How To Find An Honest Mold Inspection Company

Tips For Finding The Best Mold Inspector

The Initial Phone Call and Price

From the very beginning of the call you want to be able to explain your situation. The inspector should also ask you a number of questions to determine what is going on to best help you.

Proper Training

Without question, before you go ahead and hire a mold inspector, you need to know that this person is qualified to help you…  The mold industry is not yet regulated. For this reason, it is vital to choose an inspector that has adequate training. 

Work Experience

You want to find out first if the mold inspector does mold inspections part time of full time. Ideally, you want to find someone who is dedicated to mold full time

Mold Inspection Procedures

Experienced and well-trained mold inspectors will have a checklist and or routine to follow.

Alliances

It is important for mold inspectors to have other professionals to help you with the mold removal process. Finding the right mold removal company can take a lot of time and effort, so the more help you can get with this part of the process, the better.

Factors to Consider When Looking for a Mold Inspection Company

Exposure to mold can have serious health effects such as a cold with accompanying flu symptoms. It is vital to have mold inspection conducted in your home to eliminate such issues that might emanate from mold. The choice of a mold inspection company is not easy. Therefore, you have to consider several factors before opting for a mold inspection company. This article explains these different elements.

Certification

You should do extensive research before settling on a certain mold inspection company. Most companies have websites and the “about us” page reveals whether they are industry certified or not. The mold inspection field might appear to be hugely unregulated. However, check whether they have certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration

Testimonials and Experience

Testimonials and experience are essential factors to consider. They help ensure that you do not settle for mold inspector who is actually a rookie. The testimonials could be by word of mouth or you can find them in the inspectors or company’s website. This therefore implies that you have to enquire about the company and any possible recommendations. It ensures that you settle for a company that will exceed your expectations

Insurance

It is vital to hire an inspector who has insurance that duly covers them. This protects and guards you in case there might be any possible losses. Insurance is therefore very important, especially pertaining to liability if any accident happens in your house. This also applies when there is sub-contracting. Such contractors also have to be well trained and insured as well. They ought to bear documents or credentials clearly depicting the same.

Price and Pre Testing

The price of mold inspection varies from company to company. It is good and prudent for you to get quotations and compare them before choosing and settling for one. Some companies insist on pre-testing mold but this is not important, as it escalates the prices. Professionals who insist on doing these tests only want your money and to ultimately drain your bank. It is also not ideal for you to choose quotations that are exceedingly low hence; this should be a major red flag. Only quacks charge very low prices, as they are not properly trained but just merely experimental.

How to Choose a Certified Mold Inspector and What You Should Pay

Experience

How many mold inspections has the company performed? An experienced mold inspector most likely will have performed several hundred mold inspections per year. That way you know the mold inspector has seen a wide variety of scenarios. Ask your mold inspector how many verifiable mold inspections have been performed in the Los Angeles area.

Credentials

There a several types of certifications and as many certifying organizations. The mold inspection company should carry Workers’ Compensation insurance and professional liability insurance. They should hold membership in good standing with at least one nationally recognized trade association for mold professionals. The certifying organization should also be nationally recognized with an online registry of certified professionals. In both cases, you can verify the mold inspection company’s trade association membership and the mold inspector’s certification. Not all certifications are created equal! Make sure the mold inspector’s certification is based on verifiable work experience and the certification is issued by an accredited educational organization

Inspection Equipment

Every mold inspector should have the basics: a moisture meter, an air sampling pump, and a respirator. Several other tools should be at the inspector’s disposal including sampling media (swabs, air cassettes), flash light, gloves, knee pads, and a mirror. There are various types of each of these tools. Ideally, the mold inspector will have the latest technology available. There are other tools that are high tech such as a thermal imaging camera which is a tool designed to detect temperature variations typically associated with moisture.

References

With the abundance of review sites on the internet, it should be pretty easy to get an idea about the mold inspection company’s reputation. Any company that has been around for several years is bound to have a couple unsatisfied customers. But what is even more alarming are no reviews at all. It makes you wonder if the company has been around long enough (or is qualified enough) to be considered for the job at hand. With some due diligence on your part, you should be able to see a trend in the volume of reviews: a majority of good reviews means you probably have a reputable mold inspection company under consideration. Also, make sure the company actually responds to reviews. If a company ignores any review, it could mean a company lacks the appreciation for every customer served. A popular subscription based consumer review site is Angie’s List. Reviews are provided by real people that pay to be on the site. There is a mutual understanding among members that the reviews are only useful if they are truthful. A paid subscription-based consumer site means members have a vested interest in providing genuine reports because s/he will be depending on other reviews when making his/her hiring decision. Other popular review sites are Better Business Bureau, Google Maps and Yelp

Mold “Test Only”

In my opinion, mold inspection companies should only perform mold testing and not perform mold repair. It is considered a conflict of interest to do both because the test and repair company may exaggerate the problem in order to overcharge for a solution. Mold inspection costs for “test only” companies are paid at the time of the inspection

Picking The Right Mold Inspection Service

It takes a lot of things in order to live healthily, and one of the most important aspects is to have a healthy living environment. We know it’s pretty obvious, but that’s why proper cleaning and an adherence to hygiene really matters, even more so than having a place that looks good. In order to achieve that, you need to clean regularly and have preventative maintenance done, such as regular mold inspections.

That’s easy enough, right? You either jump online or grab your Yellow Pages, book an appointment with the first mold inspector you find, and you’ll be assured of getting excellent service and wonderful results, all at a reasonable price. Well…it doesn’t quite work like that. Just like any other type of business, there are companies you’d be delighted to work with, and then there are the less desirable ones. Read on for a few tips to help you choose the right mold inspector

First, remember that not everyone has the same kinds of problems with mold. Some people are strictly taking precautions by having an inspection done. Others have had recurring issues, and they’re praying the problem is gone. The wise choice is to pick a company that handles numerous issues, inspections to let you know what your situation looks like, and eradication to get rid of mold once and for all.

What a company does is important, but how it does it is just as important. Specifically, the company you consider ought to have access to the latest equipment. They should have testing equipment for moisture testing, air quality testing, HVAC reports, leak testing, and microbiological testing. Once the inspection is concluded, you should expect to receive a report laying out how serious the mold situation is and what can be done to resolve it

Next, it’s important to find a company that’s been in business for a while and has a proven track record. If an inspector has been on the job for a long period of time, they likely have gained the experience to recognize a number of different issues and have a number of solutions. You’ll also want to ask if the company is licensed and if their employees hold certifications for providing mold inspection services.

Tips to Get an Effective Mold Inspection

Here are some things to know when hiring a contractor to complete a mold inspection.

The mold inspection and remediation process is a balancing act of ensuring occupant health and safety and preserving the property value for the owner

The mold inspection company you choose should offer a value proposition that stands apart from others. The credentials should include a certification, experience, a fine work product and a competitive price. In addition, the company should be able to provide multiple references of past customers who were satisfied with their experience.

To minimize the chance for conflict of interest, the mold inspection company should strictly be in the business of inspecting, testing and consulting. That way, the company has no vested interested in benefiting from the repair that may be necessary through mold remediation.

The inspection report should be a two-part document – lab results and an inspection report. Once mold testing is conducted, samples should be sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. The results of the lab analysis will be interpreted by the inspection company, which will then provide a comprehensive analysis of the property condition, laboratory findings and recommendations

The report should be easy to understand when you read it. Some inspectors simply provide lab results without any additional documentation. An inspector also serves as a consultant and should be able to produce a document to reflect his/her interpretation of the inspection process

Mosquitoes And Life Threatening Diseases

MOSQUITO REPELLENT: HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for outside playtime, picnics, backyard BBQs and, yes, pesky mosquitoes. It’s a no-brainer to keep a bottle of mosquito repellent around for these activities, but which repellents work best?

