How To Easily Deal With Garbage Disposal Installation Problems

How to Choose a Garbage Disposal

It’s hard to imagine getting by without a garbage disposal nowadays. Garbage disposals (sometimes called garbage disposers, depending on where you live) are strictly essential, but they save you quite a bit of dirty work and make cleaning dishes a lot more pleasant than it would otherwise be. If you’re building a new home, replacing a broken garbage disposal or simply want to upgrade your garbage disposal, you’ll want to know the different options that are available in today’s garbage disposals before you make your choice. Keep reading for some information on the options that are available and how you can choose a garbage disposal that works for your home.

Weigh the differences between types of garbage disposals.

Garbage disposals come in two different basic designs: continuous feed garbage disposals and batch feed garbage disposals. Continuous feed disposals run as long as the switch is flipped, so you can funnel food into the disposal while it’s still on. Batch feed disposals only turn on when you put the disposal cover in place, so you run the disposal one batch at a time. Continuous feed sink disposals are the most common kind of disposal since they are convenient and relatively inexpensive. However, some people prefer batch feed sink disposals since they won’t turn on unless the cover is on, eliminating the risk of injury or flying particles.

Choose the level of horsepower you want for your garbage disposal.

The biggest difference between the least expensive and most expensive garbage disposal is horsepower. The most basic garbage disposals have as low as 1/4 horsepower motors, and the most powerful disposals have 1 horsepower motors; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the 1 horsepower models are the best garbage disposals available. If your household has few members and you don’t work your disposal very hard, then you can probably get away with a 1/4 horsepower or 1/3 horsepower model. Of course, if you want to be able to grind chicken bones and you have a larger family, a 1 horsepower garbage disposal may be a wise choice.

Consider how noisy you want your garbage disposal to be.

Sink garbage disposals are known for being noisy, but modern disposals have come a long way in terms of noise reduction. Many of the high-end sink garbage disposals have noise-dampening materials that significantly reduce the rumble that usually accompanies operating a disposal. If you want a quiet garbage disposal, you will have to pay extra. If noise is a key factor, look around for quiet garbage disposals. If saving money is more important, you can find plenty of garbage disposals that do a great, loud job

Decide whether you want a garbage disposal with stainless steel parts.

A garbage disposal repair often comes up when some piece or another inside the disposal becomes corroded after years of exposure to water and food. Garbage disposals made with stainless steel components can help you avoid these kinds of repairs. Since stainless steel resists corrosion, garbage disposals made with stainless steel grinders can last significantly longer than disposals made with other materials.

Garbage Disposal Buying Guide

Garbage disposals do double duty, meeting the often competing demands of convenience and conservation. They pulverize leftovers and other food waste—from peach pits to corn cobs to fish bones—so you can send them down the drain instead of hauling them into the trash, reducing waste and odors, and the critters they can attract.

Apart from convenience, washing food waste down the drain also means it doesn’t end up in landfills, where it can emit harmful greenhouse gases as it slowly breaks down. Instead, food waste ends up at a wastewater treatment plant (unless you have a septic system), where, when processed the right way, it’s even more environmentally friendly than composting.

How We Test Garbage Disposals

Consumer Reports tests garbage disposals on a number of factors. For our speed test, we grind pieces of beef rib bones for 1 minute with cold running water, then measure how much food is left in the disposal. The more food that’s left, the longer it takes to grind and the lower the score.

To see how well the disposals grind food, we toss a mix of bones and raw vegetable scraps into each model and run the resulting fragments through four different-sized sieves to gauge fineness. A garbage disposal that garners an Excellent rating turns out food particles fine enough to slip through most of the sieves. If bigger bits are left over, there’s a greater chance the kitchen sink drain will clog—and that model will receive a lower score in this test.

Are my pipes up to the task? Food debris might not present a problem in a newer home with slippery plastic drainpipes, but clog risks go up substantially if you have rugged old cast-iron drainpipes. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping became more commonplace in homes built after the mid-1970s. One general rule of thumb: If your pipes already clog fairly often, a disposal might not be for you.

How to Select a Garbage Disposal

To many of us, the garbage disposal is one of the best kitchen appliances. It not only saves you from having to scrape off every bit of food from each and every dish, but it also lets you do the dishes without worrying about small pieces of food clogging your sink drain.

Garbage disposals are pretty simple devices so you don’t have to spend a lot of time narrowing down what you want. You can quickly select the feed type, motor size, and a few other features that fit your use and your budget. You also don’t have to spend a lot to get solid performance, but it’s a good idea to buy a quality product ad to keep the disposal clean. Better disposers are more effective and last longer than cheaper models, which means you won’t have the expense and effort of replacing it as soon.

Components of Design

Invented in 1927 by John Hammes, the garbage disposal hasn’t changed much over the years. A classic version is little more than a plastic housing containing a motor connected to a metal grinding plate with two “teeth” (called impellers) that help break down the food waste. The plate is surrounded by a perforated metal ring called the grinding ring. As the waste is ground up, water flushes the particles through holes in the grinding ring, out through the discharge opening of the housing, and into the drain pipe. The impellers help the grinding process, but they aren’t sharp and they don’t cut up food as a blender does; rather, they and the spinning plate force the food against the grinding ring, which is stationary and has a textured surface that breaks down the material.

Feed Type

Disposals come in two basic types: continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed disposals are the most common and generally the easiest to use. They are the open-mouth disposals that turn on and off with a wall switch. Batch feed disposals require you to fit a stopper lid into the mouth of the disposal to activate the unit. This makes it impossible to turn on the disposal while your hand is fishing down inside the unit. It also helps prevent accidental mishaps like turning on the disposal just as a fork is slipping into its mouth. Batch feed disposals can be more expensive than continuous feed and generally are less commonly available.

Motor Size

The motor size of a disposal is rated in horsepower (HP). Standard sizes include 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, and 1 HP. For most households, 1/2 HP is plenty of power, but paying a bit more for a 3/4 to 1 HP motor can mean fewer jams and smoother operation, especially if you tend to be hard on your disposal. If you don’t want to worry about what goes into the disposal, lean toward a larger motor.

Garbage Disposal Buying Guide

Garbage disposals—sometimes called garbage disposers—are a cook’s best friend, grinding up and washing away kitchen refuse with the touch of a switch. If you are in the market for a new garbage disposal, this garbage disposal buying guide will show you that choosing one is a very simple process because your choices are limited

From an environmental point of view, garbage disposals have pluses and minuses. They help minimize the amount of garbage that is delivered to landfills, but, in doing so, they require using significantly more water and energy, and they can strain septic systems and sewage treatment facilities. A good compromise is to compost food scraps whenever possible and use a disposer when not.

All garbage disposals sold in the United States are made by only a few companies, though they are branded with several names. InSinkErator makes eight out of 10 of them, with consumer ratings favoring the Waste King and Kenmore models in their group

Disposal Grinding Power

Power, for example, makes a big difference both in performance and durability. At the low end, you can buy 1/3-horsepower units, but we recommend that you spend a little more to get a lot more.

Disposal Connections and Switches

Most garbage disposals interlock at the bottom of a sink’s standard drain outlet and are designed for easy connection. Various adapters and connection kits are available. They must be hard-wired or plugged into to a 120-volt receptacle with a 3- to 6-foot power cord that sometimes must be ordered separately. And they are connected to a drain pipe.

Tips for Choosing a Garbage Disposal

There’s no doubt that it’s very useful to have a garbage disposal in your kitchen. However, you need to be sure that you choose the right garbage disposal for your own specific requirements. When you look for a garbage disposal, you will find that there are many models available. Finding the right garbage disposal is quite easy once you know a little bit about them.

Regulations

The first thing to determine is whether local regulations allow you to actually have a garbage disposal. If you’re simply replacing an old model, this is unimportant. However, if you’re putting in a brand new unit where you haven’t had a garbage disposal before, remember to check beforehand. Not all areas allow for the installation of garbage disposals because of the increased strain they place on sewer lines.

Plumbing

Will your plumbing handle a garbage disposal? Not all existing plumbing will so take the time to check first. It’s also important to check your fixtures to discover what types of garbage disposal will be compatible with your current plumbing and sewer system.

Motor Size

Many small garbage disposals come with a motor that’s just 1/3 horsepower. While that may be fine if you’re a single person in an apartment, you need something more powerful for a family home where the garbage disposal will be used more. You should ideally look for a unit that has a 1/2 horsepower motor. With a big house and plenty of people, you might even want a 1 horsepower motor on your garbage disposal.

Stainless Steel

Look for a garbage disposal with stainless steel blades. These are harder and sharper and will not only last longer, but will grind up the food more finely so you won’t have to deal with clogs in the pipes. Cheaper units will use far less stainless steel in their construction and are likely to wear out sooner. Bear this in mind as you check out units.

