Laminate Flooring Installation Guidelines

Flooring

How to Choose Laminate Flooring: A Buyer’s Guide

Laminate flooring is one of the great developments in home improvement of the past 50 years. It’s inexpensive, durable and prefinished, but best of all, an intermediate DIYer can install it with just a few tools. Most of the various styles are installed by just snapping together the planks-no glue or fasteners required. In fact, the trickiest part is choosing the product! That’s what we’ll tell you about.

Types of laminate flooring: Two Styles of Laminate Flooring

There are two types of laminate flooring. Both come in packages of snap-together planks about 1/4 in. thick. But here’s the difference: Engineered wood is made from layers of real wood glued together with each layer perpendicular to the one below and above it for better stability. The top layer is a high-quality thin layer of hardwood coated with acrylic finish. Plastic laminate, on the other hand, is completely artificial, with a layer of melamine on the bottom, a resin-saturated fiberboard center, and a woodgrain print on the top that’s protected by a layer of clear hard plastic. Engineered wood is for purists who prefer the look of natural wood. But you pay for reality. On average, it’s about double the cost of plastic laminate flooring. Its thin top layer of actual hardwood makes it more susceptible to dents, scratches and staining. But unlike plastic laminate flooring, it can be rejuvenated up to three times with careful sanding and refinishing. Because of that, you can expect it to last longer than plastic laminate—if you locate it away from water-prone and high-wear areas. If you’re planning to sell your house in a few years, consider that buyers may appreciate and pay more for the look of real wood. Plastic laminate is for those who want the look of wood flooring in a place that gets wet or seriously abused. The bulletproof topcoat and plastic internal components make laminate floors extremely durable. They stand up to moisture, pet claws, in-line skates and sand-infested flip-flops much better than engineered wood floors. Manufacturers have come light-years in making the wood-grain print look very realistic. Most people can’t even tell it’s not real wood.

Don’t Forget LV Flooring!

Laminate floors aren’t the only option for durability and ease of installation. Next time you’re at the home center, take a gander at luxury vinyl (LV) flooring. There’s luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which looks like ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which mimics wood (shown here). Both types are extremely resilient, about the easiest flooring in the world to install and completely waterproof. Since luxury vinyl is so pliable, it’s a great choice over uneven subfloors.

Don’t Forget the Underlayment

All laminate flooring needs foam underlayment. Don’t skip it. Underlayment prevents the floor from clicking on the subfloor as you walk across it and makes it feel a bit softer. It also makes the planks easier to install because it evens out small inconsistencies in the subfloor. Some underlayment has self-adhesive tape to join one row to the next. Others call for separate tape. Be careful to use whatever is required. Go ahead and buy the special laminate and wood flooring installation tool as well. You’ll need it to pull together flooring ends where each row abuts a wall.

Choose a Finish Based on Lifestyle, Not Just Looks

If you lead a quiet life, choose whatever flooring style appeals to you. But if you have one of those crazy households with kids, pets and lots of visitors, be a bit more careful. Flooring with a varied grain pattern, a low-gloss finish or distressed or hand-scraped patina will look much better, much cleaner, much longer than flooring with a glossy, monolithic grain pattern.

The Complete Buyer’s Guide To Choosing Laminate Flooring

When it comes to choosing laminate flooring, we know that it can feel overwhelming. What style to choose, what colours will look best, do you need underlay and how long it will last are all questions that will be going through your mind when trying to choose the perfect laminate flooring for your home.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a type of floor covering that is made from several layers of material to form a firm and durable type of flooring. It usually has at least 4 layers

A backer layer – this layer provides the stability and support for the flooring and is the base of the laminate flooring

A core layer – this layer helps to prevent dents (which can often occur in real wood floors) and retain the inherent structure of the flooring

A décor layer – this layer shows the style of the laminate flooring, whether it’s a wood effect, tile effect or stone effect

A wear layer – this layer provides the protection for the layers below, helping the flooring avoid being scratched from daily wear and tear

What are the different types of laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring comes in a variety of different types. There are 2 main styles of laminate flooring: plastic laminate and engineered wood laminate. Read more about the differences between laminate and engineered wood.

What are the different finishes for laminate flooring?

With hundreds, if not thousands of different finishes on the market, choosing the look of your laminate can be a daunting task

Laminate Floor Buying Guide

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made of several layers that are sealed together in the lamination process. Designed to be affordable and durable

laminate flooring consists of four distinct components:

Wear Layer

The wear layer helps resist scratches from daily wear, creates an easy-to-clean surface and maintains a fade- and stain-resistant appearance.

Décor Layer

The décor layer is a printed image that recreates the natural look of wood, tile or stone.

Core Layer

The core layer gives laminate its structure and dent-resistant properties. Laminate flooring is much more resistant to dents than real hardwood flooring.

Backer Layer

The final backer layer provides additional support and stability.

Where Can I Install Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is very durable making it a great choice for high traffic areas, such as living rooms or foyers. But today’s laminate floors aren’t limited to specific rooms. The detail and style make it a visually appealing flooring option. Waterproof materials and installation allow it to be used in kitchens and even bathrooms. Laminate is also a great choice for basements. Just be sure to read the product information on underlayment and installation requirements.

Using Laminate Flooring on Walls

Most laminate floor planks can be applied to interior walls (not ceilings or countertops). Make sure your wall is clean and dry, plumb (vertical) and stable. Follow the product instructions for preparing the substrate. You’ll probably need to prime the wall before installing.

Tips for Choosing Laminate Flooring

I get excited when it’s time for the flooring to go in when I am doing a flip.

That means we are wrapping up the renovating portion and the fun portion begins. The decorating and staging. The flooring is an extremely important design to make.  I consider several factors when choosing the flooring.  I have a “formula” which I use when choosing the other elements, and it’s not unusual for me to install the same products, such as the appliances.  But, I like to choose different flooring for each home.  I will share my process below.

Have you ever heard that saying which started out “I wish I had a dollar for every ( fill in the blank.)”  That’s what I say when it comes to flooring. I wish I had a dollar for every square foot of flooring I have purchased and installed over the years in both our flip homes and our rental homes.  I could retire tomorrow.

Between our own homes we have bought and sold throughout my husband’s Marine Corps career, the rental properties we own and my parent’s rental properties which I manage, and all of the flip homes our family has renovated over the last 25+ years, we have put in thousands of square feet of flooring.  But, each home has a different situation and required different levels of consideration when choosing the type of flooring we installed.  Durability and price are just a few of these considerations.

I will say, of all of the types of flooring we have installed, we have used laminate flooring the most.  When laminate first entered the flooring scene years ago, I have to be honest – I was not a fan. I didn’t like the looks and I hated the way it sounded so hollow when you walked across it.  To me, the earlier laminate flooring looked like someone had photocopied and decoupaged cheap images of wood onto thin planks of wood.  Yuck.

Budget:

Ugh!  I really don’t like that word, do you? ?  But, like any DIY or renovation project, it’s one of the first considerations you must keep in mind.  You wouldn’t think there would be a major difference in total pricing between flooring that cost $1.89/sf and $3.39/sf.  I mean, there’s only a $1.50 difference right?  Until you multiply that by 1000+ sf.  Like any project, you need to break down the costs of the total renovation and decide what percentage you can dedicate to each category.  To a new homeowner, it seems logical that you would spend as little per square footage as possible.  I mean, savings is savings.  Here is where I will a huge and loud NO!  Savings is always a good thing, but not when it comes to the item that will receive the most wear and tear in your home.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that flooring is flooring is flooring. Especially when it comes to laminate.  I would suggest spending a little more and getting a better product that is within your budget’s means.

How to Choose the Best Laminate Floor

Laminate can be a terrific option for buyers looking for design realism and durability at a great value. To help you understand this flooring type a little better — and help you find the best laminate flooring for your home — we’ve answered some of the questions you may have.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is one of the most versatile, durable and easy-to-maintain flooring types available. It’s a synthetic flooring that’s made up of several layers and is designed to look like authentic hardwood, stone and other materials. Advanced design innovations allow for highly realistic visuals in a wide variety of styles and colours.

Is laminate flooring durable?

Very. Multi-layer construction makes laminate highly resistant to wear, stains, and heavy traffic — making it very popular with people who have kids, pets and otherwise active homes. At Armstrong Flooring, our laminate is available in a range of performance levels, including some that are rated for commercial use.

How is laminate flooring constructed?

Each layer in the laminate flooring structure serves a distinct purpose, but they all work together to make it reliably durable. What the layers are called and the exact specifications for each layer may differ depending on the manufacturer and the product

but here’s what you’ll find in Armstrong Flooring’s laminate flooring products:

Wear Layer – VisionGuard® is a clear, hardened melamine layer that protects the floor from spills, stains and fading and resists scuffs and scratches. Many of our high-quality laminate flooring products actually have Commercial VisionGuard®, which has a higher abrasion test rating and provides ultimate protection.

