercial cleaning company can be a great way to protect your facilities reputation, reduce operation costs, and improve energy and waste efficiency by taking advantage of individual or integrated cleaning solutions. How can outsourcing your office cleaning benefit you and your facility?

1- The Price is Right for Outsourcing Office Cleaning

Making the choice to outsource your cleaning services will change your bottom line in a number of significant ways. First, there are immediate benefits as a professional janitorial service provider can cut down cleaning time while increasing what actually gets done. Similarly, you commercial cleaning company will have more optimal pricing on equipment, supplies, and other goods. Finally, the costs of recruiting, screening, hiring, training, and administration are all cut. The time and cost of all these administrative actions as well as paying for healthcare and employee verification are all tasked to your commercial cleaning company.

2 – Outsourcing Your Building’s Cleaning Will Improve The Cleanliness Of Your Facility

The right commercial office cleaning company focuses on a specific task, the cleaning and maintenance of your facility. As such, many of these companies can offer cleaning at a level that isn’t possible if that isn’t the core of your business. Taking care of cleaning in your facility yourself isn’t a good way to keep your facility clean. It is essentially running a completely different business within the business you are already running. Too much divided attention, too many divided resources. Further, is it your life’s ambition to run a commercial cleaning company? If the answer is no, then outsourcing your labor to a competitive, professional commercial cleaner is the best way to keep your facility clean and your energy focused on the core elements of YOUR business. Likewise, larger more experienced companies can offer more cleaning solutions as well as accommodate most needs without thinking twice.

3 – Value is Key, and Outsourcing Cleaning Adds Value

A professional cleaning company is responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of all their supplies and equipment. They have the purchasing power and scale to get value for each purchase and upgrade allowing them to use better products, better equipment, all that deliver quality, efficiency and value to you the customer.

4 – Outsourcing Building Maintenance Can Make Life Easier

As with so many facilities, your needs likely shift throughout the year and you may experience peak and down times. A janitorial company that is a good fit for your facility will have a large employee base that can be ramped up or ramped down as your needs change. Most competent janitorial service providers in Michigan also have trained floaters that keep coverage uniform even if employees take time off or are sick.

Don’t Use Employees to Clean That Weren’t Hired For Cleaning

If you shift cleaning responsibility to employees that were hired for something else to manage your cleaning, you’ll find that often work goes unfinished, is poorly done, or that employee turnover rates increase. Having your employees manage cleaning will almost always result in unhappy employees and an unclean facility. The person hired for admin work has no interest in cleaning bathrooms. Not only will the work most certainly suffer, morale will take a direct hit.

Outsourcing Cleaning Services Moves Liability And Insurance Costs From You To Your Commercial Cleaning Company

As in any industry, with cleaning and janitorial, there are specific liabilities associated with janitorial jobs. As such, you need to insure you are protected against exposure and litigation. Outsourcing your commercial office cleaning shifts this responsibility to your janitorial service provider. Just be certain to confirm adequate coverage. Any professional office cleaning company can easily, quickly provide this to you.

Management Intensive Duties Are Wasting Your Time

Choosing to outsource your janitorial cleaning service will reduce work for you. When you switch the responsibility of staffing, training, maintaining standards, finding supplies, and equipment repair among many other time consuming tasks becomes your contractor’s allowing you to put your time, focus and attention were it is needed most.

Outsourcing Office Cleaning Adds Up to More Professional Services

Choosing to outsource your office cleaning services to a professional means that you can have more cleaning done better and in less time. Effective commercial cleaners take advantage of advanced industry methods to make sure you get the highest quality cleaning in the least amount of time. Whether it be industry specific such as industrial cleaning, medical office cleaning, school cleaning, or green cleaning solutions, your commercial office cleaning service can help you keep your facility in tip-top condition.

Your Facility Needs You To Manage, Not To Be Bogged Down With Cleaning & Maintenance Scheduling

Most of the Facility Managers we know have pretty full dance cards. With all of the things that need to be managed in your facility, how great is it to be able to offload the office cleaning to a trusted contractor? When you contract with a professional, effective, commercial cleaning company, you are allowing yourself to put focus where it is needed most.  Of course, to take advantage of outsourcing, you need to choose an office cleaning service that is right for you and your facility. Not every company can be a fit for every facility, but when you find the right janitorial cleaning company and outsource this labor intensive part of building maintenance, you’ll find that facility maintenance becomes much easier to manage so that you can get back to doing what you do best.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Commercial Cleaning

As a business owner, you know the importance of maintaining a clean, healthy work environment. But with so much already on your to-do list, keeping up with all that scrubbing, washing, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming can be a challenge. If you’re thinking about handing the cleaning duties over to someone else, here are some reasons why outsourcing your commercial cleaning services is a win-win solution for you and your employees!

Reduce costs

Outsourcing your commercial cleaning can have a really big impact on your bottom line. Think about it…no more paying your employees to take on the cleaning tasks, and no more shelling out for costly cleaning equipment like vacuum cleaners, cleaning products, and supplies. When you use commercial janitorial services, everything is provided by the company. Plus, these services can be customized to fit your budget.

Expertise

When it comes to health, hygiene, and attention to detail, commercial cleaning companies have the highest standards in the industry. Professional custodians are highly trained in their field, using state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and products that thoroughly clean and disinfect your workplace.

Access to a wide range of services

If you don’t like the hassles of dealing with different contractors, many commercial cleaning companies offer a wide variety of services for your convenience. From floors and windows to carpets, restrooms and more, professional custodians use proven methods and techniques to meet all your cleaning needs.

Reasons Outsourcing Cleaning Services Might Be the Solution Your Are Looking For

Transfer of Management Intensive Duties to Service Contractor

Every issue regarding the management of your cleaning operations becomes your contractor’s responsibility. This can include staffing issues, cleaning standards, the procurement of supplies, equipment and products and other resource draining operations. With someone else handling these responsibilities  you can lighten your load and you and your staff can focus on other duties.

Transfer of Liability & Insurance Costs to Cleaning Service Contractor

Due to the nature of the work, there are specific liabilities associated with a cleaning staff. Insuring you are properly covered costs money and time as you must adjust coverage as the scope of the services and people change. Outsourcing cleaning services to a professional company can save you time and money as they will insure their own employees and can even add you or the facility owner to their contractor’s policy shielding you from third party litigation.