How To Get The Best Carpet Flooring Prices For Your Home

How to Choose Carpet

Shopping for carpet is a lot like shopping for a car. It involves a huge financial investment; all the different types of carpet, styles, colors and brands can make your head spin; and you often end up dealing with high-pressure salespeople. The experience can be so overwhelming that it’s tempting to shop with only a basic color and style in mind and rely on salespeople for recommendations.

Carpeting is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home. By doing some basic homework, comparison shopping and working with a reputable retailer, you’ll be able to understand the types of carpet that will work best for your home and buy carpeting that fits your needs—and gives you confidence that you’re getting a quality product for a good price.

Nylon outperforms all other fibers in durability, resilience and easy maintenance. This is a good choice if you want your carpet to last a decade or longer, for high-traffic areas, and in homes with kids and pets (Photo 1). Higher quality nylon fibers are “branded,” and the carpet label will use terms like “100% Mohawk Nylon” or “100% Stainmaster Tactesse.” Lower-quality, “unbranded” nylon fibers are listed simply as “100% nylon.” The strongest and softest type (and most expensive) is 6.6 nylon. Nylon carpet cost is $10 to $45 per sq. yd.

Triexta (brands include Smart-Strand and Sorona) is a newly classified fiber derived partly from corn sugar (Photo 2). It has excellent, permanent anti-stain properties (nylon must be treated with stain protectors over its life span). It also has good resilience, but it’s too soon to tell whether it will match the durability of nylon in high-traffic areas. Because of its superior stain resistance, this is a good choice if you have young kids or pets. Triexta carpet cost is $20 to $45 per sq. yd.

Polyester (also called PET) is stain resistant, very soft and luxurious underfoot, and is available in deep and vibrant colors (Photo 3). However it’s harder to clean, tends to shed and isn’t as durable as nylon. It’s best used in low-traffic areas (like bedrooms) and in households without kids or pets. A nice, cushy choice if you like to exercise on the carpet. Polyester carpet cost is $8 to $18 per sq. yd

How to Select the Perfect Carpet

Though numerous carpet options are available, there are basically only two styles of carpet — loop pile and cut pile. In the loop-style pile each of the ends is connected into the backing so there’s a continuous loop. If you actually ran a pin underneath, you would feel the loop.

In the cut-style pile, the loops are actually cut so that there are individual ends sticking up through the backing. If you ran the same pin through there the pin would lift right up. It is like a sheer cut pile.

Cut pile carpet can go throughout the house. It is comfortable underfoot and makes for a very attractive floor. Loop pile styles are used in heavy traffic areas. Areas where children are or where there is a lot of activity. It will perform and last for a long time.

When it comes to easy-to-clean carpet, olefin is a product that is naturally stain resistant. It will take most household food stains and you will be able to clean it. Polyester is naturally stain resistant because it doesn’t accept those kinds of dyes either. It is a critical product in applications where staining will be an issue. Nylon is treated for stain resistance — there is an over treatment that you put in that will allow you to take stains out. Wool takes more care and cleaning to get stains out.

Pricing changes from one carpet to another because of the various weights and structures. The very low end of the scale in most cases is olefin. Polypropylene is the cheapest product, polyester is the second and nylon is the highest quality of the synthetics. Wool is considerably more expensive than the others.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing a Carpet

Buying new carpet can feel overwhelming because there are so many choices and decisions to be made. Taking your time, doing the proper research, and finding the right retailer will make the job manageable and enable you to select a carpet you’ll be happy to live with for years to come.

Understanding Fibers and Warranties

Do learn about the fiber types and figure out which one would work best for you. Not all carpet fibers are created equal; for example, there are natural fibers, such as wool, and synthetic fibers, which are more commonly used in wall-to-wall carpet. Understand the characteristics of each fiber type so that when you go shopping, you can almost immediately narrow down your selection.

Don’t assume that one fiber is always better than another. Each fiber type has its strengths, but the other components of the carpet have an equally big impact on how the carpet will perform.

Do learn about the manufacturer’s ratings and warranties. Carpet is typically a big investment for most people, so make sure that you’re buying a product that is covered for your particular situation. For example, many warranties don’t cover stairs, so if you are buying carpeting for your stairs, look for a warranty that includes stairs. Even if you never plan to use them, the warranties demonstrate the faith that the manufacturer has in its product. If a warranty doesn’t provide long or comprehensive coverage, then that is a good indication the manufacturer doesn’t expect the carpet to stand up well for a long period of time.

Determining Quality

Do learn how to tell the quality of a carpet. You don’t have to become an expert on the subject, but if you have an overall sense of the various factors that contribute to a carpet’s quality and how well it will perform, then you can avoid choosing the wrong carpet.

How To Choose The Right Carpet Type For Your Home

Carpet types may look very similar, but understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your home. To make your selection process a little easier, we’ve put together our ultimate guide to carpet types.

Nylon is the most popular carpet in Australian homes. Ultra soft, durable and stain resistant, it’s ideal for high-traffic areas, families or pets. It’s also a cheaper alternative to traditional wool.

Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) is the next generation of nylon carpet. It has colour added to the fibre during the production process, rather than applied to the surface afterwards, making it colourfast against cleaning and sunlight.

Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre that is a great option if you’re working to a budget. Anti-static plus fade and stain resistant, it is often used in rental properties, garages and playrooms.

Polyester is widely liked for it’s lustrous appearance and beautiful colours, high level of stain resistance and the fact it is one of the most eco-friendly synthetic fibres you can get your mitts on. Relative to nylon, polyester carries a lower cost, making it a great option for budget-driven renovations.

How to Choose a Carpet that is Beautiful & Durable

Flooring can add beauty and style to your home. From beautiful, natural hardwood to soft luxurious carpet, a floor provides the backdrop for the rest of your room. You floor also gets a lot of wear and tear. Pets, guests, family, kids – your carpet literally gets walked all over every day. Choosing a floor that can take the abuse is important in having the beautiful backdrop that lets your home shine. When you’re choosing a floor, arm yourself with this information and you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful floors you’ll have for many years to come.

In our first installment of Beautiful & Durable, we’ll take a look at carpet. Carpet accounts for the majority of flooring purchased and is a great option for almost any space. But, please don’t choose carpet for your bathroom!

NYLON

Durable, versatile, wear-resistant and easy to clean, nylon is a great fiber choice for all areas of the home. Nylon is also soft to the touch and some new nylon yarns can be exceptionally soft. Nylon is not inherently stain-resistant, however, most nylon carpets are treated to protect against spills and stains.

POLYESTER

Exceptionally soft, polyester also has natural stain resistant qualities. Polyester is not as resilient as nylon but thanks to advancements in yarn processing, polyester carpets now perform much better than older polyester carpets

POLYPROPYLEN (OLEFIN)

Polypropylene, while not as resilient as nylon or polyester will not absorb water making it more stain and fade resistant. Polypropylene is usually found in loop pile carpets where the lack of resiliency is not an issue.

The Importance Of Commercial Electrical Maintenance

Essential Tips To Help Your Choose the Right Commercial Electrician

Electrical work in a commercial setting is different and distinct from domestic electrical work, and therefore requires an experienced electrician. Correctly functioning and safe electrics are essential to your business, workplace, warehouse or store, so choosing the right commercial electrician is key.  A high quality commercial electrician can not only be useful to establishing functioning electrics at your business or workplace, but can also be an essential business resource to keep you up and running when electrical faults arise. Here we look at 6 of the most important things to look for when choosing a commercial electrician, so you can make the right choice for your business.

Choose An Experienced and Knowledgeable Electrician

Because commercial electric work can be both unique and complex, it’s important to work with an experienced and well trained electrician for commercial projects. Commercial electrics is much more than just domestic or residential electrics on a larger scale, it is a completely unique system with its own features and nuances. To ensure the highest quality result, and safety for you and your business, always choose a fully trained, experienced and knowledgeable commercial electrician. Ask your electrician about their commercial experience and training, as well as whether they have proper licensing. This ensures you work with the best quality commercial electrician and always receive high quality and reliable results.

Can They Meet Commercial Demands?

It is essential that your commercial electrician is able to meet the demands of commercial electric work both in terms of knowledge and practical capability. Commercial electrical work requires the versatility to excel in rapidly changing and diverse settings, and the flexibility to work well with both the design and installations as well as repairs and maintenance. A good commercial electrician should also be able to work with a team of construction professionals on a project, so it may be advisable to check your electrician’s past experience, particularly in terms of communication and working with others.

Confirm Licensing and Insurance

Of course, when choosing a commercial electrician, it is absolutely essential that they hold the proper licensing and insurance for the work they will undertake. Choosing a licensed electrician means you avoid being liable for paying worker’s compensation if the electrician accidentally suffers any accident or injury on the worksite. Likewise, electrician insurance provides coverage to pay for damages if something goes wrong, while bonding (another form of insurance) provides coverage if your electrician disappears before the project is completed.

