Quick Home Renovation Guide

Do I Need Permits for Home Renovation?

Especially if you are not building onto the existing boundaries of your home, such as building a room addition, you might think that you do not need to apply for a permit before you get started. The short answer is that, yes, you do need a permit or sometimes multiple permits for a home renovation

What Happens If You Do Not Get a Building Permit?

It is not unusual for homeowners to proceed with house renovation projects, especially smaller ones, without getting a permit. You might even know friends and neighbours who have done this. The fact is, these people are breaking the law and could be penalized for this.

Even Small Jobs Often Require a Permit

As mentioned, it is not just larger major construction projects that require a permit. Even smaller projects that are not detectable form the exterior of the house may require a building permit to proceed. This can include finishing a basement, adding a new bathroom, or updated electrical or plumbing systems.

Why Are Building Permits Necessary?

While these regulations may seem like an unnecessary hassle, but many of these requirements exist for your safety and the safety of anyone in or near your building. If your new electrical system is not approved, it is likely because it poses a fire hazard. It is for your own benefit to complete your home remodel to code. If you are not sure whether or not your building plans and practices will meet all of the necessary standards, it is wise to have a licensed and experienced contractor assist you with the project.

Have a Professional Help You Meet All Building Requirements

If determining which permit or permits you need for your renovation project, and then following all of the necessary steps, sounds like a nightmare to you, hire a contractor that will help you with this process. By doing so, you receive the support of a professional who has completed numerous projects in your area in the past and knows exactly which permits you need and how to get them.

Can I live in the House During the Home Renovation Process?

While the idea of a renovated home is very exciting, many families are afraid of the possibility of being displaced from their home while the project is completed.

Scope of the Project

If you are doing a whole-house renovation or another major construction project, it is unlikely that staying in the home will be feasible. The home will not be inhabitable if exterior walls are being torn down, the roof is removed to add a second floor, or other invasive changes are taking place. Aside from the obvious reasons that this would not be an enjoyable setting for a family, the construction process would also be dangerous.

Access to Kitchen and Bathrooms

Even if there is only one room being renovated, if this room is your kitchen or only restroom, you should make other living arrangements. You might think you can do without the kitchen for a short period of time, but this can become very disruptive to your routine if you have children.

How Will You Staying In the House Affect the Schedule and Budget?

Some Homeowners decide to stay in their houses during a home renovation to avoid the cost of staying in a hotel or paying for other accommodations. Choosing to stay in the house, however, can actually make the construction process take much longer, which adds to the cost.

When You Can Definitely Stay In Your Home

There are house renovations that can be finished while you stay in the home. If your renovation project only affects a small, isolated area of the house and will not require the utilities to be turned off for extended periods of time, you can stay in your home during the renovation. Common examples of these projects may include a finishing a basement or adding a room addition.

Are there any home renovation tax credit options?

Are you thinking about making any renovations to your home? Or have you done so in the past couple of years? you may be eligible for a home renovation tax credit or housing rebate – especially if you are 65 or older.  This is part of the government’s effort to increase the number of healthy, environmentally friendly homes.  Regardless of your income, you and your family might qualify for a tax credit or rebate.

Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

This is a permanent personal income tax credit for seniors over the age of 65 and the relatives who live with them. Those who qualify can claim up to $10,000 worth of certain home improvements on tax returns. The amount of credit you could get back is calculated as 15% of the eligible expenses claimed.

What home improvements qualify?

Not all home renovation works qualify for this tax credit. Examples of work that DOES qualify include:

Wheel-in shower installation

Walk-in bathtub installation

Lowering of existing cupboards and counters

Renovations that allow for a first-floor occupancy for a senior

Widening of doors

Handrails

Grab bars in the bathroom, near the tub and toilet

Non-slip flooring

Wheelchair ramps and stair lifts or elevators

Easy to use door locks

Motion-activated lighting

Touch-and-release cupboards and doors

How do you get the credit?

Schedule ON (S12) must be completed on your tax return. The amount you spent on the eligible renovations should be entered on form ON (479) next to box 6311. Even if a relative or friend did the renovation work free of charge, you can still claim the amount you spent for the modification and materials.

Goods and Services Tax – Harmonized Sales Tax Rebate

The GST/HST offers housing rebates for individuals who have purchased a new home, substantially renovated their home, leased land for residential rentals, etc. For eligibility, the substantial renovation must include major changes. In general, 90% or more of the interior of the existing home has to be replaced or removed. Supporting walls, floors, roof, staircases, and the foundation do not have to be replaced or removed. The substantial renovation only includes livable areas. Finished basements and attics apply; crawl spaces and garages do not.

A Guide to Siding Options for Exterior House Renovations

Don’t neglect the outside of your home when doing renovations. It doesn’t matter how nice the inside looks, nobody is going to feel welcomed if the exterior is lacking – not to mention the trouble you’ll have selling your home someday if it doesn’t have nice curb appeal. The siding is one of the most important elements of exterior house renovations. There are a number of materials to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences.

Siding and Materials

Vinyl siding is relatively new to homes. It’s a lightweight material that is easy to handle. As such, it is often used for retrofitting. Expanded polystyrene foam is sometimes found insulated on vinyl siding, providing a value of R2 to R6 insulation. Insulated vinyl costs a bit more than non-insulated vinyl. The downside to vinyl siding is that there may be noticeable seams, since the panels must be overlapped at times.

Stucco siding is extremely durable and goes well with other materials. Epoxy is found in contemporary stucco mixtures to prevent cracking and chipping. When stucco is taken care of, it will last a lifetime. Additional benefits include fire resistant, insect resistant, permanent colouring (when toners are added), and low-maintenance.

Wood is always a great choice for traditional homes. Since it’s available in numerous species and grades, you’ll need to consult with your designer to determine what type of design to go with. Less-expensive grades are ideal if you want to use paint or opaque stains. For a natural look, go with a grade that is free of blemishes and knots. Cover it with a semi-transparent stain or clear sealer.

Synthetic stone is not always used to cover an entire house. Instead, it’s often used as an accent to cover chimney exteriors or lower portions of walls. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, the final product looks as natural and realistic as possible. Any type of stone can be mimicked, from limestone to river rock. The mixture may include sand, cement, concrete, etc. The downside to synthetic stone is that it is on the expensive side compared to other siding options.

Brick siding is a very classy, yet expensive option for a home. It’s typically found on Tudor, Colonial, and English-style cottage exteriors, providing a look that has been around for centuries. When installed correctly, brick siding can last for the lifespan of the house. Modern brick siding is a veneer constructed outside of a house’s wood frame structure. Mortar is used to hold each brick in place.

Fiber-cement siding is made from a mixture of cement, wood pulp, sand, and clay, and it offers the look of stucco or masonry at a cheaper price. It’s a low-maintenance and termite-resistant choice. There are many textures, styles, and finishes available. It easily accepts paint, or, if you prefer, comes in a factory-applied finish. A potential downside is that retrofitting requires that the old siding be completely removed which can be costly.

Your complete beginner’s guide to renovating a house

Isn’t it great that you don’t have to buy heaps and heaps of building materials to build a house from scratch? You can simply take an old existing one, splash a new coat of paint on it, replace the ‘welcome’ mat, and move in!

Actually renovating an old property involves a bit (okay, a lot) more work, yet for those who love a challenge, it is the best way to either find their dream home, or spruce up an outdated structure so that others might find their dream home.

Find and assess your project

Almost every property has some potential for renovation – the secret is to assess its design- and financial potential before committing to a full-on renovation.

Chat with agents, drive around yourself to scope out potential projects, and attend auctions.  Once you’ve found a project, an assessment of the structural condition of the house is important, and that is where a professional surveyor steps in. Be sure to arm yourself with a checklist of the most common problems found in old properties (such as rewiring, cracks, no heating, etc.).

Completing the deal

There are several options available here for renovators. If the property you wish to renovate is habitable, then you can go straight to one of the usual high street lenders. If you do not have the funds available to pay for the building work required on the house, you might consider a loan, which will hopefully be repaid by remortgaging the completed property.

All Essential Facts About Wall Mounted Toilet Installation

Are Low-Flow Toilets Worth It?

Thinking of installing a low flow toilet? Whether you’re looking to save money on water costs or to be kinder to the environment, find out the pros and cons.

Low-flow, or low-flush toilets are popular with many homeowners who like to conserve water, whether to save money or to limit their home’s impact on the environment. These efficient, water saving toilets have come a long way since they were first introduced in the 1990s, with many styles available today offering better functionality and more options than in previous years.

How Do Low Flush Toilets Work?

Low-flush toilets use one of two methods to clear waste: gravity or pressure-assistance. Gravity-driven toilets clear waste when the flapper in the toilet tank moves and water is released. Water flows down from the tank into the bowl, flushing its contents, while gravity carries the waste down into and through the pipes.