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Pain Management Clinics

What to Expect During Your First Pain Management Appointment

We understand that as a new patient, you may be apprehensive or nervous about receiving care from someone other than your primary care physician. Our team wants to assure you that your wellbeing will be made a number one priority. In order to diminish some of that nervous energy and demonstrate our commitment to you, we have provided information on what to expect during your first pain management appointment.

For your convenience, please review and complete your new patient paperwork prior to your first visit. These forms include areas to fill out your medical background and present pain issues in the form of a health questionnaire, as well as Tulsa Pain’s medication and financial policy. 

We cannot speak on behalf of other pain clinics, but at Tulsa Pain, patients always receive a thorough evaluation before undergoing treatment or taking pain medication. This ensures our patients’ health and pain history, among other things, are being considered before treatment plans that are custom to the patient’s unique, individual needs are being made.

During the comprehensive evaluation, patients should provide as much health and pain-related information as possible. This will help our team better understand how to best treat your pain condition/symptoms. Some of this information may include:

  • Treatment plans from your primary care physician or any other medical provider.
  • Previous procedures and surgeries along with any current medical problems.
  • X-rays, laboratory results, or any other diagnostic imaging or testing done within the last few years.
  • List of current medications and prescriptions that include dosage and frequency (if applicable).

First visit to a pain management doctor

On the first visit, a pain management doctor will ask you questions about your pain symptoms. He or she may also look at your past records, your medication list, and prior diagnostic studies (X-ray, MRI, CT). It helps if you bring any prior, available studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs). The doctor will perform a thorough physical exam. At the first visit, It helps to have a pain journal or at least, to be aware of your pain patterns.

Common things your doctor may ask on the first visit:

  1. Where is your pain? (what body part)
  2. What does your pain feel like? (dull, aching, tingling)
  3. How often do you feel pain? (how often during the day or night)
  4. When do you feel the pain? (with exercise or at rest)
  5. Setting for the pain? (is it worse standing, sitting, laying down)
  6. What makes your pain better? (does a certain medication help)
  7. Have you noticed any other symptom when you have your pain? (like loss of bowel or bladder control)

What to Expect

Evaluation & Treatment

During your first visit, a pain management specialist will perform a thorough assessment and develop a plan for your care. This plan will be shared with your family physician as well as the healthcare team assembled to address your needs. On return visits, additional treatment will be provided and your progress will be evaluated by the physician and the healthcare team.

Throughout the treatment process, the support staff will communicate your progress to your referring and family physicians. As you near the end of your treatment plan, Cleveland Clinic practitioners will spend additional time providing you with information about how to manage your condition. Through expert care, Cleveland Clinic strives to bring a better quality of life for you and your loved ones.

Throughout the treatment process, the department will communicate your progress to your referring and family physicians. As you near the end of your treatment plan, we will spend additional time providing you with information about how to manage your condition.

What You Should Expect from Your Pain Management Program

If you are considering pain management treatment, you are likely to have many questions. Frequently Asked Questions about Pain Management

Do you need a referral for pain management?

A referral is required for several reasons. The most important is to provide the evaluating pain management physician with all relevant history and data so that the consultation is productive and focused on the patient and his/her pain problem. The best way to obtain a referral to a pain management specialist is through your primary care physician.

Should I drive myself to my pain management appointment?

Depending on your circumstances, you will be advised of the need for someone to drive you home after your first appointment. It is our policy that every patient who has an invasive procedure must have a ride home. Many procedures performed can cause associated numbness, weakness, and/or loss of position sense, which can make the ability to operate an automobile difficult.

What happens at the first pain management appointment?

It is important to know what to expect at your first pain management appointment. At your first visit, you meet with a pain management nurse who reviews your pain problem and medical history. You will be seen by a nurse, a physician assistant and the physician. A pain management physician performs a medical history, physical examination and reviews any test or X-ray results. Your physician will develop a customized pain treatment plan based on your individual assessment. This initial evaluation is important, because a full and complete assessment is a key component in developing your customized treatment plan.

Will I be treated on the first visit to a pain management clinic?

In some cases, patients are treated on the first visit. However, most patients will be scheduled for their procedure after undergoing appropriate preparation. Einstein’s pain management process consists of communication with the patient’s primary care physician and specialists as part of a team approach to a comprehensive care plan.

Can I go back to work after my visit?

If you receive an epidural injection or any other catheterization procedure, we usually recommend you take it easy and let your body be your guide. Recovery times may vary depending on your occupation. Discuss this with your physician.

What Is a Pain Management Agreement?

A pain medication agreement is a contract between a doctor and a patient. The goal of the agreement is to ensure that patients who are taking opioid drugs do so exactly as their doctor has prescribed.

In theory, these agreements are not only designed to protect the patient from drug abuse, but they also protect the doctor in case the patient abuses the medication in some way.

Years ago, pain medication agreements were rare. They were only required by pain clinics and pain management specialists. But with the increase in opioid addictions, and the scrutiny of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on doctors who prescribe the medications, more general and family practitioners also are requiring patients who take long-term opioid pain medication to sign them.

This entry was posted in Health on by .

All About Outdoor Electrical Lighting

Garden Lighting Tips

Garden lighting tips for the do-it-yourself gardener and landscaper. Even though outdoor landscape lighting is easy to install, it is always best to have some tips and ideas when going through the process of your garden lighting design.

In addition to using all possible skill in concealing your sources of illumination as we discussed in “Lighting the Garden”, there are other principles of good design for setting up your garden lighting.

Garden Lighting Tips For Executing Your Lighting Plan

Since natural light almost always comes from above, the bulk of your exterior lighting whether it is outdoor solar lights, solar garden lights or electric garden lights, should come from the same direction – from overhead – and the higher the better.

Use comparatively low wattage flood lights for most of this, never any outdoor lights or light bulbs larger than 100 watts. Consider low-voltage lighting as well.

Garden spotlights should be used sparingly in the landscape and for accent lighting only. Use them to highlight an otherwise evenly illuminated scene, or to point out an interesting landscape detail or feature like a pool.

Follow the manufacturer’s specifications as to the maximum wattage bulb to be used in any light fixtures. But remember, a smaller bulb will often be adequate for lighting fixtures, and with surprisingly pleasing results. LED garden lights or LED lights put out a lot of light and are efficient.

Besides making certain that your landscape lights do not shine into your eyes, courtesy also requires that they do not shine into your neighbor’s eyes. One way to check this is to take a walk around the garden at night while the lights are on… or ask your neighbor!