Check Reviews and References

You want to learn as much as you can about your commercial electrician before your hire them, to ensure you’re making the right choice. While word of mouth and recommendations were previously the best way to learn about an electrical contractor, now with online reviews, websites and references, you can easily learn even more about your electrician’s past projects, their client’s reviews and work portfolio. Check online reviews of your electrical contractor’s commercial work to assess how they completed their projects in the past. To get more specific feedback, you can also contact your commercial electrician directly to ask for references from past commercial projects that are similar to the current project you are undertaking. This can allow you to get a clear idea of the way your electrical contractor works on commercial projects and even give you the chance to speak directly with a past client.

Ways to Choose the Right Maintenance Electrician for Your Commercial Business

As we enter the digital age, more and more of your business relies on high-quality electrical systems. When looking for maintenance electricians, especially for emergency situations, it is important to choose reliable, professional tradesmen. But how do you find the right electrical services?

Scope of work

Whether you are up for a refit, moving offices, or needing repairs, commercial electrical work is a complex sector of the electrical trades industry. Once you have contacted a likely choice, make sure to explain clearly what your expectations are of the job and the available budget. Ask to be taken through what approach they would take. An experienced electrician should be able to identify potential issues, outline likely parts required and get a rough timeline of the works.

References

The internet is a valuable source of information when you are looking to hire commercial trades. Check out Cablewise’s Projects page here for a gallery of delivered jobs across the Perth metropolitan area. Past project galleries are invaluable for ensuring the electrical services you need to match the expertise of the specialities of your short-listed electricians.

Quotations

When making contact and asking for a quote, there are a few things you can be aware of that help you determine the professionalism of your likely electricians

Nothing is worse than trades that don’t meet commitments or deadlines. Whether they have taken on too many jobs or are simply disorganised, quality organisations like Cablewise take great pride in being on time, every time.

All electrical work in WA requires certification of tradesmen who are required to hold a current electricians license. It is important for safety that your hired tradesmen carry the appropriate licence for the job.

Just like your business, your electrician should have public liability and business insurance. These details should be provided when asked for, you don’t want to be unprotected when works are underway.

Service quality. In the electrical trade, service is not limited to the end result. A professional job takes into consideration time, minimises disruption to your commercial activity and respond to queries promptly.

Time required. As part of a quote, you should be presented with a likely timeframe for works to be completed. This can vary depending on the size of the electrical team, speciality equipment necessary, and the experience of completing similar projects in the past.

How to Choose The Right Commercial Electrician

Do you need some urgent electrical work done at your workplace? Here are 6 essential tips to help you choose the right commercial electrician in Calgary.

Professional and Licensed Commercial Electricians in Calgary

At Fluorescent Man Lighting, we have a team of highly qualified, licensed residential and commercial electricians who have the expertise and equipment to meet your lighting needs quickly and safely. Whether you require an installation, repair, or replacement, we can help get you back up and running in no time!

Choose an Experienced Commercial Electrician

Electric work in the workplace tends to be both unique and complex, which is why it’s so important to work with an electrician who is well-trained in commercial projects

Confirm Licensing and Insurance

Whenever you work with a commercial electrician, you MUST make sure that they have the correct licensing and insurance for the work they’ll be undertaking

Ensure They Have Good Communication and Teamwork Skills

Unlike residential electric works, commercial construction projects typically involve a number of different professionals working together to achieve a common goal. This means that it’s crucial that your commercial electrician is able to communicate effectively and work harmoniously with other building professionals to produce the outcome you want.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Experience

Commercial electric work requires experience. Check your electrician’s experience and knowledge with commercial electrical work. The more experienced your electrician is, the more knowledgeable they will be with complex projects.

Resources

Does your electrician have the internal resources and team to meet all your electrical needs? Don’t settle for a one-man band. A good commercial electrician should have a team of well trained professionals.

Communication & Cleanliness

You’re running a business, so you don’t have time to waste. Make sure your electrician communicates well and is able to liaise with other contractors who may be on site too. While your electrical work is important, you need your business to continue running. Your commercial electrician should understand this, and make an effort to keep their work area clean and tidy for you.

License and Insurance

It goes without saying that it is critical that your electrician should have proper licenses and insurance for the work they perform. In the unlikely case that there is an accident on site, you will be assured that your electrician is covered.

Client Testimonials

Always take the time to ask a potential electrician for some previous client details. A reputable electrician will welcome you to contact their previous clients so you can ask some questions. If your electrician refuses to let you contact previous clients, or avoids the question, you should start looking for a new commercial electrician.

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Electrician

We often work with companies who turn to us after having a negative experience with their previous electrical contractor.  Commercial work requires expanded knowledge, skills and resources.  There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a commercial electrician.

Availability

You want a 24/7 electrician available to handle any needs that may arise.  For instance, a retail establishment may need to call a 24/7 electricians to come out on Black Friday to resolve an issue.  A restaurant may need access to a 24/7 electrician  to address electrical problems with equipment. Not having ready access to 24/7 electricians can cost a business thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

Knowledge and Ability to Meet Any Commercial Demands

When interviewing a commercial electrician, he or she should request a tour of the building, office, warehouse or facility where they will be working.  A good commercial electrician will scope out the area and be comfortable working in all types of environments.  They should also be able to not only perform repair work, but installations and maintenance as well.

Licensed and Insured

Ask any electrical contractor you are considering for their license and insurance information.  If they are unable to produce it, then move on to someone else.

Good References

Don’t be afraid to ask any commercial electrician you are considering for references.  You can also check online reviews for practically any electrical contractor these days.  Be sure to take a good look at their experience and background

How To Give Your Carpet A Deep Cleaning

How to give your home a good regular deep cleaning

Regardless of the time of year, your house needs a good deep cleaning every now and then. That is not to say that you need to run and fork out hundreds of dollars for a fantastic cleaning service

Start by decluttering your home

Regular house cleaning is easier to do when you clear out the junk first. It allows you to move faster which gives you time to tend to every corner in your house. Now, you don’t have to clean out all of the junk at once but, we recommend decluttering once a month to ensure that each time you deep clean, you do a good job.

Work your way down

We recommend starting with hard to reach places that are above the ground such as ceilings, cupboard tops and so forth. Then move your cleaning down to walls, furniture and eventually, floor surfaces. The reason for moving in this direction is so you don’t release any dust into the air or spoil your floors or furniture as you are cleaning.

Pay attention to your floor

As we mentioned earlier, your floor should be the last surface that you clean in your home. Having said that, floors can be tricky and especially underneath furniture, you will find a lot of dirt and dust collecting. Try and move your furniture so you can get access to the floor underneath. Where possible, you can also use a special vacuum cleaner that allows you to reach underneath for a thorough clean.

Consider getting help

If cleaning is not your forte, you can always look for help. Domestic cleaning in London is a big market and there are plenty of professional services you can enlist to give your home a good deep clean. You can even hire them for specialised cleanings such as deep cleaner carpet cleaning or even floor polishing.

How to choose the right house cleaner

It’s natural to feel apprehensive when it comes to professional house cleaning. It’s your home we’re talking about after all – you want somebody who’s going to treat it with respect, and who you can trust with your property. With so many house cleaners in Melbourne offering their services, it’s entirely reasonable to feel lost – who should you choose?

Ask for recommendations

House cleaning isn’t as easy as it looks – since you’re here on our website, we’re sure you’ve come to that conclusion yourself! You want your house to be spotless. And with the scope of work and area to be cleaned, any house cleaning job should be done with utmost care and attention.

Look for testimonials and reviews

So you don’t have any family or friends who’ve engaged a professional house cleaner in Melbourne recently. No problem – instead, cast your net a bit wider and get on the net! One of the best ways to spot a good house cleaner from one that isn’t quite as fantastic is to search for them on the web and check their testimonials and online reviews.

Look for specialist cleaning jobs

While you may not need a specialist cleaner (yet), we suggest looking for a cleaner that offers these services anyway. Not only does this ensure that your cleaner will be able to rise to the occasion if you need a specialist cleaning job done, but it’s also a testament to your cleaner’s skill!

Treat your first phone call like an interview

Want to get a better idea of whether a prospective house cleaner is the right match for your needs? Just ask them! Unfortunately, not many people do this. All too many will only look at quotes and not do enough legwork to get a better understanding of the person they’ve just called.

Here’s How to Clean Your House More Efficiently

A few years ago, I found out that I’ve been cleaning my home all wrong. I was in a hotel room, when a maid came in and sprayed a solution on every surface…and then left. Right when I thought she’d forgotten, she returned. She wiped for less than two minutes with a thin dry cloth, and the whole place sparkled. It had, frankly, never occurred to me to let one solution do all the work, so I asked her what she’d used. It was something called Butcher’s Bath Mate—an industry standby.

