Author: jeff

bookmark_borderTop Factors To Consider When Seeking A Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on by jeff

How severe are the injuries you have sustained?

Another aspect of a legitimate case is, of course, the injuries you have sustained. If you do not have injuries, you very likely do not have a case worth pursuing because a personal injury case is based on the injuries that have been suffered. The costs involved in being injured are immense, and include obvious costs such as medical treatment, but also include the costs of missing work, the cost of your pain and suffering, and loss of future income if you are unable to perform your normal work duties.

Going to court to seek compensation for your damages is an expensive process. If you have only suffered minor injuries, you may not recover enough in damages to even pay these costs. In a situation like this, you are much better off settling with the insurance company on your own to avoid the high costs of taking the negligent party to court. In fact, when you consult with a personal injury attorney, they will be able to tell you whether your case should go to court, or whether you are better off settling with the insurance company on your own, out of court. Since the attorney is paid out of the settlement or damages, if there aren’t enough potential damages to offset their cost, they will not take your case.

Proving Pain and Suffering

Damages for pain and suffering are recoverable, but how are they proven? Proof of this type of injury may take many forms and the more evidence you have to support your claim, the better your chance will be of recovering an amount you find satisfactory.

The extent of your injury and accompanying pain and suffering can be evidenced through documentation such as photographs and personal journals that record the plaintiff’s physical and emotional feelings. Documentation from friends and family can provide additional evidence of the way the particular injury has negatively impacted the plaintiff’s life. Proof of treatment by a mental health professional is also helpful, and is necessary where the plaintiff is claiming injuries such as increased anxiety, insomnia, or depression.

What to Expect in a Personal Injury Claim

Getting hurt is nothing to take lightly. Every year, millions of people get into accidents, either at home or at work. Generally, however, despite this high number of hurt people, what to do is sometimes a mystery. There’s a lot to deal with, from insurance companies to lawyers, especially if the accident or injury came at the fault of another person. Luckily, filing a personal injury claim isn’t something you’ll have to do alone. Below are some helpful tips on what to expect when dealing with a personal injury claim:

Getting a Solicitor or Lawyer

Immediately following an accident and before you can actually file a claim, you’ll need a legal professional. Your solicitor will be the person to contact the person or company responsible for your injury. They will list the damage to you and how it happened.[1] The solicitor will also let you know how much your claim is worth in terms of money. Whether you choose to accept the first number or want to negotiate, it’s your solicitor who will actually do this.

An Investigation

Anyone can make a claim but it needs to be supported with facts. Your solicitor/lawyer will step in and be the only source of communication between you and the insurance companies. If the police were called at the time of the accident, there will be a report listing all parties involved and a general summary of what happened and where. Depending on how severe the incident was, your lawyer will spend a few months gathering more details or interviewing witnesses. All of this will verify and strengthen your claim.

(Optional) Medical Treatment

If it’s necessary, you will be directed to a medical office that specializes in injury recovery. Your level of injury (from minor to extreme) will also influence how much the insurance company will pay you. If you prefer to use your own health network, you can request specialist recommendations from your doctor. The medical reports and treatments, including prescription medications, will be added to the file to further bolster your case.

Benefits of Having a Personal Injury Lawyer

Understanding the Legal Process

If you attempt to go through with receiving compensation for a personal injury, you will find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of laws within the system as well as all the forms and processes that must be completed to the letter. A personal injury lawyer in Orange County will be a necessary tool in trying to get through your claims with insurance companies, and if it should come to it, they’ll be able to handle any legal actions and court processes. Expertise in handling personal injury cases is key because the system has been built up over the years to weed out any false claims, thus making it very difficult for legitimate claims sometimes. As well, without a personal injury lawyer in Orange County, you may miss out on thousands of dollars-worth of payouts if you happen to miss even a single obscure form you were supposed to have filled out.

Knowing the Worth of Your Personal Injury Claim

Probably one of the top benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Orange County is the fact that, through experience, they know how much your claim should be worth. There may be various software tools available to calculate personal injury claims amounts, but they will never be as accurate as a lawyer, nor will they be able to handle all the variables of your claim. By analyzing variables (such as the injuries you received, including mental anguish, pain, and suffering) as well as by understanding how specific insurance companies operate, a lawyer will be able to maximize your payout. Taking advantage of the tools and expertise of a personal injury lawyer is a must if you expect to get the rightful amount of payout to put you at ease while recovering from injuries. Personal injury lawyers in California also work on a contingency basis, which means that you will not have to pay out of pocket; they are paid by a portion of the resulting claim, if they are successful.

Motivated to Help You Win

Following up with the costs, working on a contingency basis means that a personal injury lawyer in Orange County is going to be motivated to win your case because they will not be compensated for their work if they don’t win. This also takes the stress out of having to attempt to negotiate costs with a lawyer, or having to pay up front, which means you can focus on your recovery and not on how you will be able to afford to pay your lawyers. Contingency basis also leads to faster settlements because your lawyers will try to get as much for you as quickly as possible to ensure you win.

Average Personal Injury Settlement Amounts

Average personal injury settlement amounts range greatly. The value in your case depends on a number of factors that are specific to your case. On the low end, an injury case might settle for only a few thousand dollars. But many personal injury cases settle for much more. An average personal injury settlement amount is anywhere between $3,000 and $75,000.

Of course, most cases fall in between the very high and very low end of average settlements. There are also outliers – you’ve probably heard about people getting settlements that are millions of dollars. Some cases settle for that much, but they usually involve very unique circumstances with either punitive damages or other extraordinary damages. An experienced injury lawyer can help you determine where your case falls on the spectrum of typical personal injury settlements.

bookmark_borderTips For Choosing The Right Carpet Flooring

Posted on by jeff

YOUR GUIDE TO CARPET SELECTION: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE CARPET FLOORING

When you think of carpet types, it usually means the carpet material that is the most distinguishing element. There are majorly four types of carpet fibres:

• Nylon: This material is also the most durable and popular. It is known for its capability to resist soil and stay the same for many years. For high traffic rooms, this is the best kind that you should look for.

• Polyester: These have wonderful colours and textures. Known for having luxurious looks. It is harder to clean and less durable than nylon. It can be best used in low traffic areas or houses without kids and pets.

• Olefin: It is known for being inexpensive fibre, not as resilient as nylon. It might be damaged with excess exposure to sunlight. Often selected for high traffic sections like play areas.

• Wool: The appealing factor will be its resilience for stains, dirt, and dust. It is quite expensive as the fibre is durable and strong.

HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF THE CARPET?

It’s better to know what entails a quality carpet material. Ask the salesperson these qualities before finalizing the carpet material.

• Face weight: This is usually the weight of the carpet measured in ounces. Check for all the factors along with the weight to determine the quality of the material.

• Density: It is determined by the thickness of the fibre and how they are packed together. A density rating of 2000 or more is what you should be looking for.

• Carpet twist number: This refers to several times the strands are twisted together when you measure it within the one-inch length of the fibre.

• Warranties: It is very important to understand what the manufacturer is offering in the name of warranties. Check for exclusions and texture retention in your warranty.

• Carpet style: Your carpet style plays an influential role in its performance. The styles include Saxony, frieze or cut-and-loop.

How to Choose Carpet Color

If you’re not sure what color of carpet to pick for your bedroom, living room, or hallways, fret not! Go with a dark shade to make the room seem warm and cozy or pick a light color to make the room appear larger

Picking Your Perfect Shade

Choose a light, neutral shade to make your space appear bigger. If you’re upgrading a small room, consider using a light-toned, neutral shade of carpet. This looks great in traditional homes and light carpet provides a sense of luxury. Attractive light shades include taupe and sand.

  • You can also select beige, tan, or light grey carpet for a warm, comfortable option.
  • This is a good choice for living rooms and offices, for instance.

Pick a dark-colored carpet to make the room look modern and comfy. In general, dark carpets make rooms look smaller and cozy. This is a great idea if you prefer a modern style and want your space to look warm and inviting.

  • For instance, pick out charcoal, dark brown, or slate-gray colored carpet for a trendy bedroom or living room carpet color.

Choose a multi-colored carpet if you want to hide dirt and stains. If you have children or pets, you may be worried about them tracking footprints or leaving crumbs behind. In this case, select carpeting that has 2-3 different tones. This way, the stains or marks will be less noticeable.

  • For example, go with a dark brown, medium brown, and tan blend to cover your living room floors. This way, you won’t notice pet hair, dirt, or debris as easily.

Select a brightly-colored carpet to create a personalized space. While colorful carpet is not for everyone, it’s a great way to add a unique touch to your space. Pick a blue, green, pink, or red carpet if you want to customize your bedroom, studio, children’s rooms, playroom, or den.