When lighting a large flower bed or other planting area in the garden, it is better to use a number of smaller lights rather than a single large unit. This creates a series of softly overlapping pools of light that are free of harsh glare in the center.

Very little of your landscape lighting should be front lighting. Regardless of whether the light comes from above or below, most of the light should come from the sides. Try to have more coming from one side than the other. This results in better modeling, and will give a more interesting shadow effect. Experiment with back lighting also for interesting silhouette effects.

Comparatively solid objects will be illuminated more effectively than thin skeleton-like structures. Avoid bare trees, open trellises, and the like.

Select a focal point or center of attraction for each lighted area, and highlight this by emphasizing it with additional brightness, point out its most attractive features with one or two spotlights, or with a light coming from an unusual angle, such as straight up.

Make full use of light-colored reflective surfaces as wall lights in your lighting scheme. Light-colored walls and fences often can be used to advantage to extend the source of illumination by reflecting and diffusing the rays of light over a wide area.

Lighting systems

Plan for good lighting design

Lighting can be your highest business energy cost – and your greatest opportunity for savings. Reducing heat output from your lighting can also reduce your air conditioning costs. Without proper lighting, productivity, safety, security and overall aesthetics can be compromised. Good lighting design contributes to employee comfort and health, which in turn can result in greater productivity.

Turn off lights when not in use

Lights should be turned off whenever an area is unoccupied, including unused common areas such as copy rooms, break rooms, conference rooms and restrooms.

If your lights can be controlled separately, turn off lights whenever there is enough natural light.

Post reminders next to light switches or install occupancy sensors to keep lights off in unused areas. Occupancy sensors turn off lights automatically when space is unoccupied saving about 25% of the lighting energy.

Use task lighting when appropriate

Instead of using ceiling fixtures that light entire rooms, use compact fluorescent or LED (Light Emitting Diodes) task lighting.

Replace lamps before they lose effectiveness

The light output of a fluorescent lamp decreases as it ages, yet the same amount of energy is consumed to produce this lower level of light.

Remove lamps that are not needed

Many lighting systems are over-designed, providing too much light for the task. This is inefficient and can make the working space uncomfortable. In some cases, lamps or whole lighting fixtures can be removed or retrofitted without creating lighting problems (de-lamping), although this may create uneven lighting in the working environment.

How to Hang String Lights Outdoors

Bring a soft, inviting glow to your backyard, porch or patio by installing cafe-style globe lights to twinkle overhead

Nothing beats cafe-style string lights for their ability to quickly improve the ambiance in an outdoor space. In the evening, their soft glow overhead can visually transform an ordinary patio into a party-ready spot for hosting friends or cheer up a dim walkway with an inviting luminescence.

Outdoor string lights are a cinch to put up if you have the perfectly positioned trees or fence. If you don’t have trees, a fence or another tall outdoor object, it doesn’t take much — just a little more time and a few additional supplies — to set up any outdoor space for cafe lights. Here’s how to hang string lights over your deck, patio, balcony, garden or anywhere else you’d like a little extra glow.

For string lights strung over a large expanse:

String light suspension kit (includes wire cable and suspension hardware like turnbuckles, snap hooks, lock clamps and pad eyes with screws )

Wire cutters

For yards without trees or other tall supports:

10-foot-long wooden posts or 10-foot-long metal poles (electrical metal tubing, aka EMT or thin-wall, is available at home improvement stores in 10-foot lengths, which you may need to cut)

Hammer

Nails or screws (if attaching to a fence)

Sturdy planters or weighted buckets filled with concrete and a PVC pipe slot in center (one planter or bucket for each post)

18-inch-long metal rebar stakes (one for each pole; needed only if using EMT and mounting lights over a lawn)

Cable ties

Outdoor Lighting Guide: Exterior Lighting Tips and Tricks

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is, as the name implies, designed for use outside, or on the exterior of a building or in an outdoor space. Because they are exposed to the elements day and night, Outdoor lights must be and resistant to weather. Outdoor lighting, especially outdoor motion sensor lights, can also enhance security.

Exterior lighting isn’t just about security however. In this outdoor lighting guide you’ll learn the different types of outdoor light fixtures, where to place them in your backyard or garden for maximum aesthetic and security benefits, and the kind of benefits each outdoor light provides.

Outdoor Light Fixtures

Perhaps the most common type of outdoor lighting, there are several major types of outdoor light fixtures, designed mainly around how they are mounted to surfaces. These weather-resistant light fixtures light the outside of your house itself, emphasizing architectural detail and lighting entryways and driveways.

Outdoor Wall Lights for Porch or Garage

A popular form of outdoor lighting is to mount a light onto the exterior walls of your home as outdoor house lights. Ideally you’ll place outdoor lights in key areas close to where you’ll be moving or operating at night, such as porch lights or garage lighting

Porch lights

Porch lights are mounted usually either side or at least one side of your main front entrance. These outdoor wall lights are designed to spread light in a local area, outwards and downwards.

Safety Tips for Using Electricity Outdoors

Thanks to advancements in technology, using electricity outdoors is now safer and easier than ever before. This opens up a whole world of creative outdoor lighting, unique devices like fountains and water features, and so much more. However, using electricity outdoors still isn’t without risk, and it’s important to make sure that you minimize this risk to avoid injury or the possibility of a fire.

Never Use Extension Cords as Permanent Solutions

Extension cords enable us to use electricity nearly anywhere, but they are not designed as a permanent solution, and should never be seen as such. In fact, extension cords should always be taken down and put away shortly after being used in order to prevent them from becoming damaged. Over time, exposure to the elements could cause the rubber or plastic shielding around your extension cord to wear out, become brittle, and crack, exposing the current-carrying wires on the inside to the world. Even the slightest touch could cause a short that sparks a fire or results in serious injury.

Make Sure Lights Are Rated for Outdoor Use

There are millions of different types of light fixtures available on the market these days, and it should come as no surprise that not all lights are made equal. We understand that your outdoor space is becoming as popular of a place to decorate and truly personalize as the rest of your home, but that’s no reason to try to use an indoor-rated light fixture in an outdoor area. Indoor light fixtures simply aren’t sealed or protected against the elements, which means water can easily get into potentially dangerous spots like electrical connections.