The Best Way to Clean Your House

The biggest mistake people make is cleaning room by room (this is called “zone cleaning”). It’s much too slow! “You can either clean your kitchen in four hours, or clean your entire house top to bottom in four hours,” says Lisa Romero, owner of Just Like New Cleaning in Fort Collins, Colorado. “A lot of people get caught focusing on one area—say, doing a super job cleaning the counters—and never get to the stove, let alone the next room. In reality, just wiping things down and moving on is quick and efficient.”

Most pros are in favor of “task cleaning”: completing one chore, such as dusting, throughout the entire house, before starting the next. “You’ll do a little more walking, so it’s a good workout,” says Ronald Payne, owner of RZJ Janitorial Services in Plano, Texas, “and I find that it’s faster because you’re in a mindset to keep moving.” Follow these seven steps and your whole house will sparkle in four hours if you’re a beginner, two and a half once you become a pro. Need an even quicker method? Check out our tips for cleaning your house in only an hour, or our speed-cleaning guide for just 30 minutes.

Our Ultimate Cleaning Guide

The recommended plan of attack? Top-to-bottom, left-to-right. “I always start [in the upstairs bathroom],” says Romero. “It’s a good place to leave supplies.” For each task, start at the highest point in the room (if dusting, this might mean high shelves), and move from left to right across the room. This way, you don’t miss anything, and you won’t accidentally knock dust onto already-cleaned lower shelves.

Dust Your House

Dust each room, including the topsides of all the furniture, undersides of shelves, and all handrails, as well as picture frames, TV screens and knickknacks. “When it’s possible to dry-dust, I do—getting something wet makes it harder,” says Romero. To get rid of fingerprints, dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water.

House Cleaning

How long will the cleaning take?

You’ll get an email from your house cleaning pro to confirm the appointment date and time, size of your home, and other details. When the pro arrives they will review the scope of work with you and discuss how many hours the cleaning will take. Prior to the pro beginning your cleaning you should discuss any priorities or tasks that fall outside of the listed scope of work which may result in an updated price.

How do I schedule each cleaning? How far out can I schedule my appointments?

During checkout, you’ll be prompted to select your appointment preferences for your first house cleaning, which you can schedule within 90 days of purchase. After each cleaning has been completed, you’ll receive an email prompting you to schedule your next appointment. If you choose, you can also access and schedule any other cleanings you’ve purchased within the ‘Your Orders’ page of your Amazon account. If you’ve purchased multiple cleanings and don’t plan to have them fulfilled within the next 90 days, you’ll need to wait to schedule those appointments until your preferred appointment date is less than 90 days away.

What happens next?

You’ll get an email from your house cleaning pro to confirm the appointment date and time, size of your home, and other details. Please reply with any special house cleaning requests, issues, or other important info related to your house cleaning service.

How will the house cleaner know my priorities?

If it’s your first time booking an appointment with the house cleaner, be sure to review the scope of work outlined on this page before your appointment so you know what’s included in a typical cleaning. Plan to be available to review your cleaning preferences and priorities when your pro arrives. This will help ensure your pro spends their time cleaning the parts of your home that matter most to you. Any special requests should be discussed before the service appointment begins, as some requests are not included in a standard cleaning and may result in an updated service price.

If I buy multiple cleanings, do I pay for all of them at once?

You will not pay for all cleaning appointments at once. During checkout, you’ll see the total price for all House Cleaning appointments you choose to buy together, but your chosen payment method will only be charged for 1 cleaning at a time. You’ll only be charged after each service is completed.

Reasons to Choose a Professional Company Instead of a Private Cleaner

Unless you’ve discovered a 48-hour day, we’re pretty sure you need some help around the house. More and more people decide to give their house cleaning to hired hands so they have more time for leisure and family time.

Sometimes, not much thought or research goes into this decision though, and they end up disappointed. Why is that? Because they decide to hire private cleaners without background checks or insurance policies.

Liability insurance

So many things can happen during house cleaning! It’s not enough to be extra careful. Accidents can happen – no one means to break or damage a valuable household item! It can be so simple – a bucket sloshes water over the edges and ruins a carpet, or a vase is shattered when it’s knocked off a table. Private house cleaners generally don’t carry CGL (Comprehensive General Liability) insurance, which means they would have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace any damage to your home. Even if they are willing, most are not able to take on this expense, which means you have to live with the damage, or pay for it yourself.

Coverage for the cleaners

Professional house cleaning companies carry WSIB for their employees. This means that if the cleaning staff gets injured in your house or on your property, you have zero responsibility or liability. Some homeowners make the mistake of thinking that their house insurance will protect them if someone trips on the stairs or slips on the driveway- but that coverage is just for guests in your home. Anyone you hire to do work in your home is exempt from your plan. This is where hiring a private individual is a risk – if that person gets injured at your home and can’t work for a period of time, they can sue you. They may not win, but who wants the fight? Save yourself the hassle and expense when things go wrong, and choose a professional house cleaning company

Quality of products

The grocery store has an aisle of cleaning products, but are they really the best? Professional house cleaning companies have access to a different range of cleaning products than the ones available at big box stores. Using more effective and higher quality cleaning products means a better bang for your house cleaning buck.

There Are Many Options For Auto Repair Shops

How to Find a Good Mechanic

Find Out Who Services the Big Business Fleets in Your Area

Delivery vans, taxis, company cars, government vehicles – they all have to stay on the road, so you better believe they’re taken to a good mechanic when they need maintenance work or repairs.​

Search for a Good Mechanic Online

The Mechanics Files over on CarTalk is a great place to look for a mechanic recommendation or to check up on a mechanic that you’re considering. It features reviews of over 30,000 mechanics!

Choose Someone From the AAA-Approved Auto Repair Network

Even if you don’t have AAA, choosing a shop from their Approved Auto Repair Network can be a great way to vet a mechanic. All participating shops must offer 12 month/12,000 mile warranties on all repairs, use ASE or manufacturer-certified technicians and pass an annual AAA inspection.

Look Up ASE and Manufacturer-Certified Shops

When a mechanic is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the manufacturer of the particular make of car that they work on or both, that’s a pretty good indication that they know their stuff.

Check With the Better Business Bureau

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few mechanics, do a quick search on the Better Business Bureau website to check up on their ratings and reviews.

Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop

It’s not uncommon for estimates from different body shops to vary wildly. One shop might give you an estimate for $500 while another wants $2,000 for the work. What’s the difference? And when is it OK to choose the cheaper shop?

Pay Attention to Word-of-Mouth

Any business can advertise, but you’ll do better with a shop that friends, family or acquaintances recommend. It’s a business that has proven it can satisfy customers. And it might not be the biggest or best-known shop in your area.

Consider the Operation’s Location and Overhead

“Where you get screwed in our business is labor hours,” Mallette explains. His shop charges $40 per hour for labor. But in ritzy parts of West Los Angeles, the per-hour labor charge is $60-$65. In wealthy Newport Beach, California, Mallette has heard of $90-per-hour labor charges.

Get Several Estimates

Taking your car to several auto body shops for repair quotes is the best way to avoid overcharges, Mallette notes. “I’ll tell people to go get some estimates and bring ’em back to me. I’ll match estimates if I can.”

Ask the Right Questions

When choosing a body shop, “you don’t go in with your pocketbook open,” Mallette explains. “You go in smart,” and ask some key questions. Does the shop provide a written warranty? And if so, for how long? What does the warranty cover?

Tips for Choosing an Auto Repair Shop

After a brutal winter, it’s important to get your car checked over to make sure all its components are in proper working order. But deciding where to take your car for maintenance or repairs can be a challenge, especially when you’re surrounded by multiple chains and dealerships begging for your business. Follow these five tips for choosing an auto repair shop, and you should end up finding someone you can trust

Ask Friends for Referrals. The best way to find a trustworthy mechanic is to ask those you trust for their recommendations. Your aunt or best friend might know the perfect mechanic that will give you straightforward advice and repair your car quickly and efficiently. On the flip side, your friends can also warn you against bad mechanics they might have come across in the past.

Check Out Online Reviews. In this day and age, hardly anyone buys an item—small or large—without first checking its Amazon reviews. Why should choosing a mechanic be any different? Check out Yelp, Google Maps, and DealerRater for reviews from real customers—both good and bad—that will help you choose a quality mechanic from the get-go.

Start Looking in Advance. Rather than waiting to find a mechanic until you need one, start looking around as soon as you buy your car or move to a new location. If you try to make a decision when you’re under pressure—for example when your alternator is busted—you’re more likely to rush your decision and potentially end up going someplace untrustworthy.

Visit the Repair Shop. Look for technicians’ diplomas or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) training certificates on display in the waiting room. Additionally, labor rates, payment information, guarantees, and fees should be posted in the front office. Also look out for any plaques or certificates naming awards, community projects, or BBB affiliation as a mark of an honest repair shop.

Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Auto Mechanic

Though many Americans depend on a safe and reliable vehicle to get around, it’s also a big investment. And, while maintaining your vehicle with regular servicing and tune-ups can go a long way to extending its life, finding an auto mechanic you can count on may prove to be a challenge. In fact, a recent survey found that more than 66% of U.S. drivers don’t trust auto repair shops in general.

Ask Your Neighbors, Family, and Friends

When you’re searching for a mechanic to work on your vehicle, you may feel tempted to go with a brand name or franchise name that you know. However, a local family-owned auto shop that’s dedicated to good customer service as a means to build the business that supports their family, could be just as good or even better.

Pay Attention to “Auto Experts” in the Media

Does your local newspaper or television news station have a local auto expert? If so, give their business a call when looking for a knowledgeable auto repair shop. Even though they may not offer the lowest prices in the area, if the area media are willing to showcase their knowledge, chances are they know cars. So don’t choose your mechanic based on price alone.

Check With the Better Business Bureau

Although most mechanics are honest and most auto repair shops are trustworthy, every year there are some that leave customers less than happy. In 2016, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received over 10,000 complaints against auto repair companies.

Look for AAA-Certified Shops

More than 7,000 repair facilities across North America have the distinction of being an Approved Auto Repair (AAR) Facility, as accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA). An AAR shop meets the strict professional standards of the AAA for customer service, facility appearance, and staff qualification and certification, and may be a good place to start when you need a new auto mechanic.

How to choose the right auto repair shop

To many, our cars are an extension of ourselves. We take pride in the 30 minutes we take to make sure she has had a good wash. We work hard to make sure we can put 91 octane in our babies because that’s what they deserve!

Call Around

If the mechanic answering the phone won’t give you the time of day, speaks to you in a way that makes you seem like you don’t know what’s going on with your own vehicle… it’s probably best to just hang up the phone now. How this conversation goes is a sneak peek to how your whole auto shop experience will be!

The Work Area

Would you take your children to daycare without seeing the classroom? Of course not! You want to be able to see the workspace where your vehicle will be at. Disorganization, mechanics standing around, general laziness are not good signs that you’re a top priority on their to-do lists.

Shop Reviews

This is a MUST! What kind of experiences have other folks in your area had? Are they continually expressing the concern of one person or problem? Is the auto repair shop responding and taking responsibility for any wrongdoings that may have occurred? The combination of all these things can show consumers how well the business is being taken care of. You should also look to see if a company has customer testimonials too!

What Kind Of Experience Does A DUI Lawyer Need

How To Choose the Right DUI Lawyer

So you need a good DUI lawyer but aren’t sure what you should be doing to get the best deal for the drink driving offense you’re facing?

DUI Legal Fees

You can’t tell what any lawyer might charge for handling DUI cases, but watch out for the high up-front cost that is followed by a guilty plea at the end of the day.  Similarly, you need to watch out for a low up front charge, followed by an endless progressioin of fees for the work.

The Lawyer’s Reputation

Make sure you do some checking about the drunk driving lawyer’s reputation by asking about, doing some online checking.  Find out what sort of reputation he or she has with the judiciary and the prosecutors, which can be vital if you are seeking the best possible result for the charges  you face.

DUI Knowledge

Ensure your lawyer knows exactly what you’re likely to be receiving in terms of penalty.  Does he or she know the sentencing options for the locality where you’re going to go to Court?  Do they know the options and requirements?  Do they know the criminal and sentencing guidelines that need to be followed? You need local knowledge here.

Drivers License Issues

Your DUI lawyer needs to know what the licensing laws are and be completely familiar with how the actual DUI will affect your license, as well as delays and other license suspension issues that will liekly arise.

How do you choose the right DUI Attorney for you?

Being arrested can be overwhelming and even more so if you’ve never hired an attorney. You know you need one, but how do you know which is the right one for you? Reynolds Defense Firm focuses all of our time and expertise on one very small area of the law, and we do it very well – we represent good people facing DUI charges, primarily in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties. Our attorneys have a combined 35 years of local Oregon DUI law experience, both on the prosecution and the defense sides, and we are second to none.

First, is specialization. You want to make sure that your lawyer specializes in Criminal Defense at the very least and preferably in DUI Defense. DUI laws are complicated, so you don’t want an attorney that does a little bit of everything because how can they be the best at everything? I’d rule out all firms that don’t specialize exclusively on DUI and Criminal Defense. There is a reason brain surgeons don’t do heart transplants. Law is the same way – specialization allows you to hire the best attorney in their field.

The second thing you want to look for is level of experience. How long has this person been doing Criminal Defense of DUI Defense? Has this attorney or someone in their law firm ever been a prosecutor? I know that my experience as a District Attorney helps our firm and our clients every day. It allows our team to better understand where the DA’s and police officers are coming from. This helps us to better craft our strategies for how to move forward with the clients case with strength and success. I’d personally rule out attorneys with less than 5 years of experience and those without a prosecutor background to give them better perspective.

The third thing that you should look for is how long has this attorney or law firm been in business? Running a business is challenging and complicated with many moving parts. Many criminal defense attorneys don’t understand or appreciate that and because of that, they often don’t do a good job managing the business portion of their firm. This can affect their clients negatively in lots of different ways. Most importantly, you want your lawyer to focus their time on you and your case, not the 100 other things required to run a business instead. You don’t want your attorney to choose between working on your case or answering the phone when potential new clients are calling. The last thing I’d want to do is hire a lawyer whose business is so chaotic that he or she can’t focus all their attention on their clients. At Reynolds Defense Firm our attorneys focus 100% of their time on their clients and the cases they are working on so that they can do the best job possible without distractions.

The final thing is customer service. Pay attention to your interactions with the law firm staff and attorney before you hire them. Are you treated with respect? Are they willing to answer your questions and listen to you? Can they spend the time necessary to help you understand the process? Trust your instincts. If I had any concerns about giving my complete trust to this attorney and law firm, I’d keep looking. Because when you hire someone to represent you on a DUI arrest, you are giving them complete trust, which can have an effect on your life, your family and your career. Pretty important and you want to be absolutely sure that you’re hiring someone that you feel comfortable talking to.

How To Find The Best DUI Lawyer By Yourself

Sometimes we make irresponsible choices and have to live with the consequences. According to MADD, over 1.1 million drivers were arrested in 2014 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Out of these numbers, three times as many males were arrested for drunk driving than females. Guys….society begs you to be more careful and considerate of others!

Deciding to drive under the influence is not only dangerous to you, it endangers the lives of those around you. If you have been caught driving under the influence, you are going to need a lawyer. Of course, you could go with a government-appointed lawyer, but it is a much wiser decision to hire an attorney on your own.

Do your research

A good DUI lawyer who will listen to you, understand your case, and help you in court isn’t just going to jump right out at you. It is essential to research various DUI attorneys in order to choose the one that is best for your specific case. Thankfully, the internet and social media has made research easy. In addition, it is always a good idea to ask trustworthy friends and family for their suggestions and recommendations on who to, or who to not, hire!

Make a list of potential lawyers

Create an Excel spreadsheet or written log and keep a list of the lawyers you are interested in reaching out to. Your list should include their name, area of speciality, phone number, email address, and address. If you have already spoken to them and know their price, you should include a column for “cost” in your document as well

Determine if your attorney is qualified to handle your case

Just because someone is a lawyer does not mean he/she is qualified to take on your case. Check your State Bar website to see if any of the lawyers on your list have a history of malpractice or have been subject to any disciplinary actions. Make sure that the people on your list are all licensed to practice in your state and that they are familiar with the legal system in your area.

How to Choose the Best Defense Attorney for Your DWI Case

If you have never been through the DWI process before, you are probably wondering how to choose a quality DWI lawyer that will truly fight to protect your rights.  Additionally, not knowing what to look for in a defense lawyer makes the task of finding the right lawyer extremely difficult.

You need a professional who can evaluate both factual and legal defenses to your DWI, compel the government to produce any reports, videos, or other evidence, and know how to attack the government’s case.

Find an attorney who focuses exclusively on defending DWI and DUI cases.

Additionally, you should look at the experience your lawyer has both in and out of the courtroom.  Make sure your attorney spends a great deal of time in the court where your case is pending and that he or she has handled many cases in front of the judge in your court – you want an attorney familiar with where your case’s outcome is to be decided.

DWI law is one of the most complex areas of law.  The laws are constantly evolving and changing with each opinion of our appellate courts.  Your lawyer needs to be familiar with the current state of the laws pertaining to your case.  A quality lawyer has to use the law, science, and careful examination of the government’s witnesses to protect your Constitutional rights.

Just as importantly, get references.  For example, the defense attorneys at Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C. have represented clients referred by judges, other criminal and civil lawyers, police officers and former clients.  These referrals speak for themselves – let a successful defense lawyer assist you through your experience.

Important Aspects to Consider When Choosing a DUI lawyer

Driving Under Influence is a grave offense in most jurisdictions. Working with a DUI lawyer is imperative when charged with such a crime. However, most people tend to ignore the need to work with a lawyer or fail to choose a DUI lawyer carefully.