How Much Water Does a Low-flow Toilet Use?

Toilets are the biggest water drain in American households according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), accounting for almost 30 percent of water use in the home. Older toilets can use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water with every flush. Consequently, many cities and counties have begun passing conservation laws requiring homeowners and landlords to install low-flow toilets.

What Are Some Low-flow Toilet Problems?

Common complaints about these toilets include noise and flushing or water pressure issues.

They rely on a pressure-assisted system that makes a distinctive “whooshing” sound which tends to be louder than a regular toilet flush.

If they do not operate properly, they may not force waste far enough down the drain, which can lead to clogs and other plumbing system issues.

If the water pressure in your home is not sufficient for the smooth operation of low-flow toilets, they will not eliminate waste with a single flush or work as intended.

How to Install an Upflush Toilet

Installing a new bathroom in a basement can be a major undertaking. The concrete floor must be broken into and drainpipes installed, then new concrete must be poured.

An upflushing unit makes the job much easier. Instead of using gravity to drain, an upflushing toilet has a heavy-duty pump activated by a float and switch. When the lower portion of the tank fills, the pump turns on, forcing waste up through the 2-inch drain. A 3-inch vent is required. Make sure the vent and drain conform to local plumbing codes.

Some upflushing units, especially those installed in the ’70s and ’80s, were unreliable and needed frequent repairs. Newer units are more dependable. Ask a plumbing supplier about the track record of the model you are considering. Make sure the unit’s pump is powerful enough to send wastewater the required distance to the house’s drain.

An upflushing unit has a heavy-duty pump activated by a float and switch. When the lower portion of the tank fills, the pump turns on, forcing waste up through the 2-inch drain. A 3-inch vent is required. Make sure the vent and drain conform to local plumbing codes.

You’ll need roughly a day to install the toilet. Get started by purchasing a unit, drawing a plan, and consulting with a plumbing inspector to make sure the plumbing will meet code.

Toilet Seat Buying Guide

Most of us choose not to think too much about how much time we spend sitting on the toilet, but the fact is, a decent amount of our lives passes while we’re there. Most toilet seats don’t have that big of a job to do (they open, they close, they fit properly on the toilet), and yet choosing the right one can have an influence on your experience every time you go to the bathroom. Considering how big a role in your life your toilet plays, it’s worth finding the best toilet seat for your needs.

Types of Toilet Seats

There are two main types of toilet seats. For most people buying a toilet seat, your choice between the two will be easy – you should go with whatever fits your toilet. Of course, this is easier said than done, and it’s important to understand the difference between different shapes to ensure that you get the best toilet seat to fit the toilet you already have in your home.

Elongated Toilet Seats:

Just like the name indicates, elongated toilet seats feature an oval shape and are slightly longer than traditional round seats.   This type of toilet seat is considered to be more comfortable by many users, but often cost a bit more.   This oblong toilet seat has all the same benefits as other shapes, and can be found in a variety of colors and materials. The length of an elongated toilet seat measures at 18.5 inches.

Round Toilet Seats:

Round toilet seats are shorter and rounder than elongated seats.  This is the most common type you’ll encounter in your hunt to find the best toilet seat for your home. Generally, a round toilet seat will cost a little bit less than its elongated cousin. Measuring at 16.5 inches, the round seat will also take up less space.

How to Measure Toilet Seat

By the time you’re buying a toilet seat, the decision of round versus elongated has probably already been made for you.  If you’re not sure by looking at your toilet which type of toilet seat you need, simply measure the length of it.

Grab a tape measure or long wooden ruler (at least 20 inches).

Locate the holes where the seat is bolted into the toilet.

From these bolts, measure directly down the center to the front of the bowl.

Where Should Toilet Grab Bars Be Installed?

Is it time to install toilet grab bars in your home? Safety bars are a mobility aid to help keep you safe and independent through all the years of your life. Proper grab bar installation is critical to provide peace of mind and make you feel safer and more comfortable getting around your own home. As you prepare to install your toilet grab bars, make sure you consider these important elements.

Guidelines for Grab Bars

In order to be sure your toilet grab bars are installed properly, review the ADA guidelines. If you’re installing grab bars in a private home, you likely won’t need to comply with ADA standards. However, it’s worth considering the guidelines, since they were determined by experts for most common needs and use.

Spacing and Diameter

The ADA standards suggest;

having 1 ½” of space between the wall and the grab bar to allow ample space for you to get a firm grip (609.3).

Having 1 ¼” diameter bar allows for a comfortable grip. (609.2)

Make sure there are no projecting objects within 12 inches above the grab bar. Why is this important? If someone loses their balance or slips, you want to make sure there is nothing in the way of quickly grabbing the bar.

Location and Placement

As per the ADA guidelines:

grab bars should be provided on the side wall closest to the toilet (604.5). This will help someone with sitting or standing, or someone in transferring from a wheelchair onto the toilet seat.

there should also be a grab bar placed on the wall behind the toilet. (604.5) Why is there a grab bar behind the toilet? This is helpful for caregivers helping someone to sit or stand.

The ADA says that grab bars should be installed horizontally between 33 inches and 36 inches maximum above the finished floor to the top of the gripping surface (section 609.4). This is likely due to average height and common usage.

Structural Strength

The ADA speaks to the construction and strength of grab bars for highest level of safety

Grab bars cannot rotate within their fittings (609.6). A solid grab bar is much safer.

When properly installed, grab bars will support 250 pounds of force. This is to support the added level of force of someone falling and grabbing the bar quickly.

Grab bars need to be installed where there is reinforcement in the walls, whether it’s mounted on studs, or on reinforced walls.

Practical Things For Your Bathroom You Won’t Regret Buying

A ~ghost-like~ Squatty Potty that’ll help you position yourself (and your colon) properly for some major #2 efficiency.

Poo-Pourri to spray beforehand and eliminate odors in the toilet bowl because nature has to call, but it doesn’t have to linger

Promising review: “We are a family of six in a small one-bathroom house. This is, to put it lightly, a horrific nightmare — particularly after my teenage son spends some time in the bathroom. After a couple of weeks of gentle encouragement (‘YOU ARE KILLING EVERYONE. SPRAY THAT STUFF ON THE WATER BEFORE YOU POOP OR I’M TAKING AWAY YOUR PHONE AND, SO HELP ME GOD, I WILL CALL YOUR GIRLFRIEND AND TELL HER EXACTLY WHY YOU GOT IT TAKEN AWAY.’) he started using it regularly. The bathroom is much less disgusting now after he leaves.

Or if you’re not into the idea of a pre-spray, an odor-neutralizing candle made for pet-filled homes will also do some heavy duty work on bathroom smells.

I’ve owned several of these soy candles (soy candles burn slower, FYI) and continue to love them over all other candles. Read all about why I love them more than any other candles.

A TubShroom for clearing recently departed strands out of your shower drain sooo much faster.

Sorry not sorry, but I’m also obsessed with this product! I have thick, long hair and have lived with other people with a lot of hair. This thing is totally game-changing! If you don’t believe me (EVEN THOUGH YOU SHOULD),

A shower curtain liner with mesh storage pockets I love and will buy for as long as it’s a thing I can buy.

Yep, you’re looking at my shower! I upgraded from a corner tension rod caddy and never want to go back. The mesh pockets drain water so your liner won’t get all icky. And they make it easy to tell the difference between the minimalist packaging for your face wash and shave cream when it’s way too early in the morning.

Residential And Commercial Roofing Contractors

What Is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing?

Although it may appear that a roof is just a roof, each roof is unique in its design, installation and life expectancy. There are key differences between commercial and  residential roofing and the warranties that are available for the roof systems. All roofing requires proper installation by experienced roofing contractors and using quality materials. Not all roofing products are created equal. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand which products are right for your situation.

What is a Commercial Roof?

Commercial and residential roofs vary in design. A commercial roof tends to have a low slope or is entirely flat and much larger than a typical residential roof. Flat roofs tend to require more maintenance and involve repairs of larger spaces that are installed in sections. The typical design of a commercial roof has a few factors to consider such as the weight of equipment that is housed on the roof and the need to cover a larger area. Residential homes tend to have less worry where their design is concerned and tend to be easier to maintain, repair, and replace.

Residential roofing

Residential roofing is typically designed to cover houses or other smaller-scale buildings used as primary living spaces. Residential roofs are commonly pitched, meaning they have some degree of slope. The greater the slope, the more easily rain, snow, and debris can flow off the roof and be channeled away from the building. Residential roofs, by design, do have drainage but they aren’t built-in. Rather, they take the form of gutters which, while part of the roof, is still separate from the entire structure and can be changed as you see fit. Asphalt shingles are the most popular material for covering residential roofs in Winnipeg, but there is a wide variety of other materials that are also commonly used, including composite shingles, tile, slate, wood shakes, and metal. Residential properties usually have mid to high pitches and this means the “classic” roofing materials.