Protect All Outlets

If you want to avoid a potential electrical disaster, you need to make sure any outdoor outlets are protected. Start by making sure the outlets themselves are either a GFCI-equipped receptacle or are on the same circuit as a GFCI. GFCI outlets are designed to shut off if they detect too much current loss between the power supply and the return, thus protecting you in the event of a short. You should periodically test all of these outlets to ensure that your GFCI continues to work, as they can wear out over time and lose their ability to protect you.

Second, you should always cover every outdoor outlet with an approved bubble cover in order to keep rain and other moisture away from it. These covers generally run just a few dollars at your local hardware store and are pretty easy to install. However, they are specifically designed to create a seal that keeps water away from the outlet. Do this for any outdoor outlet, including those which are covered.

Necessity Of Cable Ties And Circuit Breakers

circuit breakers

complete line up of low and medium-voltage circuit breakers provide circuit protection in alternative energy, commercial, industrial, mining, and military applications, while protecting against overloads and short circuits in conductors

circuit breaker types

case circuit breakers

Case circuit breakers are used to provide circuit protection in various industry applications, where they protect against overloads and short circuits in conductors. These circuit breakers are applied in panelboards, switchboards, motor control centers, control panels, combination starters, individual enclosures, and bus duct plug-in units

Residential circuit breakers

residential circuit breakers are used in load centers, panelboards, or similar devices. They are made for a wide range of applications and include: arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI); and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)

Low voltage air circuit breakers

provides comprehensive low-voltage power circuit breaker solutions to meet the demands of power distribution systems worldwide.

Medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers

vacuum circuit breakers provide centralized control and protection of medium-voltage power equipment and circuits in utility, industrial, commercial, mining and marine installations involving generators, motors, feeder circuits, and transmission and distribution lines.

Circuit Breakers and Switches

Explore circuit breakers, the foundation of safe power distributions and the main protection from electrically-caused fires. Protect each line carrying energy or supplying appliances by choosing the correct sized circuit breaker, that will automatically disconnect in the event of a short circuit, or a cable overload. Add switches, to enable manual on-offs or disconnection for maintenance, and transfer switches to connect backup energy sources.

Air Circuit Breakers – ACBs

Air circuit-breakers (ACBs) protect the largest carrying currents up to 6300 A. They can be used for source coupling or changeovers. To all high-level electrical professionals, it sounds like a saga of innovative breakthroughs. Experience full connectivity of the latest generation, with embedded algorithms enabling ever-higher energy reliability and efficiency

Molded Case Circuit Breakers – MCCBs

ComPact molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) protect cables sized for 100A to 3200 A. Their highest breaking capacities allow them to protect also smaller cables, when connected close to a powerful energy source. As one pillar of digitally connected power distributions, ComPact breakers take part in energy consumption and asset management optimization. Benefit from 65 years of technological leadership, and rely on proven quality, opted for even in most demanding environments.

Switch-disconnectors

The extensive assortment of switch disconnectors, based on undisputed leading ComPact and MasterPact technologies, help users to manually or remotely interrupt lines with capacities up to 6300 A

Transfer switches

Transferpact transfer switches perform changeover between 2 or 3 power sources, by controlling and synchronizing incoming devices on each side, either circuit breakers or switch disconnectors

How to choose the right circuit breaker?

If you choose a contactor, you choose a size greater than the full load amps. You must derate if you have frequent starts, or jogging duty.

If you choose contactor, you need to consult the tables on expected life when you size based.

Now you need to select what type of overload relay you want. Bi-metallic or electronic, manual or automatic reset? Choose the rating based on the directions for what you choose.

If you are placing the circuit breaker next to the contactor, you can choose a Motor or a thermal-magnetic trip breaker. You have to protect for currents above the overloads trip curve.

If the circuit breaker is remote, and supplying the feeder to the motor controller, you again need to decide if you want fault only protection, or a regular breaker.

Choosing Circuit Breakers and Fuses

Make sure your breakers and fuses are rated for the appropriate dc voltage and breaking amperage

The dc Voltage rating assures the breaker or fuse will actually stop the current when it trips. Ac breakers may allow the current to continue to flow after they trip since dc will jump a much larger gap than the same ac voltage

Breaking amperage – if the current exceeds this rating the breaker/fuse may also fail to interrupt the current. This is very important when using large battery banks and fat cables. Most automotive fuses are rated to 1000 A breaking current, but a small sized 12-V battery bank with appropriately fat cables can easily exceed 2000 A of current if the cables get shorted together. The fuse would blow, but current jumps the gap and keeps flowing, melting down the wiring insulation and copper, possibly burning someone or starting a building fire.

Surface mount Breakers

Make appropriate surface mount breakers for 12-V and 24-V small to medium sized solar power systems. The series can be easily screwed to a piece of plywood and has 5/16 in studs for connecting your power cables. They are marine rated and breaking amperage is 5000 A.  The series is similar but has smaller 1/4 in studs and is not marine rated.

Box mounted Breakers

We recommend Solar breakers, which come in two different styles for fitting in different types of electrical boxes. They have a breaking amperage of 10,000 A and dc voltage rating up to 150 V.

Battery Mounted Fuses

Since there is so much power available from your battery bank it’s a really good idea to have a properly rated fuse right on each battery string in case the fat battery cables accidentally get shorted together.  A terminal fuse block mounts directly on a battery stud and can break 10,000 A. Fuses come in a variety of amperages.

Choosing A Location For Breaker Panels

The location of the breaker panel or box needs to be carefully planned due to strict regulations on their placement. We are produced through the association. Although the codes are not law, they are used as a reference for state and local authorities on which to base building codes relating to electrical wiring.

GUIDELINES ON BREAKER PANELS

The specifically addresses breaker panels in Article 110 of the regulatory guidelines, addressed as “Requirements of Electrical Installations.”

For breaker panels, an area referred to as the “working space” is the area around the breaker panel that must be free of any other installations. According to the working space around the breaker panel must be at least 6′ 6” high and 3 feet square away from the wall, with 30” width. This allows the door to be opened to the panel, with nothing blocking the area.

The working handle of the highest center grip should not be more than 6′ 7” from the floor.

Breaker panels should not be located in small, enclosed rooms such as a closet, bathroom, pantry or small storage room.

Breaker panels must be easily accessible. No furniture or other obstructions should be placed in the working space, making it easy to approach the front of the panel.

Illumination of the area is essential. Although having a light in the room of the breaker panel may be considered sufficient by code, it may be worth dedicating a circuit to a light above the panel. This gives direct light to make it easy to see switches in dim conditions.