If by any chance you are charged with driving under the influence offense, the first thing that should click your mind is to find a reputable DUI lawyer. However, finding a good lawyer can be a hectic process, but this should not worry you. This article highlights several things to consider when searching for a good DUI lawyer.

Specialization

Choosing a professional who is an expert in Dealing with DUI Cases should be a top priority. You can be guaranteed that only a professional in this field is well versed with laws relating to driving under the influence. This increases your chances of winning your case. Therefore, choosing a specialized DUI lawyer is no option.

Experience

Besides looking at specialization, you also have to pay close attention to experience. The lawyer you settle for should have experience in handling DUI cases. An experienced lawyer knows the defense tactics to use, and this is precisely what you need. Therefore, in your search process, it is vital to consider someone with years of experience.

References

A good DUI attorney should be in a position of giving you testimonials and references to people he or she has helped before. With a list of their past clients, you can contact these people to have a picture of the level of satisfaction they got from this lawyer. If you get positive feedback, then you can go ahead and hire this attorney.

Master Bathroom Remodelling Options

Estimating Bathroom Remodel Costs

Bathroom remodel costs run anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000. Large master baths in luxury homes might even hit or exceed $50,000. The typical homeowner will spend between $6,000 and $15,000 for a complete tear out and replacement of all walls, fixtures and appliances.

Labor will run you anywhere from 40% to 65% of your total project. Ranges depend on your location. While material pricing doesn’t change much from place to place, a higher cost of living means higher wages.

Determining your bathroom makeover budget can be tricky. Consider the following:

  • Room size.
  • Regional pricing differences. Expect to pay up to 20% more if you live in an area with high real estate prices.
  • Quality of materials. A fiberglass shower surround might run only $300. Custom tile work can easily hit $3,000+.
  • Changing the floor plan. Making your bath larger, like converting a half bath to a full bath costs an additional $5,000+.
  • Type of fixtures, appliances, counters and finishes you choose. Make a plan that includes both design and budget before choosing what to buy for your bath remodel.

Remodeling Phases

Most bathroom remodels will include some degree of layout or planning. Small bathrooms can be planned by a contractor, but larger rooms should involve the work of a bathroom designer to help make the most of the space. This service typically costs between $1,400 and $4,000, and in some cases, the costs can be recouped during the renovation, as designers can help you save money in other areas. This phase of the project generally includes not only planning, but also drawings, and the selection of the materials that you want to go into the room. The time frame for this phase can last several weeks depending on layout and what you ultimately want the room to look like.

Following the planning, your bathroom project will involve ordering the new materials, and waiting out the lead times for them to arrive. It is not uncommon to wait up to 12 weeks for some specialty items to arrive.

Once your new materials have arrived, the tearout begins. This involves removing everything from your bathroom right down to the studs. At this point in time, if there are issues with water leaks or mold, they can be addressed. It is at this stage that hidden issues are usually uncovered. Keep in mind that issues can dramatically impact your costs, depending on what is found. For example, mold remediation starts at $500 and water damage can cost as much as $2,700.

After the tearout, the plumbing and electrical are updated throughout the room to accommodate your new layout and fixtures. Then new backer board and subflooring 1 are put in, followed by tiling, and finally the installation of fixtures, lights, and accessories. From tearout to completion is usually a two to three week timeframe. Costs for this phase of the project range from $45-$65 for a plumber to $65-$85 an hour for an electrician and $5-$10 a square foot for flooring and tile preparation.

How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost?

Full showers are more suited for adult homes where most people take quick and convenient showers. Shower and tub combinations suit families with younger children or pets, where the children or pets can be washed in the tub and adults can also enjoy the convenience of a quick bath.

To remodel a shower and tub combination, expect to incur about $1,400 to $1,600. Included in this cost are the installation expenses (about $1,000), which include plumbing modifications, fixtures and sinks.

Full showers (or stand-alone showers) typically cost about $700 to $800 to install. This cost includes the expense for a shower stall as well as labor installation expenses.

A shower and tub combination can be remodeled by simply adding a new liner over the current tub. A bathtub liner costs between $150-$250. The shower walls can also be fitted with liner at a cost of about $120. The labor costs of adding liner are typically about $300.

For stand-alone showers, remodeling often involves working on the walls, ceiling and floors. If you choose to retile your shower space, expect to spend $2-$5 per square foot of tile. Labor costs typically lie at about $10-15 per square foot.

Fixtures can also be upgraded and the shower head replaced. Some more in-depth shower remodel projects carried out by a professional can cost as much as $4,000.

Budget Allocation

The way your budget gets allocated largely depends on your design choices and priorities. But if you’re looking for some standard guidelines, you can reference the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s cost breakdown:

Design – 4%

Labor – 20%

Flooring – 9%

Walls & Ceilings – 5%

Doors & Windows – 4%

Faucets & Plumbing – 14%

Countertops – 7%

Cabinetry & Hardware – 16%

Fixtures – 15%

Lighting & ventilation – 5%

Other – 1%

Final Tips

Be Realistic: If you’ve got a luxurious design plan, don’t expect it to build it with a small budget. Evaluate your expectations and be realistic about what they’ll cost to achieve.

FACTORS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SELECTING TILES FOR SMALL BATHROOMS

No matter who you ask, everyone has a different opinion on the sizes of tiles you should use for your bathroom floor, especially if you’re trying to make your small bathroom feel larger. So which advice should you take on board and which should you ignore?

When choosing your floor tiles, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to consider the look and feel you would like to display to your guests and most importantly the look and feel that you yourself would like – it is you who will be seeing and using this room every day after all! As with everything that comes to interior design, choosing the right bathroom tiles for your project is very subjective as everyone has different tastes, wants and needs.

TILE SIZE

The bigger the tiles, the smaller the room will look…or so they say. Generally, interior designers will say that you shouldn’t use large tiles (such as 60×60 cm or 80×80 cm) in a small bathroom as it will make the room look smaller. On the other hand, if you use a small tile for your small bathroom, then there will be more grout lines, this will also make your bathroom look small… so what should you do!?

You could either use medium sized tiles or you could choose larger tiles, just make sure that it has rectified edges and you use a grout colour that matches them. This will make your larger tiles flow better, and the scale of the room will not be disrupted. This will also create a simplified, modern space which will be your ‘blank canvas’.

COLOUR SCHEME

It’s also advised that you should choose a neutral colour scheme for your small bathroom. Choosing lighter colours for your bathroom tiles, such as white, cream or even a light grey, will help make your small bathroom look that much bigger, thanks to the tiles reflecting more light than darker coloured tiles would.

These light tiles enable the eye to ‘flow’ across the room, and if also used on walls, they will make your ceiling look higher.

FIXTURES

The choice and placement of your fixtures and fitting in your bathroom can also affect how small your bathroom would look. If you have a small bathroom, installing large taps, sinks and other fixtures will make it look overcrowded and cramped. Choose modern, sleek fittings that work with the size of your bathroom to keep everything in proportion. It’s important to map this all out in a scaled drawing before you start building or renovating.

TILE LAYOUT

Our final tip in making your small bathroom look bigger is to lay your tiles in a diagonal pattern. Diagonal patterns trick our minds into thinking that a space is bigger than it really is. We don’t see the normal squared tiles when laid this way, so our eyes are instead drawn to the diagonal points while our brain has a lot more trouble figuring out how many tiles are actually there.

Another way to make small bathrooms look bigger is to use rectangular tiles, like a size 30×60 cm. If you lay rectangle tiles horizontally or on their side going up the wall or along the floor, this will give the illusion that the walls are wider than they actually are. If you lay the same tile vertically, you will make the room look taller or the room longer if used on the floor.

Optimization Of Camera Operator Settings

More than Just Pressing Record: What a Camera Operator Really Does

Probably not.  Unless you are interested in becoming the person responsible for those images being recorded, edited, and presented to the world for viewing, chances are you just sit back, eat your popcorn, and enjoy the storyline; and that is exactly the goal of those behind the scenes.

The images that appear in movies, on television, and in videos (even those streaming online) come from the hard work of a camera operator.  Images are recorded to inform and entertain, and are intended to hold an audience’s interest throughout the entire production.

What is a Camera Operator?

Camera operators are people who capture a wide range of material in the form of images to be used on television shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, new stations, sporting events, and so much more.

Studio Camera Operator

Typically working in a broadcast studio, studio camera operators record their subjects from a fixed position such as a stage or set.  As an entry-level position, the director usually guides the camera operator as to what the shot order is, what the angles should be, and who to focus on at any given time.

Electronic News Gathering Operator

This camera operator is normally found working with a reporting team.  They follow reporters who are delivering breaking news stories and often film the stories live as they unfold live

How to Become a Camera Operator

What is a Camera Operator?