The Main Purpose Of Roofs

One might argue that the primary function of any roofing is to shelter the people and items inside the building from the rain and other elements of the weather. It also helps by using rolled roofing installation as an example to keep your home warm or cool.  Aside from that, roofs also add to the value of a home, and this is why homeowners have a plethora of options to choose from when selecting a roof for their place. Having an attractive and durable roof can make your home look aesthetically pleasing and make it desirable to potential buyers, something that can help it get sold fast. The mentioned things underline the main purposes of a roof in a residential building but what about the commercial counterparts? Things get different in this area because commercial roofs are mostly above the line of sight and thus there is very minimal concern over the aesthetic value. You will have to get on the roof to check out how it appears or even be on top of another building that is taller than the one you are viewing for you to see. The main purpose of a commercial roof is to serve the main function, and there is no consideration for beautiful colors as they won’t matter. However, this does not limit the options available for commercial roofs as one can select from a couple based on their preferences and budget.

Structural Design

The structural nature of both residential and commercial roofs is very different, and you cannot use the same designs for both. Most commercial roofs are normally flat or have a very gentle tilt. The main reason why the models are done that way is for practicality. Most of the commercial buildings are extensive and opting for other designs other than the flat ones can be costly since they will take up a lot of roofing material. Aside from that, commercial building roofs also serve other functions apart from just protecting the people and items inside the building. Some tall commercial buildings in large cities have helipads that are used by people who need to move fast and avoid heavy traffic in the streets. Other commercial buildings make use of massive solar arrays and other equipment such as water heaters and air conditioning equipment that can only be accommodated on the rooftop owing to their huge size.

Residential roofs are mostly sloppy, and the basis of their designs depend on what the owner wants. In a nutshell, one has several options when designing a residential roof and they could still go with the flat-roofed option.

Maintenance

All types of roofs need attention, but the amount differs in both commercial and residential roofing. One major limitation of the flat roofs seen on commercial buildings is that they are prone to water pooling when it rains heavily. In that accord, one must ensure that the roof is waterproof to avoid cases of water seeping in through the cement cracks. Waterproofing is an expensive thing especially when being done on a relatively large roof. It also needs to be repeatedly done after several years, and this makes the cost of maintaining a flat roof relatively high. Looking at the residential roofs, it is evident that there is no risk of water pooling since most of them are sloppy. However, one should install gutters to help direct the water flowing off the roof so that it cannot damage the base of the home. Building owners in areas that have a lot of trees need to clear the debris of their roofs from time to time as they can lead to ice damming and blockages. This is particularly applicable to commercial flat roofs that need to be clear of any debris that might encourage pest infestations or help to accumulate water.

Commercial roofs require regular inspections from time to time. It is terrible to have a corporate business renting your premises being disrupted from going about their day to day business due to a roof leak. Preventive maintenance should be a priority for commercial buildings so that all kinds of problems can be identified before they scale up and become larger ones. If the roof has any electrical or mechanical equipment, the roof inspectors should take care not to interfere with them when conducting their checks as they could really affect the day to day operations of many businesses. Residential roofs equally need checks to ensure that they are in perfect condition, but it does not have to happen as regularly as it does with the commercial ones.

Residential Painting Services

Paint your wall like a pro

Get ready to renovate

Are your walls in desperate need of a refresh? Have you been staring at flaking and faded paint in despair, but you’re not sure where to start? What if we told you that you could have walls you can be proud of again in just one day? Well, the bad news is you’re out of excuses

A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference to the atmosphere of your room, even a lick of brilliant white can have a bigger impact than you might think.

If you’re undecided on a colour, pick up some tester pots. Try painting your options on to white paper and stick them to the wall with masking tape, stand back and see which ones look the best, taking your whole room into account.

Paint your walls like a pro

Before you begin painting your walls make sure the surfaces are prepared for the job so you’re left with a finish to be proud of. Take a look at our ‘Prepping your walls for painting’ article for handy tips.

To make sure you get a smooth, professional finish, examine the surface of the wall for flaking paint, bumps and holes. Use filler for any cracks and holes. Let it dry, sand down the surface and seal with sealant. For flaking paint and bumps use a scraper to even the surface before sanding and sealing

Painting

Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a solid surface (called the “matrix” or “support”). The medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush, but other implements, such as knives, sponges, and airbrushes, can be used.

In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action (the final work is called “a painting”). The support for paintings includes such surfaces as walls, paper, canvas, wood, glass, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper and concrete, and the painting may incorporate multiple other materials, including sand, clay, paper, plaster, gold leaf, and even whole objects.

Painting is an important form in the visual arts, bringing in elements such as drawing, composition, gesture (as in gestural painting), narration (as in narrative art), and abstraction (as in abstract art). Paintings can be naturalistic and representational (as in still life and landscape painting), photographic, abstract, narrative, symbolistic (as in Symbolist art), emotive (as in Expressionism), and/or political in nature (as in Artivism).

A portion of the history of painting in both Eastern and Western art is dominated by religious art. Examples of this kind of painting range from artwork depicting mythological figures on pottery, to Biblical scenes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, to scenes from the life of Buddha (or other images of Eastern religious origin).

Color and tone

Color, made up of hue, saturation, and value, dispersed over a surface is the essence of painting, just as pitch and rhythm are the essence of music. Color is highly subjective, but has observable psychological effects, although these can differ from one culture to the next. Black is associated with mourning in the West, but in the East, white is. Some painters, theoreticians, writers, and scientists, including Goethe,Kandinsky, and Newton, have written their own color theory.

Acrylic Painting Supplies

Gathering the right acrylic painting art supplies is the first step in learning how to paint with acrylics. This page provides a list of essential acrylic art supplies that you’ll need to get started painting with acrylics. I’ve also included a list of some extra artist supplies you may want to have on hand.

most important artist supplies you will need are acrylic paint, paintbrushes, and a painting surface such as canvas or wood panels. But if you’ve never used them before, how do you know what to get? Read through the descriptions below to learn more about what to look acrylic paints

Acrylic Paint

There are many brands of acrylic paints available. Not all are created equal, however. I personally use Golden, Liquitex, and Winsor-Newton. Lascaux is also another good (but expensive!) brand. The good thing about acrylic paint is that you can mix the paint from any brand. So if you’re unsure of which brand to get, buy a tube from every brand to give them a try.

How do I know what kind of paint to get?

Most brands offer two different versions: Student Quality and Artist Quality. What’s the difference? Price and quality. Artist Quality paints have better coverage and more punch, therefore it’s more expensive than Student Quality paints. Yep, it’s tempting to go for the Student Quality paints, because they are cheaper… however, I would generally suggest that you avoid the Student paints. They contain more filler and less pigment, so the results will be less satisfactory than the more superior Artist Quality paints. With that said, if budget is an issue, then go with what you can afford. But if you can, buy a tube or two of the Artist Quality paints as well, so that you can see and feel the difference for yourself.

What acrylic colors should I get to start with?

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need a while lot of colors to get started with acrylic painting. I would recommend that you have these basic colors to start out with

How To Start A House Painting Business From The Ground Up

There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to instantly bring living spaces to life. Research has shown that even childrens’ study habits improve in a home with a great paint job.

But most people consider painting their own space a headache. They don’t have time for the research, setup, labor, and cleanup, and would much rather outsource this important job to a professional painting contractor. If you have a thorough approach and a steady hand, starting a successful house painting business could be a profitable and enjoyable path.

How Much To Invest in a House Painting Business

At the beginning, your costs for starting a house painting business can be relatively low-on average, less than $2000.

When you’re first starting out, you’ll need:

Brushes

Rollers

Paint trays

Tarps

Tape

2 ladders  (8′-12′ and a 28′-32′ sizes)

Sandpaper

A wire brush

A caulking gun

Protective clothing

A breathing mask

Choosing The Best Structure For a House Painting Business

There are three forms of business structure for you to choose from. Each one has unique benefits for you to consider when you are starting out. As your painting business grows, you’ll want to reconsider which structure is best for you.

Things to Know Before You Hire a Residential Painting Company

Hiring a painting company isn’t as simple as just calling a few companies and comparing prices. There are multiple things to consider before you choose a company to paint your home. If it’s the first time you’ve ever had your house painted, you may not know what to look for in a painting company, so here are five things to find out before you sign a contract and give a company a deposit.

Is the Company Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

It’s not too difficult for someone to buy a few painting supplies, print up some business cards, and start paining houses. People do it all the time and try to pass themselves off as owners of legitimate painting businesses.

