Author: christopher

Should You See A Dog Bite Lawyer

christopher

Do I Need a Dog Bite Attorney?

Dogs can provide a seemingly endless amount of love and companionship, but even the most harmless dogs can cause property damage or personal injuries. If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney. Since applicable laws vary by state, a local dog bite attorney can tell you whether you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be utilized, and the possible legal and monetary consequences of your dog bite case.

What Can I Do if I’m Injured by a Dog?

You have a number of options if you’re bitten by someone’s dog or other pet. For starters, you can pursue an insurance claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. Many homeowners insurance policies will cover an initial dog bite claim that occurs on the insured’s property. In these cases, a dog bite attorney can be very helpful in dealing with the insurance company and using their knowledge and experience to negotiate a fair settlement.

You can also file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or caretaker for damages. Some state statutes even allow these lawsuits to cover other types of dog-related injuries, not just dog bites. Dog bite attorneys play a vital role in these lawsuits since they know the applicable laws of your state, how to calculate damages, and how to present evidence in the most effective way.

When Dog Owners Are Strictly Liable for Bites

When the victims sue to get compensation for their damages, it doesn’t matter whether the owners knew their dogs had ever been vicious before. That means they can’t argue that they didn’t know their dogs could be dangerous, or that they took care to prevent the animals from hurting someone.

The law has some limits. The owner is strictly liable only if the injured person:

  • was bitten, and
  • was either in a public place or “lawfully in a private place” when the bite happened.

For the purpose of the statute, anyone who’s carrying out a legal duty (like delivering mail) is lawfully on private property. Also, injured people can’t sue under this statute if they were bitten by police or military dogs that were either doing law enforcement work or defending themselves against annoying or provocative behavior.

If a dog grabs someone with its teeth but doesn’t break the skin, that could still count as a bite. In a case where a worker fell from his ladder after a dog closed its jaws on his pants, the court held that the animal’s owner was liable for the injuries under section 3342

What damages are covered?

People who have been bitten by a dog in California are often entitled to compensation for their injuries. Compensatory damages may include, without limitation:

  • Medical bills,
  • Physical or vocational therapy,
  • Psychological counseling,
  • Lost wages,
  • Lost earning capacity,
  • Pain and suffering,
  • Scarring, and/or
  • Loss of the use of a limb.

How can I reduce my liability?

If you own a dog and are concerned about your liability in the case it bites/attacks/knocks over someone, there are several things you can do to mitigate the potential damages.

Post a sign on your gate warning people that you have a dog on the property

Take your dog to training

Walk your dog on a leash (if you fail to comply with the local leash laws, you may find yourself paying punitive damages as well.

One free bite

The ‘one free bite’ rule states that in the case of the first dog bite, the owners are not held liable for the damages as the dog may not have shown aggressive or violent tendencies. This rule is not upheld in all states though, with some states placing dog owners under ‘strict liability’, meaning that even if the dog has attacked someone for the first time and has never shown an aggressive disposition, the owners will be liable for the damages incurred. Make sure you are aware of your local laws and always abide by them.

Legal options: What to do if you get attacked by a dog

If you or someone in your household is attacked by a neighbor’s dog, you have several options. First, decide if you want to take any action at all.

If the injury is minor and you’re confident it’s an isolated incident, you may not feel the need to do anything (other than avoid the dog in the future). If you suffered a more serious injury on the other hand, you could ask the neighbor to voluntarily compensate you. Also, if you feel the dog presents an ongoing danger, you may want to report the incident to the police.

Compensation for your injury could include costs for:

  • Medical treatment related to the attack.
  • Income lost due to missed work.
  • Property that was destroyed or damaged (eyeglasses, clothing, etc.).
  • Any lasting disability or scar.
  • Emotional suffering.

Helpful Tips On Hardwood Flooring

christopher

What Is Engineered Wooden Flooring?

Engineered flooring consists of a top layer of solid wood — the veneer. This ranges in thickness depending on the quality of the flooring, but is typically between 3-7mm, although thicknesses of up to 15mm are available. Underneath the veneer are several more layers of thin wood, all glued together to form a plywood-like sandwich base. These layers run at 90° to one another for stability, making them less prone to movement, caused by humidity, than solid boards.

8 Must Know Things You Need To Know When Buying Hardwood Flooring!

If you are someone who is looking to buy hardwood flooring, do not rush! This article will give you a list of things that you have to know about such floors before buying them so that you are not stuck with something that you don’t want or something that you pay for but accidentally end up ruining.

  1. Acclimation- it is necessary for the hardwood to be acclimatised to its surroundings properly to be able to last long without damage. One of the main things you should keep in mind here is the moisture content of the wood as well as the sub-floor which should not differ from each other by more that 2-4%. Before you install the wood into the sub-floor, you also have to make sure that it reaches room temperature 24 hours before the installation process. Make sure to follow the instructions given carefully with regard to acclimatisation.
  2. Moisture content- while each type of wood and each manufacturer will have a different figure for the ideal moisture content of the hardwood, there is a universal average of 6-9% that is considered good. If there is a huge difference in moisture levels between the wood and the sub-floor, you could face sudden expansion or contraction. To avoid this, make sure to use an electronic moisture metre to measure moisture content
  3. Climate control- it is necessary for the climate to be maintained constantly throughout the installation process for it to happen smoothly. There are different tactics which you can employ if you want to maintain the temperature in the room and all of this can be found on the internet
  4. Floating floors- when you install a floating floor, keep in mind that as with regular wood, this will also expand and contract with temperature changes and you should therefore leave enough space between the floors and walls to allow this to happen
  5. Expansion joint- these are an absolute necessity when two rooms converge at a point. The most common type of molding used is the T type to allow for the expansion and contraction
  6. Moisture control- with all the emphasis on moisture content, it is obvious that the amount of moisture in the sub-floor has to be controlled. The upper limit for relative humidity in the sub-floor is 65% and anything higher than this can be detrimental. For moisture, your sub-floor must not exceed 12% and if it does, you cannot use hardwood for your flooring
  7. Glue down flooring- while it may seem logical to simply glue down the hardwood to the sub-floor, you may want to avoid this as it becomes problematic when you want to pull it out and replace it. Alternately, you can glue the pieces of hardwood to each other or install it on the sub-floor using tongues and grooves
  8. Nail down flooring- for this, make sure that you carefully read the instructions that come with and even call in the help of professionals if you need to because fixing it improperly can cause permanent, irreversible damage

5 Reasons to Choose Pre-Finished Versus On-Site Finishing

Here’s 5 advantages of pre-finished white oak flooring:

  1. Prefinished boards expand or shrink individually, leaving the floor smooth. Site finished floors can stick together with the overlapping finish. This is called “side-bonding” and can create unsightly gaps as the floor naturally moves with the changes in temperature and humidity.
  2. You don’t have to move your family out of the house while the floor is drying.
  3. You don’t have dust from sanding and there are no odors or hazardous fumes from stains and sealers.
  4. Less installation time.
  5. You’re ready to walk on prefinished floors the moment the last board is down. No drying or curing time needed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Flooring

So many flooring choices, so little time to research which looks good, feels good, and lasts.