While the Director and the Director of Photography set up the mood and the style for each shot, the ones who are hands-on behind each shot are Camera Operators, who combine their technical knowledge with creative input to make sure each clip is a perfect fit for the final product.

Camera Operators work under the Director and Director of Photography and often work closely with technical departments to include sound and lighting. Camera Operators work across a variety of mediums recording moving images. They create the film for music videos, corporate productions, films, TV programmes, and commercials. In this article, we will be discussing what responsibilities you can expect from this role, and the key skills you will need to become a Camera Operator

What does a Camera Operator do?

Camera Operators usually start working in early pre-productions, attending technical recces with other Heads of Department. They execute the instructions of the DoP and the Director while being responsible for their Assistants and Trainees. If and when technical issues arise, the Camera Operator is responsible for resolving these problems.

After shots have been rehearsed and the camera has been positioned by the DoP, it’s the Camera Operator’s responsibility to take care of all aspects of the operation of the equipment. Importantly, they will follow a camera script adhering to the directions of the Director. To stay ahead in this role it is important to study scripts before filming to ensure the smooth running of the production.

Camera Operators have the responsibility of setting up the equipment before any shot and of keeping everything ready for any last-minute changes. They also oversee the work of their Assistants and Trainees in maintaining and preparing the equipment.

Camera Operator

What Does a Camera Operator Do?

The Camera Operator helps the Director of Photography and Director shot design each take while operating the camera. They also act as an additional set of eyes for the Director of Photography regarding lighting and focus. Typically, their work only takes place during principal photography.

Advancement

Most Camera Operators begin by jumping straight into being an Operator. It’s possible to be a 1st Assistant Camera first but they’re seen as two different jobs. The best way is to start working on smaller projects and then move up as a reputation is built.

Education & Training

Duguay says, “There isn’t specific training for becoming a Camera Operator but understanding how a camera works wouldn’t hurt.” Most of the time, the 1st Assistant Camera preps it for them and it’s just up to the Operator to run the gear while filming.

What Skills Do You Need?

It helps to work as a 1st Assistant Camera for a few years before operating but this isn’t a requirement. Many people jump straight into working a camera, however, having a deep knowledge of the camera systems will let the Camera Operator anticipate problems and proactively fix them.

Personality

“The best Camera Operators have a keen sense of detail and thick skin,” says Duguay. There are always a million different things that could be problematic for each shot including various pieces of equipment left in the background, the Boom Operator’s microphone, and the Actor’s hair and makeup issues.

Television camera operator

While many television camera operatives have a degree, it’s more important to have a showreel to demonstrate your passion for photography

As a television camera operator, you’ll work with digital, electronic and film cameras and produce required shots by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills.

You may work on a variety of programmes, for example studio or outside broadcast programmes, television dramas, commercials, documentaries or news. You may use one of several cameras or a portable single camera (PSB).

You could also specialise in one or more of the following areas:

studio – you’ll follow a camera script, which gives the order of shots. This is practised at rehearsal and cued by the director during recording. The skill lies in interpreting what the director wants and acting quickly and effectively to achieve it.

outside broadcast (OB) – working as part of a team of camera operators filming live events, such as sporting and ceremonial occasions and music performances

on location – you’ll find more opportunities for creativity on location, through suggesting shots to the director.

As a television camera operator, you’ll need to:

assemble, prepare and set up equipment prior to filming, which may include tripods, monitors, lighting, cables and leads and headphones

offer advice on how best to shoot a scene and explain the visual impact created by particular shots

plan shots, for example when filming an expensive drama scene, such as an explosion, there may be only one chance to get things right, so shots need to be meticulously planned beforehand

practise the camera moves required for pre-arranged shots

study scripts

find solutions to technical or other practical problems (for an outside broadcast, for example, the natural light conditions need to be taken into account when setting up shots)

be prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas

work quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor

take sole responsibility in situations where only one camera operator is involved in the filming

keep up to date with filming methods and equipment

repair and maintain equipment

demonstrate a good awareness of health and safety issues

drive crew, actors and equipment to and from locations

Film/​Television Camera Operator

Film and television camera operators use digital and film cameras to record events and scenes for television, movies and videos.

Pay

Pay for film/television camera operators varies depending on experience and the type of production they are working on.

Recommended pay rates (based on 10-hour days) for camera operators on New Zealand feature films and television series:

Video split operators, clapper/loaders and second assistants usually earn between $30 and $50 an hour.

First assistants/focus pullers usually earn between $55 and $66 an hour.

Experienced camera operators can earn between $64 and $120 an hour.

Film/television camera operators may do some or all of the following:

carry and set up cameras and equipment such as lighting rigs and kits

work with and follow the instructions of the director

operate cameras to film or record the action

keep the camera in focus.

Directors of photography may do some or all of the following:

study scripts and interpret how scenes should look

select suitable cameras and equipment

decide on the location of cameras and lights

direct camera and lighting crew during filming

work with the director and editor during editing.

Different Types Of Electronic Leak Detection

Selecting the best leak detection equipment

Although I didnt have to resort to my third method, it consists of an ultrasonic leak detector like the type used to locate leaks in refrigerant or compressed gas systems. It requires you to pump compressed air or

Although I didn’t have to resort to my third method, it consists of an ultrasonic leak detector like the type used to locate leaks in refrigerant or compressed gas systems. It requires you to pump compressed air or another denser gas such as carbon dioxide into the system; this produces a high-pitched squeal when it escapes from the pipe

I have seen people using this method and a conventional engine-type stethoscope to locate leaks. You can spend a lot of time on your hands and knees for naught. Most of the new electronic leak detectors have extension handles on them to keep the operator in an upright and comfortable position

The only problem with this type of device is that you typically have 4 in. of sound-deadening concrete between you and the leak. While it doesn’t work perfectly in every case, it can come in handy as a backup method if all else fails.

Although I’ve never personally used this last method, I understand that you can charge the system with a benign gas, such as helium, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Using a gas-sniffing type of detector, you can locate the leak through the concrete. Since I’ve never used it, I’m not sure of the accuracy of this system.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED LEAK DETECTION SPECIALIST

Leak detection is a critical service that home and building owners can utilize to detect problems in their plumbing, HVAC systems, and sewer lines. An experienced leak detection specialist can specifically identify and isolate problems in your home without needing to completely excavate and damage your property, saving you time, headaches, and money.

On the other hand, taking a chance on a new or inexperienced leak detection service could end up costing you hundreds of dollars if they make a mistake. Taking a stethoscope to a wall is a far cry from a professional’s tool bag of high-tech thermal, smoke, and electronic leak detection devices. Ask about the company’s equipment and process or their strategy for finding your suspected type of leak.

Furthermore, an experienced specialist will have an extensive list of references that they’d be willing to share with you before starting service. Beware any service that hesitates to show you their references or testimonials. Companies that don’t provide them probably have bad references or are a brand new business without any notable experience.

Clearwater Leak Detection has extensive experience serving the entire Puget Sound region with the latest leak detection techniques and technology. With thermal imagery, smoke machine leak detectors, and the ability to fix most leaks on-site and in a timely fashion, we can get your problem solved and restore your property to normal status once again.

WATER LEAK DETECTION SERVICES AND SLAB LEAK REPAIR

Water leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings are a significant source of wasted water for many households. Without early leak detection and leak repair, ongoing water leaks can cause significant water damage. Roto-Rooter specializes in water leak detection and water leak repairs. Our team has all the water leak detection and slab leak repair equipment necessary to perform accurate and timely electronic leak detection and repair. We can locate and diagnose the source of water leaks and advise homeowners on a variety of leak repair options. From leaks in your slab to leaks in your pipes, we’ve got you covered

Slab leak detection and repair requires an experienced plumbing expert and a careful, thorough process using modern tools like specialized leak detection equipment. Slab leak detection services are conducted by Roto-Rooter’s expert technicians, who will find and repair slab leaks with minimal destruction to your property.

A slab leak happens when the pipes in the water and sewer lines beneath your home break, crack or burst. The leak is not actually in the slab, but in the pipes beneath it. Because it is underground, the source of a slab leak is not visible to the naked eye

Rather, there are several common signs that suggest you have a slab leak in your home:

The sound of running water when all water is turned off

A spinning water meter, even though no water is running inside or outside your home

Cracks in your walls or flooring

Mildew or noticeable moisture under carpets or flooring

The smell of sewage could indicate a break in the sewer or a drain line

A recent bug problem due to added ground moisture

Higher-than-average water bills

Best water leak detectors for smart homes

Fire might be a homeowner’s greatest fear, but any insurance company will tell you that water is the far more common cause of property damage, even if you don’t live in an area subject to flooding. And it can come from many sources: A failing water heater, a burst pipe, a broken supply line under your sink, a clogged toilet, or even a split hose connected to your washing machine.