All of these requirements are put in place to protect you, the consumer. If your painting contractor doesn’t do a good job, or doesn’t complete your job, you have some measure of recourse. You can report them to the CSLB and go after their bond. Or if an employee of the painting company you hire gets injured on your property, you won’t be liable to pay for their medical treatment because the company’s workers compensation insurance will cover it.

How Many Years Has the Painting Company Been in Business?

All companies need to start somewhere. By no means do we want to disparage new companies just trying to make it in the industry, but when you hire a painting company that is established and has an excellent reputation in the community, you get the benefit of their experience. You can also be fairly certain that they won’t run off with your deposit without completing the work

Who Will Be Doing the Actual Painting?

A quality paint job has a lot to do with the techniques used by the people doing the painting. You want to hire a residential painting company with trained and experienced painters. painters are uniformed professionals. They have been trained in the painting methods that will help your paint job look great for many years to come! never use untrained day laborers to do the painting in our customers’ homes.

Benefits Of Installing Hardwood Flooring In Your Home Or Business

How do I know if my hardwood floors are sealed?

If your home or apartment sports a hardwood floor, it is important for you to know if the floor has been treated or finished so that you can clean and care for it in the right manner.  It is quite common to find unfinished wooden floors in older homes and apartments, while finished or sealed floors are characteristic of contemporary homes, with different sealing or treatment choices available in the market today.

Real wood floors today are basically treated with surface-sealants (synthetic resins such urethanes or polyurethanes) or penetrating sealants. Sealants can be water, oil or solvent based formulations. As the name suggests, sealants either cover the surface or penetrate into the wood. Apart from these finishes, hardwood floors may either be simply coated with wax or varnish. Shellac and lacquer finishes are sparingly used.

You can carry out a few simple tests in an inconspicuous area of the floor to determine if the floor is sealed.

  • Water Drop Test

Place a drop of water on the floor. If it simply sits there and stares you in the face, congrats, your floor is a finished one. If it is absorbed, the floor is probably not finished or the sealant has worn out.

  • Surface Test With Steel Wool

Rub some steel wool on the floor and check for residue. Wax is bound to surface as a grey film on the wool if the floor has been wax-finished.

  • Acetone Swab Check

Wipe the floor with a nail polish remover (acetone based). Varnish, shellac and wax finishes will give way while polyurethane finishes will stay intact.

If you’re absolutely clueless about the finish of your hardwood floors, check out your local retail flooring store for a generic wood-friendly cleaning product to play it safe. If you are trying out a new cleaning product, equipment or technique, a small scale trial is definitely the way to go. Always make sure to choose a small area of the floor that is likely to stay hidden from direct view, a carpeted area or an area in a remote part of your home is a preferable choice for a trial.

How do I know if my Hardwood Floors Are Sealed? Easy tests revealed

I was trying to figure out how I would know if my hardwood floors are sealed. I had just finished completing my refinishing project for my floors and wanted to test them. Mostly, I wanted to make sure that the hard work had paid off.

So how do I know if my hardwood floors are sealed? Get a small glass of water. Locate an out of the way area that is not on a seam for the hardwood boards. Pour a small amount on the wood. If it stands for 5 minutes without soaking in, your hardwood floors are sealed. If it touches a seam, try again with a smaller amount in another area.

In this discussion, we will talk about a couple of tests you can do to see if your hardwood floors are sealed. We will also go over the next steps if you should find that the hardwood floors are not sealed.

What kind of finish is my hardwood floors?

To tell the difference in a pinch, just rub your finger across the floor. Be sure to do this on a clean floor. If no smudge appears, the floor is surface sealed. If you do create a smudge, the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal, oil finish, shellac, varnish or lacquer, and then waxed. Consider when your floors were installed as well. If you have a newer wood floor, it is likely surface sealed.

  • Protect hardwood floors from dirt and grime

Use floor mats near your entry doors. You can reduce hardwood floor cleaning time and wear by adding mats at your entrances. Position mats both outside and inside exterior doors to lessen tracked-in dirt. Tiny particles, like dirt, can act like sandpaper and scratch your wood. By placing a floor mat at each entryway and encouraging family members and guests to wipe their feet, the majority of dirt and grime will remain on the mat.

In snowy or rainy weather, include a boot or shoe removal area to avoid damage from water and de-icers. Prevent marks by using floor protectors under furniture and by using rugs in play areas to ensure children’s toys don’t scratch the floor.

  • SWEEP FOR DAY TO DAY HARDWOOD FLOOR

It might seem a little old-fashioned but the best way to clean your hardwood floor from day-to-day wear is sweeping with a high quality broom or using a microfiber cloth. If sweeping isn’t enough or those edges and corners need some attention, pull out the vacuum. Be sure to vacuum without the beater bar rotating which can scratch your hardwood floor finish.

  • Use appropriate cleaning products

When possible, use cleaning products recommended by the flooring manufacturer. In some cases failure to follow the recommendations can result in voiding your warranties. If the floors were finished on-site, talk with the installer for product recommendations. If neither is known, use a generic hardwood floor cleaner which can be purchased at a retail flooring store. Always test the cleaner first in some obscure corner, such as closet or pantry to make sure you are using the right product.

  • Never use anything with wax or petroleum-based products in it, unless you know for sure that your floor is a wax finish (this is no longer very common). Wax and oil will actually hold onto the dirt, and then when you step on it, it will scratch the surface. Also, if you use a wax or oil, it can eliminate the ability to buff and coat your floor–a full refinish could be required, because the finish won’t adhere and will peel off.Cleaning hardwood floor properly
  • Clean up spills and stains quickly

Wipe up any spills immediately, using a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Start at the edges of the spill and work toward the center. Allowing spills to remain on hardwood floors could damage the finish, as well as the wood. Be sure that the floor is dry after clean up.

How to Care for Your Hardwood Floor

There are some solvent based cleaners that are specifically for unsealed hardwood floors, but often you can buff the existing floor (and wax) to restore shine. Adding new waxing products to floors should be something that is done every six to 12 months, at most.

If you just need to clean your waxed floors from common foot traffic, here are some steps to get the job done:

  • Cut a hole into a terry cloth hand towel or rag.
  • Place towel over the head of the mop by sliding the pole through your rag’s hole.
  • Spray the rag with an aerosol unfinished floor cleaner or a little bit of white vinegar.
  • If you use any water during this process, be sure to wipe up any excessive amounts with a fresh towel. If minimal water was used, be sure that the floor fully air dries.
  • Buff hardwood floors with a clean terry cloth towel on the mop head, or you can find specialty buffing rags in the automotive care section of general variety stores or auto supply stores. Use a circular motion and do not apply pressure to the mop.

How to tell if your floor is sealed

I want to help identify these types of floors and how to tell if they are sealed or not.

Wood

​To tell if your wood floor is sealed, find an inconspicuous area, dab a drop of water on the surface, and see if it soaks in or beads on top. If the water drop beads on top of the wood, your floor is sealed. Surface-sealed floors are stain and water-damage resistant and easiest to clean. Unless the floor is worn, it should be ready for acrylic and wax applications.

Tile

If the tile has been sufficiently sealed, when you do the bead test, you should see that the water beads up on the surface and will also ‘roll’ across the tile as you blow on it.  If not – then either it has not been sealed correctly, or it requires preparation and re-sealing. As with ceramic floors, the grout also needs to be sealed before using waxing or floor shine products.

Laminate

Most laminate flooring is sold already sealed, but it is obtainable in an unfinished state. To tell if your laminate floor is sealed or not, go to an inconspicuous area of the floor (the back of a closet perhaps) and start with the water bead test. If the water soaks in or the floor changes color, it is unsealed. Another way of testing for sealant is to gently scrape a small area with a blade edge or a coin. If you see a bit of clear material on the edge, it is most likely sealed.

If you do not want to do the bead or scrape test, look for signs like lifting edges at the seams, especially in water-prone areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen. The laminate or adhered wood skin can begin to peel off the manufactured base over time, especially if it was left unprotected and wet. Laminate

Most laminate flooring is sold already sealed, but it is obtainable in an unfinished state. To tell if your laminate floor is sealed or not, go to an inconspicuous area of the floor (the back of a closet perhaps) and start with the water bead test. If the water soaks in or the floor changes color, it is unsealed. Another way of testing for sealant is to gently scrape a small area with a blade edge or a coin. If you see a bit of clear material on the edge, it is most likely sealed.

If you do not want to do the bead or scrape test, look for signs like lifting edges at the seams, especially in water-prone areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen. The laminate or adhered wood skin can begin to peel off the manufactured base over time, especially if it was left unprotected and wet.