Design Layer – A photographic image displays highly realistic visuals of hardwood or natural stone.

Inner Core – HydraCore™ is our moisture-resistant HDF (high density fiberboard) that provides the flooring with stability, durability and moisture resistance. Our highest quality laminate flooring products feature HydraCore™ Plus, which further adds a more substantial feel and optimum sound absorption.

Backing – This balancing layer reduces warping.

Ceiling Fans Installation For High Ceilings

Electricians

Ceiling Fan Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Ceiling Fan

With such a broad range of fans to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in phrases like sloped-ceiling adaptable, blade span and 14-degree blade pitch. And all the questions: Big or small? How many blades? What controls do I need? Et cetera, et cetera.

There can really be a lot to think about when it comes to buying ceiling fans. So, if you want to brush up on all the technical jargon before making the wisest ceiling fan choice possible, you can do so here by checking out the following FAQs (plus, other ceiling fan articles, to your right).

What are my ceiling fan mounting options?

There are several options available, each designed to optimize air circulation and fit proportionally into a space. Regulations do require fans to be installed at least 7 feet up from the floor. (Before choosing a low-profile fan, be sure to measure the space between your ceiling and floor.) Aside from that, you can choose the fan mounting that best suits your room and, of course, your style.

Hugger Ceiling Fans

This type of flushmount ceiling fan is ideal for low ceilings (8 feet or shorter). There is no space between the ceiling fan’s motor housing and the ceiling, making it an ideal choice for smaller urban spaces, including apartments and condos.

Close-to-Ceiling Fans

A downrod of 3 to 5 inches is installed between the ceiling canopy and fan. The added space between the low profile ceiling fan and ceiling allows for more air circulation and fan efficiency, while remaining relatively close to the ceiling and out of the way. This mounting option is good for any room where the ceiling-to-floor height is roughly 9 feet.

How To: Choose a Ceiling Fan

Choosing a ceiling fan is enough to make any homeowner’s head hurt. With so many variables and options, what should you consider when choosing a ceiling fan?

Get the Height Right

If  you’re planning the installation for a low-ceilinged room, insist on a flush-mount model (also called a “ceiling hugger”) to ensure adequate head clearance

For average-height ceilings, using the manufacturer-supplied hanging rod should do the trick. For higher ceilings, an extension rod will lower the fan to optimal position within the room, about eight or nine feet off the floor.

Place Your Fan Properly

Ceiling fans don’t actually lower room temperatures; they cool by creating a breeze. Install them in places where you spend the most time. Good spots are over the bed or above family-room or kitchen seating.

Consider Control Options

Do you want to control the fan from a wall switch, a remote, or a good old-fashioned pull chain? You may not have a choice. Mode of operation depends on the fan that you choose. Tastes vary, but there is certainly something to be said for the convenience of a remote that enables you to change fan speed (or ceiling-fan light fixture settings) effortlessly.

How to Choose a Ceiling Fan for Comfort and Style

Ceiling fans make great additions to the home year-round. They cool us down in summer and warm us up in winter. New features and technologies mean they’re more energy-efficient than ever, and design updates have led to some pretty stylish models

Personal preference plays a big role when buying a ceiling fan, and it’s always helpful to discuss your needs with a professional. To help you get started, check out the following tips from experts on how to choose a ceiling fan, including determining the right ceiling fan size and the optimal hanging distance from the ceiling.

How to Choose a Ceiling Fan

Pick the right ceiling fan size for your room. Size is important. If your ceiling fan is too small for your room, it won’t move air efficiently or effectively. If it’s too big, it could create the feeling of being in a wind tunnel.

How to measure a ceiling fan: Ceiling fan measurements come from their blade span, which is the diameter of the circle their spinning blades create, also called their “sweep.” For a ceiling fan with an even number of blades, measure the fan’s diameter to determine its span. For a ceiling fan with an odd number of blades, measure from the center of the fan to the end of a blade, and multiply by two.

Consider the number and angle of the blades. With today’s models, there isn’t necessarily a right number of blades for a ceiling fan. It’s more of an aesthetic preference than a practical one.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CEILING FAN

CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE RATING FOR YOUR LOCATION

Is this fan going indoors or outdoors? There are 3 different ratings to consider:

Indoor Rated: Rated only for indoor use, cannot withstand moisture or direct water exposure.

Damp Rated: Rated for mild Outdoor use and indoor use; Can withstand heat and cool moisture, such as desert heat or cool mist or fog. CANNOT withstand direct rain or hose exposure.

Wet Rated: Rated for Outdoor use and can withstand Direct Water Exposure like Rain or cleaning with a hose; You can also use WET Rated fans for DAMP or INDOOR Locations, but not the other way around.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BLADE SPAN

You want to choose the proportional blade span for the space. Below is a good starting point, keep in mind that if the room is very large, you may want to consider using two fans instead of one.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DROP

Measure the height from the ceiling to the floor of where you plan on installing your fan. The chart below will give you a good reference guide as to which downrod you should choose. Keep in mind that some homeowners may choose a slightly different drop for preferred “visual” reasons.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FINISH

There are 3 main finishes/colors for ceiling fan motors. Most fans will come in 3 different options that fall in the category of; silver, brown, and white

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTROL

There are 3 main types of controls; Pull chain, Remote Control, and Wall Control. In most cases, you can generally add a remote control or wall control to your fan, but hardly ever add a pull chain to one.

How to Buy a Ceiling Fan

What makes the perfect ceiling fan? While style and finish are certainly important, considering a few key factors will help you pick the right ceiling fan for your space

Indoor Ceiling Fans

Do you need a ceiling fan for your living room, kitchen, or bedroom? Then you’ll need an indoor ceiling fan. All ceiling fans can be used indoors, which means they might not be marked as indoor fans so you’re free to shop and browse the entire selection of ceiling fans.

But if the indoor area is subject to humidity, you’ll need a damp-listed ceiling fan. These special rated fans are ideal for indoor areas, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. To find a damp-listed fan for your bathroom, you’ll need to shop our selection of outdoor ceiling fans and look for a fan with a damp-listed rating.

Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Designed for outdoor use in spaces such as patios and porches, outdoor ceiling fans are weather-resistant fans that can withstand exposure to the elements.

Damp Listed Ceiling Fans

A damp-listed ceiling fan is recommended for outdoor areas that are covered but not directly exposed to water. Examples include covered porches and covered patios, since these areas are completely protected from water.

Making The Most Of A Moving Checklist

Cleaning

The New Home Deep Clean: What to Clean When You Move

A new house or apartment presents so many possibilities. Bare walls, an uncluttered space, and a bare canvas upon which to make yourself a home. But before you get started on the fun parts of moving to a new place, you have to take care of the basics. Namely, the new home deep clean.

Whether you’re renting or buying, move in cleaning (or pre-move in cleaning, if you’ve got some lee-way with your timing) is a big necessity. The person or people who lived there before you, no matter how well-intentioned, inevitably left behind some dirt, grime, and dust that you’ll want to take care of before you really settle in. Unless you’ve just moved in to brand new construction, that blank slate isn’t quite as blank as it looks.

Cleaning a house before you move in is the ideal way to go, since you won’t have the added difficulty of needing to work around a bunch of furniture and boxes. But if you have to wait until after you move that’s fine – just don’t skip the clean entirely. The same goes for if a cleaning crew came through prior to you getting the keys. This is one corner you just don’t want to cut.

Clean high before you clean low

Dust isn’t relegated to floors and countertops. Ceiling fans, overhead lighting fixtures, shelving, and other features close to the ceiling are just as prone to getting grimy, but they (a) don’t get cleaned as often, and (b) tend to sprinkle dirt and dust onto the space below them when they finally do get a scrub down. Since cleaning these high up features will inevitably lead to the area below them getting a little bit filthy too, start at the top in each room and then work your way down.

If you’re cleaning post-move, do the fridge first

There are some things you can put off while you get everything cleaned, but storing your perishable food isn’t one of them. Before you get to everything else, start by sanitizing your new fridge. Because it’s clear of any food, it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. Remove the shelves and drawers if you can and clean those individually with soap and warm water. For the inside of the fridge, make a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, and use a clean rag to scrub down all the surfaces. If there’s any stuck-on gunk to remove, let the water/vinegar solution sit and soak in for a bit. Make sure shelves are completely dry, and then return them to the fridge. Repeat these steps with the freezer.

MOVE IN & MOVE OUT CLEANING

Are you Moving?

Moving into or out of a home is the mark of an exciting transition in life, but it can be a very stressful time. There’s so much to take care of, with everything from packing to decorating your new home and everything in between. One of the biggest pains of moving is cleaning your former or new house to prepare it for sale or the big move-in day.