Just as it’s essential to have a smoke detector in each of your home’s bedrooms and common areas, you’d be wise to install leak detectors in places where water damage could start: The laundry room, water heater closet, the bathroom, under your kitchen sink, and so on. Leak alerts are arguably less important for renters, but it’s something landlords might want to consider—although that raises the issue of how the sensors would connect to the internet. More on that later.

In addition to detecting and nearly instantaneously alerting you to the presence of water in locations it shouldn’t be, this sensor will also monitor the relative humidity of the space around its installation (warning you of conditions with the potential to spur mold growth) and ambient temperature (prompting you to take action if cold weather might freeze your water pipes). If you have one installed, it will also trigger a Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff to turn off your main water supply to reduce the damage an uncontrolled leak can cause. It’s our new top pick in this category.

Best smart water leak detector

The Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector monitors for the presence water in locations it shouldn’t be (from a leaky supply line, appliance, or drain pipe), tracks ambient temperatures and can warn you of freezing conditions that could lead to a burst water pipe, and reports ambient humidity and raises an alarm if the air becomes so moist that it could lead to to the growth of mold. You’ll get the most benefit from the device if you also own the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff, which can automatically turn off your water supply in an emergency, but it’s a great smart home device even if you don’t.

Runner-up

This was a tough call, because the Utilitech Water Leak Detector has some major downsides. Its battery life only lasts for a year, and the sensor must be mounted on a wall or other vertical surface, making setup a hassle and limiting your placement options.

Best HVAC Refrigerant Leak Detectors

Refrigerant leak detectors are an HVAC technician’s best friend. Your ability to diagnose and rectify a problem within a refrigeration system is a vital skill.  You will need the very best tools to accomplish one the challenging aspects of the job, detecting refrigerant leaks.

Leak Detection Methods

As an HVAC technician, you are probably aware of the several methods you can use for leak detection. Knowing which method to use in each set of circumstances is the making of a skilled technician.

Common Refrigeration Leak Detection Methods:

Simple soap and water – Applying soapy water to a suspected leak alerts you to the leak with the formation of bubbles. Simple and straightforward to use and no specialist tools required.

Ultraviolet Dyes – Adding a UV dye to a system and using UV light to look for leaks is ingenious. Should be used with care because the presence of UV dye may affect system performance.

Electronic Detection Methods – Use electronic tools correctly and in the right context and you are on your way to becoming a leak detection whizz.

How to Choose a Leak Detector

It is essential that you choose the best refrigerant leak detector that suits your requirements. But what are the qualities that you should look for before selecting a product?

Works Fast

A device that works fast is considered the best leak detector as it allows you to reach different locations to check on leaks quickly. You should look for detectors with little warm-up time, quality sensors, and instantaneous time response

Local Moving Services

How to Choose a Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company can be hard work. In 2012, the Better Business Bureau received over 7,700 complaints about movers in the United States. According to the BBB, most complaints stemmed from alleged lost or damaged property, but charging for un-worked hours, arriving late and not honoring estimates also made the list.

Get Referrals

Searching the Internet or browsing a phone book for moving companies can be daunting. Start by asking friends, family members and coworkers if they can recommend a moving company. If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask the agent for a referral. You can also get quotes from movers through Moving.com’s Find a Mover service

Follow the Rule of Threes

Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Instead, ask at least three different companies to give you an in-person estimate, since no company can really give you a thorough estimate without seeing your stuff.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Keep an eye out for red flags during the estimate. For example, most reputable moving companies won’t ask for a cash deposit before you move. If the mover seems hungry to get the money upfront, it might not be a legit business. Also, during the estimate, note how professional or unprofessional the movers seem. If they show up late, seem unsure of their abilities, or can’t answer your questions, look for another company. And be wary of any movers who show up in a rented moving van. A professional company will own its own equipment.

Make Sure the Mover Is Licensed and Insured

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues a U.S. DOT number to licensed interstate movers. If you’re moving out of state, verify the moving company’s license through the FMCSA’s protectyourmove.gov site and request the company’s U.S. DOT number; you’ll need it if you have to file a claim against the company later. If you’re staying in state, check with your local consumer affairs agency. You can find a list of local agencies through the FMCSA’s contacts database.

Tips For Hiring Quality Movers

With millions of moves every year in the United States, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go smoothly, with no issues whatsoever. Hiring quality moves is a must, of course.

Moving inventory

A reputable moving company will take inventory of all your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move either in person or through a virtual survey. The estimator should be thorough and check all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages and bookcases. A large component of the mover’s price is based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods take up in the truck. Be sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.

Get a thorough walk-through

An estimator who performs a quick walk-through without noting what you plan to move is going to be off the mark. A good estimator will ask questions about what you plan to take from your current house to your next home. So, be sure you are prepared to tell the estimator which items you don’t want on the truck—the items you plan to give away, donate to a charity, sell in a yard sale, or leave behind for the new owners.

Don’t pay a large deposit

Reputable movers won’t demand cash or a large deposit before moving. You should only pay upon delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you will see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.

Avoid moving companies with a name switch

Some companies avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau by doing business under a variety of names. Be sure the company has a local address and information about licensing and insurance. Their employees should answer the phone with the full name of the business.Find out if there are any other names the company “does business as,” as well as their state and federal license numbers. Search online to see if there are complaints about the company.

How to Choose Movers that Are Right for You

When moving to a new home, hiring movers is often the best way to ensure a move is quick, efficient and less stressful. Think about it: movers do the packing, loading/unloading and transporting for you. Still, as Marcia Passos Duffy, a blogger for Bankrate.com, says, “While the right moving company can make for a smooth move, choosing the wrong mover can make your relocation a nightmare.” So how do you make sure you choose the right movers for you? See our tips below.

Movers that are licensed. When you’re moving from one state to another, your movers must be licensed with the federal government, which means they’ll be assigned a Department of Transportation number. You can check ProtectYourMove.gov to ensure your movers meet the necessary requirements. For local moves, every state has different licensing requirements. If you’re moving within your state, call your state moving association to check your movers’ licenses and other requirements

Movers that give you a written, in-home estimate. In-home estimates are the best way for movers to give you a reliable quote, since they can see how much stuff you have and whether there will be any obstacles to your move (e.g., stairs, a hard-to-access location). Whenever you get an estimate from a moving company, make sure it is in writing. You cannot rely on verbal estimates

Movers that have good reviews. A moving company may post testimonials on its site, and that’s a great starting place for your investigation. But you’ll want to do your own research. Check with the Better Business Bureau and other moving review websites to verify that the movers you’re considering have great practices overall.

Experience. Think about how much experience you want your movers to have. Sure, the new company might offer lower rates, but you have to consider what you might be giving up in professionalism and quality should you go with less experienced movers

How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company

That’s what Scheyda Mohammadian, a model and public relations professional from Las Vegas learned the hard way. Last fall, after searching on the web for a company to move her belongings from Las Vegas to her new home in Texas, she decided to go with the one that offered her the lowest price—$1,700.

After wiring a 50 percent deposit to the company and paying $450 on moving day, she discovered that her possessions had been moved only to a storage unit a few miles from her Nevada home. Then she had to pay another $450 to the company to release her belongings

Hire a local mover. If you hire a moving company based in your area, you’ll avoid being tricked into doing business with an unscrupulous mover operating solely over the internet, says Scott Michael, president and CEO of the American Moving & Storage Association, a trade group that represents companies that handle local, interstate, and international moves. Consider visiting the company’s office and checking out its equipment, he says

Get estimates. Get at least three written in-home estimates, Hutt advises. Be suspicious if an estimate is unusually low or if the moving company provides an estimate over the phone or online without sending a representative to scope out the job. It may be a sign of scam

Verify credentials. For moves between states, a mover must have a number issued by the Department of Transportation. It serves as a license that identifies commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce. If the mover you’re considering is licensed, it must provide the DOT number on its website and in its advertising, says Kurt Larson, a spokesman for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation that oversees truck and bus safety. The mover also must have a carrier number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Picking a Moving Company: How Do Your Choices Stack Up?

Selecting a moving company can be overwhelming. You probably have a few friends with recommendations, and there are plenty of movers’ ads online and offline — but which company’s the best fit?

Licensed means safe

The first and most important point to investigate is the company’s legal status. Movers may claim to be licensed and insured, but unless you can confirm that, don’t take it at face value.

In-state moves

Many states have rules and regulations to monitor household goods carriers at a local level. Usually the authorities responsible for overseeing intrastate movers are the state Department of Transportation or the Public Utilities Commission. Contact the relevant authority.

Out-of-state moves

Check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the agency that grants permits to all moving companies engaged in the interstate transportation of household goods.

Overseas moves

Ensure that the ocean transportation intermediary involved in the moving process is certified by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the federal agency responsible for regulating U.S. international ocean transportation to protect U.S. consumers. Don’t even consider moving to another country without researching whether your chosen company has been approved by the FMC.