Ways You Can Determine The Right Kitchen Remodelling For Your Project

Things to Consider in a Kitchen Remodel

Planning a custom kitchen remodeling design means changing the room’s look, feel and functionality. To ensure the success of your project, you need to consider these key factors during the planning stage

Original Layout

Before you make any changes, take a careful look at what you have now. What are your biggest priorities? Are you looking to increase storage space, enhance natural lighting or just give the space a visual makeover? Closely examining the current layout will help you understand what your main goals should be in the remodel and how to go about achieving them.

Budget

Budgeting is important for all home additions services. Without proper planning, you may find yourself overspending. It’s a good idea to outline each possible expense, from materials to services. After that, check to see if you’ve gone over budget, and if so, figure out where you can cut back.

Functional Use

Think about how the changes your making will affect the functionality of your kitchen. Changing the backsplash may help from an aesthetic standpoint, but will it really make things more convenient in the kitchen? Do you need a larger space, or more storage options? Should you change the tiles or the lighting? See which adjustments would give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Your Lifestyle

You should also consider how the kitchen remodeling services you’re investing in will enhance your lifestyle. Different people have different priorities. Some prefer a large kitchen with loads of storage space and plenty of room to entertain guests. Others enjoy smaller areas, with a sleek design made for quick meals. Either way, the remodel should be about your needs and preferences.

Kitchen Remodeling Services

Kitchen remodeling is a worthwhile investment for any home. In addition to adding more space, functionality, and style to your kitchen, remodeling can also increase your property value

A Kitchen Customized for Your Lifestyle

design your new kitchen based on your needs and style. goal is to make the vision you have for your kitchen into reality. You may have specific wish list items for your new kitchen like more storage space, gas range stove, or removing walls to create an open concept area.

Here are some common questions homeowners should ask themselves when considering a home remodel:

Why do I want to renovate my kitchen?

Is it more important for my kitchen to be a family friendly space, entertaining space, or a gourmet kitchen space?

What things do I like about my kitchen?

What do I dislike about my kitchen?

What are some of the things that I must have in a new kitchen?

Kitchen Renovation Process

Remodeling a kitchen can seem like an overwhelming and daunting task. In addition to setting a budget and defining your personal style there are countless decisions to make regarding cabinetry, storage, appliances, flooring, lighting, floor plan, and plumbing

starts once you inquire about a kitchen remodel. The first phase is the exploration phase. want you to be excited about the project and confident in your choice to work with CQC Home. encourage customers to research company and read the reviews available online via Houzz, Google, Facebook, and other review sites. During this time, will also interview you to understand the scope of the project and your needs. If both decide to move forward with the project, move onto the next phase.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

Homeowners remodel more than 10.2 million kitchens annually. This is no surprise, as it’s one of the places we spend the most time. When it’s time for your kitchen remodel, your kitchen remodeling contractor knows exactly what to do. But what should you know before you start? Here are things you absolutely need to know and consider before you start.

1. Are you moving soon?Are you concerned about resale value? If you plan to move in the future, and want to ensure that your home will sell, a kitchen renovation is a wise investment. Consider selecting classic styles and features for your renovation that have broad appeal–and steer clear from trendy colors and finishes.

2. Does it match your aesthetics? The absolute last thing you want is for your kitchen to be modern and your living room to be boho. The two styles don’t work well together. Your kitchen remodeling contractor might not care if it matches or not, but you will. It ruins the look of your home and can even put you in a permanent bad mood. The best thing to do is when picking out the style of your cabinets and furniture, make sure it matches the rest of your home.

3. Is anything else being renovated? Did you know about 35% of remodeling jobs involved the whole home? Aging homes often have multiple rooms requiring updates simultaneously necessitating a whole home remodeling. If you’re planning to remodel more than just your kitchen, inform your design-build firm. That way, they can plan the best possible flow and transition between these spaces.

4. Is it functional? You could have kids running around, or guests coming to your house for a fun party. No matter the occasion, other people besides you will be using your kitchen. Do you want them struggling to open your cabinets or colliding with you while you prep meals? Of course not! This means ensuring you work closely with your kitchen remodeling contractor to have it be fashionable and functional. The last thing you need is to have a beautiful kitchen only to find yourself unable to use half of it.

5. What about appliances? Besides your cabinets, countertops, and fixtures, you need great appliances. Most are available in various shades of silver, black or white. But in most cases appliances can be modified with custom fronts to match your cabinetry. This gives the overall kitchen a seamless appearance, and tends to make the space feel larger. Many appliances can also be mounted below counters, or in drawers, which helps to eliminate counter clutter. No matter what your needs are for appliances, be sure to consult with your remodeling contractor to make sure they work for your lifestyle.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost?

If you’re considering renovating your kitchen this year, it’s really important that you know what you’re up against in terms of cost. Here, the based home improvement platform, houseace, take us through a step-by-step look at all the costs involved in a kitchen renovation – from design fees and flooring, to plumbing and appliances.

What is the average kitchen renovation cost ?

Starting point = $18,000

Standard price range = $25,000-$35,000

Premium price range = $40,000-$100,000+

Size matters…

Though these figures are just averages, it’s important to note that the size of your kitchen will significantly affect the cost of your renovation. For example, it could cost as little as $11,000 to renovate a small kitchen, and $60,000+ to undertake a standard, large renovation.

What to consider before you start a complete kitchen remodel.

Before you start thinking about the aesthetics like taps and tiles, make sure you take a long, hard look at the space you have and consider the following:

What do you want from the space?

How do you want it to look and function?

Is the size and configuration right?

Budget and resale value.

Once you have considered these three things, you then need to ask yourself how much you’re willing to spend. If you think you may sell up and move one day, it’s really important to keep your home’s resale value in mind when considering costs.

Things Every Homeowner Should Consider When Remodeling Their Kitchen

What to Consider with Your Kitchen Remodel

Like most homeowners, you’re most likely going to do some kind of renovations to your kitchen, but that doesn’t make the job any easier. Here are things you should definitely think about before doing a partial kitchen remodel or a full one.

Do You Have All the Information?

As a lot of know by now, a partial kitchen remodel can add serious value to any home, but is that specific renovation you’re thinking of right for yours? highly recommend talking to some real estate experts in your area before making any big decisions, as they can inform you of just how much value you’ll add by updating your cabinets. When it comes to spending a hefty amount on countertops, you want to make sure you’ll get that money back in the future if you decide to sell your property.

What’s Your Budget?

Just like with other expenses in your life, budgeting your full or partial kitchen remodel should be a high priority as a homeowner. Going into lifelong debt over cabinets and countertops is simply not worth it, so sincerely recommend you save up enough money before paying for renovations that you’ll keep for a long time. If you’re going to refinance or open up a home equity line of credit, be absolutely certain that whatever you do to your kitchen will add real, profitable value to your home.

Major Upgrade or Minor?

Big or small, kitchen upgrades can come with a steep price tag, so be prepared and be aware of the total amount of money you’ll be spending on renovations. If you’re thinking of doing multiple renovations and changes, like new flooring, new appliances, better vents, a modern sink, and countertops, it can cost a fortune.

Don’t break the bank for a more aesthetically pleasing kitchen, be realistic with how much you’re able to spend. While major upgrades can definitely increase the value of your home, chances are you won’t get any profit out of it, especially if your neighbors only have minor upgrades

Long Distance Moving Can Bring Order To Your Possessions

How to Plan and Prepare for a Long-Distance Move

While there are certainly some PhDs who choose to stay in one certain city or region, the norm is to move a couple times or many times, even internationally. All this moving takes significant time and money to execute, especially once you start collecting possessions you actually want to retain. This article outlines how you can plan and prepare for a frugal long-distance move so that you minimize the cost to you in money, time, and stress.

How Much Will Your Move Cost?

The price of a move runs the gamut from quite inexpensive at a few hundred dollars to quite expensive at several thousand or even on the order of $10,000 once all costs are accounted for

The main factors are:

the distance,

how many people and how much stuff you’re moving,

how much labor you choose to outsource, and

the wind-down and start-up costs in each city.

On one end of the scale, if you’re a single person and your possessions amount to a suitcase and a box, moving will be fairly inexpensive, perhaps a few hundred dollars for the transportation and whatever your start-up costs are in your new city

On the other end of the scale, if you’re moving your family and all your stuff from a full house, your transportation costs will be quite high, your wind-down and start-up costs may be high, and you may choose to outsource some of the labor associated with moving to keep it time-efficient.

Long Distance Movers

Any size move, big or small, can be extremely overwhelming. When you choose Moving, take the burden away and ensure that your long distance moving experience will make your transition as smooth and painless as possible.

On the day of your move, crew will be punctual and uniformed, and you can trust that all of your belongings will be handled with care. As highly trained and courteous residential movers, each crew member fully understands that they, as a team, are moving more than your belongings. moving your home. There is no need to worry about anything being broken or damaged, your walls being scratched or scuffed, or any of your belongings going missing.