Whether you’re moving into or out of a new home, Radiant Home Cleaning Services will take care of the mess for you! Radiant Home Cleaning offers move-in and move-out residential cleaning services in the Northern VA region. We believe that a cleaning company should not just simply “clean” a home or apartment, but offer a well-defined, trustworthy service that pays attention to the little details. We will thoroughly clean your new or old home with this approach to make your moving experience as smooth and worry-free as possible.

Move-Out Cleaning

If you’re moving out, it’s always a good idea to clean up your house or apartment, either to make it spotless for the new occupants or to ensure you get your security deposit back. It’s also important to clean the house if you are putting the home on the market and need it spotless for pictures and open houses. No matter the reason, your former home should be just as clean as when you moved in, if not more.

Move-In Cleaning

Moving into a home has the promise of a fresh start, a new beginning. However, there’s a lot to arrange before you move in, including cleaning and preparing your new home for new furniture and new occupants. In all the chaos of moving, you might not have time to make a trip out to the new house to prep it for the move-in.

Radiant Home Cleaning can take care of this for you! Our expert cleaning team will thoroughly clean your new house before you move in to make sure everything is in top condition for you and your family. Whether your new home is new or has been relatively well kept and needs a General Cleaning, or has been very “lived-in” and needs a thorough Top-to-Bottom Deep Cleaning, we can do it all.

Easy Tips for How to Promote Your Cleaning Business

Sometimes it feels like everyone’s looking for a cleaner. But once you’ve gone into business for yourself, you may find yourself wondering where all those potential customers have gone, and how you can promote your cleaning business. It can be a challenge to figure out who needs someone to clean, and figure out how to find them, convince them that you can do the job, get them to trust you, and all the other steps that go into running your business.

Marketing for Cleaning Services

Setting up a cleaning business has a lot of advantages. For example, your startup fees are generally low, you don’t have to rent an office space, and you don’t have to take any special course, or get a license for house cleaning. That being said, there are certain challenges you are sure to face. One of the biggest ones is getting, and keeping, clients. The other, once you build your business, will be finding and retaining employees.

Best Way to Advertise a Cleaning Business

There is no one definitive answer when it comes to how to promote your cleaning business. You may be wondering why you need to bother figuring out how to advertise your cleaning business.

Distribute flyers

Many people are looking for cleaners. That’s why flyers are particularly effective for your type of service. You can post them in the local supermarket, community center, or anywhere with a notice board.

Spread your brand via social media

Social media (like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) is a great place to reach people and promote your small business. You can use it to keep your current customers up-to-date, or as a tool for attracting new customers. To be effective, it’s good to keep your messages short and relevant. Before and after pictures can have a significant impact when it comes to marketing for cleaning business so make sure to start your grow your portfolio.

MOVE IN & MOVE OUT CLEANING SERVICES

Moving is a big job. In fact, many people say that moving is one of the most stressful and exhausting life experiences. Getting your things in order, changing your address, scheduling transportation and moving services, perhaps changing school systems, or going through a simultaneous career adjustment⁠—it can all present a massive amount of work. On top of it all, you have to make sure the home you’re leaving is clean (either to get your security deposit back for your apartment or to help ensure your house can sell) and that your new home is ready for move-in day.

This is where our move out cleaning experts can help you remove one burden from your to-do list.

Let the experts at The Cleaning Authority remove the burden of pre- and post-move cleaning from your to-do list. By nature, moving is messy. Our expert cleaning crews can make sure that your new home or the one you’re leaving looks spotless and sparkling with our move in and move out cleaning services.

Life Is Short. Let Us Take Care of the Cleaning!

Our move in and move out cleaning team is trained and equipped. As part of our commitment to environmentally-friendly cleaning practices, we use only environmentally responsible and sustainable cleaning products on the homes we clean. We have more than 25 years in the business, and our franchise locations are all bonded and insured.

MOVE-OUT CLEANING SERVICES

You packed the dishes, de-cluttered the garage, hired the movers and signed the papers. Now what? Performing a thorough clean before moving out is beneficial to both parties, especially if you have a security deposit on the line.

However, move-out cleaning is easy to neglect. After all, you have bigger things to worry about, like moving into your new home or apartment.

Move-out Cleaning

Now that the rooms are empty (or nearly empty), it’s time to make your home or apartment look even better than it did when you first moved in. Many apartment and house contracts require a “broom-clean” while others call for a detailed checklist that covers everything from the stove to the baseboards.

Searching For The Best Transmission Repair Facility

Automotive

Transmission repair

When you decide to take your car to a repair shop, you better make sure you pick a reliable shop that suits your budget. When transmission repair costs can range anywhere from $1000 to $4000, you don’t want to pay for a slipshod service and end up with a transmission that will only develop problems again. A poorly done repair can end up costing you more in the end, which is why you shouldn’t choose the cheap option all the time. You don’t want to overpay either, so an honest, high quality, friendly transmission repair shop is what you want. There are a few things you can look for in a shop before you decide to bring your car in for repairs.

How to Find a Transmission Repair Shop

Ask around for recommendations – Chances are your family and friends have experienced car problems before, and they probably know some trustworthy shops around. Ask people you know for their recommendations of repair shops that offer fair prices, high quality repairs, and awesome customer service.

Avoid cheap or over the top services –When looking for a transmission repair shop, look for one that offers prices in between too expensive and cheap. You are going to want to get estimates from multiple shops first before you decide on one. Expensive shops are often just ripping you off and might be dishonest about what they are doing to your car. They might be tacking on a bunch of services that you don’t need just to increase the bill. On the other end, cheap is cheap. If you are looking for repair shops that offer cheap prices, chances are you’re going to get cheap repairs. Avoid shops that offer remarkably low prices, because oftentimes they are lowering the price just to get the job, their quality of work is sloppy, or they will mark up the price once they’re finished.

ATRA membership – ATRA stands for the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association, and they’re an organization that specializes in transmission repair. ATRA offers membership to shops that meet their Code of Ethics, which includes honesty, professionalism, and friendliness. ATRA accredited shops also offer a warranty program for repairs, which can range from 12 to 36 months. You can find an ATRA accredited repair shop here at their site.

Professionalism – You can usually tell how seriously a transmission repair shop takes their work by the way the shop is portrayed, in ads and appearance. A clean, organized shop is indicative of a high quality organization. You should also look for training, certification, and memberships in organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. Avoid shops that appear sleazy or a bit off. (The commercial below is a parody, but you get the point.)

Best Ways to choose the right full- service auto repair

Choosing the right full-service auto repair center is not always an easy task. It’s important to look at every aspect of services and repairs offered. You should always inquire about certain points. Do they have ASE certified technicians? Do they offer auto repair, body work, A/c service, upholstery, battery, engine overhauling, tires, brakes, smog inspection, diagnosis and repair systems?

Check the availability of trained staff

Do they employ highly skilled technicians trained by the manufacturer of your specific vehicle brand? They should have the best tools and diagnostic equipment to determine the type of repair your car requires, while also maintaining accuracy in the calculation of estimated expenses to repair and service your vehicle. The service provider should be able to perform the repair and service within the specified time

Should cover all your needs

They should be able to handle all possible maintenance needs, including oil changes, tire rotations, electrical system repairs, brakes, engine overhauls, mechanical issues, and A/C system repair. Their quality of service, reliability, and the ability to keep the cost of repairs as low as possible, without compromising the performance of the car, is also important to consider.

Don’t miss out on industry standards

They should have high standards that meet industry requirements to restore your vehicle to its original condition. A good repair center should not begin any work on your vehicle without submitting an honest assessment report of the repairs or services required with the lowest possible estimated rates. They should provide you with a comparative chart for the cost of parts to be replaced, motor oils, and electrical, audio and a/c system fittings. Assessment of steering, brakes, lights, taillights, seat belts, and emission levels are also of utmost importance. Emission levels should meet the pollution requirement levels of the concerned authorities.

Focus on the experience of service provider

Their years of experience in the industry will provide a good reliability check. The number of customers they handle over a certain period of time can also be a measure of their success rate. Testimonials and feedback submitted by both satisfied and unsatisfied customers will give you a better picture of the service center.

It is strongly advised to go over a checklist before choosing a full auto service and repair center.

How to Choose the Best Car Repair Shop

Finding the best car repair shop to meet your needs can save you a lot of headaches down the line, especially if you can locate a great mechanic before your car begins having issues. Take the time to research auto shops so you can establish a relationship before a major repair occurs

Ask Around

Obtaining referrals from friends, family, neighbors or even your local parts store can go a long way toward finding the right mechanic and car repair shop for you. Word-of-mouth referrals can save you research, as often you will get an honest referral based on someone else’s experience.

Shop Around Before an Emergency

Start looking for a good car repair shop to avoid having to make hasty decisions. Need-based decisions may end up costing more, especially if the shop you take your vehicle to does shoddy work

Check Online Reviews

Use online reviews to gauge how other people have been treated in the past. Make a note of anything that is particularly good or bad, such as the service, length of time in the shop, and the cost. Look for high ratings with individualized details that give the review authenticity.