How Does Mosquito Repellent Work?

Though DEET is often referred to as a repellent, it really is used to confuse the mosquitoes. DEET is an active ingredient used in many mosquito repellents. To fight off mosquitoes and ticks, an estimated one-third of people in the United States use DEET products in some variety, whether it’s liquid, lotion, spray or some other form. DEET is designed to be applied directly on a person’s skin. It works by making it difficult for biting bugs, like mosquitoes, to detect a person.

Ways to Help Prevent Mosquito Bites

You shouldn’t solely rely on repellent to help fight off mosquitoes in and around your home. Mosquitoes can multiply quickly, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to help control them. But as with most pests, control begins with prevention. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent mosquitoes on your property and in your home

Remove water sources

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing fresh water, so any stagnant water sources — even those as small as a bottle cap — are potential breeding grounds. That can include clogged gutters, old tires, garbage cans, tarps, dripping outdoor faucets and more. You’ll want to take any steps you can to help reduce mosquito habitat on your property.

Change out water sources routinely

There may be some purposeful water sources around your home that you don’t want to eliminate, like pet bowls, birdbaths and fountains. You can routinely change out these water sources so that mosquito larvae have a difficult time developing.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance anywhere in the world, leaving itchy bites on uncovered skin and waking you up from your sleep with their high pitched buzz. But besides being a total annoyance, mosquitoes are also the number 1 killer in the world, causing more human fatalities than sharks

They may look harmless, but the numbers of dengue and malaria cases over the years have proven that mosquitoes are more deadly than they look. Here are some facts that you might want to know about these nasty little insects:

They can develop from eggs to adults in just six to ten days

Mosquitoes are found close to still water, where their larvae feed and develop

They seem to be attracted to dark colours

Mosquitoes will normally bite you at dawn or dusk – or if you’re unlucky, both. That’s when their internal clocks tell them it’s feeding time

How Does Mosquito Infestation Affects Your Business?

Trust – immediate impact on employees’ trust

Damage – serious damage to your health and hygiene reputation

Cost – loss of business opportunities when customers shared negative reviews on your business

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can make our life really miserable. Besides causing constant annoyance and irritation, some species can also transmit deadly diseases. As mosquitoes are pervasive pests, the most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes is to arrange for specialised treatments by fully licensed pest control professionals.

Identify Your Pest

Mosquitoes can be easily known as the deadliest pest in the world. With Dengue and Zika Virus disease on the rise in Indonesia, mosquitoes are labeled as a top pest that pose serious health risks to all. Swollen, red and itchy bumps on your skin and you have not noticed the 3 to 4 bites that have already long formed. Attacking you by surprise is just the world’s deadliest pest – the Mosquito. But hey! Which type of mosquito species has just bitten you? If you are ever lucky to catch sight of the flying insect that has just bitten you, you could identify the type of mosquito and the dangers it comes with.

Methods of Mosquito Control

Bugged by all of the mosquitoes around your Columbia, SC area home? Corder Pest Control knows how you feel

so here are four easy mosquito control services you can use to take out these annoying pests this summer:

Eliminate areas where they can reproduce: Areas of standing water (such as stagnant water, ponds, rainwater, water in flowerpots, or drain water) are common places for mosquitoes to breed. Get rid the standing water and you’ll dramatically lower the number of mosquitoes in your yard.

Keep a wary eye on mosquitoes: Have you noticed more mosquitoes than normal? It may be time to take immediate action. Stopping mosquitoes is critical since they’re more of a serious issue than most people realize. In addition to painful bites, they can also carry dangerous viruses like Zika and West Nile.

Inspect your property and put out traps: Walk around your entire property and look for places where mosquitoes commonly hide or breed. Again, keep in mind areas that hold stagnant water. Develop a plan to apply approved insecticides or put out traps in these places to get rid of mosquitoes and keep them away.

Call for a professional treatment: Professional mosquito treatment is your best option for killing these pests. Professional exterminators know what will work best for your home. We know many homeowners worry about the chemicals and how they may affect pets or children. At Corder Pest Control, we can talk to you about your concerns and choose appropriate chemicals for your household. Odor-free insecticides are available, too.

Tips To Minimize Mosquito Exposure

It’s the middle of summer already, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to see mosquitoes at the height of their activity. Many Texas homeowners are familiar with the aggravation mosquitoes cause when we want to participate in any outdoor activities. With mosquito populations on the rise as temperatures continue to soar, what can be done to reduce the risk of being bitten and keep mosquitoes away from your home?

Thankfully, mosquitoes are simple insects, despite how difficult they can be to get rid of. Mosquitoes can find everything they need to breed and lay eggs on our properties. One of the best ways to minimize mosquito exposure this summer is to eliminate the factors that attract them and other pest insects to your property. While not 100% effective, these 5 tips can help reduce the chances of attracting mosquitoes to your Texas home

Dump out items that create sources of standing water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in, including cans, buckets, kiddie pools, and plastic containers.

Wear insect repellent every time you go outside, especially if you’ll be walking through a wooded area.

Avoid staying outside during the early morning and evening when mosquitoes are the most active.

Keep your grass, hedges, and tree branches cut back from the exterior of your property to avoid attracting mosquitoes and other insects closer to your home.

Stay away from areas where mosquitoes are likely to congregate, such as under heavy tree coverage, thick brush, or tall grass; all of these help to keep moisture in the air.

Why you need professional mosquito treatment

While prevention tips can be a great way to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes, the only sure way you can keep your Texas property mosquito-free this summer is with professional mosquito treatment services from the pro. While DIY methods can help some, the truth is that these treatments aren’t very effective when it comes to protecting your home from such irritating insects. Here our licensed pest specialists have the equipment and experience you need to keep your Texas home protected over the entire mosquito season. For quality mosquito treatments you can trust

Use These Mosquito Prevention Tips Now To Protect You

This is the time of year when Mt. Juliet residents prepare for mosquito season. Are you ready? If not, it isn’t too late to save your spring and summer from being ruined by these irritating, and potentially dangerous, pests. Here are some tips and strategies to help you reduce mosquitoes in your yard.

Remove Standing Water

The mosquitoes that bite you in your yard are usually mosquitoes that are already on your property. This is because mosquitoes don’t travel very far. Some mosquitoes won’t travel more than 300 feet from where they hatched. Therefore, controlling mosquito populations can reduce how many bites you receive. And one of the best ways to control mosquito populations is to reduce stagnant water in your yard. Here are some ways you can do this.

Check your gutters. When gutters are broken or obstructed they can give mosquitoes a breeding site. Mosquitoes can breed in an inch of stagnant water. They’ll breed in obstructed gutters or in standing water that accumulates near your home due to gutter issues.

More Tips To Consider

In addition to the advice above, we have a few additional tips to share. If at all possible, schedule your outdoor activities to avoid dawn and dusk – the times when mosquitoes are most active. We get asked a lot about citronella candles. These candles have a mild repellent effect to mosquitoes, but do not seem to offer significantly better results than burning other candles. Mosquitoes are relatively weak fliers, so placing a large fan on your deck can provide a low-tech solution

The Best Solution for Mosquito Control

Unfortunately, nothing will completely elimination mosquitoes from your yard, but a combination of the efforts recommended above along with regular mosquito misting services is your best solution and will greatly reduce mosquitoes in your yard. When you have a regular mosquito service, mist treatments are applied to your landscaping, tree canopies close to your home and underneath decks to take down mosquitoes that try to hide or breed in your yard. If you live in our Middle Tennessee service area

Let A Children’s Party Planner Organize Your Kid’s Party

How to Plan an Anniversary Party

Anniversary Party Overview

Anniversary parties are special because they bring back fond memories of a couple’s special day. It is also a celebration of the couple’s enduring commitment and love to each other. Commemorate this special occasion by celebrating it with relatives and friends by holding an anniversary party.