No worries. We’ve sorted it out for you with a handy do’s and don’ts list.

Style

DO: Consider your home’s layout. Got an open floor plan? Using the same flooring throughout the space will create a clean, continuous appearance. 

DON’T: Forget about your home’s architectural integrity. By all means, make your home a reflection of your personal style. (Get inspired by these super-cool floor ideas.) Just keep in mind that staying true to your home’s innate style will pay off when it’s time to sell. 
 
Tip: Hardwood floors are the goof-proof option.

  • Hardwood is a win-win when it comes to architectural style. It’s equally at home in both classic and contemporary abodes. You and your eventual buyers will never regret the choice.
  • It’s practical and beautiful; hardwood is strong enough for kitchen duty, but adds a homey and classic touch.

Durability

DO: Keep your local climate in mind. Damp and humid weather can shorten a floor’s lifespan. For instance, hardwood can warp.

DON’T: Underestimate wear and tear depending on where you’re planning to install new flooring. Drop a glass jar on ceramic tile and it’ll chip; heavy foot traffic will beat up pretty plush carpeting.

Tip: Properly sealed, concrete floors are a tough and good-looking choice.

  • Concrete resists water, stains, smells, and scratches. It also won’t harbor mold or mildew.
  • It can take a pounding, so no worries there about daily wear and tear.
  • It packs an energy-saving benefit since concrete floors can retain your home’s heating and cooling.
  • The icing on the cake? It can be painted to look like wood or tile.

Comfort And Air Quality

DO: Consider comfortable flooring materials, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time standing, such as the kitchen, and if you have small children or plan to age in place.

DON’T: Contribute to household air pollution. Both traditional vinyl flooring and newly installed carpets can emit high levels of VOCs for up to 72 hours.

Tip: Cork hits the comfort and environmental-friendly trifecta.

  • It’s a treat for feet (think kitchens) and can soften the blow when little ones fall (think basements, family rooms, kids’ rooms) thanks to microscopic air pockets that give the material its cushiness.
  • Cork is great for indoor health. It won’t hold on to dust and pollen and resists nasties like bacteria and fungi. When it comes to VOCs, go with low- or no-formaldehyde content and avoid cork-vinyl composites. How do you do that? Look for cork flooring products that are either Floorscore or Greenguard certified, or that qualify for a LEED point for low-emitting materials. Also, if you’re using a sealer or an adhesive select a low- or no-VOC product.
  • It’s sustainably harvested. Cork flooring is made from cork oak bark. Since the bark grows back, the tree is left standing.

Life Of The Floor

How long until, realistically, you have to redo this kind of floor? There have been studies done that found the lifespan of this particular kind of floor can be between 40 and 80 years. That is a really, really long time to get out of a floor; are you going to own your home for, at the least, 40 years? Probably not. So the life of this floor is going to last, at least, for the time you own your home and well into the span of the next owner’s time there. Outside of solid hardwood floor, you are very unlikely to find this kind of lifespan from any other flooring type out there.

Scratches, Dents And Other Small Marks

Due to the fact that engineered flooring has a top layer of solid wood it is actually susceptible to the same drawbacks of having solid hardwood floors such as easily being scratched and dented. If you do not mind a few marks of character on your floor then it probably will not be a big deal, but if you want your floors to stay pristine then you may not feel like these floors are very durable. However it is important to keep in mind that if you are, at all, living on your floors you are probably going to notice a mark eventually on them. The benefit of engineered flooring is that you can fix it with a wax repair kit, or based on who the manufacturer is, refinish these floors once or twice.

Moisture

Perhaps one of the best things about engineered flooring is that it takes the best of solid hardwood and the best of laminate wood floor and combines it into this durable, robust product. Engineered flooring looks exactly like solid hardwood, but it can be installed in basements or other areas prone to moisture. Provided a proper subfloor with a moisture barrier is installed under the floor it is an incredibly durable flooring product. By ensuring these are installed under the floor, the floor itself can actually take a lot of moisture. This does not mean spill something on it and leave it indefinitely, but if you home tends to be humid the floor is probably not going to warp or bubble.

Simple Guidance For Easy Toilet Installation

christopher

Learning the Basics of Toilet Installation

Remove the Lid and Drain the Tank

Shut off the water supply to the toilet by firmly closing the supply valve. Remove the tank lid, and flush the toilet, holding the lever down to let as much water drain from the tank as possible. Use a sponge to soak up the excess water in the tank and a plunger to force as much water as possible out of the bowl.

Remove the Caps and Nuts

Pop the caps from the base of the bowl. Remove the nuts with an open-ended wrench. You may need to hold the bolt still with a pair of needle-nose pliers. If the nut is rusted to the bolt, you may have to break it off.

Remove the Toilet

Disconnect the toilet supply tube from the toilet stop. Shift the toilet back and forth while lifting it off the flange. If you’re working alone, remove the tank by unbolting it from the bowl before you attempt lifting the toilet from the flange.

To prevent sewer gases from entering your bathroom, stuff a rag into the drain opening. Scrape all the old wax from the flange, and check for cracks. If the flange is cracked, replace it. Be sure to wear gloves when scraping off the old wax.

Install New Bolts and Wax Seal

Place the new toilet bolts in the flange with the bolts pointing up. Remove the rag from the toilet drain, and place a wax seal on the flange. Squeeze enough wax onto the bolts to hold them upright. Use a deep-seat wax seal when replacing older water toilets.