As soon as you engage services, you are assigned a coordinator who specializes in long-distance moving. This person will help you decide which of services you need based on your budget and schedule.

Here are only some of your choices:

In-Home Estimate

Full-Service Packing OR Fragile-Only Packing

Custom Crating

Vehicle Shipping (offered as part of a household move and/or independently of one)

Piano Shipping (offered as part of a household move and/or independently of one)

Free Stretch-Wrapping of Furniture

Doorway and Floor Protection

Assembly/Disassembly of Furniture

Long-Term or Short-Term Storage Services

Long Distance Moves

Long Distance Movers You Will Love

aim to please. may be Iowa-born, raised, and based, but long distance moves are bread and butter. That hometown feel is what makes moving long distance with so great — it’s the comfort and camaraderie of moving with friends, but better (you won’t have to buy us pizza and beer afterward).

movers are part of a national network of companies and drivers, so they often don’t know who the load or delivery crew will be on your move, whether or not your possessions will get transferred from one truck to another mid-move for the sake of higher profit margins, or even when they’ll make delivery until a day or two before they show up.

You know that once your possessions are loaded onto our truck they’ll stay on truck for the duration of the trip, safe and secure. And you know that should you have any questions or concerns, or something isn’t quite right, you’ll be working with one of the most honest and ethical small local business

How Do Prepare For A Long Distance Move?

You know what they say: an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of packing tape. Long-distance moves require a longer timeline than a standard local move — luckily, have the experience to make your long distance move go as smoothly as possible.

Packing Services. If you’d like to pack all your boxes or just the kitchen, can work up a specialized quote whatever your needs are.

Storage. If you’ve got a week or more between, say, a home closing in and a home closing, then can store your possessions short- or long-term in climate controlled warehouse. Charges are based on weight.

Full Value Coverage. If you’d like some extra assurance for your long distance move, offer full replacement value protection for every budget, with 0$, $250 and $500 deductibles. You might already be covered under your home insurance policy, so be sure to check with your agent.

Special Care Items. If any of your belongings require special care and protection, note that in estimate and additional charges might apply.

Vehicles, Motercycles or Other Large Bulky Items. can transport these items for you but additional charges apply.

Unique Home Access Issues At Either End. This can include very long driveways, 37th floor apartments with elevator access, or homes in gated communities that tractor trailers can’t, or aren’t allowed to, access. If access issues require additional labor and equipment, include those charges in the estimate.

Extra Stops. be happy to make additional stops to pick up or drop off items either at the origin or destination (a stop at a personal storage unit is most common).

Long-Distance Movers

When you move, it is critical that you use a sound plan of attack to make sure nothing is lost. The problem is, long-distance moving is more complicated than a simple cross-town moving affair. That’s why hiring a qualified long-distance moving company is so critical.

team knows how to fit everything into trucks safely. Your personal effects are as important to as they are to you. use high-quality packing materials to ensure valuable bookshelves and entertainment centers aren’t scratched. More importantly, understand things move quickly. If you have an upcoming move and your planned mode of transportation falls through

How to Research a Long-Distance Moving Company

There are a thousand things to take care of in advance of a cross-country move. From changing your driver’s license to enrolling your children in a new school, it’s critical to be prepared. The move itself needs to be carefully planned, and that begins with researching different long-distance moving companies. What should you look for in a moving company?

Catering to Unique Needs: Each move is different from the last. For instance, if you’re moving to a bigger house, you don’t need to worry about fitting your belongings into the new residence. However, if you’re downsizing in terms of square footage, it’s a good idea to work with a flexible moving company that can help you hit the ground running when everything arrives.

Credentials: People will try to take advantage of you; but not Midway Moving & Storage. When looking for a long-distance moving company to get you

Best Long Distance Moving Tips and Tricks

For some local moves, all you might need is just to load everything you own in the back of a van and hit the road. Long distance moves requires a lot more planning and some professional long distance moving tips.

Plan Ahead

Long distance moves are a major life event, and the best way to make sure yours goes smoothly is to make sure you plan ahead. Whether you like to go with the flow or you want every prepared in a spreadsheet, you should write down every moving-related task you need to accomplish.

Stay on schedule

Now that you’ve got a plan, you need to stay on schedule. Tasks like utility installation and school enrollment are time sensitive, so you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute. To keep yourself from forgetting what you need to do and when, try scheduling chunks of time on your calendar for moving-related tasks or setting up reminders on your phone.

Update important documents like your license

Changing your address requires updating your information in a lot of different places. However, it gets even more complicated when you’re moving long distance. You may need to update your driver’s license and registration and other important documents. Make sure to plan ahead and research what all needs to be updated! This is one tip that cannot be ignored.

Get rid of things you don’t need

With a long distance move, the cost of your move is going to be based on the weight of the items you ship. The more you ship, the more you will end up paying. It is usually a good idea to take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you would still use and what you can get rid of. Consider holding a garage sale before your move or donating unneeded items to the Salvation Army or other charities of your choice. Also take a moment to consider if you will no longer need certain items at your new home. If you need certain items disposed, One Move offer hauling services too.

Steps To Perfect Wedding Photographer

Essential Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Wedding photos and videos are something that will treasure for a lifetime. This is why it is important to find the best team to capture your special moments. Once your special day arrives, the one who spends as much time with you as your photographer is your videographer. There are a lot of things to take into account when you opt for a wedding video maker. The professional videographer should understand the genre inside and out.

Most people begin the video production company by making wedding videos and then they assume that a wedding is the easiest way to get started. In case you mistakenly hire them, they try to make more money. This is why you should be super careful while hiring the right video company. There are plenty of videographers who are making wedding videos for a genuine reason.

Here are a few things you have to look for when choosing the best wedding video company to capture special moments. 

Look For A Best Film Company

Experience is an important thing in choosing a videographer. There are tons of video making companies out there who offer wedding videographers. But, most of them have experience in the videography field. Few of them might be best photographers but it doesn’t mean that they know how to make a moving image. So, Make sure that the wedding video making company tunes with your needs and also knows exactly what you are looking for.

Check Their Professional Background

The filmmaker should know exactly what he is doing. So, you have to determine that your chosen video maker has the years of experience and the talent needed to make you something picturesque. Mostly, celebrities and major companies trust the videographers who have a professional background because they make them look good and beautiful. The professional videographer should be there with you throughout the entire wedding so that they can present a beautiful story of your wedding day.

Determine Their Portfolio Of Wedding Video Melbourne Company

Checking the portfolio of wedding videography Meblourne will expose their shooting style. By doing this, you can see how they take the shot at the wedding. Most of the best video making companies post their best videos on their website. So, it is a very important thing you should look at their entire portfolio while before signing on the dotted line. Few companies only upload their highlight videos so, you can request them for the full video if possible. You can even ask their completed version of wedding videos that will help you to check if their shooting style is the one you are looking for. By analyzing their previous project, you will be able to make your decision about whether their videos will work for you or not.

Wedding Photographer should be equipped to deal with every eventuality that  may happen on a wedding day!

With the weather that Scotland has it can be four seasons in one day! Therefore, your wedding photographer  should have the necessary experience and equipment to be able to deal with challenging conditions that can change at a moments notice. We have often had scenarios where the weather has changed from beautiful blue sky day to torrential rain in seconds and all the plans for the shoot are out the window so you have the skills to improvise. Ensure that the photographer that you choose has the tools to deal with any eventuality.

Wedding Photographer should be familiar with the location of your wedding event.

This is crucial. For you to get the best images possible from your wedding day the photographer needs to know exactly where the best photo locations are. Any professional wedding photographer will do research on the venue and if it is not possible to visit the venue beforehand then they will ensure they arrive early to have a look around. If there is the opportunity to do a pre wedding or engagement shoot at your wedding venue it is a great chance to have a look around and see what are the best locations for the images you want.

Communication Skills

Another important thing you have to consider in choosing a videographer is effective communication that will make your day run smoothly. The videographer you choose should be able to interact with people and communicate effectively. Videographers also have to work with both guests and professionals. If there is any dispute between the celebrant and photographer, the video quality could be affected. Your wedding video will last forever so it is crucial to have the best one.

Discuss Your Goals

The general goal for most people is to capture a special moment of their wedding. Some people have other goals like wanting the same day edit, summary video, full video, or a drone covering the whole event and more. When you choose the best wedding videographer, you have to discuss your goal with them. Then, your videographer can assess whether they can meet all your needs or not.  And also, you should choose the best video maker within your budget.

Secrets from a wedding photographer: Tips on how to get the best photos

After months of planning and preparation, your wedding day will fly by in the blink of an eye. But with the right photographer you can relive the day over and over with photos that capture all the best moments of your big day. From choosing a photographer that suits your personal style to facing an unexpected downpour, there are many things to consider when picking a wedding snapper.