BEST LOCATIONS FOR BREAKER PANELS

When deciding where to position a breaker panel, a few factors should be considered. The panel or box will need to be easily accessible; however, most people also want the box out of view, especially in a home or business. The trick is to find an area that is large enough to meet the working space standards set, and that is out of sight, while still easy to access

Some common areas that may meet these stipulations include:

Under stairways. If there is sufficient space, breaker panels can be placed under the stairs where there is easy access.

Garages. For homes with attached garages, this is the perfect place for installing a breaker panel. An area near the door that connects to the garage would be a good choice.

Basements. Many homes and buildings have the breaker panel in the basement. Just ensure that there is enough emergency lighting in case of a power outage to find the box in the dark.

Why Are Wedding Photographers So Expensive

Wedding Photography Myths: Wedding Photographers and Brides, Oh My!

You might be getting married (congrats, by the way) and trying to decide whether or not to even hire a wedding photographer. You might be trying to decide now on which photography professional to choose for your wedding day. You might be a wedding photographer, trying to understand the delicate and confounding psyche of those who engage in wedding planning.

I don’t need/want a wedding photographer because:

Is it impossible to find a good free photographer? No. Is it likely? No. Is it a good idea? Almost never. But hey, it is your wedding day. You can chance it on the stranger who could very well be overly intrigued by the bridesmaid who has just a little bit too much to drink at the reception and starts to dance provocatively. That way, the bulk of your photos could be of her. Perfect, right? And free. In this situation, you can just point out to your kids, twenty years down the road, that the photographer did take these photos with really cutting edge technology, which is why you can see just so much detail of the lewd woman at your wedding with, how shall we say… ‘perky’ breasts. No, she isn’t the bride, but doesn’t she look like she is having fun?

Why would I get yourself a photographer? Everyone as well as their puppy contains a digicam (even mobile phones images are creeping up within the ‘megapixel’ race). The snapshots from visitors will suffice.

Indeed, it can be real to state that many of us now have a digicam on our body in any respect moments (on our telephone with the really the very least). In addition, at a marriage, lots of otherwise most company carry some sort of added digicam to memorialize the occasion (significantly issues that go mistaken, whenever they never like you; tears from the groom whenever they do). On the other hand, arduous double blind scientific studies have been completed about the information stream to which we are referring, plus they all clearly show one detail. These shots have got a ninety nine.9982% chance of sucking. Seriously badly. There could be a single fantastic image with the bunch, of a pet at the conclusion of the aisle that intended a great deal. It’s going to be perfectly uncovered, focused, and display screen Sparky by using a wonderful stance applying great composition.

Marriage ceremony pictures is simply too high priced – why would I guidance an sector of so-called ‘professionals’ who definitely only perform a few hrs every week. I do not know whether being indignant or jealous.

You’ll be able to be offended if you would like. You can even be jealous, considering that now we have a task that (with any luck ,) we really like, and acquire wonderful delight in. If you believe we do the job a few several hours for just a one wedding day, you might be fooling you. Those tend to be the several hours which you see us with the wedding ceremony; suffice it to state, a lot of hours of preparing went in to that exact marriage ceremony, plenty of several hours will progress on the top of marriage ceremony day in post-production. When done appropriately, the do the job is extensive, enjoyable, and pays good.

I do need/want a wedding photographer, nevertheless the selection process need to be minimal:

I am going to use my photographer right after the many other preparing is done. I’ll select the bouquets, the location, the dj or band, the bridesmaid attire, the honeymoon hotel, and a lot more. Then I will think pictures.

Of course you’ll wait around until the last number of months to hire a photographer. Why would you wish a wedding experienced similar to a terrific photographer to assist you with wise referrals for many of the other products and services you will end up searching for? Though a very good photographer can have labored using a magnificent cake business enterprise in former weddings and gladly advise that you verify them out, you can expend forty-seven hours pouring more than brochures featuring batman shaped carrot cakes (a topic which can unquestionably to acquire off when new brides actually end and give it some thought). Truly, although, contemplate this – waiting will only restrict your selections. Photographers deal for unique dates. When your arch enemy plans her marriage around the same day when you (out of spite), she is going to also make an effort to wrap up the products and services of the greatest photographer in town. Beat her to that photographer for several years of bragging legal rights.

I don’t want recommendations – why would I care what some other pair states about this photographer? I really like her web page; it’s shiny, joyful, and new. It would make me smile on the inside.

Classy web sites abound among the marriage photographers, for every one of the obvious reasons. That you are considering having to pay them money for an art, hence the patterns they use for advertising and knowledge delivery, then, really should be equally creative. Having said that, have a rapid look at the photographers within your place, and I am going to wager which you uncover 1 with an remarkable internet site, with extraordinary motion and animated vines developing from the observe and fast chat functionality with on need videos… as well as other neat technological factors I do not even understand about. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll also find that this particular photographer has satisfactory pictures, and nothing at all far more. Then, I hope, you can notice that you simply are worthy of more than suitable pictures from a internet marketing expert who dabbles in images.

I have bought a photographer, and here is exactly what will transpire:

I would like ONLY [formal or candid] pictures. Any shots besides [formal or candid] are silly, make me cry, and provides me abdomen discomfort.

Use antacid and just cease it presently! No, genuinely. Just about every marriage photography skilled methods the craft in a very way that utilizes the benefit of a number of ‘styles’ of wedding images. Some photographers emphasize a single in excess of the other – mostly seriously posed manner pictures, say, with only a few candid photographs with the ceremony and reception. However, know that the two models, and so both of those sets of visuals, will notify the story with the working day, whilst the absence of 1 of those sets would generate a set that may not as prosperous or descriptive.

When you find your photographer(s), you can have a look at the gathering of photographs that he / she chooses to exhibit prominently, and these will speak volumes in regards to the variety of photography that’s most crucial to that individual. On the other hand, it is actually perfectly reasonable to hope (dare I say, presume) a specific amount of wide variety from the final selection of photos.

Wedding Photography is Easy

Snapping a picture is easy. Taking a high-quality photo that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the wedding, in which everyone looks their best and no one is making funny faces at the wrong moment? That’s a lot harder. Wedding photography can also be extremely stressful. While digital photography has made it easier, since we can see a preview of the images before we move on, that doesn’t guarantee a perfect image every time—and there’s no going back to recapture those amazing, important moments. Hiring a professional wedding photographer is often well worth your while!