Attach the Tank to the Bowl

Set the tank seal in place. Place the tank on the bowl. Drop the tank bolts through the appropriate holes. Tighten the bolts until the tank doesn’t wobble. Be sure not to over tighten the bolts: you could crack the porcelain. If you’re working alone, attach the bowl to the floor before installing the tank.

Install the New Water Closet

Slowly set the tank and bowl assembly onto the wax seal, lining up the bolts with the mounting holes in the bowl. Tighten the nuts onto the bowl until the assembly doesn’t wobble. Reconnect the toilet supply tube to the tank. Refill the tank, adjust the water level, and check for leaks. Attach the seat using the seat bolts provided.

How Often Should I Replace My Plumbing Fixtures?

Toilets (like the actual toilet bowls themselves) really only need to be replaced if they’re cracked, though different parts within the toilet may need replaced more frequently. For example:

  • Handle: there is no distinct time frame, but you should replace your toilet handle if:
    • You have to jiggle it to stop the water from running
    • Your toilet won’t fully flush unless you hold the handle down
    • Your water runs on its own without you having flushed
  • Flappers, trip levers, fill valves, fittings, and plumbing connections: 4-5 years
  • Wax seals: 20-30 years

Toilets should be caulked at the floor

As standard procedure for every home inspection that I perform, I check the toilets to make sure they’re properly anchored to the floor. Almost every time I find a toilet that’s loose, I also find missing caulk at the base of the toilet. The two go hand-in-hand.

When I find a loose toilet I tell my client to properly secure the toilet to the floor and to caulk around the base of the toilet, but I frequently get clients that tell me they’ve heard otherwise.

The thought process behind not caulking a toilet to the floor is that if the toilet leaks at the floor, you’ll quickly find out about the leak as long as the toilet isn’t caulked. If it is caulked, the thinking is that if the toilet flange leaks, you’ll end up trapping water between the toilet base and the floor in an area that you can’t access.

In reality, toilets rarely leak onto the floor. More often, they leak through the floor around the flange. I’ve found plenty of toilets that leak down into the basement, but very few that leak onto the bathroom floor.

If the Toilet Won’t Stop Rockin’

If tightening the flange bolts or shimming the toilet base doesn’t stop your toilet from rocking, there might be more significant problems down below. The flange bolts that secure the toilet base are themselves held by a metal or plastic ring at the top of the toilet flange. The ring can corrode or break, loosening its grip on the bolts.

If your rocking comes back after ​a while, or if the bolts loosen up and won’t retighten, a damaged flange is likely the cause. The solution is to remove the toilet and either replace the old flange or repair it with a flange repair kit.

Top Toilet Tip:

Instead of standing by feeling helpless as a clogged toilet threatens to overflow, take action: Quickly remove the tank lid, reach into the tank and close the flapper—the round, rubber trap door that seals over the big hole in the bottom center of the tank. This will stop the flow of water into the bowl. Alternatively, you can close the shut-off valve to the water supply line. It’s on the wall behind the toilet, near the handle side and several inches above the floor. It has a football-shaped handle that you want to turn to the right, just like a faucet. Be warned, however: Old valves can be stuck and corroded, and turning them may cause some leakage.

Most Frequent Electrical Home Inspections Problems

christopher

Easy In-House Electrical Inspection – Damaged Electrical Outlets

Found a melted or scorched electrical outlet? Be glad — it could have been a lot worse. Outlets burn and melt due to internal sparking or overheated wires. Left unfixed, you could end up with a house fire, broken appliance, or severe injury. Many homeowners can confidently replace an electrical outlet as a DIY project, but in this case you may have wiring damage that requires professional repair. Get in touch with us about replacing and testing your electrical outlets to make sure power flows smoothly.

Sparks Are Flying

When all the parts are tight and in good condition, power flows normally through the electrical outlet. If a metal part becomes loose or damaged, the power jumps around in sparks. This is called arcing.

The most common example: the screw that holds the wire onto the terminal might be loose. When power flows through that wire, some of the energy shoots a spark toward the metal receptacle box or another metal part.

Arcing can cause a fire, but it more often overheats the electrical outlet. Plastic cannot withstand the heat, and begins to melt. You may notice black or brown burn marks before the plastic actually melts.

Insufficient Wiring

Wiring problems can also cause a melted electrical outlet. Whenever there’s more power than the wires can handle, overheating happens. Either the wires were not the correct size to begin with, or you have an electrical system problem sending excess power to the receptacle.

If you have performed some DIY repairs on the electrical outlet or perhaps the previous homeowner might have done something amateurish, it’s best to bring in a professional electrician to make sure the wiring is safe — especially after verifying that the terminals are tightly screwed on and everything looks good otherwise.

Don’t Ignore Smaller Problems

It’s hard to ignore sparks and melting plastic, but many people ignore problems like a loose electrical outlet, flickering lights, and frequently tripping breakers. Remember: breakers trip because something is wrong. And healthy outlets always work reliably. Take these issues as warning signs of a bigger problem!

If one electrical outlet melts, check the other outlets in the room for damage. You may have a problem beyond the one outlet, especially if faulty wiring is to blame.

What does a home electrical system inspection involve?

electrical inspectors must examine several segments of your home’s electrical system, including:

  • Service panels and subpanels (what some people may call a circuit breaker or fuse box):
  • They’ll typically remove the cover, noting that nothing inside the panel is humming or hot—and that there are no fuses instead of circuit breakers. They’ll also check for loose wires, that wires are the right gauge for the breakers, and that the main breaker is the right size. (Smaller than 100 amps is not enough for the electrical needs of a modern family, ICA says.)
  • Outlets (or receptacles): They’ll use a handheld device, a multimeter, to probe the outlet and check the voltage and ground wire.
  • Light switches and fixtures: They’ll take a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, receptacles, and switches.
  • ​GFCI circuits and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs): The absence of GFCIs, AFCIs (which interrupt the circuit when it detects an electric arc), or other “overcurrent protection devices.”
  • The type of wiring: such as aluminum, knob-and-tube, or copper, and whether any of it is exposed or loose.

Don’t Overload Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 47,700 home fires in the U.S. are caused by electrical failures or malfunctions each year. These fires result in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage. Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by not overloading your electrical system.