Ask Questions

Ask as many questions as you need to feel secure with your auto shop. Ask about credentials, experience, warranties, and customer service policies. Think up a list of questions you may have about the work being done or how the car repair shop operates.

Auto Repair Basics

The best way to avoid auto repair rip-offs is to be prepared. Knowing how your vehicle works and how to identify common car problems is a good beginning. It’s also important to know how to choose a good mechanic, the kinds of questions to ask, and your consumer rights. This kind of information may help you keep a lid on mechanical mistakes.

What should I look for when choosing a repair shop?

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust. Look for a repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision.

Shop around by phone and online for the best deal, and compare warranty policies on repairs.

Ask to see current licenses if state or local law requires repair shops to be licensed or registered. Also, your state Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency may know whether there’s a record of complaints about a particular repair shop.

Make sure the shop will honor your vehicle’s warranty.

Is one technician better than another?

Look for shops that display various certifications — like an Automotive Service Excellence seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas. Make sure the certifications are current, but remember that certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work.

Ask if the technician or shop has experience working on the same make or model vehicle as yours.

Repair Charges: Unlocking the Mystery

Before you arrange to have any work performed, ask how the shop prices its work. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs. This published rate is based on an independent or manufacturer’s estimate of the time required to complete repairs. Others charge on the basis of the actual time the technician worked on the repair.

What should a written estimate include?

It should identify the condition to be repaired, the parts needed, and the anticipated labor charge. Make sure you get a signed copy.

It should state that the shop will contact you for approval before they do any work exceeding a specified amount of time or money. State law may require this.

Choosing the Right Transmission Fluid

How to choose the right transmission fluid

The best place to start is by consulting the owner’s manual. It will note whether the car requires Dextron or Mercon transmission fluid. It’s very important to follow the owner’s manual. For example, some imports won’t accept Mercon, and instead require brand-specific fluid.

Synthetic or conventional transmission fluid?

Car owners also need to choose between synthetic or conventional transmission fluid. Synthetic fluid is more costly, but provides better performance and is more durable at higher temperatures. However, on some older models of cars, it’s actually better to stick with conventional fluid – especially if synthetic has never been introduced. Making the switch can actually do more harm than good, and lead to unwanted transmission repair issues.

Choosing the right brand of transmission fluid

Once the right type (Dextron or Mercon) and quality (synthetic or conventional) of transmission fluid is chosen, the next step is to find the right brand. There are a number of popular and well-regarded manufacturers, including Mobil, Shell, Penzoil, and more.

mechanics have in-depth knowledge and training, and provide our customers with sound advice on which transmission fluid brand gives them the best performance within their budget, and therefore helps them avoid unwanted car repair issues (including the need to rebuild a transmission) down the road!

The Essence Of Accountant

Accounting

Questions to Ask When You Choose a Tax Accountant

If you are considering early exercising of a significant number of options or are thinking about selling options in the public market for the first time we highly recommend retaining a reputable tax accountant. We realize this means you will incur a fee, but it is highly justified given the risk you take on incurring significant unforeseen taxes if you don’t consult a great tax accountant.  It is not as easy to quantify the savings from hiring a tax accountant as it is from hiring an estate planner (see our recent post by Abe Zuckerman regarding Estate Planners), but it’s just as necessary. Like most people, you’re probably not sure how to choose a tax accountant.

Do they have expertise in areas relevant to you?

If you work for a technology company that issues stock options or RSUs, then make sure your accountant has worked with plenty of other clients in the same situation.  Better yet, make sure she has clients who work in more senior positions than you because with seniority usually comes more complexity. A true professional will tell you if she is not appropriate for the job, either because your return is too simple to warrant her help or too complex due to her lack of relevant experience (a common example where a lot of experience is needed would be the area of oil and gas partnerships).

How many years of individual tax experience do they have?

An appropriate tax advisor should have a minimum of five years experience doing individual tax returns. Experience with a large firm is usually better than a small firm because she will have been exposed to a broader set of issues and her training should be better.

What license(s) do they have?

It would be preferable for your tax preparer to have a CPA (Certified Public Accountant license) although it is not technically required. Tax Attorneys should have a LL.M in Tax (an advanced tax degree for an attorney).

Do they have an advanced degree?

A CPA can do tax work even if she hasn’t had any special training in tax. I know that sounds crazy. That’s why it might make sense to look for someone with more advanced training like a tax specialty within an MBA. My tax advisor, Bob Guenley (who has written a number of guest posts for us), told me he only took one tax course in college and learned a lot on the job, but getting his MBA in tax made a whole world of difference. His MBA included individual, partnership, corporate and fiduciary tax, which is more than one needs if she wants to specialize in individual tax, but it’s awfully nice to have someone advise you who has that broad perspective. An advanced degree isn’t necessary if your accountant has taken advanced classes in personal tax as part of her ongoing Continuing Professional Education requirement. There is no correct answer to this question. I just think your tax advisor/preparer needs to have taken several courses emphasizing personal taxes.

Choosing an accountant

When choosing an accountant, look for one that will suit you or your business. Some accountants specialise in tax returns for individuals or for businesses in a particular industry, and others are experts in a particular area of tax.

If you’re an employee

An accountant can be useful if you have multiple jobs or income from investments. They can also help you claim all the tax deductions you’re entitled to and make sure your tax return is correct.

If you work for yourself

If you work for yourself as a sole trader, contractor or freelancer, an accountant can help. They can help with your BAS (business activity statements) and PAYG (Pay as you go) instalments. They can also tell you what deductions you can claim, and give advice on super contributions and tax.

Help with your business

If you run your own business, an accountant can help you set up and maintain your financial records. They can also help you meet your tax obligations.

Finding the right accountant

A good place to start looking for an accountant is recommendations from people you know.

Q&A: Choosing an accountant

How important is it to find the right accountant?

Really important, if you take the time to find a good accountant, it could save your business a lot of time, effort and money.

And if I don’t find the right accountant?

Some accountants are only interested in the fee, others can be too busy to give you the service you need, which means your business suffers, which can include paying more tax than you need to. No matter how new or established your business – or how small it is – if you’re paying an accountant, you should receive a first-class service, otherwise, what’s the point?

How important are the personalities?

Much can rest on the characters involved. There needs to be a professional, yet friendly and open relationship between the parties. A few years ago, the accounting firm of which I’m a partner picked up a new client, who immediately referred us to her friend. The relationship with the first client soon broke down – we always seemed to be on a different page. The lady she referred is still a happy client.

What can an accountant help me with?

PAYE, VAT, personal tax, business tax, year-end accounts, returns – tasks that many business owners find difficult or just plain boring. Not everyone’s good with figures, while trying to do it yourself could in fact prove much costlier than paying an accountant to do it for you. From a tax perspective, the business is also properly administered, which gives piece of mind and frees up the owner to do other things. To use a medical analogy, what you should be looking for is a good ‘GP’, with links to a ‘specialist’ if you need one.

Do you recommend monthly fee arrangements?

Only if you’re paying your accountant for monthly services. Better to pay as you go, then you can see what work your accountant has done. You can reduce your accountancy fees by doing your own simple bookkeeping and keeping an orderly record of your expenses, of course.

How to select the right accountant

Finding a good accountant is difficult, especially one who understands your business’s unique needs.  Here is how to select the right accountant for your business

Full time, In-house or outsource

As a small/medium business owner, cost is the key consideration.  You may not need a full time accountant.  There are many accounting firms out there that provide accounting services and this could be just the right solution for you.  However, you need to choose the accounting firm that you can trust with your financial information and someone whom you could work with in the long run

Relevant experience, certified or chartered accountant

Ensure that your accountant is certified by a professional body, i.e. CPA (Certified Public Accountants) or CA (Chartered Accountants).  It is preferable that the account should also has the relevant experience working in a similar business to yours or at least has experience in in the same sector as yours.  This is to help ensure that your accountants understand your business unique need sand, can set up your company right from the start and able to serve well as the company grows over time.

Be clear on his/her role and responsibilities

As mentioned above, the Accountant has a wide range of responsibilities.  Ensure your accountant has the necessary skill and experience to help you with current and future needs.  Any simple accounting task that can be done in house will reduce accountant costs and will also give the business a better grasp of the company’s financial situation in real time and a heads-up on potential issues.   These include book keeping, payments and collection.

Accounting software, offline or online?