Embrace the weather

No matter how meticulously you plan you’re never going to be able to control the weather. But if there’s cloudy skies or rain, the best thing you can do is embrace it because a downpour can actually make for some amazing and dramatic photos.

Having a second shooter

Having a second shooter to assist your main photographer can really add to the photographs and coverage you get from your wedding. Your photographer will choose who accompanies them on the day, usually someone with a similar approach and style, and it means that you can have your day covered more comprehensively.

Backdrops and lighting

Be aware of photographic opportunities at your venue or in the nearby area for portraits. You and your photographer can collaborate to get the shots you envisage from your day and don’t be shy about suggesting a beautiful or interesting spot for images that your photographer may not know about. Asking your photographer to replicate exact shots isn’t necessarily conducive to their own creativity, but it’s definitely worth letting them know of somewhere that could make for a stunning photograph.

Make the most of your getting ready place

Pre-wedding preparations are one of the busiest and most exciting parts of the day, there’s always so much going on and often a lot of people getting ready in the same room. To make the most of your photography at this time, find somewhere that is spacious enough to accommodate everyone who will be there, and has lots of natural light for your photographer to work with.

Trust your photographer

Once you’ve employed someone who is right for you both, just trust them to do what they do best. Don’t try and get them to emulate another photographer’s style or editing, and embrace that you’ve employed someone whose work you love to document your day. Try to be confident and relaxed – you will look like the happiest and best version of yourself on your day so settle into the celebrations and let them capture it all.

Factors to Consider When Setting Your Wedding Date

The process of setting your wedding date is a bit more involved than simply pointing to a day on the calendar. This important decision requires quite a bit of research and discussions with family and friends.

Here are six factors to consider when setting your wedding date.

Timeline

Make sure you are leaving yourselves ample time to plan the event you’ve envisioned. Consider the size of your guest list, the number of vendors you need to hire, and the overall feel you want to achieve (an elaborate, formal affair will likely take more time to plan than a more casual, laid-back event). Take your personal commitments into account as well—do you have a lot of free time to spend planning your wedding or is your schedule relatively packed? The average wedding takes about a year to plan, but it can be (and has been) done in a shorter amount of time.

Venue availability

Contact your top wedding venue choices to see what dates are available. This will help narrow down dates and you can work from there. If you don’t have a dream venue in mind, you can always set your date first and then start hunting for a location.

The season and weather

What time of year do you want to get married? Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of a spring garden wedding, or maybe you want to have a cozy indoor wedding while the snow falls outside. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, it’s particularly important to consider the weather conditions in your area. If summer is notoriously humid and buggy in your region, for example, an autumn wedding might be a more appealing choice.

Holidays

While national holidays certainly aren’t off limits (plenty of destination weddings are held over holiday weekends, for example), it’s important to be aware that many guests might be unable to attend due to family obligations or conflicting travel schedules. It’s also important to consider that vendors may be extra busy with holiday events during these peak times. Pro tip: check out these Canadian wedding dates you should avoid.

Major events

When looking at the calendar, keep your eyes out for big national events like the Stanley Cup Playoffs or Canada Day—you don’t want your big day to have to compete with that! Keep local events like conventions, festivals, and parades in mind, too, as these can be inconvenient (heavy traffic, higher prices, crowded streets, booked hotels) to you and your guests.

Friends and family

Before setting your wedding date, be sure to run some potential dates by your nearest and dearest to make sure there aren’t any big conflicts. We’re talking truly important events that would force a best friend or close family member to have to miss your wedding. Maybe your brother has a big annual work conference he can’t skip, or your maid-of-honor is expecting a baby that month.

Prepaid Criminal Defense Attorney Services Review

Why are criminal defense lawyers important?

Have you recently been arrested or charged with a crime? If so, chances are you’re in need of immediate assistance from a criminal defense lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to help you explain your rights through all stages of the criminal process and can be the determining factor between a dismissal and a jail sentence or reduced plea bargain.

Before you decide on a Criminal Defense Lawyer, here are some things to consider:

The Importance of Having A Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime is a serious matter and puts you at risks of possible jail time, having a criminal record, and jeopardize your chances for future job opportunities. Thus, it is important to have a criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and help you secure the best possible outcome for your case.

A criminal defense attorney can help you understand:

  • The nature of your case and what you can expect
  • Possible plea bargains available
  • What to expected after trial or conviction

What to Look for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

When looking for a criminal defense lawyer, it is important to find the best one for your case, whether if its a felonies, drug charges, white collar crimes, or misdemeanors. Thus, it is important to consider the lawyer’s expertise, skill level, and knowledge in relation to your case. Make sure the attorney also has experience in state and local rule of courts

A good criminal defense lawyer can help:

  • Eliminate or reduce jail time
  • Reduce the severity of the punishment
  • Develop a defense strategy in a court of law.

Below are just a few examples of the importance of criminal lawyers.

Arrest

When a person is arrested, they can request an attorney come see them at the police station. In this situation, it may be best to have an attorney present when discussing things with the police. A criminal lawyer will be able to help a client understand their rights after being detained by law enforcement. They will also know how to arrange for a clients bail, so they can get out of prison.

Representation

A Criminal Defense Attorney can represent their client during all criminal court proceedings. They are able to explain the procedures involved with the criminal justice system. A criminal defense attorney will provide the best possible representation based on the facts of a case. A person should never consider representing themselves.

Negotiations

During a trial, the experience and knowledge of a criminal defense lawyer enables them to successfully negotiate with the court, as well as the prosecuting attorney. They may be able get the charges reduced before a trial begins. It may even be possible to have them dropped. What evidence can or cannot be used during trial can also be negotiated. They can even negotiate the best possible plea deal for their client when necessary.

Civil Rights

A criminal lawyer will be know how to protect their clients civil rights. This could include everything from unconstitutional searches, to police misconduct and more. They will know how to ensure their client receives a fair trial. A criminal defense attorney will also know when it’s proper to file a civil rights violation claim.

Punishment

When a person is charged with any crime, the possible punishment could be very severe. Even if their client is guilty of a crime, the criminal lawyer can work to get the very least amount of punishment. They can also work to have have any fines associated with the case reduced or dismissed. A criminal attorney will know how to present the facts and evidence of a case, to justify a reduction in punishment and fines. When a person is innocent, these lawyers can work to get the charges dismissed.

Investigation

A criminal lawyer knows how to investigate a case. Vital pieces of evidence could have been overlooked at a crime scene. These could be things that can prove their client’s innocence. A criminal defense attorney will be knowledgeable about a variety of resources available to get what is needed for their client’s defense. A criminal lawyer will get statements from key witnesses about the incident that resulted in their client being arrested. They will know how to obtain all the important evidence for their client’s case.

How to Qualify a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Before selecting a criminal defense lawyer, make sure you feel comfortable working with them and make sure they are experienced enough for your case. Consider asking the following?

  • What are your experiences handling cases similar to mine?
  • How much of my criminal case will you actually handle?
  • What are the chances that you can work out plea agreements or reduce the charge for this case?

The Defense Lawyer as the First Line of Defense for Defendant When Facing the State

It is important for a defendant to obtain the help of a defense lawyer as early as possible. There are many actions a defense lawyer can take to protect and aid a defendant in the early stages that may not be possible as the case progresses.

  • The defense lawyer can inform the defendant of his rights at the outset (such as the right to remain silent) so that the defendant is aware of them and can benefit from them.
  • The defense lawyer can seek the temporary release of the defendant through bail, allowing the defendant to better assist in the preparation of a defense.
  • The defense lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to have charges reduced or even dropped.

In addition, the defense lawyer is able to counsel the defendant on different strategies and arguments that can be used in the case as well as the benefits and drawbacks for each one.

  • The defense lawyer works with the defendant and other witnesses to understand the defendant’s version of events and to determine an appropriate defense (e.g., alibi, self-defense, misidentification).
  • The defense lawyer can provide advice on what plea to enter, whether to accept a plea agreement, whether to waive a jury trial, and whether the defendant should testify on his own behalf.
  • The defense lawyer can determine which witnesses to call and how they should be examined.
  • The defense lawyer can determine which potential jurors might be biased against the defendant and seek to remove them from the jury panel.

Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney

Defense attorneys serve many purposes and can often greatly improve the outcome of a case. They work to ensure that courts do not wrongfully convict defendants or impose excessive sentences for convictions. However, an attorney does a lot before the case ends.