  • Keep in mind that this may make your home harder to resell down the line, as not everyone loves colored carpet.

Variation: If you want to add some color but don’t want to commit to the entire floor, go with a neutral carpet and decorate with bright area rugs, throw pillows, and blankets instead.

THE OPTIONS – PILE FIBRE

Wool – Generally used for high-quality carpets, you’ll pay more for natural materials, but you’ll get a great looking floor covering that is made from sustainable fibre, is resilient and highly durable. It gets top marks for insulation, too – good for reducing heat loss and noise – and retains its appearance remarkably well. Wool also feels beautiful and soft underfoot!

Wool-mix – Some consider a mix of 80% wool, 20% man-made fibres (such as polyamide or polyester), as the best combination for an all-purpose carpet.

Polypropylene – This man-made carpet fibre is a popular choice, because it’s hardwearing and resistant to stains. It can be cleaned using a part-bleached cleaning solution, although always check with the manufacturer or retailer first. However, Polypropylene is flammable and not self-extinguishing.

Polyamide (also known as nylon) – Available in a wider range of hues and vibrant clear colours that can’t be reproduced in wool. A good all-rounder for family homes, good-quality polyamide or nylon carpets come with built-in stain-resistant treatments and score high marks for wearability.

Why Carpet is the Best Choice for Bedrooms

The debate between carpet and hardwood is alive and well, with hardwood seeing an increase in popularity in recent years. However, there are some places in the home that are just better suited to a soft floor covering than a hard one. One of the best examples of this is the bedroom. For most people, the bedroom is a cozy sanctuary from the bustle and activity of the rest of the home. The softness, quiet, and warmth of carpet often make it the best flooring option for this private oasis.

Quieter Space

Most people tend to prefer quiet when trying to sleep. No one wants to be woken up by the sound of someone else clomping through the bedroom. Carpet is quieter to walk on than hard flooring, and it helps to mask the sound of a partner walking around the room. This can be especially beneficial when partners have different schedules. Also, carpet absorbs sound—while hard flooring reflects it—reducing the noise of speech and other activity.

Warmer, Softer Step

Most people don’t enjoy waking up to an alarm every morning and having to leave the warmth of a bed. But it can make matters worse when your first steps are made into a cold, hard floor. By contrast, carpet provides a nice transition between the comfort of the bed and the reality of facing another day. At the end of the day, when your feet are tired and sore and you retreat to your bedroom, it’s nice to have a soft, cushioned feel underfoot. The softness of the carpet can be intensified by choosing a high-quality pad

The Safer Choice

Slips can happen easily, particularly if you’re half asleep. Stumbling to the bathroom in the middle of the night when you’re not quite awake could be hazardous on a hard, slippery floor. For kids’ rooms and nurseries, carpet is the logical choice. Young children are more prone to falling out of bed and will benefit from a softer landing place. And for babies who are crawling or learning to walk, carpet is much softer on the knees and much more forgiving during crash landings.

Easier to Breathe

With all the time people spend in the bedroom—albeit much of it sleeping—air quality is an important consideration, especially for people with asthma and allergies. Numerous studies over the past several decades have shown that carpet reduces the number of allergens in the air as compared to hard flooring. Carpet prevents allergens from becoming airborne by trapping them in the fibers of the carpet, helping to keep them out of the air and out of your lungs. Vacuuming the carpet then removes the trapped allergens completely.

A Possible Compromise

If you’re having trouble going one way or the other, perhaps the best solution is a compromise. You can reap many of the benefits of carpeting by using an area rug to cover a hard flooring in the bedroom. It’s best to have a large area rug that goes under the bed and extends beyond the bed on all exposed sides. If you prefer small rugs, create cozy spaces by placing a rug at each side of the bed (for stepping onto when getting in and out of bed in bare feet) as well as in front of a bench or other seating or dressing areas in the room.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Carpet

Stains in carpet

Are you covering up carpet stains with furniture and rugs when carpet cleaning fails to remove them? If your house is starting to resemble a minefield, it’s time for a carpet replacement. Most carpets come with a stain-resistant finish, but over time, the treatment fades and eventually leaves the carpet unprotected.

Wear and tear on carpet

Has your carpet seen better days? Are you putting rugs all over it to cover rips and tears, or rearranging furniture to cover defects? Are your kids scared to lay on it? Matted carpet, tears and significant wear on the main walkways are major signs your carpet is on its death bed.

Stinky carpet

If you own a pet or haven’t cleaned in a while, you may notice a lingering smell on your carpet, but the odor should be gone or noticeably diminished after a proper cleaning. If it doesn’t, this means that the odor has penetrated deep into the carpet fibers, the carpet pad or the subfloor, and it may even indicate mold and mildew growth.

Condition of carpet padding

Carpet padding is like the pillow under the case, the carpet is nothing but a layer of fabric without the padding. It helps support the carpet, working as a foundation and making it comfortable to walk and lay on. It buffers sounds and keeps a room quieter and even improves insulation.

Increased allergy symptoms

Often, older carpets catch and retain more allergens and particulate matter, which may cause your allergies to act up. If you notice an increase in allergies, one source may be your older carpet.

bookmark_borderThe Do It Yourself Fixing Of A Clogged Toilet

Posted on by jeff

5 Ingenious Ways to Unclog a Toilet

The only consolation in this dreaded scenario is that it happens to all of us. And, in the end, it might make for a good story for your closest friends to enjoy. But take heart, there are some simple solutions for this always-untimely event. The following are 5 time-tested tricks that have worked wonders for many a poor soul, listed here from the easiest to the hardest.

1. Do nothing but wait, then flush.

Toilets, like all plumbing drains, work by the force of gravity. A full bowl of water exerts its own pressure on the clog and, over time, often will clear the clog for you. So if you have more than one bathroom in the house, just wait it out overnight, or as long as you can. Then, try to flush again. If it’s a standard clog (too much paper, in most cases), this passive solution is surprisingly effective.

Warning: When you do the test flush after the waiting period, be ready to stop the water flow to the bowl (see Top Toilet Tip, below), just in case this method didn’t work.

2. Pour in some hot water. Wait. Flush.

If you don’t have the time to wait out the clog, or if you’d like to increase your chance of success by giving gravity a helping hand, you can pour a few cups of hot water into the bowl. Proponents of this technique believe that the hot water helps to break down the waste, thereby loosening the clog. Can’t hurt to try. However, this doesn’t mean you should be pouring pots full of boiling water into a cold, brittle, china toilet bowl, which could crack it. 

3. Add soap. Wait as long as possible. Flush.

This is clearly the preferred method when you’re not at home and would do anything to avoid having to break the news to your hosts. A few good squirts of liquid dish detergent is perhaps the most popular method, but again, if you’re a guest and not alone in the house, it can be hard to explain why you have a sudden need for Palmolive in the bathroom before you’re ready to join the party again. Other lucky souls have reported that liquid hand soap or shampoo have done the trick nicely, too. The theory here is that the soap breaks down the waste faster than water alone. When it’s time to flush, be ready to stop the water to prevent spillover. 

4. Plunge like a pro.

First of all, standard cup-type plungers don’t work well on toilets because they can’t provide a good seal over the drain hole. Instead, use a flange plunger, which has a rubber sleeve that extends down below the domed cup, or boot, section. Flange plungers with accordion-like boots work well, too. Make sure the flange is extended (it can fold up into the boot), then lower the plunger into the toilet at an angle so the boot fills with water and isn’t trapping air. Insert the flange into the drain hole and press down so the boot seals tightly around the hole.

5. Use a closet auger.

A closet auger, or toilet auger, works just like a standard drain snake but is specially designed to accommodate the sharp turns of a toilet trap without damaging the bowl (which standard snakes can do). Work the business end of the auger into the drain hole, with the bend in the handle pole pointed toward the drain route. Crank the tool’s handle clockwise and work it in and out a little to break up the clog. If a solid object, such as a sponge or rag, is creating the clog, crank the auger clockwise to snag the obstruction, then pull it out of the toilet.

A Few Additional Tips On How To Maintain Your Plumbing

  • Watch what you put down your kitchen sink. Dumping grease, chicken scraps, and tough fruit peels down your kitchen drain is a sure fire way to clog your sink, no matter how good your disposal is.
  • Use a hair trap. A metal or plastic hair trap that fits over the shower drain is a cheap, effective way to prevent annoying clogs and having to pull nasty hairballs out of the drain.
  • Don’t flush wipes and hygiene products down the toilet. Hygiene products are not plumbing safe, and even the wipes that are supposedly flush-friendly are not. Toss them in the trash.
  • Watch out for leaks. Not only do leaks waste water, they can also cause mold and dry rot. Check your pipes occasionally for any sign of water leaks, and call a plumber ASAP if you see one.
  • Reduce your water pressure. For about 8 to 10 dollars, you can buy a water pressure test gauge that twists onto your garden hose. If your water pressure is over roughly 80 PSI, then your plumbing is being strained, and there’s a high risk of leaking and failure. If the pressure is too high, hire a plumber to install a pressure reducer (this is not the same thing as the water flow reducers often used in sinks and showers).