Group Shots Won’t Take That Long

When you imagine wedding pictures, you may imagine those formal, posed shots with the entire wedding party…and his whole family…and her whole family. Those pictures are great (though they’re rarely featured anywhere but in a wedding album), but they’re also very, very time-consuming. If you’re planning to get those posed photos on your big day, it definitely needs to be part of the schedule—and you need to write in plenty of time for it. Often, taking care of those posed pictures before the wedding is a better way to be sure that it doesn’t cut into your reception time. Remember, you want to enjoy you time with them, not just take pictures with them!

Reasons Why A Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Should Be Essential

Is a pre-wedding photoshoot necessary? Well, that’s hard to say, but the short answer is, yes. And the long answer is, well, yes as well! So what is a pre-wedding photoshoot? The best way to think of it is as a trial run for your wedding photographer. Consider booking your hair, makeup, dress, cake. What do they all have in common? You get to ‘try before you buy’. Don’t get me wrong, this usually comes at a cost, but at least you can be confident in your decision come the big day. Wedding photography is no different, if anything, it should be more carefully thought about. Remember, you only get one chance at your wedding. You want to make sure the person tasked with capturing the big day is going to get it right.

A pre-wedding photoshoot is something that can be used to ensure you picked the right photographer, you get along with them and they get along with you. Some wedding photographers will have this built into all their packages, some may offer it as an add on for you to choose if you want to do it.

Pre-wedding photoshoots help to ease feelings of awkwardness

“But I am so awkward in photos, I always look bad. I hate getting my photo taken.” This is easily the most common thing I hear from couples during my first consultation. What if I told you I had the solution? The solution that was going to make you look stunning in your wedding photos? Well I don’t, sorry, but what I do have is pretty damn good. Pre-wedding photoshoots!

Pre-wedding photo shoots give you a chance to work with your photographer, and your photographer a chance to work with you. This is going to allow you to feel comfortable with the photographer pointing a camera at you, and gives an idea of how they operate, and what to expect from them on your wedding day. Furthermore, it gives your photographer a chance to work out how to pull the best out of you as a couple. They will notice how you react to the camera, and how to get you to feel natural and comfortable with each other.

Pre-wedding photoshoots help to get to know your photographer, and help them get to know you

Probably the most important reason for a pre-wedding photoshoot is simply…weddings are a huge day! The biggest day of your life! Like mentioned in previous articles, it is important to really get along with your photographer. What better way to work this out than shooting with them before the big day? Take a chance to get to know each other. For example, on my pre-wedding photo shoots I like to take some food and maybe some drinks, and take the time to chat and really get to know my couple on a more personal level. Find some common ground and before you know it you end up feeling like good friends. Do not overlook the importance of feeling this comfortable with your photographer, it can make or break your wedding, and the engagement session is the place to start working on this!

Pre-wedding photoshoots give you beautiful images to use on stationary

This one almost goes without saying. How many weddings have you attended where the couple are displaying professional images of themselves? How many invitations have you received with a professional photo on it? The list goes on forever about how the images that are taken prior to the wedding get used, but you get the point. Instead of paying a graphic designer to design all your stationary, why not use beautiful images of yourself? After all, that is what people are coming to your wedding to see!

I know it isn’t part of stationary, but think about it, there are a lot of things you can do with these images. I’m not going to hold punches here, and if my family are reading this, I am sorry…but it gives you Christmas and birthday gifts for family members for at least 2 years (by which point you will have wedding photos, so boom, another 2 years of gifts)! Stuck for a gift idea for mum or dad? Why not a beautiful framed shot of you and your fiance on a stunning clifftop? I guarantee you, this will please them.

They capture a very important time in your lives.

Let’s not joke about it yeah? Your wedding day is a massive one. Honestly, one of the biggest in your life. Why wouldn’t you put in 110% effort in order to make it perfect? Are we on the same page? Good! But the wedding is what, 10-14 hours? Maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less? So why so much emphasis on half a day, and such neglect for the preceding 12-18 months?

Your engagement is going to encapsulate about 12 months of your life, on average. That is a long time. In fact, that is 365 times longer than 1 day (maths was my best subject at school, just saying…). So why do people so often overlook capturing this time period in their lives, only to focus on the big finale? Big mistake! Focus on both!

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Using Chemicals For Outdoor Pest Control

BEST TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PEST CONTROL COMPANY

At some point in their lives, homeowners have to deal with pest infestation, and most of them will surely say that getting rid of pests is not an easy thing. When trying to do so, you have to use different pest control products, which could be expensive if you sum them all up. But still, you won’t have the assurance that pests like rodents, termites, cockroaches, and ants will not come back anymore.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Hiring pest control services is a great idea, but the thing is, how can you choose the best pest control company? Sure, you will find many of them out there offering their services, but not all of these companies are competent. If you want to make sure that the amount of money that you are going to spend on such services will be worth it, you should hire pest control experts that really know what they need to do to eliminate the pests in your home totally

PEST CONTROL METHODS

First of all, you should check out the pest control methods that the company is using. Do they use toxins to get rid of the pests, or do they utilize eco-friendly pest control methods? It is highly recommended that you hire the services of a group that uses low-toxicity methods because this gives you the assurance that the procedures that they will be doing are safe for you and your family.

Experience and skills

To ensure that the pest problem in your home will be resolved, it is important that you look for highly-skilled and experienced exterminators. Check and see if the people who are going to render their services in your home have undergone training. It is crucial that they have the proper license too.

COST OF SERVICE

Some homeowners try to eliminate the pests on their own because they think that they will be able to save some money in their back pockets. But, like what was mentioned earlier, dealing with pest infestation on your own won’t be a good idea.

Choosing a Pest Control Company

We’ve all heard the horror stories from a friend or neighbor who had a bad experience with a service.  It doesn’t really matter what the service was. It could have been a mechanic, a dry cleaner, or mower.  We all know someone, or have experienced for ourselves, lousy service. Choosing a pest control company is no different.  There are good ones and bad ones.

As Pest Management Professionals (or exterminators in older terminology), we often hear these stories of pain from new clients. The previous service provider over-promised and under-delivered. The technician tracked dirt in the home.  Sometimes they neglected to treat part of the property. Or perhaps their demeanor was less than professional.

“Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.”