While most people keep their anniversary celebrations within family members or between them, those who love to party will often invite close friends to commemorate the event.

Pre-planning: A month before the party

It’s easier to plan a party if you have a guide to help you through the things you need to do. Even if it’s just a simple event, having a plan makes it easier.

  1. When is the party? Weekends are usually best to hold the party.
  2. Where will you celebrate? Your anniversary party should turn out that way you want it to be, whether that means a simple yet fun get together in your home, or a more elegant affair in a function room of a hotel or restaurant.
  3. Who do you invite? It depends on what kind of party you are having. If you want an intimate family gathering then immediate family members and close relatives should be on your guest list. If you’re having a big bash, then you can widen the circle to include close friends and other relatives.
  4. How much do you spend? To avoid spending more than you can handle, set aside funds for the party and plan how or where you spend it.

Tips for Planning an Awesome Anniversary Party

Wedding anniversary parties typically get planned once a couple reaches 25 years or more of wedding bliss. Some people hold parties on earlier anniversaries, such as the 10th, 15th, or 20th. With the high rates of divorce in the U.S., staying married this long merits a celebration. If it’s worth throwing an anniversary party, it’s worth doing it well. Keep the following things in mind when you plan the bash.

Start With a Budget

As with any event, start by creating a budget to keep spending from getting out of control. The budget affects other aspects of planning, such as the location you choose and the guest list. You may need to compromise to stick to the budget set.

Decide on a Guest List

People typically invite close friends and family members to these parties. In particular, consider the friends who took part in the wedding or have known the couple for many years. Decide whether to include children, as this affects the budget, planning, and details necessary on the invitation.

Set the Date

An anniversary party usually takes place on the anniversary itself or the weekend before or after that date. However, sometimes schedules necessitate holding it further away from the anniversary date. Avoid scheduling the party on a holiday, which increases expenses and makes it harder for some guests to attend.

Pick a Location

Choosing a location to host the anniversary party really depends on a few details such as, are you having a daytime or evening celebration, will it be a formal or an informal occasion, how many guests have you invited? Once you’ve answered those questions it’ll make it a lot easier to come to a decision on the venue. For a small get-together then you have the option to host the party at the couple’s house or another member of the family’s. If you can rely on the weather, an outdoors get-together maybe in the park or a garden could be a lovely touch. It’ll feel more personal but also keep costs down too.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to go all out for this big occasion then you may want to consider renting a larger venue i.e. country club lounge, hotel, church hall or restaurant.  Either of these would work well but just make sure to book the venue out sooner rather than late to avoid disappointment.

Choose a Theme

Now this is where the fun part begins, choosing a theme! Generally, you want the theme to be fun and reflect the couple you’re celebrating and/or the type of occasion you’re hosting. For formal occasions there is normally a colour-based theme in place to ensure the anniversary party decorations match and everything looks cohesive. Whereas, for casual parties you don’t need to worry too much about sticking to a strict theme. You’ll have a little more freedom to choose a range of anniversary party decorations within your theme, for example a rustic anniversary party or a floral anniversary party.

Another popular choice when deciding on the décor is to build the theme around the couple’s wedding anniversary symbol. For instance, the symbol and colour for a 40th Wedding Anniversary is Ruby, so you can expect majority of the décor including tableware to be red. The theme will also influence the anniversary gifts people buy, so keep this in mind.

Send Out Anniversary Party Invitations

Once you’ve organized your guest list and chosen an invitation design, you should send out anniversary party invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the anniversary date, especially if the party is formal. However, if you know your date far enough in advance, you can send save the dates to give loved ones who live far away earlier notice. It’s also important to list the date for the RSVP deadline on the invitation, so you can adjust your budget and buy the right of amount of food and drinks. You’ll also want to list any relevant information such as the dress code so attendees are prepared. For guests, your party invitations are an introduction on what to expect at your celebration.

Plan Out Food And Drinks

One of the most important steps in planning your anniversary party is keeping your guests full and happy! When it comes to food and drinks, set a budget before you head to the grocery store or consult with a catering company so you can keep track of how much you’re spending. If you’re hosting a small crowd, you may want to consider cooking and opting for a buffet style set-up. However, if you’re hosting a large crowd of more than 30 guests or so, you should have the anniversary party catered to avoid the stress of having to cook for such a large party. You can hire a local caterer or family friend to cook if you’re working with a small budget, or you can go with a larger catering company if your budget permits. You’ll also want to set aside budget for a themed anniversary cake to honor the happy couple. Whether you decide to cook or have the anniversary party catered, remember to provide a variety of appetizers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, along with a vegetarian option.

Schedule entertainment

Anniversaries are a time to celebrate! Pick a DJ or band that reflects your tastes, but that can be appreciated by the majority of your guests. Include a personalized playlist of those songs that mean the most to you and have the entertainer use that as a guideline to play off of.  This is your event, and with digital technology making every song available, there’s no reason you can’t include all of your favorite jams. 

Pick a personal photographer
Unlike weddings that can bring together families who maybe didn’t know each other well, an anniversary event often feels more intimate. Thus, the special relationships being celebrated may be best captured by someone who knows both the happy couple and their loved ones. While a professional photographer is recommended, choosing one that you know personally will likely make them more comfortable interacting with guests and capturing more of those candid moments that come from being part of the guest list and not just a third-party vendor. 

Toast to the future
Unlike your wedding, you don’t need to allow for friends and relatives to give their hot take on your partnership. Settle on a short and sweet speech from each member of the happy partnership to talk about their relationship journey and thank the attendees. The most important rule for an anniversary celebration is that it represents your union. It’s your celebration, and — just like with your wedding — it matters that your plans reflect your values and the life you share together. 

Importance Of Good Residential Roofing

WHY YOU MUST USE A RESIDENTIAL ROOFING COMPANY FOR YOUR HOME

You can now find many roofing companies in and around your neighborhood. The increased number of storms and other natural calamities which are too often disturbing our peace have also initiated the demand for qualified roofing contractors. This has also made the roofing industry very competitive. One can however take the responsibility upon himself to install the roof of his home. But engaging the roofing company can be a life saver. In this article we have discussed the reasons why one may only hire a qualified roofing company for the job.

Expertise: The Residential roofing contractor is in possession of knowledge and expertise that are required for roof installation. He has the knowledge to identify your roofing requirements based on your budget and environment, and can suggest the best roofing solution accordingly. Further, the roofing contractor is in possession of the latest technology and equipments required to build roofs.

Maintenance: Many of the residential roofing contractors also offer maintenance services which would help you increase the lifetime of your roof. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure safety of the residents and belongings. Identifying damages in roof requires professional expertise and experience. The roofing contractor would offer services to reinstall the roof and change slats as and when required.

Debris removal: You would need professionals help remove the debris of the changed roof. The residential roofing company would offer debris removal and disposing services. Further, they would also cause minimum damage to your home while installing roof.

Licenses and bonds: Your local legislative body would require both the residential and Commercial roofing contractors to be licensed and bonded to carry out roof installation assignments. It may also be a legal requirement to have the roofs installed only by licensed roofing contractors. Further, the contractor is likely to carry insurance, as per business requirements, to cover damages caused by them.

Budget option: If you think that carrying out roofing assignments by yourself is the frugal way, you are wrong. If you are not a professional there can be many things go wrong during the period to increase the overall cost. With residential roofing companies you can shop around for the most budget solution. The roofing contractor would help you find the best roofing option within your budget.

Questions to Ask a Roofing Company

Working with a roofing company isn’t the same as hiring an independent contractor. These questions can help you get a sense for how the company will work on your project:

  1. Who will be completing the work?
  2. If you hire subcontractors, what is their contact information?
  3. What are the qualifications of the workers coming to my home?
  4. Can I speak to the roofer in charge before starting the project?
  5. Who do I contact for questions or updates?