Use a Closet Auger

  1. Put on rubber gloves and position a bucket near the toilet.
  2. Extend the auger handle.
  3. Insert the end of the auger into the toilet trap. The sheath around the end of the auger fits the contour of your toilet’s bowl and trap and protects the toilet against scratching.
  4. Push the auger handle in until you feel resistance. The resistance is the auger cable pressing against the material causing the clog.
  5. Crank the handle to rotate the cable. Push the handle in as you crank to break up the clog or hook it with the end of the cable.
  6. Extend the handle again to remove the cable and any clogged material the cable tip may have hooked. Remove the excess material to the bucket.
  7. Watch for the water to drain out of the toilet. This means the clog has broken up and the material has flushed. Pour the material from the bucket back into the toilet to flush in small amounts when the clog has cleared.
  8. Repeat the auger process if the first attempt is unsuccessful. Contact a plumber if you’re unable to remove the clog after numerous attempts.

Two Unlikely Home Remedies for Clogged Drains!

There are many methods to unclog your drains, but these two home remedies may take you by surprise. Although they might not seem like the most conventional methods, they can help you unclog the smallest to the most stubborn drains in your home:

Coca-Cola: Not Only Hard On Enamel

Surprise! Coke or Pepsi are great for vanquishing a clog! Everyone’s heard about how a nail will dissolve in a glass of coke over time, and although most of us know this is a stretch, coke is arguably better than many commercial chemical clog removers because of its strong dissolving agents!

To get started, purchase a two liter bottle of Coke and allow it to acclimate to room temperature. After pouring it down the drain, let it fizz and work its corrosive power for an hour or two before running hot water. Coke and Pepsi are loaded with phosphoric acid, which breaks down buildup that can clog your drains! Phosphoric acid can even remove lime scale and other tough buildup that regular cleaners struggle with. This is a effective and refreshing home remedy if we ever saw one!

Using A Plunger in Your Sink or Bathtub

If your sink or bathtub is clogged beyond what a little Coca-Cola can clear, it might be time to pull out the big guns: the plunger! This may come as a surprise to those of us who only call on this device when we’ve got a clogged toilet, but yes, you CAN use it for other clogs. If it’s your sink that’s giving you issues, fill it about halfway, and if it’s your bathtub, stick to about four or five inches. This method, although effective, can be messy, so be prepared! Another tip to remember when using the plunger is making sure that it has water in it. Using a plunger is transferring energy through the pipe to dislodge the clog. If your plunger is full of air, it’s less effective because of the energy lost. If your plunger is full of water, all that energy is going to be submerged in the water, which will put more force on the clog.

How To Unclog Your Toilet With Baking Soda And Vinegar

If the toilet remains clogged after a few attempts at resolving the problem, remove at least half of the water from the bowl. Then try pouring 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into the toilet. The mixture will bubble excessively, which is why it’s important to first remove the excess water. Let the bubbles sit for at least 20 minutes before you try to flush.

bookmark_borderIs It Essential To Find A Local Electrician For Home Appliances

Posted on by jeff

How To Identify The Electrician That You Need

Electricity became a very crucial discovery that has helped us live a more simple life. This has been evidently seen in terms of technology advancements and improved living standards. When there are power shortages and breakdowns a lot of tasks and things come to a standstill. Therefore, electricians play the role of improving our lives and enabling a lot of duties and tasks to take place. If you are faced up with an electrical issue it is always important to consult and hire a qualified electrician. A qualified electrician will help ensure that they perform any repairs and installations safely and correctly.

The various roles of an electrician.

Depending on the electrical issue and extent of damage and repair an electrician can help you with any issue you bring to their attention. For you to access the services of an electrician it’s right to always look for a fully licensed electrician who possesses the right certification and accreditation. Also, a specialist should possess all the required tools of work and should also be insured to ensure that compensation is done when mishaps take place. As a property owner, you should know that there are three different levels of accreditation and every qualified electrician should possess them in order to carry out any electrical issue.

Levels Of Accreditation

Level one which is the first and initial level gives an electrician the powers to connect electricity to your property. Such specialists could also expand or custom your electricity network depending on your needs. The next level is level two which gives the specialists the power to connect and disconnect electricity on your property. These professionals could also repair and install service line whenever need be. Level three which is the last one gives the specialists the powers to conduct extensive electrical duties which include maintaining, installing an electrical system and designing the system.

How do I know if I would make a good electrician?

So you think that you might want to have a career as an electrician, but you are just not sure and are looking for further information – you have come to the right place.

What Do Electricians Do

Electricians are in the category of work that involves skilled tradespeople and they set up, repair and upgrade electrical systems in residential or commercials and set up and repair outside lines, especially after storms. Without this type of tradespeople most of our modern conveniences would not be available.

Be aware though that there are differences between electricians and electrical engineers and you should know which one you want to follow. One doesn’t necessarily

Proper Education

Since this type of work can be extremely dangerous, it is important that you get a proper education to work in this industry. In some cases that would be a trade or vocation school that could be as long as getting college degrees, but both paths of education pay off very well in salaries. A good electrician at the top of his career can make as much as his counterpart who worked for the college degree.

Extremely Dangerous

Because working with electricity is extremely dangerous, you must get a proper education in order to work in this field. This can take just as long as obtaining college degrees, or less depending on the state, but it will probably pay off in terms of salary.

Traits That Make Good Electricians

Those individuals who make good electricians are those who like to work in many different environments. They are certainly not people who like to be stuck in an office all day – not a “desk” person. Actually they are rather unique individuals with a combination of personalities.

They need to:

  • Be able to work on their own
  • Be detail oriented
  • Be diligent about getting things done correctly
  • Ability to work with a large team of different trade contractors
  • Physically fit – often you will need to carry loads that are heavy
  • Ability to effectively communicate

Why Is Electrical Work So Expensive?

Most electricians charge by the hour, and an experienced electrician should be able to give you a reasonably accurate hours-needed estimate from the start. But there are other factors that can affect the cost of your electrical job, depending on the type of job you need accomplished and the experience of the electrician you’re hiring. Consider these tips when pricing out electrical work.

  1. You will pay for experience.  An electrician with 15 years of experience earns more per hour than one fresh on the job. Just like almost every other profession, electricians are compensated for their cumulative experience over time. And if a company employs only senior, experienced electricians, their hourly rates will be higher.
  2. Ask to see a license.  Electricians are required to carry their licenses. It is not enough to see the license of the business owner who comes to give you an estimate. Request to see the license of the person actually doing the work. Your confidence in the person quoting the work should not automatically extend to the person doing the work.
  3. You never know what’s behind door #3.  Much of an electric repair job is about unraveling another person’s work. And a true professional knows that the job may take longer than it looks at first glance because there could be a mess behind the walls. Professionals will prepare you for this with a quote that will cover the most common pitfalls seen. Others may quote lower to win a job but surprise you with a higher bill because of what is there.
  4. Quality matters.  From wires to clips, the quality of the materials being used matters. Your safety is paramount to a professional, experienced electrician. He or she may recommend products that are a little more expensive than others. But we have seen lesser quality materials fail and choose the products we would put in our own homes and businesses.

Ask Electricians 5 Questions Before Hiring

Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

How many years of experience do you have?

Who’s doing the work?

Do you have a business license?

Do you offer a warranty?

How to Find Electrical Work

To survive, you must become adept at spotting opportunities before your competitors do. Some methods to find work are less obvious than others.

Cultivate New Relationships

According to “Electrical Construction and Maintenance” magazine, referrals are still the most effective way to get new business. Work hard to develop relationships with contractors, facility managers and vendors in your industry, so that they think of you when they need to hire an electrical contractor. Assign an employee to network, if necessary. Regularly sit down with your staff to discuss current and past projects. Sharing ideas helps you identify contacts that you may not have considered.

Follow Up With Customers

Poll current and former customers regularly to see how well you’re handling their needs. Start reaching out during the warranty process, when customers identify problems that need correcting. Ask customers to complete performance surveys, but notify them of any policy changes that you make — such as in your company’s billing practices, for example, or your complaint-resolution process. Your willingness to provide outstanding service will pay off in word-of-mouth referrals from customers who’ve had good experiences.