Overloaded circuit warning signs:

  • Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
  • Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
  • Warm or discolored wall plates
  • Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
  • Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches
  • Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches

How to prevent electrical overloads:

  • Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances
  • All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only plug one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time
  • A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets
  • Power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being received from the outlet

Common Electrical Problems Found During Home Inspections

Whenever a home is being sold, it’s a common (and smart) practice for a prospective buyer to hire a qualified home inspector. Home inspectors can not only help assess a home or buildings condition but identify potential problems that may be factored into the terms of a sale or purchase price. In some cases buyers also engage the services of a licensed electrician to check and identify any electrical problems that a regular home inspector might miss. The most common problems we have seen that result in failed home inspections include the below …

Extension Cords in Permanent Use

Extension cords are to be used on a temporary basis for an external or remote power supply. If somebody is using extension cords on an everyday basis, that can only mean one thing: There aren’t enough outlets to handle all of the electrical devices the home or building uses today. This is more common in older homes, but it is a safety concern and it should always be corrected prior to a sale.

Improperly Wired Switches

This is a common problem electricians find when doing an inspection. People who try to do their own wiring or hire somebody who has only rudimentary electrical skills will often use reverse polarity when wiring a switch or an outlet. This happens when hot and neutral wires get “flipped” around, and doing this creates a shock hazard.

Missing or Faulty GFI Outlets

Faulty GFIs are a major issue even in newer homes in the Las Vegas / Henderson area due to the common use of cheap > lower quality materials. GFI (short for ground fault interrupter) outlets are what’s required wherever an electrical outlet is close to a source of water (like in a bathroom). The indicator of GFI failure is when they prematurely or frequently ‘trip’ resulting in the loss of power to localized electrical components (lights or other power supplies on the same circuit). GFI replacement is a relatively quick fix for a licensed electrician, and with higher quality components will result in several years of reliable use. It’s essential that GFIs are kept in good working order as their function is to protect you from the possibility of electrocution.

Double-Tapped / Lugged Breakers

This is when multiple wires are attached to a single breaker – a dangerous practice. As most circuit breakers are designed for single wires, this can cause loose connections, arcing, and potentially a fire. This is typically corrected by either the addition of additional breakers or in some cases where there are not load concerns, by wire nutting the connections together prior to the breaker panel.

Ungrounded Receptacles

It’s not unusual to find ungrounded electrical receptacles, especially in older homes. You can easily check if your own home’s outlets are grounded or not. Ungrounded outlets just have two slots to plug into, whereas grounded outlets have two slots plus a hole for the ground wire. It’s a good idea to have ungrounded receptacles upgraded to minimize risk of fire in the event that there is ever a fault with the electrical component using the circuit.

Understanding Electrical Inspection

What is the difference between a rough and a final inspection? There are at least two stages at which you’ll need to undergo electrical inspection and approval, usually by the same body that issued your permit. Rough inspection is first, when installation of the electric box and all wiring is finished but before the wiring’s been covered by your wall material. Next is final inspection, when all your home construction has been completed. NOTE: Your electrical system must pass final inspection before occupancy is permitted.

Which areas does the inspection cover? Guidelines specifying the electrical inspection criteria for your location may be obtained at the time you apply for your permit. The basic areas are:

  • equipment listing and labeling
  • electrical services
  • general circuitry
  • AFCI (arc-fault) protection
  • GFCI (ground fault) protection
  • grounding and bonding
  • underground wiring
  • wiring methods.

Be aware that if the inspector is called in to inspect a specific upgrade, he may notice — and write up — a violation in other, already existing work.

What to do if your electrical system fails inspection? Details vary, depending on your locale. However, the basic procedure is this: If inspection reveals a problem, you or your electrician will need to correct it and have the system inspected again. There might or might not be a fee for re-inspection. In some regions, a third party performs re-inspection. Generally you don’t need a new permit to make corrections, which are considered part of the original work. If you disagree with the rationale for the failure (and the correction is time-consuming and expensive), you may be able to appeal.

Cheap Auto Repair

christopher

Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

When your car needs work, two things come to mind. You want someone who will get the repair done quickly, and most importantly, someone who won’t overcharge you for the work. But how do you know which auto repair shops are honest and which ones want to take you for a ride?

Look for Experience – This may sound obvious, but just because a business has been operating for 50 years doesn’t mean the same mechanic has been doing all the work. Check out local websites, and don’t be afraid to ask how long the head mechanics have been working on vehicles. The more experienced the mechanic, the more likely he’s dealt with the exact same issue in the past.

Avoid certain National Chains – Some nationwide garages can offer a quick fix for your vehicle, but similar to the first point, they don’t always have the most experience. Many of the national chains have a higher rate of employee turnover than local shops. This may not seem that important, but you’ll learn why this is crucial in the next point.

Price Varies – The goal of any successful business is to operate in the green, and that can be hard to do if the company has a high rate of employee turnover. The more people a company hires, the more time they need to spend on training. Who usually does the training? The head mechanics. If a company can’t service as many vehicles as normal because a few of their workers quit, or because the lead mechanics are taking time out of their day to train the new hires, the company will be operating at a slimmer margin. The shop then needs to look for a way to make up the difference, and sometimes they achieve this by charging a little bit more for parts or labor.

Read the Reviews – The majority of people now use the Internet to find a trusted auto dealer, and many leave online reviews. Most car repair websites will have page dedicated to their customer reviews, but it’s important to remember that the company is the one controlling what is said on the site. Instead, check out the company’s Google Review. Based on a 5-point scale, you can see what customers think about the service they received.

Tips for Selecting Auto Repair Shops

If and when you’re dealing with auto repair problems, it can be a time-consuming process finding the right shop, but asking the right questions is key. Learn important tips that will help you select the right shop.

Ask around

Often the best referrals come from your friends and family who have had experience using the mechanics in your area. Getting a word-of-mouth referral from a friend or family member can also mean you’ll get an honest insight about their experience with those repair shops, which can help save you money or avoid a scam.

Shop around before an emergency

If your radiator is smoking or your car won’t run at all, chances are you are in a hurry to fix the problem. If you are in a rush to get your car to the shop, your judgment might be clouded; this may influence you to make a hasty decision based on needing your car back immediately, rather than saving money and receiving top-notch service.