What does that mean for you? It means that the Pest Management Professional (PMP) you choose to work with should use this approach. In practice, this can look a few different ways. For example, in residential settings, we rarely treat for flies of any kind. We understand that flies have a particular source, and once that breeding site has been eliminated, they’ll go away. Because of this, we counsel potential clients to control the problem themselves without the use of chemicals

A Guide To Choosing A Good Pest Control Service Provider

Being the owner of a commercial structure requires you to carry out many tasks. One of your tasks is to ensure that the quality of the building is maintained. If there are any damaged areas of items they should be repaired or replaced with new ones for safety reasons. You also have to make sure that the commercial establishment is free of pests since the pests might affect both humans and the durability of the building. If you want to get rid of the pest problem permanently in the commercial building hiring pest control service providers is the right course of action. If you are looking for reputable pest control services this article is meant for you as it has guidelines on how to choose one.

Start with finding out the experience of the experts you intend to hire. If you want to have quality results choose a company with enough experience in the field. Experience is a must to consider when choosing the services since the wrong professional will make the pest infestation worse. For that reason you should only hire professionals with lost of experience in the field and proof to back up the experience. Go to the website of different pest control services and there you will know whether they have the expertise for the job. A trusted pest control company will list all their services on their website with testimonies from the former to back up the claim.

Consider the equipment used by the experts. The market today has an assortment of pest control equipment that can be used by the experts to eliminate pests in a building. In addition, you need to know the chemicals used to eliminate pests in your office or home. Some professionals use organic pest chemicals for the safety of the people inside the establishment. Organic chemicals are the best for the job as they do not affect the health of people living in the Establishment. Know if the experts are available when need. Some pest control firms only provide their services during the week which can tamper with the operations of the business.

That is why you need to book the services of the Macon termites experts early in advance to avoid any inconveniences last minute. The prices of their services are something you should ask during the initial meeting with the provider. Fortunately, some pest control firms offer discounted prices for military people and senior-citizens. The discounts make the services cheaper and affordable.

The tips shared above are effective in choosing a good pest control service provider to work in your commercial or residential building. Since there are lots of options to pick from, it is a good idea to work with people with sufficient experience, the right equipment, and tools, available when needed and offers affordable prices for their work.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONALS

Pest management is not an amateur’s job. It requires strategy and control of pests that are interfering with your day-to-day lives. It is a carefully designed process that involves not just the eradication of pests from your property but to also discourage them from coming back again

Due to increase in vermin, there has also been a surge in pest control providers. It goes without saying that one must choose the professional with great care and only after thorough research. Here are some important tips to choose the right professionals for doing the job.

The Company Should Be Licensed & Registered

The one thing we often neglect in our search for qualified professionals is their license to do the job. A license is a permit that is issued by Environment Protection Agency certifying that the specialist has the training to perform the task of pest eradication. If the company you are planning to work with does not have the necessary registration and certification, then you should keep looking until you find the one that does.

The Company Should Have the Experience

We may think that the experience is overrated in this job but it is not. Removing pests from an area requires specialized methods and training. Sometimes these methods involve toxic products that must be handled carefully. A professional that does not have the experience may not carry out the task effectively. In this case, you are either vulnerable to the risk of being exposed to synthetic chemicals or your property is not fully exterminated of its intruders. Either way, it will not do you any good. This is why it is advisable to only hire an expert that has the experience to perform pest control.

Check out the Company Website

A company’s website should not only have all the information you need but also signs of authenticity, such as registered trademarks and monograms. They should also have an online customer care department that can answer your queries effectively. The website should also provide useful content related to pest control and management.

How To Choose A Good Pest Control Company

When you’re choosing a pest control company, there are six important factors you need to consider – especially if you have children, pets, or other vulnerable people in your house. You want the service to be affordable, but more importantly, you want it to be effective and safe.

Are they knowledgeable about the type of pest you have?

Different types of infestations require different solutions. If you want your pest problem to be removed quickly and thoroughly, you need to choose someone who’s successfully dealt with this species before, or who was at least trained by someone who has.

Are the solutions they use safe for children, pets, and people with medical problems?

Some pest control options can be dangerous to children, people with medical conditions or pets who could fall victim to traps or poisons meant for other animals. Because of this, it’s vital to choose pest control professionals who are conscientious about the health and safety of their more vulnerable clients.

What do their past clients say about them?

Do they have testimonials on their website or directory profiles? Have any of their past clients given them permission to let you call them so they can tell you about the service they received?

Do they try to convince you that you need them for EVERYTHING?

Some infestations require trained professionals to get rid of them, especially if the pests are numerous, dangerous, resilient, or in a hard-to-reach place. But some minor pest control problems can be handled with do-it-yourself methods, and an ethical professional will make you aware of this before charging you for their services.

Choosing A Custom Home Builder

How to Choose a Builder

Questions to Ask a Builder

When you buy a new home you want to get full value for your investment. This means choosing an established and reputable builder-someone you can trust, someone who has the technical skills, a proven track record and a professional business approach.

Fortunately, there are many good builders around, and with a little effort you will have no trouble finding someone who is right for you. Before you enter into a contract with anyone, ask questions, lots of them, to make sure it is the kind of company you want to do business with

Is home building your profession?

Home building is a serious business. It takes commitment to keep up with everything that is going on in the industry. It requires solid business skills and a track record of satisfied clients. If a “builder” proposes to build your home part-time, you should proceed with caution. If this builder offers you a “better” financial deal, you need to wonder-the old adage that you get what you pay for holds true for home buying as well.

What is your experience, and how long have you been in business?

Good builders are proud of their track record, whether they have been in business for 3 or 30 years. They will tell you about their background, their training and experience, their strengths and what sets them apart from others. They will be honest with you about what they can do for you, when and for how much.

Are you a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA)?

Membership in the Association is an indication of a builder’s commitment to the industry, to the success of their own company and, ultimately, to their customers. Members agree to a Code of Ethics that calls for fair and honest dealings with consumers.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

There are MANY decisions when building a new home; one of the most important decisions is choosing your builder. Your relationship with your builder sets the tone for your entire building experience!

Below is an in-depth overview of how to choose a custom home builder. Also included is an explanation of what determines a GOOD builder as well as several questions you should be asking each potential builder.

The best way to choose a builder is to ask local friends and family who have built a home in the area. Create a list of builders that friends and family recommend as well as the builders they were NOT happy with.