Keep Up with Technology

Stay relevant by capitalizing on new technology and looking for opportunities to grow your business. Take the time to learn about green construction practices, for example, to meet other types of contractors. This may lead to new business relationships and expand your pool of available projects, according to “Electrical Construction and Maintenance.” Still, don’t overlook traditional sources of income — such as repairing and maintaining equipment in aging facilities, which should provide additional opportunities for electricians

bookmark_borderGet Transmission Repairs Done On Time

Posted on by jeff

Essential Tips When Choosing Transmission Repair Service

The major percentage of the population in the US has their personal vehicle.  However, that does not necessarily mean that all of them have the expertise to determine and repair the problems in case there is an unforeseen breakdown.  Your vehicle particularly your transmission is a complicated matter and should only be managed by the experts who have a thorough training on automatic transmission repair or manual transmission repair.  We highly recommend following these tips when you are looking for a transmission repair service.

Look for a Mechanic Even before Your Transmission Break Down

Most common mistake of the vehicle owners is that they wait for their car to go out before they find a mechanic.  During this situation, their only option is to go to the closes or the cheapest transmission repair service.  You should never wait until your transmission is requiring a repair.  You should visit a reliable transmission service now to get your car examined.  There are various ways on how you can find a reliable repair services, but you need to make their expertise your primary point of consideration.  An expert transmission service like Jamie’s Transmission has the professionalism and the knowledge to solve even the most complex problem in your transmission.  When you choose an expert repair service, you can guarantee that you will be receiving a high-quality work and a long-term result.

Look for the Promo, Discount, and Coupons

Many transmission repair service shop will advertise their discount and promo as a way of promoting their business.  You can check the local newspaper or the online site.  You can save a lot of money even if it is just a 10%-20% discount especially if your transmission needs an expensive repair.  Jamie’s Transmission offers a lot of discount especially for the seniors and the military personnel who make the transmission repair cost more affordable.

You Can Get Some Service For Free

No one offers the transmission repair service for free, but there are actually some services that you can get without paying a single cent.  For instance, in Jamie’s Transmission Shop, you can get the inspection, estimate, test-drive and diagnostic without any charges.

TIPS WHEN CHOOSING CAR TRANSMISSION REPAIR SERVICE

While a big portion of the population may own their own vehicle that certainly doesn’t mean that all of us are experts in identifying or repairing the problem, in the event of an unexpected breakdown. Cars and especially, transmissions are complicated and should only be handled by a trained expert who understands the ins and outs of car transmission repair. Therefore, it’s important to follow these three tips when searching for a car transmission repair service for your vehicle.

Find a mechanic BEFORE your transmission goes out (or even, before it starts acting up). Many people make the fatal mistake of waiting to find a repair shop until their vehicle is broken down. This way, they have no other choice, but to go with the cheapest (which could be the worst option)…or the closest option (which could also be the worst). Don’t wait until your car transmission actually needs repair — get a reliable transmission repair shop you can trust, today! There are several ways to find a reputable mechanic or repair shop who is experienced in car transmission repair. A professional repair shop will have the capabilities and the expertise they need to solve even your most difficult transmission problems, in an affordable and effective manner. If you choose an experienced transmission repair shop, you will have the benefit of getting good quality work with good, long-term results and you can spare yourself from being cheated by inexperienced service personnel or mechanics.

Look for money-saving promotions, coupons and other discounts. Most car transmission repair shops will advertise their discounts, post coupons or run other promotions in the hopes of obtaining your business. Check through the local newspaper — many repair shops offer special promotions or coupons to discount-savvy shoppers through the local newspaper. If you’re paying for an expensive transmission repair — even a discount of 10 to 20 percent can save you a lot of money. We offers discounts to, seniors and military personnel, as well as, printing several coupons to make your car transmission repair, more affordable.

Get everything free. Okay, well maybe you won’t be able to get the actual repairs free, but there are several “free offerings” that you should look out for when shopping for a car transmission repair service. Some of the free options include, a FREE estimate, a FREE pick-up and delivery service (as long as you are within a pre-determined distance) and FREE diagnostics services. Some car transmission repair shops also offer FREE routine check-ups and FREE fault-detection services, as well

If you consider yourself a smart consumer, you know that playing it smart is about saving as much money, but getting the most bang for your buck, as you can — is definitely the way to go. Keep these simple tips in mind, the next time you are choosing a car transmission repair service for your manual transmission vehicle

Choosing A Transmission Shop

Choosing A Transmission Shop

For most people, the first time they think about choosing a transmission repair shop is when they notice their car isn’t shifting right. That puts them behind the eight ball right from the start: They’re suddenly confronted with what could potentially be the biggest repair bill they’ve ever dealt with to fix their car, and they’re at the mercy of a total stranger.

Faced with those feelings of vulnerability, they start calling transmission shops. Where to turn? How to choose? These days you have a lot of choices when looking for a transmission shop. You could take it to any one of a dozen different independent shops in your area that offer transmission repairs.

Selecting A Transmission Center

Or you could choose your nearby Cottman center. Why Cottman? Why not an independent? The fact is, there are a lot of honest, capable independent transmission shops out there; the vast majority, in fact. And sure, there are a few shysters who are only out there to separate you from your wallet. The hard part is telling the difference.

That’s because a con man’s stock in trade is being able to look you in the eye and lie to your face. You may never even know you’ve been swindled, because they’re so good at making you believe they’re your very best friend. The better choice? Find a shop you can trust… before your transmission starts acting up. And there’s no better place to do that than your local Cottman center. That’s because most Cottman centers are now Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care. So you can start to build a relationship with your local Cottman center with your next oil change… or any other service your car might need.

Honest Transmission Repair Shop

You can be sure of that, because it’s written into the bylaws and service requirements set forth by Cottman’s corporate headquarters. And we demand the highest levels of honesty and integrity from every shop owner who operates under the name Cottman. Any shop that doesn’t meet those high standards will quickly lose their right to display the Cottman logo. And that’s not so we can be nice guys or feel good about ourselves: We set those standards because it’s good business. We want you to be thrilled with your service experience so you’ll come back and refer your friends. It’s a guaranteed win-win.

Tips for Choosing the Best for Auto Transmission Repair Service

Many people now have cars and they know pretty well to take care of their vehicles. However, when there are technical problems in the engine of the car, the only way to make the car rolling again is to avail services from the competent service provider, who can deal successfully with auto transmission repair and bring the car into original working condition again. Nevertheless, there may be numbers of auto transmission repairing service centres in a locality and the car owners need to select someone, who has thorough knowledge about the repairs of car transmission. It is better to keep in touch with any local auto transmission repair service centre or mechanic, for meeting any urgent requirement in near future.

Look out for Recommendations – It is best to ask the close friends or colleagues or other family members about the references of suitable service centres providing auto transmission repair in the same locality. These people can answer from their own experiences and may recommend the service providers that have satisfied them with best car transmission repairing works.

Check out the Customers Reviews Online – Every auto transmission repairing centre nowadays has their own website, which can be checked for going through the testimonials or reviews posted by their previous customers, whether they are satisfied with the auto transmission repairing services of these agencies or not.

Compare the Quoted Estimates – Ask every shortlisted auto transmission repairing service provider of the locality free quotes, after they check the exact problem that needs to be rectified in the concerned car and be ready to provide the estimate for auto transmission repair of that car. Then the customer can compare all the given quotes and choose the most affordable one as per his budget and the quality of the service, though, decide only after judging other qualifying factors too. If any service provider is offering any discount or coupon on their specific services, the customer should have knowledge about it for availing the scope of lowering his expense on car repairs.

Know about Qualification of Mechanics – It is better to check whether the auto transmission mechanics of the repairing service provider are duly certified on dealing with all types of auto transmission repairing works from any reputed institute or the car manufacturing companies. Moreover, these mechanics and the service provider company should have a valid license from the local authority for handling auto transmission works.

How to Choose Good Transmission Service Repair Shops

Are you looking for good and honest service providers or repair shops for your car transmission? Finding a perfect service provider can be a daunting task if you are doing it for the first time. You may have heard some cases about bad transmission repairs. The transmission repairs can be cheap, provided you choose the reliable repair shop, such as Borst Automotive. Your car cannot function without proper transmission. When you know you are having problems in your transmission you need to repair the engine. If you do not get it done on time from a good service provider, you have to pay for that at a later stage where the car can completely breakdown. Many important things are there, you need to understand when you look for the repair shops.

Finding a perfect service provider can be a daunting task if you are doing it for the first time. You may have heard some cases about bad transmission repairs. The transmission repairs can be cheap, provided you choose the reliable repair shop. Your car cannot function without proper transmission. When you know, you are having problems in your transmission you need to repair the engine. If you do not get it done on time from a good service provider, you have to pay for that at a later stage where the car can completely breakdown. Many important things are there, you need to understand when you look for the repair shops.