If you decide to engage a third party accountant, your accountant’s software may play part of your selection process.

tips on choosing an accountant for your start-up or small business

Most small business owners say that their accountant is their most valuable advisor – a good accountant will keep your books in order, help with tax planning, and will ensure that you meet all your tax deadlines

Consider choosing an accountant before you start your business, or as soon as you can, as they will be able to advise you on start-up expenditure, how to register with the tax authorities,

Ensure that all prospective accountants are fully qualified. Most firms are members of a recognised accountancy body such as the ICAEW (Chartered Accountants), ACCA (Certified Accountants), or ICAS

Make sure your accountant has experience of dealing with other small businesses, particularly other businesses within your industry. If you are a contractor or freelancer, for example, you will typically be better off taking to a specialist accountant rather than a ‘general’ firm

Find out what fees your accountant will charge. Are they annual fees, or monthly? Are there any entry or exit fees? How much will extra work be charged at – if it falls outside the agreed tasks to be performed for your business?

Time For Kitchen Remodeling

Home Improvement

Questions to Ask Your Kitchen Contractor

You may have 100s of questions for your contractor and that’s great. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like. But which questions are crucial when comparing and vetting potential contractors? How can you be sure that you are hiring someone trustworthy, transparent, committed, and capable?

That is, someone who won’t keep moving the timeline or surprise you with hidden costs. Someone who won’t leave you in the dark while you wait without a functioning kitchen. Did you know online reviews can be paid for? Did you know contractors’ licenses expire? Were you aware many companies claiming to be “design-builders” are actually well-intended contractors (no real design panache to speak of…) beefing up their descriptors.

Read on to discover the top  questions you need to ask before handing over a deposit or signing on the dotted line.

Can we see proof of your current business license(s)?

Seeing business/builder/etc., license numbers on websites or business cards isn’t enough. You need proper proof. Checking in with your local building department will verify if a local contractor’s license is current.

Are you insured and bonded?

Insurance and bonding is your “insurance” that if they perform shoddy work or leave you high-and-dry, you’ll be covered.

Do you have liability insurance?

If one of their workers is injured on the job, or a neighbor trips on the builder’s poorly flagged scaffolding, the contractor’s liability insurance is liable so your homeowner’s insurance premiums aren’t on the line.

How Long Will the Entire Project Take?

It’s important to have a clear picture of when work will begin and end, and every milestone along the way.

Even if your contractor promises to complete your renovation in under three months, ask them follow up questions to make sure they’ve anticipated potential setbacks and considered every contingency.

  • Are you working — or bidding on — any other projects that might affect our timeline?
  • How will you handle any delays in our schedule?
  • Will you inspect for any structural issues that may impact the renovation before setting a timeframe?

Despite what many contractors claim, it is possible to set and adhere to an accurate timeline. It requires a careful consultation phase, during which your contractor should see your kitchen space, communicate with your architect and/or interior designer, and learn about your needs and preferences during construction.

Ask for a construction schedule that shows what will happen each day, week, and month. That way you can prepare for the inevitable disruptions to your living space and minimize the stress of a kitchen remodel.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MOVE THE KITCHEN SINK AND THE REST OF THE PLUMBING?

When doing a kitchen remodel or gut renovation of your kitchen, keep in mind that it’s more than just aesthetics you’ll be upgrading. If your kitchen layout has been the same for a long while, it could be worth changing the position of the sink or adding a center island with a built-in sink that will open up more possibilities. If you are considering this, be sure to factor in the cost of consulting a professional about moving the plumbing.

CREATE A KITCHEN THAT WILL BLEND AND FLOW WITH THE REST OF YOUR HOME

Something to account for when remodeling the kitchen is that you have the freedom to make it your own and create a space that flows well aesthetically with the rest of your home. If you are aiming for a particular style and color palette throughout your home, a kitchen remodel is the perfect way to incorporate your chosen decorating style and make the space blend with the other rooms of your home to reflect your personality and lifestyle.

What should I include in my project scope?

Make a list of your absolute “musts” for your kitchen, and then tack on a few “wants.” When making this list, think about who’s using the kitchen and what it’s being used for (i.e. entertaining or preparing family dinners). Using Emprove’s “Cost It!” tool, you can get instant and comprehensive project cost estimates that are uniquely tailored to your design preferences, budget and location. With this tool, you can identify how many of your “wants” you can afford, and can fine-tune each project element to make sure you’re making the most of your budget!

What’s my kitchen style aesthetic?

Whether you’re eclectic or timeless, trendy or simple – identify the type of style you want your kitchen to embody and make sure the materials, hardware and appliances you’re picking fit that aesthetic. Emprove’s “Dream It!” tool makes this easy by guiding you to create and personalize a Styleboard, during which the platform learns your design sensibilities and objectives. All you have to do is click the images you like!

What should I absolutely NOT compromise cost on?

The answer is materials and hardware. The bottom line is that if you don’t have high-quality materials and hardware, nothing else matters. This includes but is not limited to cabinets, flooring, and drawers. There are other elements of a kitchen (the fridge and sink, for instance) where you may have more leeway to customize style to fit your budget.

Am I prepared to manage this project?

From hiring a contractor to securing permits, there will be plenty of moving parts to manage. Are you ready?

that homeowners should, at a minimum, be prepared to get multiple bids and check contractor references, insurance, and licenses. You should track product warranties, invoices, receipts, owners manuals, and more And keep great records because you need to update your home insurance dwelling coverage, be prepared for tax time, and have great records if you decide to sell the house.

Can I comfortably survive it?

Even if you know exactly what you want and have the money to pay for it, you still have to mentally prepare for demolition and potential delays.

So if you want your kitchen perfect before your entire extended family comes over for Christmas, you’d better get cracking now! And of course, problems along the way will just lengthen the timeline.

So pad your time frame (and budget) for unforeseen problems that are bound to crop up, and prepare to eat a whole lot of takeout before this is over. It’s worth it, really!

Choosing The Right Event Videographer

Events

How to Choose the Right Photographer and Videographer for Your Wedding

Finding good vendors for your wedding (like caterers, DJs, etc.) can be a challenge. For both of our upcoming family weddings, we are utilizing the services of wedding planners to make the process go more smoothly and keep our sanity. I’m not an expert on event planning, so I’m happy to release control to those who are – but when it comes to anything photo-related, or the best ways to tell the story of the big day, I have lots of opinions!

Why You Should Hire Separate Companies to Handle Photography and Videography

These days, we have the technology to capture photos and video of your event – and I recommend doing both. If you have the funds to do so, I recommend leaving room in your budget for a photographer and a videographer.

My Best Tips for Hiring the Perfect Wedding Photographer

Here’s a list of questions and things to think about when you are screening wedding photographers: Check out the photographer’s style in advance. Get examples of his work, and see if each wedding seems unique and personal. Most well-established photographers have websites these days, so having a high-quality site with a solid portfolio is a good sign.

Ask about costs upfront. Of course, you want to make sure the photographer’s services are within your budget. You do want to make sure you get a high-quality photographer, though, since it’s such an important choice, so you may need to make adjustments to your budget so that you can hire someone who will do a great job for you.

How to Choose and Hire the Best Videographer

As the latest statistics and research continue to hammer home the fact that video content is a critical component of every business’ content marketing campaign, marketing departments all over the world are scrambling to find professional videographers to fill this gap and bring their company’s content marketing strategy up to speed. Video content is a creative and engaging way to help your company stand out from the competition and a professional video production company can create video content that can be of considerable value to your business. At SteadyTake, we specialize in assembling the most qualified creative team for your video project, including skilled videographers, editors and creative support as needed. We pride ourselves on doing everything we can to ensure that our clients get what they are looking for in a video production company and we offer reasonably priced packages for a wide variety of video production needs, from entry-level packages to premium packages.

Tips for Hiring a Video Production Company

Unless you have hired a videographer or video production company before, you may not know what to expect from the process, how to prepare for it or how to know what is a fair price for the work you want. For many people, hiring a videographer to produce videos for their business may seem like a daunting task. There are countless video production companies out there offering a wide range of services that vary a great deal in price and they all promise to deliver high quality, professional video content. So how do you know that the video production company you hire will create video content that effectively markets your business?

Don’t settle for anything less than quality

Video marketing has become one of the most powerful marketing tools for businesses today and finding creative ways to market your business using quality, engaging video content is the most productive way to stay competitive in today’s market. The best way to ensure that the videos you are producing are of the highest quality is to hire a professional video production company with extensive experience and a vast network of creative talent. At SteadyTake, we are a team of more than 1,000 professional, vetted videographers and editors nationwide and our specialists produced more than 1,000 videos in the last year alone.

Keep your video destination in mind

Before you hire a video production company, you should consider where your videos will ultimately live. If you are planning to post the videos to YouTube and your website, they can be longer than two minutes depending on the content and your specific purpose for producing them. However, if you plan to share them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you will need to tailor the content to suit viewers’ shrinking attention spans. According to research, Instagram videos that average 26 seconds receive the most comments, while top-performing Twitter videos average 43 seconds. Facebook audiences appear to engage the most with videos that are one minute long, while YouTube users prefer longer, in-depth content in the form of two-minute videos.