Advice on choosing a contractor

When choosing a roofing contractor you should consider your choice very carefully and you are advised to check them out before employing them. If you employ a good reputable roofing contractor in terms of price, reliability and workmanship, the potential for problems will be greatly reduced.

Also consider the following points:

  • Select up to three contractors to look at the job. If possible, obtain recommendations from family, friends, neighbours or a reputable trade association.
  • Ask each of them to give advice on which materials they would suggest using.
  • Invite quotes from each contractor but do not automatically take the cheapest option. Base your choice on the quality of the advice given and your confidence in the contractor. Also, if in doubt, consult your local NFRC Regional Manager.
  • Ask for a guarantee on new or refurbishment work. NFRC offers guarantee schemes which back up, but are independent of, the contractor’s own guarantee. Remember that even the best contractors can go out of business whereupon their own guarantees become worthless, so make sure you will be covered.
  • Ensure that the quote or estimate selected is given to you in writing – except possibly for small emergency repairs.

Check for proper licensing and insurance.

The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online.

Pay your deductible.

Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.

Don’t give in to pressure.

Watch out for a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. Some contractors say they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon, however the homeowner needs to ensure it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor should thoroughly examine the home and check that their insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damages.

Know your material choices.

A contractor who does not offer you different shingle options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles you install can affect the resale value of your home. If the insurance company is paying for a new roof, it may be the perfect time to make a change and upgrade to a more unique style that suits your taste.

What a roofing contract should contain:

Once you’ve compared the bids and are ready to make a hiring decision, make sure you and the roofer sign a contract, which will offer you protection should problems arise during the job. The contract should include:

• Specifics on payment terms, including down payments, progress payments, the final payment and a provision for you to withhold the final payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

• Specifics on type of materials to be used.

• Provisions for change orders or add-ons that could result in extra charges.

• A lien release, which protects you from liability should the roofer fail to pay his or her subcontractors or roofing material suppliers who worked on your project.

• A termination clause, which spells out reasons you or the contractor can end the agreement without penalty if the contract terms are violated.

The Importance Of Using Office Movers

Office Movers: Quick Tips for Smooth Moving

Moving offices can be unsettling to employees; however, effective internal communication can minimize uncertainty and fear and smooth the disruption. When handled well, moving offices can be a motivational and positive change for employees.

Define key messages for the office move

At various stages in the project, measure employee understanding of the key messages and re-communicate or clarify them as necessary. For example, key themes may focus on a better environment or growth and expansion.

Communicate about the office move early

Communication regarding an office move needs to begin a long time before the actual move. Employees need to understand what to expect and be able to ask questions. If communication is delayed or withheld, rumors may start, and people may feel that their jobs are under threat. Plan and, where possible, preschedule communications regarding the office move for every stage of the move.

Target communications and make messages relevant

Different teams may be on varying move schedules and have access to different facilities at the new location. As a result, you should target communications to allow the teams to receive the specialized information.

Plan your office relocation early

Commercial relocations need detailed planning and preparation. When planning the move, decide on the moving date, the time-frame for the relocation process after which you can come up with a schedule. Additionally, have a specific budget assigned to the relocation process. It will come in handy when identifying costs for hiring movers and help avoid making uninformed decisions.

Assign a project manager

Every office move requires a team effort to increase chances of success. Appointing a project manager to facilitate all the aspects of the relocation process will also be important.

Protect your data

You never know what could happen to your files and hardware during the relocation process. You could end up losing important documents to damaged servers or hard drives. Therefore, it is important to back up your data and protect it from loss and breach when moving.

Do research to find the best moving company

We always recommend researching and getting quotes from at least three professional moving companies before booking your move, but because an office move can get very expensive, very fast, you’re better off looking at a couple more than that. If you have the budget for it, plan to hire a full service moving company—they’ll do all the packing for you, as well as the loading, unloading, and unpacking. Ask around for recommendations of moving companies that have experience with office relocations, since you’ll want to make sure you only hire a company with a proven track record of success in this area. To get the most accurate quote possible, have a representative from each company come to your office and see the scope of the work. With jobs like this, it’s not enough to describe what needs to be done over the phone.

Sample Checklist for Startups

A startup office needs to be able to respond to rapidly changing needs. Launching a new business in a real office comes with plenty of risks, mostly due to space and budget constraints. Pay attention to these details:

  • Understand if you own or lease your workspace. Be wary about signing a multi-year lease, especially if you anticipate rapid growth.
  • Consider coworking, which is good for startups that want a formal space, but don’t need a great deal of room.
  • Think ahead about working from home and if this will mean you will implement a BYOD policy. Requiring your employees to provide their own device can reduce costs and make remote working much easier.
  • Look into what, if any, alterations can be made to the decor and design of your rented space.
  • Decide if you plan to work with your building’s wireless network or if you plan to install your own servers, which can increase internet speed, security, and fidelity.
  • Plan ahead for security, including how you might implement an access control system if you do not already have one installed in the building. Security is incredibly important for startups, which often deal with sensitive information or plans.
  • Budget for high-quality furniture, office supplies and stationery. Purchase only what is necessary and rely on renting for pieces that you cannot yet afford or can easily be unloaded on an outside contractor. Vendors should be arranged for everything from staples to snacks to copiers.
  • Make sure your space is ready for visitors. If you plan to bring investors or members of the media inside, their experience will be crucial in how they view your business, so make sure you have solid, modern interior design.

After your move

Things to consider

  • Test phones, computers, Wi-Fi, cable connections, and IT systems. Test your technology to make sure your business can get back online ASAP—and troubleshoot as needed.
  • Confirm termination of your old lease and change-of address updates. Double- (or even triple-) check that your old lease was properly terminated, that every client and business partner was notified of your move, and that your new address is accurately advertised.
  • Designate employees to unpack, remove tags from equipment and furniture, and stock supply cabinets. If your professional movers haven’t taken care of this already, task employees with unpacking and restocking.The more hands you have on deck, the sooner your business can get up and running again.

Tips When Searching For A Chiropractor On The Internet

How To Select The Best Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a profession with a wide variety of practice philosophies and techniques, which makes it a challenge to select a chiropractor who is most compatible for an individual. Because the chiropractic treatment includes hands-on procedures, consideration must be given for both the preference of treatment style as well as the rapport with the chiropractor

Collecting Recommendations

One place to start is to ask a primary care physician, physical therapist, or spine specialist for recommendations of chiropractors who they view as competent and trustworthy. One way to phrase this question is: “If someone in your family needed a chiropractor, who would you recommend?” However, many medical professionals lack regular interaction with chiropractors and therefore may not be able to provide a recommendation.

Interviewing a Chiropractor

Before starting treatment, it is usually best to conduct a telephone interview or request an in-office consultation to learn more about the chiropractor, the clinic, and techniques used. The treating chiropractor will typically request a personal consultation to discuss these details.

Background Research

Patients may want to research if there are any disciplinary actions against the chiropractor. This information is available from each state’s chiropractic regulation and licensing board, which can usually be found on the state’s website.

Selecting any health care professional for treatment is something that should be done with care. Do not feel compelled to be treated by the first chiropractor interviewed. Many people interview several chiropractors before selecting one they feel is well suited to treat their condition.

How To Choose The Right Chiropractor

It is estimated that Doctors of Chiropractic treat over 27 million Americans annually, with a chiropractic adjustment being performed around 1 million times every business day in the US

There are many known benefits of chiropractic treatment, which has made it such a popular treatment. However, when choosing the right chiropractor you can be overwhelmed with the options, and with the average session costing around $65, it’s an expensive decision to make

What factors should I consider when choosing my chiropractor?