Don’t choose based solely on price

While price may affect your choice, since you want an affordable rate, do not just opt for the cheapest choice. Do your research and compare. The cheapest rate may not always have the worst services; likewise, the most expensive might not offer the highest level of service.

Check online reviews

Your friends and family could have given you great advice about the repair shops that they have used, but they might not have covered all of your options or have had a major automobile issue that needed attention. Look at online reviews for unbiased consumers. Angie’s List has a wonderful forum where unbiased consumers share their experience about auto repair shops.

Tips for Choosing the Best Auto Repair Company to Fix Your Car

Our car performs the important function of driving us from one place to another in relative luxury and comfort, but a well-maintained vehicle does more than that; it keeps you safe on the road. A car can protect you and your family from external elements and road hazards. But sometimes, the danger comes from within and it is no one but the car owner’s fault. A vehicle that has been neglected and gone a long time without service is sure to have some malfunctioning components that can endanger the life of your family.

License and Certification

Besides shady auto repair services, a lot of people like cars and will offer you a bargain price to fix your vehicle. Don’t do it. You should only get your car fixed by a licensed and certified mechanic. When someone other than a qualified auto repair mechanic tinkers with your vehicle, it can void your warranty and can even lead to more problems in the future.

Visit the Staff

One of the best ways to reassure yourself that your car will be in good hands is to simply book a visitation appointment over the phone or through an email. During the visit, judge how the staff is treating you. If they are cordial and cooperative, it means your car will experience the same treatment. If they are impatient and rude, don’t trust them with your vehicle.

Check the Reviews

Word-of-mouth and referrals still remain the best form of organic advertising to this day. Now with the internet, it is getting easier and easier to see what others are saying about an organization. At PA Auto Inspection, we encourage our prospective customers to check out what our past customers are saying about us. Our review page is filled with honest testimonials of several happy customers who have had their cars fixed from us with very satisfactory results. You can also check out social media and Yelp reviews to see what people are saying about our service

Pricing

Although there is an industry standard for many types of auto repairs, they can vary a bit from mechanic to mechanic. When you are looking for a good automotive repair and service company, don’t be afraid to look around for the ones that give you the best price rather than settle for the first one you see.

Tips for Choosing a Car Repair Shop

Most people will always have a hard time deciding on which car shop to choose because a wrong choice can be costly. Some car repair shops are in business to take car parts that are new from their clients while they give the old and less efficient car parts. Those are the type of auto repair shops that you need to avoid by all means. This article provides you with essential tips that will enable you to find the right auto repair shop.

Do your Homework

Before choosing an auto repair shop, it is essential to make sure that you are well informed. Ask the people around what they think about the auto repair shop whose services you seek. They will always advise you accordingly. Apart from asking around for more information, you can always do your research on the internet.

Consider Online Reviews

Also, before choosing an auto repair shop, it is important to read online reviews. It is here where you will get all the hidden things that you might want to know about the shop. For instance, if there are people who used the services from the shop and they were dissatisfied for one reason or the other, you will get to know

The Reputation

Great auto shop repair companies will always have a good reputation. This is because they are dedicated to offering quality services to their clients. They know that if they fail to serve their clients right, they are not going to get many customers as they would have wished. Checking the online reviews will always tell you more about the reputation of the company.

Experience

When looking for car repair shops, it is a good idea that you choose the one that has a good experience. This is important because, through the experience of handling different cars, it means that they have skills that they can use to solve any problem. You would not want to give your precious car to people who might end up interfering with it one or the other.

Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

Auto repairs are can be both costly and unavoidable. When the time comes that your vehicle needs service, you need to bring it to an auto repair shop, MD that’s reliable and trustworthy. After all, you spend a good amount of time in your car, you need to make sure whoever keeps it running keeps it running right!

1.  Ask friends and family for their recommendations. After all, it’s often their opinions that you value most, and unless asked directly, most people won’t offer their advice on their favorite shop or mechanic, it’s just not the most interesting topic!

2.  Choose an auto repair shop before major repairs are needed. It’s a lot easier to choose a shop without the pressure of needing immediate repairs. It also gives you time to better weigh your options.

3.  Pick a shop that employs ASE Certified Technicians. ASE Certified Technicians are mechanics who have gone through rigorous training and testing to be experts in their automotive fields. You can trust they will take good care of your automobile.

4.  Make sure the auto shop your choose works on your make and model of vehicle. Some repair shops are specialized, so be sure that the shop you choose has mechanics that are certified to work on your type of vehicle.

5.  See if the shop has transportation options available. In the case that a major repair arises, can the shop give you a lift back home or to the office? Many auto repair shops will accommodate your transportation needs (within reason), so be sure to call and ask if a free local shuttle service or loaner cars are available.

6.  Make sure the shop will honor your vehicle’s warranty. Most independent auto repair shops will honor vehicle warranties, but it’s too important of a topic not to ask directly.

7.  Ensure the shop guarantees their services. Nowadays, you should never choose a shop that does not stand behind the car repair or maintenance services they provide. Ask about the warranty options the shop provides.

Realizing The Importance Of DUI Lawyer In Your DUI Charges

christopher

Tips for Hiring a DUI Lawyer

Interested in Law?

Read more about other legal information and insights at our blog. If you find this information helpful and want to know more about legal options in your area we offer topic lists for easy searching.

Make the Decision at Home

Which brings us to the final tip. Don’t make a final decision about which lawyer to go within the moment. Take a moment to think it over at home and come to a final decision.

Comfort and Confidence

This question brings in that human touch the strongest. A DUI lawyer may be less confident in their ability to win the case but match your personality. They may be enthusiastic about your chances but rub you the wrong way.

Assessment of Case

Lay out the details of your case. Work honestly and bring all the paperwork you have access to. The lawyer can’t make a good recommendation on your chances if you are not honest.

Steps to Find the Right DUI Lawyer

Come Up With a List of Potential Attorneys

There are a number of resources out there to help you in your search for the best DUI attorney. By seeking out personal recommendations and researching National Associations and State Bar Associations you can start filling up your list with some great attorneys to meet with. Like most major decisions in life, you will want to do your due diligence and research your options before choosing the right DUI attorney.