A defense attorney will work to protect your rights throughout a case by:

  • Being present during police interviews and interrogations
  • Arguing in court to reduce your bail to a fair amount
  • Advising you about your options of how to plead and the implications of a guilty plea
  • Interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence regarding the allegations
  • Closely examining the circumstances of any searches by police and of your arrest to identify any Fourth Amendment violations
  • Examining the results of any chemical tests (common in DUI and drug-related cases) and ensuring the police or forensic lab technicians did not make any errors
  • Determining which legal defenses may apply in your case
  • Representing you at all scheduled court hearings
  • Discussing the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecutor, which may involve agreeing to plead guilty to lesser charges or to receive a lesser sentence
  • Helping you decide whether to plead guilty or take your case to trial
  • Representing you at a jury trial
  • If you are convicted, representing you at sentencing and arguing for a fair sentence
Posted byPosted inLegal

Pros And Cons Of Hiring An Electrician Off Of The Internet

Comfort, Durability and Safety: Choosing Electrician Tools and Equipment

As an electrician, you know that you can’t do your job without the right electrical tools and equipment. While there’s no substitute for your knowledge, without your trusty tools both basic and advanced, you’ll be limited.

After all, no matter how talented you are, you can’t exactly strip wires with your hands or install a new fixture without a tool belt full of everything you’ll need for the task. There’s a reason there’s a whole market for tools for professionals like yourself.

How to Choose the Best Electrical Tools and Equipment

Choosing the right electrician tools is difficult because there is such a range of quality. You want to fill your electrician’s tool kit without spending too much money for a fancy brand name, but you also don’t want to end up with a screwdriver that snaps when you first use it. Here are the main things to keep in mind to choose the best electrician tools:

Comfort

Some of your electrical hand tools are going to be used again and again, all day, every day, so comfort matters. When choosing a screwdriver, hammer or pair of pliers, for example, you should look for a handle with a soft texture and a comfortable rubber grip that fits your hand well. Squeezing your hand against a hard handle will be uncomfortable and make it much harder for you to work. Your electrician tool belt should also fit you well and be comfortable to wear, so that you don’t hurt your back or your hips on the job.

Durability

There’s no point saving money by buying poor quality tools, especially when replacing them will mean spending extra money. You may want to consider an SBA loan so that you can get better-quality equipment. Many of the tools you’ll use are sold both in household, occasional-use versions and as heavy-duty industrial tools. Although they might look similar, a professional screwdriver will last longer, stand up to harder use and make your job easier than the same screwdriver marketed at home DIY people.

Residential Electrician

Need an electrician fast? The needs of every individual customer are important to us. focus of providing quality residential electric services for your home combined with honesty has made us the first choice of many residential clients worldwide. You can count on us to take care of your electrical needs – day or night

Electrical Services for Homes

Ceiling Fan Installation / Maintenance

Breakers and Fuses

Code Corrections

Outlets and Circuits

Track and Accent Lighting

Service Panel Upgrades

High-Tech Troubleshooting

Dedicated Computer Circuits

Telephone and Data Lines

Security & Landscape Lighting

Surge Protectors

Electric Water Heaters

Transformers

Smoke Detectors

Ground Fault Interrupt Circuits

Appliance Circuits

Hot Tubs and Spa wiring

Standby generator installations

Electric Heating

Electric Car Chargers

Lighting Design and Maintenance

Bathroom Lighting Installations

Bedroom Lighting Installations

Dining Room Lighting Installations

Kitchen Lighting Installations

Home Theatre Lighting Installations

Home Office Lighting Installations

Electrical Motors

Exhaust Fans

The Expert Electric Difference

Your call will be answered by one of our customer care representatives who will listen to your needs.

will schedule a specific appointment date and time for the electrician to evaluate, price and complete your job.

evaluating your needs, the electrician will provide you with a written estimate including project details before any work is done.

the price is acceptable and materials are available, the electrician in most cases is prepared to do the work for you the same day we come out.

electrician will also coordinate a mutually agreeable schedule to complete your work should there be something preventing the work from being done on that same day.

completion the electrician will review all work completed with you and to ensure your complete satisfaction and review any final instructions regarding your installation or repair.

office staff will perform a follow up within 48 hours with you to ensure your system is still working fine and you are completely satisfied.

your inspection and satisfaction, an invoice will be provided for your approval.

Electrician

How to Become an Electrician

From basic lighting and electrical utility needs to the mega-watt commercial and industrial electrical wiring applications that keep businesses, hospitals, schools, and data centers humming, electricians are indispensable to life in the modern world. This is the underlying factor that explains why professionals in the electrical trade now earn salaries as high as $88,130, and why the trade is seeing job growth projections in the double-digits for the ten-year period leading up to 2025

The rules and regulations that govern electrician licensing are different in every state. Even within a state, individual counties and cities often have their own rules and licensing authorities. As you work to complete your apprenticeship program, become licensed as a journeyman and eventually go on to become a master electrician and independent contractor, you will work closely with your local electrical trade regulatory agency.

Follow the steps in this guide and review the rules specific to your state and local jurisdiction to learn how to become an electrician:

Gain the Technical Training and Job Experience Required to Qualify for a Journyman License

Pass an Examination to Become Licensed as a Journeyman Electrician

Gain the Experience and Additional Qualifications Required to Become a Master Electrician

Become Licensed as an Independent Electrical Contractor

Gain the Technical Training and Job Experience Required to Qualify for a Journeyman License

Your first order of business will be to make arrangements for gaining the real-world, on-the-job experience and classroom-based technical training required to become skilled in the trade and to meet the journeyman licensing requirements in your jurisdiction.

In most cases, licensing jurisdictions cover an entire state, but in many cases licensing takes place at the county or city level. All licensing jurisdictions are free to establish their own on-the-job training and classroom hour requirements that must be met before you can take the journeyman examination. In virtually all cases, this would mean spending between four and six years working as an apprentice or trainee for a licensed electrical contracting company or state utility in order to satisfy the standard requirements. In most cases, you would simply transition into full time employment at the journeyman level with that same employer once you have met the licensing requirements.

Advice for Future Electricians

Many industries are facing the same problem. Every day, 8,000 U.S. baby boomers turn 65, and the rigors of physically demanding trades sometimes force workers into retirement at that suggested age. That means the electrical industry might be losing experienced workers faster than other less strenuous professions

That’s why we like to draw attention to organizations that provide training for apprentice electricians and other trades

Electrician-specific programs are available through national associations like the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), as well as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Klein recently added a $2 million Double-Down pledge to support education and training programs through IBEW-NECA and their joint program, The Electrical Training Alliance.

Tips for Aspiring Electricians

Do your research. Many national and local programs exist to help jumpstart your career as an electrician. Check out the links above to see which route to apprenticeship is right for you.

Meet the minimums. When applying for an apprenticeship or technical school, pay attention to the minimum requirements. Generally speaking, you must be at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent. And, you must have color vision – electricians need to be able to identify wires by color.

Prepare yourself. Heavy lifting, bending, squatting, climbing and squeezing into tight spaces are everyday activities for electricians across industries. Keeping your body and your gear in good shape will help you keep pace with coworkers and stay safe in the process.

Think critically. Memorizing code books and techniques is a good start, but you also need to be able to diagnose malfunctioning systems on the fly. Professionals don’t have time to tinker, so get to know what diagnostic tools you have access to, and how and when to use them.

Pay attention. Take advantage of all the resources you have during your apprenticeship, especially the experienced electricians around you. You have thousands of hours ahead of you to absorb everything they have to offer, which you can eventually turn into your own way of working. Go in willing to learn and you might be surprised at how much they have to teach you.

Keep learning. An electrician’s education never ends. The on-the-job experience of an apprenticeship is essential to becoming a great electrician, but so is staying on top of code changes, new technology and new systems. Smart houses, electric cars and an otherwise growing dependence on complex electrical systems will keep U.S. electricians in demand for a long time to come.

How to start an electrical business

So, if you’ve been thinking about starting an electrical business, now might be the right time to go for it. Whether you’re a qualified electrician with a wealth of experience, a trainee looking to their future or a DIY-er wanting to take their skills to the next level, you could help fill that skills gap and profit from the high demand.

Running a business isn’t for everyone; it can be hard work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, giving you the opportunity to be your own boss, have more flexibility with your time and grow your income. We’ve put together this guide to help you decide if it’s the journey for you.

What does a self-employed electrician do?

Very broadly speaking, the job of any electrician is to install, maintain and repair electrical devices and wiring. What you do day-to-day will depend on where you work and what area you specialise in

Here are some examples of specific tasks you may be required to complete as an electrician:

Planning the layout and installation of wiring in a building

Installing telephone, security and fire alarm systems

Maintaining circuit breakers, fuses and wiring

Testing, finding and repairing faults or malfunctioning systems

Reviewing the work other electricians have done to make sure it meets safety standards

Teaching apprentices

Become a qualified electrician

There are many routes to becoming a qualified electrician. You might start out as an apprentice where you can learn on-the-job or, if you’re an adult learner or an apprenticeship doesn’t suit you, you might do a classroom-based qualification. Doing your research and finding the right option for you is key