A quick online search should tell you a lot about your chiropractor, their specialities and any research projects or charities they’re involved with. Finding out about their area of expertise is important, so you can ensure you’re choosing a chiropractor with a focus or special interest in your condition.

Take a little time to research the different techniques that are used during chiropractic care. You can find a comprehensive list online that covers the vast array of different techniques used, however the most popular ones used in the treatment of back pain can be found here.

There are also additional treatments that Doctors of Chiropractic offer that may be beneficial to you when treating and managing your pain. Treatments include acupuncture, nutritional counselling, massage therapy, interferential electrical muscle stimulation, cryotherapy and heat therapies.

Tips for Choosing a Chiropractor

A Personal Decision

If you prefer a hands-on approach to healthcare that promotes healing without medications or surgery, chiropractic care may be the prescription for you. Your chiropractor is your partner in spine, muscle and joint health. You depend on your chiropractor’s knowledge and expertise to help you stay healthy or recover from an injury or spine condition. How do you find the best chiropractor who is right for you? Here are some important factors to keep in mind.

Get Referrals

Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral list of chiropractors. You can also ask family, friends and other healthcare providers for recommendations. Take the time to research the chiropractors’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow down your list, call each chiropractor’s office to see if he or she is accepting new patients. If so, ask for an appointment to meet and interview the chiropractor.

Research the Chiropractor’s Credentials

Licensure is one of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing a chiropractor. It tells you that the chiropractor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide chiropractic care. Also confirm that the chiropractor has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the chiropractor’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

Consider the Chiropractor’s Experience

Experience matters when you’re facing musculoskeletal or spine health issues. The more experience a chiropractor has with a condition or procedure, the better your results are likely to be. Ask how many patients with your specific condition the chiropractor has treated. If you need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the chiropractor has performed and find out about complication rates—complications the chiropractor has encountered as well as your own risk of complications.

Consider Gender

It’s important to feel comfortable with your chiropractor’s gender because you will need to openly discuss personal information. When it comes to chiropractic care, your own gender is also an important consideration. Chiropractors are becoming more skilled in caring for women and men differently. Ask the chiropractor about his or her recent training and experience specifically related to your condition and your gender.

How to choose a chiropractor

Though there are many great resources for obtaining valuable information to assist you in your search for a chiropractor, it can be overwhelming, particularly if you are new to chiropractic. To help guide you in making an educated choice regarding your health care professional, keep the following five points in mind as you sort through the mass of information.

Honesty and confidence

The first thing to look for in a chiropractic doctor is honesty. An honest doctor has both trust and confidence in each and every one of his patients, and that confidence is a reflection of his pride in providing proper treatment and getting successful results for the patient. A good chiropractor will recommend only the best treatment for your quickest and best results; not-so-good chiropractors will recommend you sign up for a package of long-term treatment even before seeing how you respond to treatment. If chiropractic is not the proper treatment for you, a good chiropractor will have no problem referring you to another health care professional to manage or co-manage your case.

Techniques

There are a variety of techniques and methods of treatment in chiropractic, with no two being exactly alike. Each specific technique can work well with a specific patient, but no single technique will work perfect and heal everyone. This being said, any chiropractor that states her particular technique is superior to others or that absolutely guarantees results should be avoided. Although her techniques may be effective with certain patients, guaranteeing results is actually against the Laws of Chiropractic.

Word of mouth

This is always a great place to start. Positive word of mouth in every profession is a good sign. If you are considering chiropractic for the first time, or considering choosing a different chiropractor, listen to others in your community more than the ads in the phone book, on TV or placed on Facebook. It is easy to look good in a well thought out advertisement, but the right chiropractor for you may be more successfully found by listening to others around you that have experienced chiropractic practice firsthand.

Appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment

This is extremely important. Doctors of chiropractic have been through extensive training and education to become health care providers. This training included proper examination, proper diagnosis and proper treatment protocols. If a doctor lacks in any one of these three essential areas, he should not be treating you, period! What does this mean for you? If a chiropractor doesn’t talk to you about your health history and your current condition, doesn’t give you an initial physical examination (checking posture, reflexes, etc.), doesn’t give you a diagnosis regarding your condition, and won’t explain your treatment plan, find another chiropractor.

Helpful Tips for Choosing a Chiropractor

If you are looking for a health care provider that promotes healing without medications or surgery, Chiropractic Care may be the right fit for you. In the field of Chiropractic Care, our main focus in on the cause of your problem

Check Reviews

When deciding which Chiropractic Clinic will be the right fit for you, it is always important to look up reviews of the doctor and clinic before making an appointment. Google reviews are a great way to find out what others are saying about the particular clinic you are looking for.

Research the Chiropractor’s Credentials

Making sure the Chiropractor you are about to see has the proper licensure is a very important factor. It will tell you if the chiropractor has the proper training, experience, and skills to provide chiropractic care.

Ask About Experience

A Chiropractors experience matters when you are facing musculoskeletal or spine health issues. The more experience the chiropractor has with a particular condition or procedure, your results are likely to be better.

Ask What Techniques are Used

There are multiple techniques that can be utilized by Chiropractors to ensure optimal recovery.

Photo Booth Trends To Make Your Special Event Unique And Unforgettable

Tips for selecting the right photo booth

Is the company you are hiring insured?

While this may not seem important to some, if you are hosting your event at a reputable venue, it’s very likely they will ask all of your vendors (including photographers, DJs, decorators, and photo-booth) to provide a certificate of insurance. Without it, they may not be allowed in the venue. This is certainly not something you want to be dealing with the week of your celebration.

Ask if backup equipment will be on site

Most photo-booths consist of a complex combination of computer hardware and software combined with camera equipment, lighting and printers. Technology has a mind of its own. From time to time, things happen. It’s imperative to have back up equipment at the event.

Ask to see setup photos of the booth

prior to booking it. In many cases, (especially with upscale events) hosts spend a fortune on decorations, theming, and an attractive venue. There’s nothing worse than a giant hideous photo booth becoming a focal point and eye sore within a party. Many services offer a “pipe and drape” enclosure for a booth. Too often, though, the setup is cheap looking, old or even clashes with the event’s color scheme. A close friend of mine has said to clients “do you want an attractive photo booth to match your event’s feel? Or, would you rather something that looks like it should be at carnival for Madam Cleopatra’s tarot card reading?” While he says this in jest, the point is 100% true. To make this point clear, I suggest you to go to google images and type “pipe and drape photo booth” and look at some of the results.

Speaking of props

Are they fresh or re-used? This may sound silly, but all too often sweaty guests put on hats, boas, sunglasses, etc. and pose for photos. At the end of the party, the props get boxed up and sent to the next event. Gross!

Choosing the Right Photo Booth Style

Enclosed Photo Booth

This is where it all began, a small box! We call ours a “Traditional Enclosed Photo Booth”. Nowadays enclosed photo booths come in a number of different styles and sizes. Generally with the enclosed photo booth they normally have a hard sturdy wall or a curtain (or an inflatable shell, but we will talk more about that later).

Open Photo Booth

Rather than having a curtain or wall that boxes you in and make you feel claustrophobic (unless you like to be close to other people), this booth has more space. Hence why it’s call “open air” photo booth. Some people also refer to them as a kiosk photo booth. Open air photo booths have more options when it comes to backdrops. You could go with one the photo booth company can provide, which are normally a curtain or print design on a portable stand. There is also the option of using the venue’s wall or creating your own backdrop. Lastly you could use the beautiful view outdoors or from inside.

GIF Photo Booth

A GIF Photo booth can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Whether it is an enclosed, kiosk, open or tripod. The key feature with the GIF booth is that it takes GIF images. A GIF (which stands for Graphics Interchange Format) is a series of images that are played one after the other. You could say they are like the old flipbook with the drawing of the stickman, running.