Determine Whether the Attorney is Qualified to Handle the Case

After your preliminary research is done you will then need to consider each attorney’s qualifications to make the best selection. You will want to find out the attorney’s educational background, what areas they specialize in, and if they are in good standing with their state bar.

Meet the Attorney for an In-Person Consultation

An in-person consultation will help you decide which attorney you feel most comfortable with and have the most confidence in. Below are some steps you should take to ensure the best consultation.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT DUI ATTORNEY?

National College of DUI Defense:

College Members represent the most experienced DUI Defense attorneys in the county. The National College of DUI Defense is an invite only non-profit organization aimed at improving the criminal defense bar and to educating the public about DUI defense law as a specialty area of law practice.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certification:

DUI defense lawyers that have participated in this training are certified to administer and interpret the standard filed sobriety tests to NHTSA standards. Less than 1% of practicing attorneys have received this specialized training. The NHTSA program is the exact same program that law enforcement officers take. The certification takes 21 classroom hours to obtain and encompasses in depth training on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test, Walk and Turn Test and the One Leg Stand Test.

Science of Breath Testing Course Certificate:

DUI defense attorneys that have participated in this course have spent time working with the equipment law enforcement uses to administer breath tests on drivers suspected of DUI. If your lawyer has participated in this training then they have an advanced knowledge of how breath test machines work, what faults the machines have, what maintenance the machines require and what protocols an officer must follow to correctly administer the test.

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD DUI LAWYER

REPUTATION

Definitely, the first thing that you want to follow when searching for a good DUI lawyer is the reputation. If you have ever wondered how to find a good DUI lawyer, we will give you all the information that you need. People never think about having a lawyer ready at all times, they go searching for one when it is time to deal with the issue. Depending on the penalty you are facing, you might not have a lot of time to spend on searching, so you better be prepared at all times and find yourself one now.

AFFORDABILITY

One of the important things that you have to be careful with when hiring a lawyer is to make sure that you hire one that you can actually afford. In order to avoid having to deal with a situation where you cannot pay the lawyer, you have to first ask him how much does he charge.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a DUI Attorney

Hiring a DUI Attorney

After meeting with the DUI DWI attorneys on your list, it’s time to choose one. If you only met with one, but the lawyer was clearly qualified-or you met with several, but one was the obvious choice-your search is over.

Legal Fees

Being arrested for DUI can be expensive. Possible outcomes could include loss of your driver’s license, increased insurance premiums, DUI school, fines, and possible jail time. And of course it costs money to hire a lawyer.

Case Management

DUI DWI attorneys use the term case management to describe how they handle your case. It’s important to know the logistics behind the scenes so that there are no misunderstandings. Some relevant questions to ask include.

Assessment of Your Case

Before DUI DWI attorneys can give you feedback about your options, they need to understand the charges and the evidence against you. Listen carefully to the questions the attorneys ask you, and answer them directly.

The Trials Of Tile Flooring Installation

christopher

Tips To Choose The Best Tile Floors For Every Room

Consider Tile Hardness

It measures the material’s ability to withstand wear/foot traffic, as well as scratches. The ratings are issued by the Porcelain Enamel Institute and are based on rigorous laboratory testing. You can use this scale to select a product that is most suitable for your room’s function.

Pay Attention To Tile Porosity

Another critical feature not to be missed is porosity. It is determined by the ratio of air holes to solids in a tile, which impacts the amount of water it absorbs. If you are installing tile in a moisture prone area, such as a bathroom, kitchen, mud room, laundry room, pay close attention to this rating.

Go For Porcelain Tiles – An All Around Win

If you are looking for a material that has strength, moisture resistance and versatile design, porcelain is the best choice. It is more durable than ceramic and comes in a greater variety of styles, colors and textures. Not all porcelain products are made equal, and you need to check the specs of each one.

Ensure Slip Resistance

Most tile materials tend to be slippery, and all the more so, if water is introduced into the equation. If you have children and elderly people in the house, it is very important to install slip resistant tile. The bathroom is a prime place where fall accidents may happen, particularly the shower area, so good slip resistance is highly recommended.

How to Choose the Right Floor Tile

Tile Trends

To kick off your selection process, you should first know the trends. Currently, large-format tile is leading the pack. This 12- by 24-inch tile is a stylish option for entryways, kitchens or bathrooms. On the other hand, small hex tile is a popular option for bathroom floors. This vintage option brings a classic look to any bathroom, but is too small for larger areas like a kitchen or entryway. Instead, another popular option for kitchens and entryways is plank tile that looks like wood. This option has been gaining steam for the last few years and remains a great way to get the look of hardwood with the durability of tile.

Tile Durability

Speaking of durability, this is the next thing you’ll want to address to help narrow down your choices. You should ask yourself, how much foot traffic will this tile get? After installing a brand-new tile floor, the last thing you want to find is a crack or chip. That’s why you want to make sure that if you’re putting tile in a high-traffic area like an entryway or kitchen that it’s durable enough to stand up to the challenge. To find out how durable the tile you’re looking at is, check out its PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating. If the tile has a PEI Class 1 rating, you should not consider it for the floor. A PEI Class 1 rating means the tile is not meant for any foot traffic. It should only be used for wall tile. Ratings of PEI Class 2-5 are acceptable for floor use. Class 2 is meant for light traffic, while Class 5 rated tile is the most durable, meant for heavy to extra-heavy traffic.

How to Choose Tile Flooring

There’s a reason why so many homeowners love tile floors, as it is one of the most versatile floor coverings on today’s market. The best part is, it’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. Not sure how or where to begin your journey to a home lined with multidimensional tiles? Flooring America associates are highly trained and enjoy helping you find flooring tiles that complement your décor.

Finding the Ideal Tiles for Your Home

Our reputable flooring store offers an array of tiles to upgrade the elegance of your residential interiors. Product lines are available in an array of colors, patterns, and styles so you can customize the look of any room in your room. Floor tiles are a conversation piece on their own!

Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile

We offer two types of tiles at Flooring America: ceramic and porcelain. Our associates are knowledgeable about every type we sell, ensuring that you know all your options. We carry the best name brands in the industry at prices that won’t break your budget. Here are the basic differences between the two materials.