Ask for referrals: You can start with asking referrals to your friends, family, and co-workers for some good contacts, which they have used. It is possible that you will get some good references, which can make your life simple. You can make a list of nearby service shops and see if you have the shop, which is referred to you.

Experience: Once you shortlist some good options then you check with all the other things such as the experience of the mechanic who is going to help you with your transmission service. It is important that

they should have experience to do the servicing work. Good experience will help them to do their work with confidence.

Know-how: With experience, they should also have the right knowledge about the particular engine type. As different car companies use different technology in engines. They should be able to identify the problem and work accordingly. They should help you with all the repair and servicing works and with genuine parts if needed.

Cost of the service: Another important thing is the cost for transmission service. It is good if you refer to more than one repair shop. You need to compare the pricing they offer for the same work. They should give you the industry standard pricing. The work they do must meet your budget. You will get an idea about the proper cost involved when you visit some shops. It is important that they have proper transmission fluids.

bookmark_borderHow To Open A Live Forex Accountant

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How to choose the right accountant

Top tips for choosing an accountant

Once you’ve decided it’s time to hire an accountant, the next step is to choose which accountant to hire. It’s important to take the time to do this carefully, and there are a few things you’ll want to consider first. You’ll need to think about issues such as the accountant’s location, the division of workload and the type of accounting software you’ll use. Consider how much you’ll have to pay the accountant, and whether they can help to reduce your business taxes.

Ask yourself if location matters

It used to be important to have your company’s accountant located nearby. But today, more companies are collaborating online, using cloud-based technology to manage their business. This means that location is less of an issue. With cloud accounting, you and your accountant can view identical real-time data at the same time – no matter where you are.

Choose a certified or chartered accountant

In many countries, accountants are regulated by professional bodies which look after accounting qualifications and try to maintain high professional standards. Depending on the country you’re in, professional accountants may be called Certified Public Accountants or Chartered Accountants. Chartered Accountants (CAs) are highly qualified professionals who have completed degree-level study along with workplace experience and a professional competence program.

Tips to Choose an Accountant for Your Small Business

Know What You Need

But before you choose an accountant, you need first to understand the kind of work or responsibilities you want the accountant to handle for your business. If you need monthly financial statements and bookkeeping tasks, a non-certified accountant or bookkeeper can be hired. But to get tax planning advice, tax returns prepared, or audited financial statements, you need a CPA or certified public accountant.

Look For Small Business Experience

Beware of big accounting firms. You need someone who works with small businesses, and it could also be a bonus if the accountant works with businesses in your industry. While working for clients from a specific industry for a long time, some accountants get to know the related challenges very well. If the accountant has been dealing with several clients like you, he/she can guide you well about making the right financial decisions for the growth of your company.

Decide Whether You Need an Accountant or a CPA Firm

Many small business owners start by managing their taxes on their own. Unlike the past, it has become much easier for business owners to do simple bookkeeping tasks with the help of advanced software like QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, and similar others.

Choosing the Right Accountant for Your Business

Choosing the Right Accountant: Hiring a Firm Versus an Inside Accountant

Many entrepreneurs who launch their own businesses start out by wearing the accountant’s hat and doing your own taxes, in addition to doing just about everything else in the business, too. It’s become easier for a layperson to keep track of a business’ finance with the advent of simple bookkeeping software, such as QuickBooks, Quicken, and Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting. But there comes a time in a growing enterprise when it makes sense to hand over responsibilities for taxes, accounting, and the rest of the financial functions to specialists.

Choosing the Right Accountant: When Is It Time?

Many small businesses don’t have the volume of financial transactions that necessitate hiring a full-time — or even part-time — bookkeeper or accountant on staff. Then again, the financial situation of their business is such that they could benefit from more regular financial review and planning and up-to-date accounting — instead of leaving every invoice, receipt, and ledger to hand off to the tax preparer at the close of the fiscal year.

Inside accountant

When the business grows in revenue and the transactions become more complicated, it is time to consider hiring a full- or part-time inside accountant. Since the outside accountant’s fee grows with the size of the business, the owner may see some cost savings by bringing some of the work in-house.

How to Choose an Accountant Who Is Also an Advisor

Personality

Is the accountant’s style compatible with yours? Be sure the people you are meeting with are the same ones who will be handling your business. At many accounting firms, some partners handle sales and new business, then pass the actual account work on to others.

Fees

Ask about fees upfront. Most accounting firms charge by the hour; fees can range from $100 to $275 per hour. However, there are some accountants who work on a monthly retainer. Figure out what services you are likely to need and which option will be more cost-effective for you. Get a range of quotes from different accountants.

How to choose an accountant for your small business

Why should I hire you?

Hiring an accountant can be “even more important” than taking on a member of staff, says Clive Lewis, head of enterprise at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). “If you get the wrong person, you can miss out on things you should know,” he explains, “and that can be very costly.”

Could my money work harder?

James Richardson is a company director at Metric, an accountancy firm specialising in start-ups. He says most people believe an accountant will just be looking after annual accounts and tax compliance. However, “that’s only a small portion of what a good accountant can – and should – be doing for you.”

Are we a good match?

The right accountant will have more than just prestige – it’s important they understand small business needs, and are able to offer relevant insight.

bookmark_borderCheap Vinyl Or Luxury Vinyl Flooring

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Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness: How to Choose?

How to Calculate Thickness

To find the depth of a vinyl plank you need to account for the protective wear layer, core, and the backing. To better evaluate your options you’ll need a basic understanding of how companies assemble vinyl planks. In-depth videos and diagrams explaining the process are available online.

What’s a Wear Layer?

The wear layer lies between the printed design and urethane finish. This layer is a key factor of how well your floors will hold up over time.

Cores and Bottom Layers

Some luxury vinyl planks have a solid wood plastic composite core or WPC. WPC does not contain actual wood. Instead, it’s made up of wood flour fused with thermoplastic and calcium carbonates. This type of flooring is free of phthalates and safer for your family.

Final Considerations

When shopping for vinyl plank; look at the warranty, core construction, wear level, and attached underlayment before making a final decision. Planks with added cushioning are warmer and quieter. Some products also feature built-in vapor barriers within the underlayment.

What mm thickness do I choose when I buy vinyl flooring?

Vinyl Flooring Thickness

Vinyl flooring comes in thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 8mm+. The biggest factor to keep in mind is that the thickness does not determine durability – the wear layer does. With that said, the thickness is an important factor to consider.

Type of Vinyl

With new advances in the vinyl industry, there are several types of vinyl floors that will impact your decision when it comes to thickness and durability. There are basic LVT’s and there are new, engineered vinyls. Floors with an engineered rigid core construction will have a more dimensionally stable core than a standard LVT.

Type of Subfloor

Your subfloor is also a very important part of choosing the thickness as well. If you have an even concrete subfloor, you can get a thinner vinyl flooring. This is because your subfloor is sturdy enough that you don’t need the extra support. However, if you subfloor is a thin, creaking hardwood, you should opt for the thicker vinyl for added stability and support.

Vinyl Flooring Wear Layer

The durability of vinyl plank flooring is determined by the wear layer. When shopping for vinyl plank flooring, pay also attention to the wear layer. Just like the thickness, the thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor will be. Make sure to choose features of the flooring that’s right for you and your application, using the same questions posed above.

Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

Why Vinyl Tile Flooring?

You’re missing out if you haven’t seen the latest advancements in vinyl tile flooring. Vinyl tile today is nothing like it was a decade ago. Today’s vinyl tile has the look and feel of real ceramic or stone tile, for a more economical price. This is why the popularity of vinyl tile continues to grow. The tile is waterproof, which means it can be placed anywhere in the house.

Why Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank is for you if you’re looking for an economical and durable alternative to hardwood floors. This flooring method has improved over the years to realistically mimic different varieties of colors and types of wood. Manufacturers have also taken steps to improve on how the planks feel, with added detail to its texture.

Why Sheet Vinyl Flooring?

Like vinyl tile and vinyl plank, sheet vinyl has also improved greatly over the years. Makers have created a flooring method that offers an accurate representation of its alternatives made from real wood or tile.

CONSIDER THIS WHEN CHOOSING A VINYL FLOOR

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY VINYL FLOOR?

All our vinyl floors are made to withstand all the trials of daily life. The wear-resistant surface protects against both nicks and scratches, is water tight and prevents stains from, for example, food spills. Just make sure you clean it – which is incredibly easy – so you’ll maintain a beautiful and practical floor for many years.

CAN I MIX AND MATCH DIFFERENT VINYL FLOORS?

Our many design choices mean you can mix and match however you like for interesting creations that suit your tastes. Choosing different floors that match is a simple way to create both harmony and variation in your home.

WHICH VINYL FLOOR DESIGN SHOULD I CHOOSE?