Look at the company’s recent work

A demo reel is a great way for a video production company to show what it can do, but looking at a prospective videographer’s more recent work will give you a better idea of what you can expect on your video project. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to ask for more. You don’t want to miss out on working with a great videographer just because you didn’t see what you were looking for in the demo reel or in recent projects.

Tips for Shooting Event Video and Photography at the Same Time

Consider the following advice for recording video and taking photos (at the same time) before shooting your next live event.

On paper, it makes perfect sense. You have a nice, multipurpose, digital camera with great video recording and photography capabilities. On top, there is a simple button to quickly switch between the two. You’ve probably already attended an event and shot either video or photos, which seems pretty straightforward. So, how hard could it be to just shoot both?

The Right Camera and Gear

First off, you’ll need a good multi-purpose camera that can easily switch between photography and video modes. And given the situation, it should be a good camera for both. Personal preference is important here. It doesn’t really matter if you prefer DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, the key is to find the right camera for your needs.

Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Personally, I feel like I’ve always been an unusual photographer/videographer because I feel stronger shooting video than photos. Often, photographers are looking to add video to their coverage. In which case, this is a great resource.

Video Loves Motion

Also, when deciding when to shoot video over photography, a general rule is to decide what looks good in motion versus static. Video loves motion. Yes, it may be a little harder to set the focus and adjust on the fly. However, consider the situation. If there is something interesting going on that is in motion, say a first dance or a popping champagne bottle, always go for video.

Photography Appreciates Static

Meanwhile, for photography, I’d look for more static situations. Obviously, shooting event photography requires singling out groups of people and getting them to turn, smile, and pause — photography is simple and elegant. There’s no need to record people awkwardly waiting for a flash.

Tips for Shooting Live Stage Events

Thinking about shooting a live event? Here are 14 things you need to remember.

For videographers, a live event can be an exhilarating experience that pushes you outside of your creative comfort bubble… but if you’re not careful, a seemingly insignificant technical error can ruin the entire video. Don’t let this happen to you! Here are 14 tips for shooting your next big live event.

Pick a Style

Before you shoot a live stage event, do some research into what you want the look and feel of your video to be like

While they may be the most popular lecture series in the world, TED talks are surprisingly simple when it comes to shooting style. Most TED talks consist of a few cameras on tripods with a master camera. It’s all pretty stationary, which is not a bad thing.

Most modern live events consist of a mixture of tripods, shoulder rigs, cranes, and sliders. These events can become incredibly complicated to edit in post (or direct live). But when done well, a mixed-camera shoot can bring a lot of life to an otherwise boring event.

Sometimes your client will only want a “highlight reel” of the live event and not the entire event itself. This is your opportunity as videographer/filmmaker to show off your cinematography skills. Good event highlight videos will feature complex movements. It’s also more common to see highlight videos shot on DSLRs instead of more traditional video cameras.

Wedding Video Tips: Choosing A Wedding Videographer

Wedding videography has provided the bride and grooms nowadays the opportunity to have produced a marvelous video documentary of their wedding. Today’s couples invest in selecting the ideal reception venue, bridal flower bouquets, wedding cakes, wedding ceremony decorations, invitations, wedding dress and possibly end on that checklist is the wedding videos. But wedding videography should not be neglected because it preserves the memoir of the wedding celebration.

Actually, there are two options to record virtually every significant event in a person’s lifestyle. Through wedding photography and videography, all the stuff you wish to recall a decade in the future like the laughters and tears, the fun times with your bridesmaids and best man, and all that jazz. The wedding photographer has to direct and pose the couple and their guests to be able to position those worthwhile wedding album images. The videographer, alternatively, has to blend on the background and record additional informal scenes like a ninja!

Wedding Video Styles

Documentary Video Style – reveals the events as it happen continuously right from the start through the end of the wedding.

Cinematic Video Style – filmed and edited to represent the captured wedding videography as a movie film that includes special effects like black and white film, slow motion, or additional sound track.

Traditional Video Style – a compilation of various shots inside the wedding without any editing involve.

Tips in Choosing A Wedding Videographer

Your videographer should be ready to frame an incredible scene, and change things around from wide angle shots to close-up macro and not merely a series of extended shots panning across the whole room

An essential part of the video service is the editing of the raw footage to put together breathtaking sequence. Video editing generally includes taking off the extra unwanted scenes. Your wedding is transformed into a narrative story in a very different light. The combination of creative concepts, high-end equipment, and artistry will bring out the beauty of your wedding event celebration. You may want to include a voice over incorporated in the post production phase with striking music or some special effects that enhances a significant wedding ceremony in one’s life.

Reasons To Do Sewer Inspection Lines

Plumbing

Sewer Inspection of Drains, Do I Really Need That?

Let me set the stage for you. You have a 20+ year old home. As the homeowner, you have had the toilets replaced, water pressure Sewer-Inspection2checked, kitchen drains replaced, and numerous other cosmetic plumbing services done to the house. One night you are on the lower level of the house and you hear running water, but you are not sure where so you get up to investigate. After looking around, you come to the bathroom and you see water pouring out of the toilet. What in the world is going on!

Turns out once the water was turned off, and the plumber came out to check out the drains with a camera, there was a blockage in the pipe along with a tree root that had grown through the pipe. So not only had a tree been growing through the pipe for many years, the paper that was being flushed was silently filling up the areas that the root had not gotten to yet until the drain could not dispose of the water properly. We can say the owners of the household were unaware that this could happen and had never heard of a sewer video inspection before their toilet backed up.

Sewer line inspection should be a requirement for older homes, or if you are purchasing a new home. Yet, it is left off the inspection list. Video inspections can provide views of the pipes so that you can see if there are cracks, separation, tree roots, pipe collapse, and even defects in the sewer line that might be caused by the city sewer lines. If you are buying a new home, this information could be quite pivotal in determining the purchasing price, or if you want to buy the house at all.

Here at AllGood Plumbing, we strongly suggest having your sewer inspected with a camera, especially since Georgia homeowners love the trees that grow around their homes. These trees can be competing with your sewer drains, and the tree will win out. The same goes for paper blockage in a drain that may be damaged or not draining properly, with enough time the drain will also stop working and your house will reap the damage it produces.

Let AllGood’s highly trained plumbing professionals come out and do a sewer inspection of your house’s drains. Let us find the problem before you do. We have a coupon on our website for a sewer inspection. With the coupon, the inspection is currently $139. A great deal to find a problem before it becomes an expensive problem.

Do I Need a Home Sewer Inspection?

The most common problem with many sewer lines is backups caused by roots. Roots are attracted to the rich nutrients found in main sewer pipe systems. Tree roots can grow into plumbing lines through even the smallest seam or crack and may continue to grow over time. They eventually lead to blockages, overflows, and in some cases heavily damaged lines.

What is a Sewer Pipe Inspection

A sewer pipeline camera inspection to view the condition of sewer and drain lines is a necessity if home or business owners have constant backups and blockage, root intrusion, or are purchasing a new home. Because most sewer lines are installed under the home and in the ground, there is no accurate way to determine the condition of the line and whether it requires replacement without the help of a professional contractor

If there are objects in the line, roots, or heavy buildup, eventually the system will clog and could overflow into homes causing water damage, hence requiring expensive sewer cleanup services.

Do I Need  a Home Sewer Inspection

The only way to accurately diagnose a sewer line problem is with a professional sewer camera inspection. A camera may show homeowners several important things that can help them to plan ahead and avoid further damage.

Frequent Drain Backups – For home and business owners experiencing frequent sewer line backups, a sewer camera is crucial. Drain lines back up when there are blockages such as root intrusion, hard scale buildup, objects in the line, or broken and damaged sewer pipes. Various causes of blockages can be found in newer homes, but are definitely an issue with older homes. As homes age, so do the pipes servicing the drains. Deterioration, breaks from shifting earth or roots, and objects in the line can be viewed only with a sewer camera inspection.

DO I NEED A SEWER INSPECTION BEFORE BUYING A HOME?

Would you buy a home before checking out the interior or walking around the yard? Probably not. Most prospective buyers look at a house from top to bottom, hiring an inspector to go over the property with a fine-tooth comb. But despite all the scrutiny, sewer lines are seldom examined.

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

A lot of thought and care goes into finding the right home, so you want to make sure the home you choose is ready for move-in as soon as you are. Older neighborhoods sometimes have clay or concrete pipes and sewers made from these materials are particularly vulnerable to damage by tree roots. Roots are drawn to moisture that seeps from leaking or cracked pipes

ONCE UPON A CESSPOOL

Historic homes in southeast Portland and other areas predate city sewers. In these homes, cesspools were often used. When neighborhoods connected to sewer lines, the cesspools were sometimes connected to the sewer line.