The Complete Guide to Select the Right Tile for Your Project

Tile Durability

Most of your clients will probably worry about the appearance of the tile, which is understandable considering at least a partial goal of a new project is to revamp a home. But, what you must help them understand is that the primary factor to consider when choosing the tile is durability.

Location

The room where you are going to install the tile can help narrow down the options. The bathroom and kitchen require a waterproof material like ceramic or glass for the walls. However, you could also accommodate certain stone tiles to high-moisture areas.

Tile Size

Most tile models are available in a wide variety of sizes, so it shouldn’t be an issue to find something that will fit the particular project you’re working on at the moment. Measure the room carefully and keep its proportions in mind when picking a particular tile size.

How to Choose Tile Colors

Consider the size of room before choosing a color.

Floor tile colors in light hues, such as cream and pastels, can make a small room look larger. Light tile colors are good choices for a guest bathroom or narrow hallway. Dark floor tile colors, in rich chocolates, burnt sienna and variegated navy tones, look best in large areas like kitchens with an open floor plan and plenty of light.

Decide on a tile type.

Stain-resistant, glazed ceramic tiles work well on countertops or on bathroom and kitchen walls that are exposed to high humidity. Dense porcelain tile is scratch-resistant and works well for flooring.

Consult a color wheel for combinations.

Create a vibrant statement by choosing colors that are opposite on the color wheel. For example, in a room where you like to entertain, contrast a terra cotta tile with a rich blue wall color to give the room energy. In a room where you want to relax, choose colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. The tone-on-tone colors will create a more tranquil feeling.

Choosing A Kitchen Sink To Fit Your Kitchen

christopher

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink, According to Science

This includes the type, size, number of bowls, material, faucet fitting, and more. If you’re remodeling your kitchen from scratch, choosing a customized kitchen sink is more apt. Something that fits well with the ambience and color palette of the kitchen décor.

Choosing a new kitchen sink, as a homeowner, doesn’t have to be a price-based decision. You can easily narrow down your options based on the different styles and sizes of kitchen sinks. This guide will help you learn about the basics of kitchen sink and what makes it do functional and versatile in your home.

Looking At Different Sink Types

This is the simplest rundown for the common kitchen sinks types available on the market. You can opt for either on while modelling your kitchen or during renovating. Each kitchen sink type has its pros and cons, so it’s best to read through them all to find your most ideal fit.

How Many Sinks Would You Prefer?

The size of your kitchen sink also depends on the number of bowls it has. Based on how often you cook and make use of dishes can you determine the right number for you. The most common kitchen sink, in this regard, would be a large single bowl sink.

Considering The Right Sink Material

With attention to detail, comes selecting a durable and well-finished material for your kitchen sink. Here are some common sink materials to look forward to

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

Our kitchens are constantly being used and the sink is the first thing that will get worn-out. Naturally, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Whether you’re remodeling or just getting a sink as a new homeowner, here’s how you can narrow down your choices from all the styles and types.

Under Mount

The key behind choosing the right kitchen sink is to evaluate your space and personal needs based on the three main types of sinks. An undermounted sink is installed below a countertop so that the sink drops down. The obvious advantage with this type of sink is that you can wipe a surface down straight into the sink. The under mounted sink is compatible with solid surface countertop materials like granite, soapstone, marble, or concrete with a wide array of durable sinks. Unfortunately, other materials such as laminate or tile counters are not stable enough to support the strength of the sink.

Top Mount or Drop In

Top Mount or Drop In sinks are installed in a hole in your countertop. There is no need for interior support. However, these kinds of sinks are usually very hard to clean.

Cost -Effective Materials

Every sink gets wear and tear, but some sinks get worn down more than others. Keep in mind that stainless steel sinks hold up better than enamel-coated cast iron sinks which often show scratches and signs of wear over time. Granite countertops work well with stainless steel sinks. Although stainless steel sinks can be noisy, homeowners can choose sound-absorption technology to reduce the amount of noise.

Number of Bowls

Knowing your space limitations will determine size and depth which in turn, will determine the number of bowls or basins. Traditionally, most kitchens feature a double-bowl sink, but a single bowl sink might be ideal for smaller kitchens giving a more functional look.

How To Choose The Kitchen Sink That’s Right For You

It’s important to always do some research before buying an item, whatever it may be. This is especially necessary when you buy something basic that you’ll be using for several years to come, like a kitchen sink for example. So where would you start from and how would you organize this major task? We suggest breaking it into subcategories based on the features that matter the most such as size, shape, the material from which the sink is made and the type of installation required. After you’ve considered all the pros and cons and you’ve made up your mind regarding these details, you’ll be better equipped to choose a kitchen sink that suits you and your home.

When it comes to size, there are two main options to choose from. You can either have a small kitchen sink or a large one. Each of these two types involves a series of subtypes so not all small sinks have the same dimensions and sometimes size is closely linked to other details such as the shape of the sink or the type of installation. In any case, you can usually know right away if your kitchen can accommodate a large sink or not or if you even need one. Be sure to also consider your lifestyle and the way in which you usually use your kitchen. If you have a dishwasher and you’re rarely using the sink for other tasks anyway, there’s really no point in wasting valuable space

Pick a shape: round sinks

Round sinks are really popular. They look chic and they’re pretty versatile as they can hold dishes, pots and pans of all sorts of different shapes and sizes. They’re usually not small but not very large either and they come in a variety of different materials with various types of finishes and in all sorts of colors. That means you have plenty of options to choose from once you also decide on the other details related to the sink’s design. Keep in mind that round sinks are also usually great for corners in case you’re considering such a placement.

Modern, rectangular sinks

Rectangular sinks with sleek, clean lines and minimalist designs are very common in all the contemporary kitchens and they’re usually embedded into the countertop. Compared to round sinks, they can be a bit more difficult to clean and less versatile but their biggest advantage is the modern look and you can’t argue with that, especially if you want the sink to be built into the kitchen island.

Farmhouse sinks

This style is very recognizable by the distinctive apron front and the vintage vibe that these sinks have. They’re rectangular in shape but they have curved edges which soften their look a little bit. Curved sinks are easier to clean than those with sharp lines and angles. Farmhouse sinks don’t come in many colors, finishes or materials so you’ll be limited to their signature look without the possibility to customize your kitchen decor too much (at least not as far as the sink is concerned).