One of the best things about vinyl floors is the impressive variety of stiles to choose from – all with the same great qualities. This means you never need to worry about a design influencing where the floor can be laid. The only thing to consider is creating the harmony you desire. We offer both clean and more rustic vinyl floors with the appearance of wood or stone. See how they all look in our floor guide.

THE LUXURY VINYL FLOORING BUYING GUIDE

What is Luxury Vinyl Tile?

Luxury vinyl tile is a vinyl-based flooring material that is designed to mimic the look and feel of various materials such as wood, stone or ceramic. While it may seem unlikely to have luxury and vinyl in the same sentence, LVT is actually a high-end vinyl material, made better through technology. It’s good enough that it is now used widely in luxury homes and condos.

Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

There isn’t really much of a difference when it comes to the basic composition of luxury vinyl tiles. Some manufacturers may infuse another material in the bottom backing layer but most stick to either vinyl on its own or a mixture of vinyl and limestone.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Cost

Ordinary vinyl is one of the cheapest flooring materials available. You can get a square foot for as little as a dollar or even less for vinyl sheets. This is one reason why vinyl was so popular until it was overtaken by laminate flooring.

bookmark_borderThe Best Kitchen Faucet For All Designs And Needs

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How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Faucet for Your Kitchen?

Buying Considerations

Going head first into buying a kitchen faucet can be a costly venture for the unprepared. Beyond the pitfalls that could lead to you calling in a plumber, is getting it installed only to see it’s not really what you want. The kitchen faucet decision should be treated with care since you’re dropping so much on one item. Every kitchen has its own little theme so tailoring your wants and needs to a specific type is vital in the search, as what your neighbor has may be completely different than what you need. Below are some of the main considerations when looking for a kitchen faucet that you can use efficiently. After reading the 5 sections you should have a better overall idea of what it is that would work best in your kitchen, and you may even get some ideas for some of your friends. Don’t be afraid to spread the word or even do some Christmas shopping! There is always someone that could use a

How to Install Faucet?

Take a good look at the area that you will be installing your new kitchen faucet into. Is there a faucet already there that needs to be replaced? Is this a completely new build that doesn’t have the hoses in place? And do you have a specific theme?

What Type of Sink Do You Have?

This may come as a surprise to some people, but there is a variety of kitchen sink types other than stainless steel. Stainless steel makes up the bulk of the industry and is clearly the leader. It is installed in more homes than all the other sink types combined, a statistic that won’t be changing anytime soon.

What Design Does Your Kitchen Sink Suit?

The design of a kitchen faucet will come into play when deciding if you are comfortable with the two lever or single lever system. As a reference, the two lever system is considered to be dying out, as the advantages of having it have been trimmed down to simply being able to use if one of the handles go out.

What Styles Should Prefer?

This is one of a more pleasing parts of choosing a kitchen faucet when it becomes all about matching it with your décor. Starting with modern, this is the style that has been most associated with the kitchen faucets that use motion detection. In a kitchen that ha all of the bells and whistles, why skip the kitchen faucet? The transitional style has a blend of both modern and traditional aesthetics, making up for the lack of technology with some of the most standout finishes available. Transitional styles usually have the most prominent finishes. Traditional isn’t as bland as it sounds and gets its inspirations from a lot of European kitchens in style.

How to Choose the Ideal Kitchen Faucet

When buying a house, one of the biggest factors in the decision process is the appeal and functionality of the kitchen. For them, and for most of us, the kitchen makes the house. We tend to be very busy in the kitchen, more so than in other rooms. Our cooking space is often a showpiece, which needs the “right” accessory. An ideal kitchen faucet suits the needs of the owner, and enhances the look, feel, and functionality of the kitchen. Thus choosing the right kitchen sink faucet is one of the important decisions to consider during a kitchen renovation. Here are the 7 steps of selecting your ideal kitchen faucet.

Choose Your Location – Decide whether you want a sink-mount, deck-mount or a wall-mount kitchen faucet. Wall-mounted installations are best suited for single basin sinks, while deck-mounted installations are best for farmhouse and undermount sinks. If you are replacing a sink mounted faucet, you should be aware of the number of holes available.

Know Your Sink – You should ensure that you know the number of holes in your sink or counter before you go kitchen faucet shopping. Faucets with one hole provide a simple and clean look, whereas a second hole gives you more options, such as a lotion dispenser or a side spray

Get Your Arc Right – You know the pain of trying to maneuver large pots and pans under a low spout, and on the other hand, wanting to avoid a high spout obscuring a window view. So get the arc of your kitchen faucet right. If you want more workspace over your sink, the high arc faucets will give a clear 8-10 inches above your sink plane. Otherwise, a low or mid arc spout will serve the purpose.

The Right Sprayer – Know your need when it comes to choosing the spray functions. People opting for extended reach prefer pulldown kitchen faucets, whereas pullout faucets, with their streamlined arcs, are easy to hold and use. You also have the option of a side spray kitchen faucet.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Kitchen Faucet

Choosing a kitchen faucet can be overwhelming thanks to the vast array of kitchen faucet options, features, and accessories that are available. As kitchen showroom consultants, we aim to simplify this process and compile all the information for you so that you can make the best choice. For many families, most of the time at home is spent in the kitchen, which makes choosing a kitchen faucet all the more important–not just in terms of functionality and usability, but also in terms of how the faucet will enhance the look of our kitchens and homes. Avoid the inconvenience and the mediocrity of having the wrong kitchen sink and faucet, by evaluating all of the options beforehand.

Evaluate the existing kitchen

What kind of features and fixtures already exist in your kitchen? Will you be keeping the current design or getting all new fixtures? Get started by selecting a complementary faucet for your kitchen sink. What sink and faucet style and installation options will best meet your needs? Is your sink made of enameled cast iron, glass, stainless steel or composite material? What faucet finish will match the other elements in your kitchen?

Choose your faucet functions

Once you have decided the overall look and type of faucet that will fit well with your kitchen area, decide exactly what you need from a kitchen faucet. What is your faucet style? Do you offer use large cookware that might be best accommodated with a high-arch spout? Do you prefer to operate the faucet with a single handle, two handles, or touchless technology? With response touchless technology, simply wave your hand, utensil, pot or pan through the sensor window to turn your sink on or off.

Choose your faucet finish

Once you have selected a kitchen faucet, choose a finish that complements the other colors and metals in the room. Or choose a finish that makes its own bold style statement. Whatever you prefer, Kohler has one of the largest selections of faucet finishes, from a deep Vibrant® Polished Titanium, an antiqued Vintage Nickel, or the warm Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold that is sure to make a statement in any room.

Choose the finishing touches

Consider the functional accessories that streamline kitchen tasks and keep sink bowls tidy. Most are easy to install and are a great way to enhance your kitchen faucet. For example, keep your countertop clear by storing liquid soap, dishwashing liquid, or hand lotion in an under-the-sink container. Soap dispensers are available in a range of designs and finishes to match your kitchen sink and faucet.

How to Pick a New Kitchen Faucet

The kitchen faucet’s basic function is to dispense hot and cold water for washing dishes, food and hands. But beyond that it’s a major player in defining the style of your kitchen design.

With all the new — and old — designs, finishes and mounting styles out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing a faucet. Having the basic information on hand will make things easier. Here’s what to consider.

Sink-mounted faucets. There are many different kitchen faucet and sink designs, but they are not always compatible. If you are working with an existing sink, check how many mounting holes it has. New faucets come in one-, two-, three- or four-hole varieties.

Deck-mounted faucets. With these the faucet mounts directly to the countertop and not the sink. If you are installing an undermount sink, you have the option of mounting the faucet directly on the countertop. When installing a deck-mounted faucet, make sure to allow more than a finger’s width behind the faucet for cleaning.

Wall-mounted faucets. Take care when placing a wall-mounted faucet to make sure it will work together with your sink. The distance the water spout projects will determine whether the two will be compatible. This can be more of an issue with a double sink.

How to Choose Your Kitchen Sink Faucet

As one of the most used features in your home, choosing the right kitchen faucet is not a decision to take lightly. This comprehensive guide gives you all the information you need to make a good choice. Find comprehensive tips on faucet mount, number of holes needed for installation, picking the right faucet style, finish, and features and how to measure for kitchen faucet size and reach. This guide also includes a comparison of pros and cons for kitchen faucet finishes.

Measuring For Kitchen Faucet Size and Reach

It’s important to check every aspect of the size of your faucet before you order. First, you need to address size as it relates to functionality. Second, to look balanced, your faucet should be in proportion to the sink. A large faucet would visually overpower a small prep sink, while a small faucet might look odd in a large sink and countertop area.