NOT JUST FOR VINTAGE PROPERTIES

It’s not just century-old homes that can have problems, though. It’s a good idea to have a sewer inspection in a home that’s over 20 years old. Two decades is ample time for tree roots to grow and problems to develop.

HOW IS A SEWER INSPECTION DONE?

A qualified plumbing company can do a sewer inspection. When Apollo inspects a sewer, we attach a small video camera to a snake. The snake is inserted into the pipes. A plumber views a monitor that shows the progress of the camera through the sewer.

How Does Sewer Line Camera Inspection Work?

These days objects are getting smaller and smaller and cameras are no different. From big, bulky equipment, cameras have since changed and gotten smaller and smaller. It is small enough to fit on the back of most smartphones while still being able to capture high-resolution images.

Since cameras have become so tiny now, they have gained more applications not just for spy and undercover operations but for the plumbing industry as well, which is very helpful.

Instead of having to use big manual tools, listening gear or even having to dig up an entire area just to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem in pipes which also involved a lot of trial and error, plumbers now have the option to inspect pipes and sewer lines using miniature cameras specifically made for that purpose.

What Type of Camera is Used to Inspect Sewer Lines?

There is a specific type of camera used for sewer line inspections and it’s called a sewer inspection camera or a sewer pipe camera.

This is a tiny, flexible camera which is purpose-built to be snaked into sewer lines and pipes to allow an ocular examination of the sewer pipes or lines located underneath houses, buildings or roads. Most of the sewer inspection cameras are fit to use for either huge pipes or tight drains

What to Expect from a Sewer Camera Inspection

Not all homeowners can be as lucky as the French police when looking in their sewer system. The police managed to find $25 million worth of stolen Harry Winston jewels. Putting a sewer camera in a home’s drains can provide a wealth of valuable insight though. Homeowners can resolve blockages and find out the health of their lines.

What is a Sewer Camera?

Sewer cameras assist plumbers to view the main sewer line and pipes. There is a small camera mounted on the end of a flexible cable. Professional versions will have powerful lights mounted with the camera. This makes looking at the pipes easier.

The Benefit of Using a Camera

By using a camera homeowners can have confidence in the health of their plumbing system instead of guessing what problems might lie below.

When to Use a Sewer Camera

There are three times when a homeowner should consider getting a sewer inspection. They are useful when buying a home, planning a remodel, or if you’re experiencing issues.

Price

Prices vary for this service, and with that so does quality. Ask beforehand if you are able to watch the inspection yourself while it is happening live. Also ask if you are able to get a copy of the video file, and if that will cost you any more on top of the fee for the inspection.

Read About Selecting Long Distance Moving Companies

Movers

How to choose long distance movers

Moving across the country, as opposed to moving locally within the same city or within the same state, will always remain the more challenging type of residential moving due to one major reason: the move distance between the two homes

Cross-country moves are (much) more expensive because of that distance, but it’s more than just that: the risks for possible damage are higher when your possessions will need to be moved hundreds or thousands of miles across multiple states. And, oftentimes, finding and choosing reliable long distance movers you can trust is harder and trickier to do as well

How to find long distance movers

You know there must be some great long distance moving companies around you, but you may be wondering just how to get in contact with them. You’re moving across the country soon and you realize that organizing and executing a self-move just won’t work when the destination home is so far away.

Step 1. Fill in the free moving quote to get in touch with reliable long distance moving companies. You’ll get connected only with properly licensed and adequately insured professional moving companies that service the selected relocation route – from Point A (your current home) to Point B (your new home).

Step 2. Request in-home visual surveys of your home from each of the long distance mover, right after the initial contact. Those in-person inspections are crucial because they are the only way you can get accurate moving cost estimates. So, if a cross-country moving company doesn’t offer such an on-site inspection and instead wants to calculate your moving cost over the phone or via e-mail, then simply say NO! to that mover.

Choosing the Best Long Distance Moving Company

You wouldn’t hire just anyone off the street to move your household across the country, you’re clear on that much — but how exactly does one find the best long distance moving companies amidst all the options listed online? They all claim they’re the best, so it’s best to have a solid checklist of criteria that can help you weed out the riff-raff and find a team of long distance movers who will make your move an enjoyable process. Here is what you should be looking for

Are your movers an established, experienced company?

The best long distance movers didn’t get that way overnight – they have spent years fine-tuning their process, training their staff, and getting those early “learning mistakes” out of the way. When it comes to interstate moves, there are quite a few more details that a company needs to consider that aren’t involved in a local move. Crossing state borders, for one, requires additional licenses and paperwork. Your belongings also have further to travel, so the company must be certain that everything is well secured and stable for the haul. Don’t leave your move up to newbies!

Are your movers licensed and insured?

This should be a no-brainer, but the best national moving companies should be able to quickly and easily provide proof of their licensure and insurance with zero runarounds. You can check a mover’s license on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website, but you shouldn’t need to do that research yourself. Ideally, the company has its FMCSA license number displayed in plain sight and offers you a full explanation of their insurance and options for additional insurance when you request your quote.

Does your mover offer a detailed quote, estimate, or guaranteed price?

A verbal estimate holds no weight in the world of moving services, so when comparing the costs associated with each long distance moving company, make sure you know that you’re comparing apples to apples. The best-rated cross country moving companies are clear and transparent about the cost of moving long distance and provide a line by line breakdown of what they are quoting. Movers want to just give you a number without telling you what it includes? Time to look elsewhere.

Is your mover well-reviewed?

Good service inspires good reviews, so look for an interstate moving company that has a good track record according to their customers. The FMCSA website will offer safety reviews, and the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and these days even Google will provide customer experience information. Keep in mind that no company can escape a bad review or two, but they shouldn’t be the majority!

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

Choosing between long distance movers can be a stressful endeavor under the best of circumstances. But the right long distance mover can assist in transporting your belongings and can help relieve much of the stress of moving

Because your moving company will be responsible for ensuring that everything from your brand new living room set to your grandmother’s china that has been passed down to you makes it to your new home safely, you will want to take your time and do your homework before choosing among the various long distance movers. Ultimately, only you can make the decision; however, there are some things you may wish to consider when comparing the pros and cons of various long distance movers.

Are Your Long Distance Movers Licensed/Insured

For a company to offer long distance moving services, it must be properly licensed and insured. A moving company that cannot provide proof of both should definitively be avoided. A moving company that is operating without the proper federal license is violating federal regulations. Insufficient insurance coverage means that your belongings are not properly insured against theft or damage. You can check a mover’s license on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of the company’s proof of insurance as well.

Do Your Long Distance Movers Have Good Reviews

While no company can escape the occasional complaint, a moving company with a history of complaints or one with a series of particularly serious complaints should be avoided. You can compare safety ratings on prospective long distance movers on the FMCSA’s website as well. The Better Business Bureau is another source available for obtaining an overall rating on any moving company

Are Your Long Distance Movers Experienced

When it comes to interstate moving, the bottom line is that experience counts. Red Ball has been in the moving business since 1919, making them a pioneer among long distance movers. Interstate moving involves a number of concerns that a local move does not. Along with numerous state and federal laws and regulations that must be followed, a long distance move is also riskier for the cargo because it has farther to travel. For these reasons, you want to be sure that you trust your belongings to an experienced interstate moving company.

Tips to Help You Find the Best Movers Every Time

Shopping for moving companies is a huge undertaking, we know! From national long-distance movers to the local guys moving with a rental truck, there are a lot of companies to consider. So, how can you know that the company you are looking at is really the best for you? Follow these seven simple tips that will help you see through the marketing and tell if the company you are talking to has the credentials to complete your move quickly, safely and within your budget. And check out this video blog about helping you choose the best movers!

Check How Long the Company Has Been in Business

If the moving company you’re talking with was just born yesterday, it’s hard to tell whether they have the credentials for your move. For complex national or international moves, a good rule of thumb is to hire a moving company with at least a decade of experience planning and executing these moves.

Licensed & Insured Moving Companies

If the company is not properly licensed or insured, this could mean a big risk for your belongings. If you aren’t sure how to check this out, then look at their company website. Either on the homepage or in an About Us section, companies will normally list their Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing and insurance information. If you are still suspicious, ask the company for proof of their insurance or whether they are a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Moving Services Offered

It is important to know the span of work that the moving company can perform. Most moving companies should be able to perform house-to-house moves within their territory. If there are any specialty items, however, your moving company may not have the manpower or equipment to perform the job

Check Their Reviews Online

Reading reviews from former customers of a moving company is a great way to research your options. Depending on the company, you can usually go to the BBB.org, Google, Facebook or Yelp to find reviews from customers. The star rating is normally out of 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Companies with 4 stars and above are usually great to work with. You also can check to see if they’re a certified professional mover by the American Moving & Storage Association.