Inflatable Photo Booth

It’s exactly what it is called “inflatable”. The inflatable photo booth is a backdrop or shell that goes around most photo booths. For example, you can use it with our traditionl or vintage photo booth. They come in different colours and normally have  LED lights built-in which change the colour of the shell. There is a motor that normally runs but you can never hear it over the music or people talking. Also check to see if you have room for the one you want, they can be big!

How To Choose The Best Photo Booth Rental

Budget

The amount of money you want to spend is always important because you don’t want to go over the allocated budget you have for your event. Pick a dollar amount you feel comfortable with before choosing your photo booth rental company but keep in mind that a low budget will likely prevent you from finding top quality photo booth rental companies to hire. Also, remember that sales tax will usually be added to the base price.

Customer Service

One of the most important things to consider when booking a photo booth rental company is the quality of the customer service. A photo booth rental company needs to be able to respond to inquiries quickly and make potential customers and clients feel like they are being taken care of. The on-site attendants also need to be polite and help guests have fun during their event. The last thing you want is a photo booth rental company failing to respond to you leading up to an event, and this brings us to our next important aspect which is reviews.

Reviews

Researching a photo booth rental company’s reviews are important because it will help you feel more confident knowing that others had a great experience working with that photo booth rental company. Companies with little to no reviews doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t do a good job but it’s more of a risk. Photo booth rental companies with more reviews, and that have been in business for several years will likely provide a more predictable and smooth experience.

Features

Photo booth rental companies have many features to offer but sometimes they will charge extra for each feature you want to add. Some popular features that clients want are: green screen technology, social media sharing, online digital photo access, filter prints, GIFs, and more. If you’re looking for the most features, make sure you check if there are additional add-on fees for each of those features or else you will be in for a surprise when you see the final quote.

Type of Booth

There are different styles and types of photo booths that you can choose from. This will help you in choosing the best tool for the next party.

Enclosed Photo Booth-This tool can help you in getting and experiencing the feeling of an old school. An enclosed tool is obtained by drawing the curtains you can make this tool by drawing shut the curtain and letting it loose. This means that you will have nothing to worry about since people will not be looking at you.

GIF Booth-This tool has made it easier to take photos and create animated images, which can be distributed easily. It has become one of the popular alternatives for parties.

Insta Booth-People uses this machine to take selfies on their phones, creating hashtags and orienting photos for their parties.

Open Air Photo Booth –Open-air booths don’t have secrets. It is the best place where people can have fun.

Tips For Choosing the Best Photobooth For Your Event

Take away

Photobooth companies have always been around in many past years. Photobooths add up more happiness and help in the creation of memories for you and your guests.  Selecting the right company for your event should never be difficult when you use the right tips.

The cost

When hiring a photo booth company, make sure you always have your budget. Companies that offer the best services will always tend to be a bit pricier as their equipment is of high value.

The backdrops and props

You have to decide on the background and accessories you want for your event. Make sure you always do some research, even trying to ask your event guests what they like.

Picture quality

Quality is an essential factor that you shouldn’t forget when choosing a photo booth company. You will hence have to check on camera types that the company you’re hiring.

The Art Of Ants Exterminators

Why tiny ants have invaded your house, and what to do about it

What are ants doing in my house?

Ants are part of nature’s cleaning crew: they efficiently find and remove food left around the house. The problem is, sometimes humans don’t want their help. You’ve probably noticed ants more commonly come indoors in summer – that’s largely because most insects are more active in the warmer months.

Masters of cooperation

Ants are social animals and live in colonies with hundreds, or even millions, of others. They have tiny brains – in many cases smaller than a grain of sand. So how are they so clever at getting into our homes and finding our food? Because they are masters of cooperation.

How do I get rid of ants?

The first step to dealing with ants in your house is ensuring they don’t have access to food. Seal all food in airtight containers, clean behind the fridge and in the toaster, do not leave pet food out longer than necessary, ensure your bins are tightly sealed, and generally make sure there is no food around to entice ants (I know, easier said than done).

Facts About Ants

  • There are more than 12,000 species of ants around the world. The vast majority of these are relatively harmless to people, although you wouldn’t want to share your dinner with them.
  • Ants can carry bacteria, making them potential transmitters of disease or infection. For example, Monomorium ants have been foundTrusted Source to carry pathogenic bacteria, which can be dangerous to people.
  • One common house ant, the pharaoh ant, has been foundTrusted Source to be a potential cause of bronchial asthma and respiratory allergies.
  • Red ants, which are native to certain parts of Africa, have invaded areas of the Southern United States and California. These ants bite and are capable of swarming and killing small animals, such as chickens.

Where Ant Colonies Hide in Your House

If you choose to use insecticides for ant control instead, focus on cracks, holes and gaps as close to the nest as possible. Here are some of the odd spots ants where you might find ant nests, and how to identify the ant colonies and control them.

In foundation walls

 Several types of ants may build nests in or around foundation walls. The most common are known as larger yellow ants, which rarely cause damage or eat human food. Pyrethrins and other spray insecticides are effective for getting rid of most foundation infestations. 

Under the concrete slab

If small ants are eating your meat, pet food, nuts and dead insects, you may be able to trace them to flooring cracks. If so, they may be living under the concrete slab.  University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension experts recommend baiting for ant colonies under concrete slabs.

Inside walls

Various ants live in wall cavities and under floorboards. Many ant colonies can be controlled with syrupy baits.

On insulation

Carpenter ants are among the ants that live in wall cavities, chewing lumber into sawdust and using the sawdust to help build their nests. However, they are also foam “carpenters,” chewing up and reusing foam insulation. They can degrade both wood and insulation over time, so the University of Minnesota experts recommend finding carpenter ant nests and spraying insecticides directly into the nests.

In rotted window frames

Rotted wood in window frames and similar spots provides an ideal home for acrobat ants and other ant species. If infestations are discovered in wood cavities, inject with powdered insecticides. It’s also important to replace any rotted wood and get rid of the sources of rot and moisture.

Behind kitchen cabinets

Tiny grease ants may seem to appear out of nowhere and sneak into food containers. Rather, they are appearing out of tiny gaps and cavities in the kitchen, including spaces behind kitchen cabinets. Such nests can be difficult to find, but baits may work. Also, wipe up all greasy stains and try to eliminate or seal all attractive food sources, including oils, meats and cheeses.

4 Signs You Have An Ant Infestation in Your Home

Therefore, although an ant infestation isn’t dangerous, it’s certainly a major nuisance. And once an ant problem has reached infestation level, it’s going to take a lot of hard work to eradicate them all. If you’re worried you have an ant infestation, here are four signs that could confirm your suspicion:

1. Ants have overrun exposed food

If you haven’t had pest problems before, you probably tend to leave leftovers exposed for short periods of time, or keep items in your pantry in their original containers. When an ant infestation is present, none of these items are safe. Ants will eventually sniff out the exposed food, and you will find it crawling with worker ants before long. To prevent further problems, store all food in the refrigerator or in airtight containers

2. Fido’s food bowl has been infiltrated

Ants aren’t picky; they’ll eat whatever food is available, including food which belongs to your pets. If you have dogs or cats, you’ll likely find a trail of ants leading up to and inside their food bowl.

3. You notice stray ants walking around

The search for food is a continuous one for ants, and when there’s a major infestation present, there will be plenty of scout ants wandering around your home. If you regularly spot individual ants in unconventional places, such as your bedroom or the bathroom, they are probably part of a much larger infestation.

4. You find ant nests outside the home

Ants won’t often build their nests inside of your home, but infestations are usually accompanied by nests that are within close distance of the house, or even adjacent to exterior walls. Look for small mounds of dirt with plenty of ants milling around. They will seem minor and insignificant, but there are countless ants just underneath the surface.

Prevention

Prevention is always the best form of pest control. Follow these simple guidelines to keep carpenter ants out of your home.