Height

You may find height expressed as deck to top of faucet and/or deck to aerator. Make certain you are choosing a faucet with adequate height to accommodate the items you’ll be washing or filling. The higher the spout, the easier it is to fit tall pots under it for filling or cleaning. If you have a shelf above your sink or a wide window ledge, a tall faucet may not fit

Reach

This important (and often overlooked!) measurement refers to the horizontal distance from the faucet spout to its point of connection with the sink or countertop. In other words, how far the faucet extends into the sink. This measurement determines how large an arc your faucet can cover within the sink basin. This aspect of your faucet also needs to be coordinated with your sink size so the water stream does not hit too far back or forward within the basin.

Spread

When you shop kitchen faucets you will see terms like “8-inch center spread”. This refers to the distance from the center of one hole to the center of the farthest hole on the other side. Some widespread kitchen faucets come with flexible water line hoses that allow for some variance in spread.

bookmark_borderHow To Install A New Electric Circuits Outlet Step By Step

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Requirements of a Circuit

Suppose that you were given a small light bulb, an electrochemical cell and a bare copper wire and were asked to find the four different arrangements of the three items that would result in the formation of an electric circuit that would light the bulb. What four arrangements would result in the successful lighting of the bulb? And more importantly, what does each of the four arrangements have in common that would lead us into an understanding of the two requirements of an electric circuit?

The activity itself is a worthwhile activity and if not performed before, one ought to try it before reading further. Like many lab activities, there is power in the actual engagement in the activity that cannot be replaced by simply reading about it. When this activity is performed in the physics classroom, there are numerous observations that can be made by watching a class full of students eager to find the four arrangements. The following arrangements are often tried and do not result in the lighting of the bulb.

After a few minutes of trying, several healthy chuckles, and an occasional exclamation of how hot the wire is getting, a couple of students become successful at lighting the bulb

Light Bulb Anatomy

Once one group of students successfully lights the bulb, many other lab groups quickly follow suit. But then the question emerges as to what other ways that the cell, bulb and bare wire can be arranged in such a manner as to light the bulb. Often a short light bulb anatomy lesson prompts the lab groups into a quick discovery of one or more of the remaining arrangements.

The Requirement of a Closed Conducting Path

There are two requirements that must be met to establish an electric circuit. The first is clearly demonstrated by the above activity. There must be a closed conducting path that extends from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. It is not enough that there is simply a closed conducting loop; the loop itself must extend from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the electrochemical cell. An electric circuit is like a water circuit at a water park. The flow of charge through wires is similar to the flow of water through the pipes and along the slides at a water park. If a pipe gets plugged or broken such that water cannot make the complete path through the circuit, then the flow of water will soon cease. In an electric circuit, all connections must be made and made by conducting materials capable of carrying charge. As the cell, bulb and wire experiment continues, some students explore the capability of various materials to carry a charge by inserting them in their circuit. Metallic materials are conductors and can be inserted into the circuit to successfully light the bulb. On the other hand, paper and plastic materials are typically insulators and their insertion within the circuit will hinder the flow of charge to such a degree that the current ceases and the bulb no longer lights. There must be a closed conducting loop from the positive to the negative terminal in order to establish a circuit and to have a current.

Electric Circuits Review

A water ride at a water park is analogous to an electric circuit. First of all, there is an entity which flows – water flows in a water park and (in conventional terms) + charge flows in an electric circuit. In each case, the fluid flows spontaneously from a high energy location to a low energy location. The flow is through pipes (or slides) in a water park and through wires in an electric circuit. If the pipes or the wires are broken, then there can be no continuous flow of fluid through the circuit. A complete loop is required to establish the circuit.

This flow of fluid – whether of water or charge – is possible when a pressure difference is created between two locations in the circuit. In the water park, the pressure difference is the difference in water pressure created by two locations of different heights. Water flows spontaneously from locations of high pressure (high altitude) to locations of low pressure (low altitude). In an electric circuit, the electric potential difference between the two terminals of a battery or energy source provides the electric pressure which presses on charge to move them from a location of high pressure (high electric potential) to a location of low pressure (low electric potential).

Energy is required to move the fluid uphill. In a water park, a water pump is used to do work upon the water in order to raise it from the low height back up to the high height. The water pump does not supply the water; the water which is already in the pipes. Rather, the water pump supplies the energy to pump the water from the location of low energy and low pressure to the location of high energy and high pressure. In an electric circuit, the battery is the charge pump which pumps the charge through the battery from the location of low electric potential energy (the – terminal) to the location of high electric potential energy (the + terminal). The battery does not supply the electric charge; the charge is already in the wires. The battery simply supplies the energy to do work on the charge in pumping it uphill.

The flow of water at a water park is analogous to the flow of charge in an electric circuit. The rate at which charge moves past a point on a circuit as measured in Coulombs of charge per second (or some comparable set of units) is known as the  current. In our analogy, the fluid which flows is water and the rate at which the fluid passes any given point is the current.

Electric Circuit Studio | User Guide

Electric Circuit Studio (ECStudio) is a set of tools used for building electronic circuits, SPICE simulation, and calculation of circuits. These tools are complemented by the information center containing resources, connector pinouts and interactive book explaining basic electrical theorems, laws and circuits. It is a useful application for all electronics hobbyists, students, or other people with an interest in electronics.

Schematic editor and SPICE simulator allow easy creation of circuit diagrams and SPICE analysis of the created circuits. ECStudio simulator is focused on visual representation of simulated results, such that simulated voltages and currents can be placed elsewhere in the circuit, as a text or graph. Moreover, the magnitude and polarity of voltages and currents can be represented by visual indicators, so you can check the results quickly. All results can be additionally displayed on the top plot, where they can be explored using two cursors.

DC, AC and Transient analyses are supported. The simulation can be run repeatedly (in Transient analysis) and results can be displayed consecutively with a user controlled speed (in all analysis types), or all simulation results are displayed immediately. When the results are shown consecutively, you can control parameters of circuit elements by the seek bar and see the change of results in real time.

The application supports two modes: Normal and Restricted. The Restricted mode differs from the Normal mode in that the size of the drawing canvas is restricted to the size of the circuit, elements cannot be inserted, moved, rotated, flipped or deleted, and the undo, redo, saving and opening circuits are not allowed. This mode is intended to be used only for simulation of circuits.

Important notes:

The app internally uses industry standard SPICE program of version 3.

Electrical Circuits: Dressing smart

Electrical circuits are everywhere in the modern world – hidden in the walls of our houses and packed inside our phones, computers and cars. Engineers are now working at knitting circuits into our clothes so we might one day wear devices that continuously monitor our health.

Electronics are everywhere. And as older people like to say, young people today are “digital natives” – you’re confident and competent with computers, smartphones, and any other electronics devices thrown at you. It’s likely you’ve had to give a grandparent or neighbour advice on how to use a computer or the car navigation yourself!

But when it comes to the clothes on your back there’s not much that your grandparents wouldn’t recognize – apart from the fashion, maybe. There are cotton, silk and woollen garments just as there have been for hundreds of years, and synthetic fibres have been around for over a century now.

But the electronics geeks have their eyes on your threads now, too, with scientists working on ways to integrate electronics into fabrics.

For a start, they envisage building in sensors. These would monitor the forces your muscles are exerting, impacts on your body, and your temperature, heart rate and respiration. This information could be recorded for later use or be set up to trigger a warning, if needed. Some fabrics might even be clever enough to react, for example stiffening up to give you extra support when your muscles are straining.

How to Choose the Right Resistor

Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Resistor for Your First PCB Design Project

Planning to embark on your first PCB design software project? There’s a ton of components that you’ll end up using, but none can beat the infamous of them all – the simple resistor. If you have ever looked at a circuit board, you’ll find resistors are all over the place, controlling the current flow and making those LEDs light up. But what exactly is a resistor, how does it work, and how in the world do you choose the right one for your first PCB design project? Fear not, we have you covered with everything you might need to know.

So…What is a Resistor?

Resistors are one of several passive electrical components, and their job is relatively simple yet vital – creating resistance in the flow of an electric current. Have you ever seen a LED light up? That was made possible thanks to the trusty resistor. By placing a resistor behind a LED in a circuit, you get all of the brilliant lights without anything burning out!

What Kind of Resistors Are There?

There’s a ton of resistors floating about that are divided into two categories – construction type and resistance material

Fixed Resistors – As the name implies, these resistors have a fixed resistance and tolerance regardless of any changes in temperature, light, etc.

Variable Resistors – These parts have a modifiable resistance. The potentiometer is a great example, which has a dial that can be turned to ramp up or down the resistance. Other variable resistors include the trimpot and rheostat.

bookmark_borderHow To Make Your House Cleaning Job Enjoyable

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What should I look for when choosing a housekeeper?