How to Choose the Best Long-Distance Movers

As if moving long distances wasn’t enough of a hassle (to say nothing of the stress factor) – finding a trustworthy company to ship your valuable goods over many miles, can seem like a gargantuan task. There are plenty of horror stories circulating about cross-country moves gone bad. They typically involve dishonest outfits who either aren’t moving companies at all, but merely an Internet front to steal your money and/or goods, or moving companies who hold your possessions hostage until you pay more than agreed. Either way, that’s not a path you want to go down. To help you stay as far away as possible from any shady transport companies, here are some suggestions for choosing the best long-distance movers

Confirm They’re Licensed and Insured

You wouldn’t dream of taking your car out on a long distance trip without having the proper insurance, would you? Imagine the horror if you got into an accident (even just a fender-bender), 1,000 miles from home. Now imagine that same scenario, except it’s a large moving truck with all of your belongings inside. They might be damaged at best – and at worst, destroyed. You would want to be compensated if this type of scenario occurred.

The FMCSA Website

You should be able to easily obtain the USDOT number and use it on the FMCSA website, to look up pertinent information about the moving company in question. This will include if they have any complaints filed against them or if they’ve incurred any safety violations while operating. The best place to check is the FMCSA’s Search Movers and Complaint History page. This site enables you to search interstate movers not only by USDOT but also by company name (even partial name) or MC number. This MC number is attributed to them when they register with the FMCSA and receive “authority to operate” as licensed movers

Released Value Coverage

The other kind of valuation coverage, which is typically applied only if you specifically request it, is called Released Value. You might choose this option because it knocks a significant amount of money off your moving bill – but you should be aware of how it works. In fact, it provides quite minimal coverage. If something is damaged, the moving company only owes you 60 cents per pound for any broken item.

Company Insurance

In addition to this valuation coverage, a trustworthy moving company will have its own insurance. If you request proof of their coverage, they should be able to accommodate you without any problem. If they cannot, you should seek out another company. Further, you’ll want to verify that the moving company’s insurance is valid, in all of the regions through which your goods will be traveling

When To Call A Mold Remediation Specialist

Home Inspection

How to Choose a Professional Mold Remediation Company When Doing the Work Yourself Is NOT an Option

Every week I receive countless emails from readers who are attempting to or who would like to attempt to remediate their own homes in order to avoid the cost of professional mold remediation. Sometimes, this is easily done with techniques and products I have featured on the blog. Most small, contained mold issues are pretty easy to successfully tackle with EC3 products, a “cold” fogger, proper protective gear, and a certified HEPA vacuum. As a matter of fact, there have been many situations in our current home when we have had a small leak or water intrusion incident and have addressed and remediated the issue ourselves lickety-split. Those situations are isolated events and leaks and/or water intrusion that is caught quickly and right when it occurs

There are other indoor mold situations that are not so straightforward and contained. Thus, I feel it is my responsibility to address the fact that there are definitely times when hiring a professional mold remediation company is the best decision for you and your family. Even with the tools and knowledge I have now, there are some mold clean-up jobs that I would not touch or advise anyone to do themselves, because the risk is not worth the possible reward or savings

When water damage has gone undetected for an extended period of time, causing lots of visible or invisible “behind the walls” damage to a home. In these cases, the damage is often structural and extensive and needs to be fixed along with proper remediation. This is also the type of work that grows in scope as walls are opened up and the extent of the damage and mold growth is revealed.

When you or your family members are extremely sick and/or mold sensitive. Attempting to remediate your own home if you are ill or mold-sensitive can cause major health problems and expose you to mold at levels that can cause your already suffering body more harm. In my opinion, it is just not worth the risk

When elevated levels of “toxic molds” have been identified inside your home. There are certain molds that produce mycotoxins which makes them more acutely dangerous to human health, even in small exposures. These molds are difficult to remediate as the mycotoxins linger and the mold can cause even more health problems when it is killed. Even the dead mold releases VOCs. A professionally trained remediator can clean structures and contents and knows best how to properly contain and handle this type of situation. Some mycotoxin-producing molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A MOLD REMOVAL COMPANY?

Many companies market themselves as mold contractors. How can you really know if they are in fact professional mold removal contractors?

When hiring a company for mold removal, consider the following:

Does the company have liability insurance for mold removal? Their policy must clearly state that they are covered for working with mold otherwise they are not carrying the right coverage.

Is the company an IICRC Certified Firm? If the company is an IICRC certified firm they should have a certificate issued by IICRC, The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, with the company name clearly stated. This certificate confirms that the company has technicians who are properly trained and tested on mold removal protocols.

Does the company encourage you to use a 3rd party for job clearance? When a customer requests a clearance following the completion of mold removal it should be done by a third company, a company other than the one who performed the removal. There is a conflict of interest when a company checks its own work and you, the customer, should be provided with the option to have a third party check the work and be protected.

Does the company provide you with a copy of the mold cleanup protocol and scope of work detailing what will be done in your home to remove the mold?

Is the company offering to remove the mold or just cover it up? Ensure that the company is not going to “seal” or “encapsulate” the mold, this just means that they will cover it. To rid your home or building of mold it has to be physically removed under mold removal protocols.

Will the company provide you with a written work guarantee on the mold removal?

All professional and certified mold removal companies should be able to provide you with all the criteria above.

How to Find the Best Mold Removal Company

With so many mold removal companies to choose from, how do you decide?

Hiring the right company is necessary, yet a difficult decision… especially when it comes to the health and safety of your family.  You can’t afford to cut any corners

Before I show you how to find the right mold removal company, I’ll explain the main difference between Mold remediation companies and restoration companies because this distinction will factor into your ultimate decision.

Mold remediation companies are specialized in safely removing contaminated mold in until the home is once again safe to occupy.

Mold remediation companies do not rebuild your home after the mold has been removed, but they may recommend or arrange for a company to help you with that.

Restoration companies rebuild the home back to its original condition after the home after the mold has been removed. Many of these companies will remove the mold as well.

Helpful Tips In Choosing A Professional Mold Removal Service

Most fungi and fungi-like parasites, especially those found at houses or any kind of structures, are most often known and called as molds. These molds thrive and live on dead and living organisms.

Mold most often than not have harmful and dangerous effects on human beings. They should be kept out of homes, offices, and other commercial properties. When mold grows indoors, it will cause health problems that come out as allergic reactions, from sneezing and skin rashes to asthma attacks and respiratory infections

The mold removal contractor should be well-known for their expertise and years of relevant experience.

The mold contractor you have in mind should have the necessary experience to do an effective job, from inspection to removal of mold. This means that the proper procedure will be used, in keeping with guidelines, and that all their staff has been properly trained, ensuring that safe and effective means will be used to accomplish the job successfully.

Get recommendations from others who have used the services of the contractor you have in mind.

When other clients have experienced satisfactory results from the work of the mold removal service, it should be safe to assume that you will also experience the same positive experience. Most companies and contractors have websites so checking out testimonials and success stories from previous clients would also be helpful.

Choose a contractor that also offers expert advice on future prevention of mold growth.

There are specific things and tips you can do to control the extensive growth of mold and expert mold removers not only know how to clean mold; they also know how you can prevent it from reoccurring, or at least contain it so that it does not cause huge damage, as it did the first time

How to Choose the Best Mold Remediation Company for Your Home

Once you discover mold in your home, there will only be one thought on your mind – getting it out of the house as quickly as possible. The presence of mold is a serious problem, and it threatens just about everything you have come to love about your home. It may not be safe to live in your home as long as the mold is present, and the value of your house could decrease if there is serious damage. Any way you look at it, getting the mold out right away should be a top priority.

The removal of mold is rarely a DIY project. Instead, this is a job which should be left to a professional mold remediation company. By bringing in the pros, you can have confidence that your home will be returned to a safe state once work is completed. But how do you find the best mold remediation company for your home? The tips below should point you in the right direction

Licensed and Insured

There is simply no excuse for a mold removal company not to have the appropriate licenses and insurance for your area. Ask for this documentation right up front, and if it is not provided, move on to another option. You shouldn’t accept any kind of excuse for the lack of these items, as any reputable company will have them in place. There are too many good companies available to take your chances on one that is not licensed and insured.

Collect at Least Three Quotes

While you do want to have this work completed quickly, you don’t want to rush into the job so fast that you hire the first company to come along. Make it a goal to ask for quotes from at least three different remediation companies. Most contractors will be happy to provide you with a free written estimate for their services. You don’t necessarily want to go with the lowest quote every time, but price is obviously a factor which will be taken into consideration, as well as the timeline which is offered.

Ask for References

As a last step before you make your choice, ask all contractors you are considering for references from past customers. Any good contracting company will have at least a few references which you can check on to make sure they live up to their promises. Don’t just ask for the references and then let them sit on your desk – actually make a few phone calls to gather opinions. Also, you can check reviews which have been left on the web to get an idea about the reputation of each remediation company in the running