  • /Keep your home clean—particularly the kitchen, flooring, windowsills and countertops. Without a food source, ants will have no reason to enter your home.
  • Seal all food in tightly closed containers. Keep all food storage areas free of crumbs and residues (Tip: wipe off all those jam, sauce and honey containers).
  • Never leave food remains or dirty dishes in the sink.
  • Take the trash out regularly, and keep all trash cans clean and sealed.
  • Any spilled food should be cleaned up immediately.
  • Seal any cracks, crevices and holes—all potential ant entrances—with caulk or other sealant.
  • Remove or remedy all sources of unnecessary moisture both inside and outside your home, including: leaky plumbing, basements, crawl spaces, A/C units, hoses, faucets, sprinklers, clogged drainage areas, etc
  • Remove possible nesting spaces from your yard, such as: woodpiles, wooden yard equipment, brush, dead or dying trees & tree strumps, unused dog houses, furniture, and any other possibly  moist, wooden items.
  • Keep tree limbs and branches away from the walls of your home. Carpenter ants use these as bridges to enter your home.
  • Do not store lumber or firewood inside or right outside your home.

Why Should You Consider Foam Roof Repair

Steps For Choosing The Best Roofing Contractor

A house is a safe haven which protects your family from harsh weather and provides security. Compromising your family with the use of poor quality roofing solutions can be costly and risky too. That’s why its advisable to use good quality roofing services and ensure you obtain good workmanship. Getting roofing repairs every now and then is a costly affair

Looking for a roofing contractor.

Word of mouth is always the best method of acquiring accurate details of a contractor. Friends, family & relatives, colleagues and neighbors can be a great source of information. Ask them about the roofing contractor they’ve used in the past. They will be more than willing to assist you.

License Verification

Check if he has a license and if yes, check whether its up-to-date. This can be done by contacting the license board. The contractors’ website is also another great source where you can check the type of licensing required for roofing contractors.

Ask for his identification documents

He should prove that he is legal by giving you his business address, tax identification number or his phone number.

Check if he has an Insurance cover

The insurance should include a worker’s compensation and liability coverage. Its not a good idea to hire an uninsured contractor.

Things to Look for in Picking a Roofer

A few tips for when you are looking to repair your roof

This past Sunday, much of Denton County was bombarded by high winds and hail stones. You may have experienced some roof damage after the storms. When picking a company to repair the damage to your house, make sure you pick a reputable company.

Here is a check list of eight questions you should ask before choosing a roofer:

1) Are they local or in the area?  Are they close enough to come back for follow ups?

2) How long have they been in business?  Do they have the experience to get the work done?  It takes several years in any business to be considered experienced.

3) Do you know them or have they worked for someone that you know?  Be familiar with the roofer and their clients.

4) Do their clients refer them?  Check their past track record with friends or acquaintances.  Was the work satisfactory?

5) Can they do the type of work you need?  Not all work is the same, your style of shingle, type of construction, pitch of the roof.  More unusual houses sometimes cost more.

6) Are they insured or bonded? This way, should something go wrong or the work is never completed, you are protected.

7) Don’t let price be the only determinant; but instead consider value which is a combination of price and all the other issues that need to be addressed.

8) Consider several options and check references. Get a few bids from different contractors. Going with the cheapest option is not necessarily the best option. Do a little research to check which bid also has the best references

Having a damaged roof can be stressful. However, rushing who you pick to do repairs can end up causing even more headaches. A little due diligence in choosing a contractor, can make a world of difference.

Mistakes When Choosing a Roofer

Do you need to replace your roof or have it repaired? Investing in your roof is a major expense. It’s important to make sure you do your research and choose a reputable, experienced contractor to complete the work.

For many homeowners, the options can seem daunting. Many individuals who call themselves professional roofers are actually “fly-by-night” contractors, swindling homeowners before disappearing. So how can you be sure you’re making the

right decision?

Location: Beware of door-to-door roofers. A legitimate, well-established roofing company will have a physical location out of which they operate. If they give you a PO box, make sure you follow up and request their actual address.

Read Customer Reviews: There’s no better barometer than the experiences of previous customers. Many residential roofing companies will post customer testimonials on their website, though you should also visit third-party sources like HomeStars.

Check out the Company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating: BBB’s database helps people find local, reputable businesses. A company’s BBB profile will include current and resolved complaints and customer reviews.

How To Choose The Best Roofer

Choosing the best roofer for a home should be a concentrated and intense search; after all, the average homeowner replaces his roof well, he never replaces it.   And his search is therefore not for a competent roofer, but for the best there is.  This is a lifetime investment hes deciding upon.   And surprisingly enough, the rules that usually apply to getting a good deal in other areas may not be the best ideas, or yield the best deal, in this case.

The first rule most people have whenever theyre buying anything is to buy it from whoever gives the cheapest price.  Statistically, however, the best roofers are not cheap.  The cheapest roofer isnt likely to do the best or most permanent job.  His business may be a novice one and just getting off the ground; the temptation that hits many new companies is to offer the cheapest bids on contractual jobs such as roofing.  How do they make the bid work?  They use the cheapest materials and cut corners, definitely not what one wants in a lifetime investment.

Since one doesnt want a new roofer to work at the homeowners expense, its best to shop around for a middle – of – the – road price range, and a roofer that has credentials, references and a portfolio (all of which should be on his website) showing that he does good, competent and long – lasting work.   Obviously the best roofers still want to stay in business, and that means offering competitive prices, but they still will do the job in the best and most competent way after all, their reputation follows them.

The second rule most people have is, local businesses are not as good as a national chain.  Again, not true.  Local roofers are usually the ones who have the inside information on permits and insurance for roofing.  For example, in a hurricane – prone area, the licenses, permits and insurance will be far different, and probably more expensive, than other areas of the country.  A local man will know the ins and outs of the business far more effectively than a national chain will

The third rule:  avoid family businesses, since they rip you off if youre not family.  This one is absolutely untrue; a generational roofing business is ideal to use.  It has been around for quite a while, no one employed there is a novice just learning his trade, and the business has, in all probability, a sterling reputation with the local community .  Theyve been at it long enough that they know what theyre good at, and so do their customers.

ADVICE ON CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

When choosing a roofing contractor you should consider your choice very carefully and you are advised to check them out before employing them. If you employ a good reputable roofing contractor in terms of price, reliability and workmanship, the potential for problems will be greatly reduced.

ALSO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

Select up to three contractors to look at the job. If possible, obtain recommendations from family, friends, neighbours or a reputable trade association.

Ask each of them to give advice on which materials they would suggest using.

Invite quotes from each contractor but do not automatically take the cheapest option. Base your choice on the quality of the advice given and your confidence in the contractor. Also, if in doubt, consult your local NFRC Regional Manager.

Ask for a guarantee on new or refurbishment work. NFRC offers guarantee schemes which back up, but are independent of, the contractor’s own guarantee. Remember that even the best contractors can go out of business whereupon their own guarantees become worthless, so make sure you will be covered.

Ensure that the quote or estimate selected is given to you in writing – except possibly for small emergency repairs.

Bear in mind that ‘estimates’ for refurbishment work can change once the chosen contractor has removed the main covering (e.g. tiles/ slates) to expose the sub-structure underneath.

Agree payment terms before the work commences. Be careful on upfront payments ensure you know what you are getting for any upfront payment. It may be difficult to get monies back. Contractors offering cash / VAT-free deals are not easily tracked down if things go wrong.

Don’t expect to obtain free advice from contractors, unless you have a real intention to assign the contract to them.

Remember that a property owner is responsible for any planning permission that may be required on that property.

Please be aware that when carrying out refurbishment work to 50% or more of a roof’s area that either a CompetentRoofer (a Competent Person Scheme for roofing) must be employed or your Local Authority Building Control must be contacted prior to work starting. This is in order to confirm that the roof should be upgraded to meet thermal requirements of Part L of the current Building Regulations.