If you are new to an area or don’t have any friends/family that have built a home locally, you can find builders through your local home builders association. Other great resources include local real estate agents and mortgage lenders. These professionals have experience with local home builders and typically know the reputation (whether good or bad) of each builder. Do make sure that the realtor or lender does NOT have a monetary relationship with a builder that could possibly sway his/her decision!

WHAT MAKES A GOOD HOME BUILDER?

A reputable home builder will have a solid list of references who are happy with their completed homes and recommend the builder. A good builder will be patient and willing to answer all of your questions as thoroughly as possible. He/she won’t try to rush you or make you feel silly for asking questions.

How to Choose a Builder

Do your research

Write down all of the works you want carrying out before you ask anyone in to quote.

Make sure you include jobs you want doing now and potential jobs you want doing in the future as this may affect the way the first jobs are carried out. For example, if you want a two storey extension but can only afford a one story now, foundations need to be laid.

You may sell in the future, check the home improvements will add rather than detract from the value of your property.

Are there any restrictions to works to your property, eg is it a leasehold, or a listed building.

Find out what regulations the buildings work need to pass or if any planning permission is required or contact your local authority for their rules and regulations.

Find three builders to secure quotes from. Make sure they are recommended by a company such as Checkatrade or Citizens Advice.

If a builder claims to belong to an organisation or they employ a plumber or gas engineer, check their membership is up to date.

Ask to visit other properties the builder has worked on, especially similar jobs.

Ask what insurance the builder has so you can work out what additional insurance you need

Make sure you sign a contract for the works.

What guarantees will they give you for the work? Alert the contractor to issues they need to be aware of, eg if any of your family are asthmatic or affected by dust, as well as required start and finish times.

If not offered through the service you use, to ensure an independent consultation via a building surveyor. Ask them to view your property before and after the works to make sure the builder has carried them out correctly and not caused further damage to your property.

Costs

Ask for quotes to be broken down by labour, number of days work, materials and if any additional tradespeople will be used, for example an electrician.

Make sure you understand what is and isn’t included in each quote. For example some builders include the cost of getting building regulations sign off, some expect you to pay for this.

Be careful of offers to do the work for ‘cash’ with no VAT. If anything goes wrong and you don’t have receipts or guarantees for the work/payments you make, you won’t be able to make any claims.

Agree when and how you will pay, eg ‘stage’ payments at the end of each week. The builder may require you to pay upfront for materials, but make sure you pay the merchant directly or only when the materials are on-site.

Choosing the best lot in a new construction neighborhood

There is so much new construction going on in the Raleigh area with new home developments popping out of the ground in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and south of Chapel Hill in Chatham County. Choosing the right lot is as important as the builder and floor plan when it comes to resale in the future. Having worked with buyers of new homes for years I have some tips to help avoid surprises and choose the best lot.

When you go into a new home community the model home is sometimes the only home in the neighborhood. The sales office will have a pretty layout of the neighborhood showing home sites, common areas and amenities. I don’t pay any attention to that. It’s a good idea to get a list of available lots, the home site premiums, and which plans will fit on the lots. Often the largest lots aren’t the best lots because of slopes, drainage and useable area.

Register of Deeds and Planning Application

I go to the county Register of Deeds website in the county where the site is located  and get the recorded plat which shows lot dimensions, size of the lots, easements, and retaining walls and common area. I enlarge the lot sections that are available and save to dropbox to view on my phone and tablet and sometimes print. The Register of Deeds will also have the HOA Documents and covenants.

Recently I learned a couple of things about recorded common areas. If a neighborhood has a perimeter buffer you may feel secure that the buffer area is protected and those trees will always be there. What happens if the developer buys adjacent land and incorporates it into the subdivision? The perimeter buffer is moved to the new perimeter and you may end up looking at houses not trees.

In another case, in Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, the builders sold homes with a wooded view on common area behind the homes. The builders weren’t told that the developer had sold extra sewer capacity to a 1000 home neighborhood a few miles away. Long story short this was allowed per the covenants and the neighbors woke up one day to the sound of bulldozers in the common area behind their homes.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LOT FOR YOUR HOME

Buying a new home is an exciting time, yet some of the decisions you have to make can be daunting. One such task is choosing the lot your home will be built on. The type of home you select will help you narrow down the options. For example, a front drive home and a rear detached garage would have different lot availabilities. Once you have a better idea of the kinds of houses you are looking at, you can move forward with refining your lot choice.

DIFFERENT LOT TYPES

A common lot type you will encounter is the zero-lot line. According to Mike Liebel with CIR Realty, “Zero-lot lines can be a great solution to enhance the utility and usability of narrow lots in communities.” A recent Calgary Herald article elaborates by explaining that, “the zero-lot line segment is an emerging option in master-planned communities across Calgary. It involves building against one side of the lot, setting up a five-foot-plus separation between the home and neighbour.” If you want to maximize your space without stressing your budget, a zero-lot line home would be a great fit for you.

If you like having easy access to the rear portion of your property, choosing a rear lane or corner lot might be the best option for you and your family. A corner lot is exactly that, a lot situated on the corner of two streets with frontage on two sides. This type of lot opens up the side yard but can be a bit pricier due to increased desirability and architectural detail required on the exterior. Another lot of choice is an interior lot, which is a lot fronting only one street with houses on either side and a yard behind the home. Interior lots can afford a bit more privacy and quiet as you are farther from street traffic.

LOT LOCATION

If you appreciate easy access to your home, choose a lot near the entrance of the subdivision to facilitate quick in/out travel. Check out the transit routes as well. A lot located on a bus route allows for easy commuting. If you’re thinking about children, you may want to choose a lot close to a park or recreational centre. Additionally, most well-planned master communities offer prime lots that back onto a green space or pond.

SUN EXPOSURE ON YOUR LOT

The sun exposure is another key aspect to consider. If you’re an avid gardener, a backyard with a southwest exposure will make sure your plants get the rays they need to thrive. Couple this exposure with a pie-shaped lot and you can eat local all summer! If you’re more of a low maintenance type of yard person, a northern exposure may suit you well—with the additional benefit of keeping you cool in summer. For those of you that are morning people, choose a backyard with an eastern exposure and get ready to enjoy those morning coffees on the deck. Prefer a cold drink in the afternoon? Then west-facing backyard exposure may be just the ticket. Visit a few lots at different times of the day to get a good sense of the sun direction and where your preference lies.