Look for good maids first

It is important to find out whether or not the house cleaning service you are considering is certified and insured. Certification ensures that the housekeeping service’s staff is fully trained and will provide you the best quality service, while an insured company will be able to compensate you in the event of any mishaps or accidents. It is highly recommended that the service you hire vets the maids that it employs. By performing background checks on its employees, a house cleaning service ensures that the people entering your home conform to a strict set of criteria. In short, you can be sure you’re not unwittingly allowing a criminal into your home.

Find the right range of housekeeping services

A full housecleaning service should provide dusting, vacuuming, dishwashing, changing bed linens, cleaning and disinfecting your kitchen and bathroom, and sometimes laundry (washing, drying, and ironing). The range of services that each housekeeping company provides varies. If washing and ironing clothes is a service that you require, you’ll need to make sure the company you’re hiring provides it. On the other hand, you’ll want to make sure you are not paying for services you don’t need. If you put the dishes in the dishwasher every night, you might not want to include that service in your cleaning contract.

The cost of maids and house cleaners can be expensive. Be sure to find a price that reflects the range of service you require that still fits into your regular household budget.

How To Choose A Domestic Cleaner

Use only vetted cleaners

No matter what option you are going for, you should always make sure the cleaner is vetted and checked. Cleaning companies offer checked and vetted cleaners and it is always safer to use an agency when it comes to letting a stranger into your house. If you use a cleaner through recommendation you can also feel safe that the person who comes to your house is not a complete stranger Choosing a private cleaner from an advertisement or other online recourses is a bit tricky so always make sure you do the necessary checks beforehand.

Insured cleaners

Insurance is the second most important thing you should ask for when you hire a cleaner. Accidents happen and you want to be protected. Most cleaning companies offer insured service. Make sure that either the cleaner or the cleaning company they are sent through are insured so you can have a peace of mind. If you hire a cleaner through a cleaning company always read their terms and conditions to check what exactly their insurance cover and if there is one in the first place. Some cleaning companies may have appealing rates and flexible terms, but their service is actually not insured at all.

Cleaning standards

When it comes to performance and results, there are different expectations and you can’t always define which service is good and which is excellent. Some people prefer the cleaner to be more initiative, while others want the cleaner to do only what they ask them to do. However, there is a big difference between good and excellent cleaner in terms of execution of the service. The excellent cleaner will always move any items to clean underneath and will always mop or hoover the floor even if it looks clean.  While the average cleaner can clean around objects, not moving everything and simply do a good job without paying special attention on each and one single detail. The house may look clean and can smell fresh in both cases, but you can always tell if the cleaner has touched every single inch of the house or have simply cleaned the visible parts only. Different people have different visions of cleanliness so how good or bad a cleaner is depend really on the client’s personal standards and expectations

Replacement cleaners

Being left without a cover while your cleaner is away is not the best option for you so always make sure there is a replacement cleaners available for these cases. Cleaning companies will always send a replacement when your cleaner is sick or on holiday. It might not necessarily be the best cleaner, but at least you will have someone to take care of the household chores.

With private cleaners the situation is slightly different – usually the private cleaners arrange friends to cover them while they are away. You can also skip a couple of weeks and do the cleaning yourself. This will definitely make you appreciate the fact that you are not doing the household work all the time.

How to Choose a Cleaning Service That Works for You

There are many different cleaning services available across the United States. Some people choose to hire a national company, others choose a local company, and still others simply hire a college student or someone else who cleans on the side. Because there are so many different cleaning services, it can be difficult to narrow down your search, but there are some clear steps that will help you decide.

Determine exactly what you want cleaned

There are housekeepers (sometimes also called maids), as well as cleaning services. You shouldn’t assume that a housekeeper will do particular jobs, or that a bigger cleaning company won’t offer those services. Although there are different terms, the terms are often used interchangeably, so it’s best to ask. Before you call anyone or ask for an in-home estimate, first you should make a list of what you want done in each room. It helps to have all the specific tasks you want completed written down.

Ask for recommendations

Because most areas have multiple people and companies offering cleaning services, it can help to ask for recommendations from friends and family. Once you have a few names to start with, you can make your calls. Otherwise you will simply be picking from the phone book or an online search engine. Also, if you ask around and you hear positive remarks about the same company or person over and over again, this can help you avoid hiring someone who may not do a good job. You also can find out more about cleaners who are ideal for your stage of life: some cleaning places really focus on deep cleaning, whereas others focus more on maintenance, and some companies charge more if you have pets or children.

Read reviews

Reviews are the next best thing to personal recommendations. Sometimes they are even better, if you prefer to just read about what strangers have to say. Either way, it’s easy to find reviews online. You can simply use a search engine to find reviews of cleaning services in your area. Yelp is a good place to start. There are several different websites that offer reviews as well. Reading reviews can help you to narrow down your search, and may even give you an idea of considerations that you hadn’t thought of before. Even if you don’t actually read the reviews, most websites give different service providers stars (or mark them in a different way), so you can quickly see how a specific business is doing.

Get the details

Once you have a list of four or five (or less if you prefer) different businesses that you want to call, it’s time to get an estimate. Most companies prefer to send someone to your house to give an estimate, as the estimate can depend on many factors. Some companies will give you an estimate over the phone based on the size of your house, as well as other factors.

If you do have someone come to your house, the visit is a great time to ask about other details that are important to you. You can ask about the types of chemicals they use; you should also ask if the company is bonded and insured; find out how many people will be in your house and for how long (and how they get in and out if you are not there); also, you should ask what their policies and charges are for one-time cleaning versus regular cleaning. If you choose to hire an individual rather than a company, they may not have the same policies, but you might receive more personal attention; it just depends on the individuals and the companies you consider

How to Choose a Professional House Cleaning Service

In today’s world many people have fast paced lifestyles and the last thing they want to do with there downtime is clean their home. Professional house cleaning service is an option that is being used by more households in an effort to save time for more important things. That being said the old adage “good help is hard to find” is still true. These simple reminders can assist with the task of finding the right cleaning service for you.

Responsiveness – This is one of the first indicators of a good professional house cleaning service. If you have difficulty in getting in contact with them for information about their services, then it is most likely going to be difficult to contact them once service has begun. The time in which it takes them to respond to your questions in regards to service details or getting a quote can give you an idea of how reliable they will be in the long term.

Licensed bonded and Insured – This may be the most important thing to look for when it comes to choosing the best maid service to clean your home. Most individuals or independent contractors do not offer insurance, so while their prices may be lower it puts you at risk when they clean your home. Reputable companies have policies in place that cover any damage that may take place during the cleaning as well as any missing items. These policies offer both you and the company protection and peace of mind. When calling for quotes it is important to ask the service if they are licensed and bonded

Look at reviews – Social media and online review websites have made the task of finding the right cleaning service easier than it is has ever been. When trying to determine which service might be the right fit take the time to read reviews on a variety of platforms. Reviews will give you a good idea of the type of quality you can expect from a professional cleaning service

Ask about equipment – Some professional house keeping services bring their own supplies while others expect the homeowner to provide them. When looking for a maid service it is best to find one that uses products that fit the needs of you and your family. For example if you have children or pets it may be best to go with a company that offers a green option. This will help prevent exposure to harsh chemicals.

How To Choose A Maid Service Company

Researching and hiring a maid service company doesn’t have to be a daunting task with a few helpful tips on how to choose a maid service company. If you know the right factors to look for, you can easily find a maid company that meets your house cleaning needs and your company expectations. You have invested a large amount of time and money into your home and its cleaning should be left to a reputable agency. Simply prioritize the five items below during your search to feel confident and secure when you select a maid service company.

Bonding And Insurance

Your home is your domain and it is paramount to find a cleaning team that respects this. Only trust a maid service company that is bonded and insured to protect yourself and your home.

Complete And Responsible Cleaning Services

A reliable and responsible maid company will be able to competently clean your house without you having to be at home to oversee or manage them. A professional team experienced in the cleaning field will be able to map out your house and productively tackle tasks. If you plan to have your house cleaned on a regular basis, ensure that the maid service company’s policy is to provide the same cleaning team to service your house regularly to avoid issues of inconsistent house cleaning. The team will be able to give you a cleaning timing estimate over the phone based on the services that you require.

Pet Friendly

You may not be at home when a maid service company visits your home but your pets may be and a proven cleaning service will accommodate your pets. A good maid service company can make arrangements with you either about cleaning pet areas or where you prefer your pets to safely be while cleaning occurs. A pet friendly maid service company will make you and your much loved furry friends feel at ease.

English Speaking

Communicating your cleaning needs to a maid service company is important. Pick a company that can easily understand and communicate with you to ensure that there are no misunderstandings about expectations or house cleaning rules.