Instructions Of Interior Painting

How To Select the Right Paint and Color For Your Home

Painting is a quick and cheap way to give an old room a breath of fresh air or to make your house more sellable if you are putting it on the market. Find out all you have ever wanted to know about selecting paint.

Which paint should you choose?

Paint comes in a variety of sheens as well as in either oil or latex. Latex paint is the most commonly and preferred paint type to use because of its ease of clean up and long lasting durability. It also tends to be more fade resistant and breathes better than oil, resulting in less blistering of the paint. I recommend using a latex paint for most of your walls and household uses. However, oil based paint is great for priming real wood moldings and trim as it tends to seal stains and knots from the wood better than a latex paint wood. It does take longer to dry than a latex paint though, so plan for more drying time. I personally use an oil based shellac primer on my trim and then opt for a latex paint as the top coat. There are a variety of brands on the market, but my top preference is Behr paint.

Which sheen should I select?

The glossier the paint, the easier it is to clean up. If you have small children and the room you are painting has high traffic, like in a playroom, or tends to get grease on the wall such as in a kitchen, opt for high gloss sheen as you can easily wipe the wall down with a damp sponge. This will however make blemishes and imperfections in your wall more apparent and in rooms such as living rooms, could give off an unpleasant shine. High gloss is also great for trim and will give the trim a nice finished look, complementing the flatter sheen of your walls

Which color should I choose?

If you are in the process of selling your house, I recommend selecting a white or off-white color as the choice for walls. This will allow the buyer to easily cover the wall with their choice of color and will give your rooms a brighter and clean appearance. However, you should take full advantage of the hundreds of paint selections and brochures at your local paint store as well as talk to a salesperson about the various color schemes for the look you want. You can change the feel of any room in your house with a little planning and some color, varying the shades for a certain look or feel.

I want a subtle and soothing look:

You can choose to stay within the same shade and use a monochromatic approach such as select a variety of shades of blue for subtle color that tends to be soothing. This tends to look good in a bathroom or a bedroom if you want the feeling of calmness. Just choose your favorite color and overlap the shades. For example, select a darker color for the wall and then another in the same color scheme but different shade and slightly lighter for the trim. Your curtains, towels or bedding as well as accessories such as candles can be varying shades within the same scheme. You can also layer the colors by selecting a lighter green as the basecoat and then do a faux paint with a darker green overlay.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAINT COLOR

Today I’m continuing my quest to making choosing the right paint color easier for all of you. Last week we talked about neutral paint colors and how to choose the right one, but you will probably still end up with a few different colors or shades that you need to decide between and that is where today’s post will help you

Don’t Pick Your Paint Color First.

I know it seems natural to get the biggest things done first, but it is much easier to choose a paint color that goes with your furniture and decor than it is to choose decor to go with a paint color.

Start With An Inspiration.

Pinterest is a great place to start when deciding on paint colors. Make a board for each room and start pinning rooms that catch your eye. Once you have about 10 you’ll get a feel for what you are drawn to color and style wise.

Stick With Neutrals.

Now I’m not saying avoid color all together. Color is good, but you have to first decide where you want the attention in a room to go. If your answer is the walls, then heck, go bold. And if you go bold on the walls everything else in the room should be pretty neutral so that you don’t end up with too many things competing. This is why bold color in a bathroom can work so well because most everything else in a bathroom is already neutral (white)

Use Testers.

Buy testers in a few colors/ shades and paint a large enough area on a few different walls so that you can see how the light hits it at different times of the day. Try your best not to test your paint against white walls cause it will throw the color off. If you have to, just do a larger test area to get a better feel.

How to Choose Interior Paint Colors

Choosing the right interior paint colors depends on the kind of room you want. Take some time to think about what kind of ambiance you want. Certain colors add weight to the room while others create a lighter tone. You can also mix colors into different shades and tints to help create more visual unity. Plan out your rooms before painting so that you can make your home’s interior pleasant no matter what colors you use

Paint with warm colors to create comfortable, energizing rooms. Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow. The brightest tints of these colors are bold and vibrant but can be too strong when used often. More muted shades can make a room feel cozier, similar to a summer or autumn day. Warm colors work well in rooms that feature a lot of activity, such as living rooms

Choose cool colors to make a room relaxing. Blue, green, and purple are all cool colors. Cool colors can freshen up a room or help you calm down after a long day. They make for good choices in bedrooms and sitting rooms. Lighter shades can feel more vibrant, while darker shades can feel more soothing

Select neutral colors to balance out other colors. At first glance, the various shades of white and gray seem boring. In decorating, they are very useful because they fit well in any color palette. They tone down warm or light colors, but they also lighten cool or dark colors. Black, brown, and light blue are a few alternative colors that can serve as a neutral base

Opt for lighter tints in order to open up rooms. Pale yellows, blues, and whites are great choices to lighten up a room. Light colors lack visual weight, which means your eye isn’t drawn to them. When you step into the room, your eye may go to a piece of art or another bright feature. Since you aren’t focused on the exterior surfaces, rooms with light colors often feel larger than they are

Here’s How to Pick the Perfect Paint Color Every Time

Let’s face it: Picking the right paint color is important. There’s no denying the shade we pick to adorn the walls is a fundamental part of any interior design project. In fact, it’s often the element the rest of our aesthetic choices are based on.

Buy textiles first

Usually when we talk about textiles, they’re considered a finishing aspect of the design, so this advice may seem counterintuitive. However, one of the easiest ways to make sure your paint coordinates well with the rest of the room is to use fabrics as your design inspiration.

Work with neighboring spaces

Odds are, you’ve experienced a house where the paint choices were truly overwhelming. As you walked from room to room it may have felt as though there was nowhere for your eyes to rest, as though the home was too busy for its own good.

Factor in lighting

Like it or not, the way in which a room is lit can have a huge impact on how the room looks. Each light temperature pulls out a color undertone, which is why rooms often feel vastly different at night than they do during the day.

Don’t forget finish

Many people tend to overlook the fact that paint color is about much more than the shade itself. Finish is another component that can alter how your finished product looks. Be sure to take this into account before making your final decision.

How to Choose the Right Paint Color for Every Room

Feeling in the mood for a revamp? Painting a room or a single wall in your home is a simple DIY that promises to have a major impact in any space. When it comes to taking on a home renovation project, doing your due diligence is a must. From sampling chips to evaluating natural light, there are a number of essential dos and don’ts you should consider before you even walk into a paint shop

Take Note of Permanent Features

Before you even lift a paint palette, look around your home and take inventory of the permanent features of your home. Do you have dark stained-wood floors, exposed beams, or a brick fireplace? Are you planning to make any permanent changes in the near future? The hue and tone of all these elements should be strongly considered before you move forward with your design.

Don’t Start With Painting

It’s okay to walk into your design process knowing that you want pops of color, but choosing your paint color should be the last step in your design process. First, find inspiration for your room—be it in a family painting or a textile you love. Select your fabrics, furniture, and major accents first, and then consider how they all come together. Is there a hint of yellow in your botanical-print fabric that you want to pull out? Is your stained-wood table darker than you realise? It’ll be too late to chime in on these details if painting was your first step.

Get to Know the Colour Wheel

To find colors that complement your chosen fabrics, finishes, and furniture, use a colour wheel. The expression “opposites attract” is as true in colour as it is in relationships: Hues opposite each other on the color wheel are complementary. So blue complements orange and red-orange complements blue-green.

Test Paints Before Committing

If you’re seeing chartreuse everywhere lately, that’s a good sign it’s a colour that’s on its way out. Though your walls can be repainted, it’s not something you’ll want to do once a year. So if you’re lusting after an on-trend color, use that in your accents and select a wall paint that’s more timeless and/or subtle.