How to choose your kitchen sink.

Choosing the right kitchen sink is one of the most important decisions you can make. Your kitchen sink will have a significant impact on your day to day life, and you want your sink to stand the test of time. Food preparation, cooking, washing and cutting are important tasks which can be very efficient – even enjoyable – when you have the right sink

When is the best time to select a sink?

The ideal time to choose a sink is before the start of any kitchen renovation – before layout design, counter or cabinet selection. If replacing an existing sink, there will be limitations based on the existing sink cutout and cabinet space on what can be selected.

MINIMUM CABINET SIZE:

You need to determine your kitchen cabinet size before you start shopping for your new sink.

Standard kitchen cabinets come in size increments of 3″ (for example: 18″, 21″, 24″ etc.)

All BLANCO sinks indicate the minimum cabinet size requirements.

COUNTERTOP DEPTH:

The size of the sink you choose, will be determined by whether or not your countertop has a backsplash.

LEFT: For laminate countertops with a backsplash, a sink that measures up to 20 ½“ (front to back) should fit

RIGHT: For laminate or stone countertops without a backsplash, a sink that measures up to 22“ should fit.

SILGRANIT: GRANITE COMPOSITE

Non-porous surface repels dirt and liquids. Offers exceptional resistance to scratches, heat and impact; ideal for heavy kitchen work.

Withstands up to 280°C (536°F) – exceeding common boiling and baking temperature levels. Endures extreme temperature fluctuations between hot and cold.

What to Know About Choosing the Right Size Kitchen Sink

Sink size is a personal choice. If you know your way around a kitchen, and especially if you’ve worked with different-sized sinks over the years, you probably know what you like. But if you’re starting out, we’re here to help.

Architect Jerome Buttrick of Buttrick Projects Architecture & Design, a member of the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory, is based in Oakland, California, and has plenty of experience (he’s been practicing for more than 25 years and worked on not one but four renovations with Remodelista founder and editor Julie Carlson). And, for an appliance perspective, we also checked in with Reece Williams, who’s handled sales for 20 years at Cherin’s Appliance in San Francisco, in business since 1892

Is there a standard sink size for the kitchen?

Both Buttrick and Williams say they’re seeing many more single-bowl sinks installed than double-bowl. According to Williams of Cherin’s Appliances, customers typically choose a single-bowl dimension of about 28 to 30 inches long, and “they’re quite happy with that—it gives them enough room to do two things in the sink at once.”

How do I know what size sink I need?

A commercially made single-bowl sink can be as long as 33 inches, while a double-bowl model can reach 48 inches. Either of those takes up a lot of kitchen real estate, so your decision may well be based on how much counter space you can spare. Budget might also help you choose—but in any remodel, sink cost is far from the biggest slice.

What are the pros and cons of a deeper sink?

A number of sinks on the market are two to three inches deeper than the usual eight inches. Depending on the sink’s width and length, the extra depth can make it easier to wash oversize pots—which is especially useful for anyone cooking for a big family or a large numbers of guests. (Think of that roasting pan for the holiday turkey.) Another plus: If your sink is visible from the dining table, it’s easier to hide the dirty pots and dishes.

A Few Important Home Electrical Safety Inspection Tips

christopher

WHY REGULAR ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL

Electricity is one of the biggest conveniences of the modern times. And when your lights, electrical appliances, and other gadgets are all working well, it is easy to assume that the underlying electrical work is in perfect condition. Even when something goes wrong, there is always a quick and easy fix, like replacing a bulb or a broken component in an appliance.

Rather than waiting until your circuit breaker trips or an electrical breakdown occurs, it is recommended that you schedule regular electrical inspections for your home every three months to ensure that everything is functioning well and to reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs.

What Does An Electrical Home Inspection Entail?

Electrical home inspections involve the meticulous assessment of your entire electrical system to ensure that all electrical systems, cables, and components – including your home’s wiring and electrical appliances – satisfy the legal safety standards.

All licensed electricians operate under a National Code when assessing your residence, and are required to provide you with a detailed and prioritised list of areas that need immediate attention, as well as recommendations for improvements and upgrades.

Performing Electrical Inspections

For an electrical inspection to be truly helpful, it should only be performed by a licensed electrician with the skills and competency to perform electrical safety checks. You need a residential electrician who has been trained on common issues to look for in residential properties, and how to correct any problems they find.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTION: DOES YOUR HOUSE PASS?

Though many advancements have been made in making appliances and energy sources safe, there are still unfortunate incidents like electrical house fires. Though electrical fires can happen from not following basic safety rules, faulty wiring and worn out systems can also cause these tragedies. The best way to keep your home safe from these situations is to get an electrical inspection. CMC Electric has a qualified team of experts who can inspect every inch of your home’s electrical system to make sure everything is safe. It’s the only 100% sure way to know if your home gets the “all clear” for electrical safety.

How often is periodically? It all depends on the state of your home. A newer home will do well with a rigorous initial inspection and inspections every few years. When your new home reaches 10 years of age it’s recommended that you get an annual electrical inspection. An older home that’s at risk of some electrical issues should be examined annually to make sure everything is working properly. This is even more critical if an inspection reveals that some parts of your system may be on their last legs.

What Happens During an Inspection?

When we come to inspect your home, we’ll take a look at everything from your wiring to your fuse box to your circuit breaker panel. Our professionals will be on the lookout for common problems that either pose safety risks or make your electric system less efficient.

Here are some of the many components we scrutinize:

The wiring to make sure it’s working well and properly terminated

The overall energy-efficiency of the home

Check to see if your circuits are overloaded

Check your electrical panels for signs of deterioration

Troubleshoot current problems and suggest measures to prevent electrical problems that can lead to house fires

GFCI protection in the proper areas as defined by the NEC (National Electric Code)

Arc fault protection – per code

Proper grounding of your electrical service and circuits

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors – per code

Does Your House Pass?

Your home is an investment that you should protect with some simple preventative measures. There’s only one way to find out if your house gets the “all clear,” and that’s by getting a professional electrical inspection. It just takes a short time to get peace of mind and expert advice on how to keep you and your family safe from potentially dangerous electrical issues. Get an electrician Raleigh residents can count on since 2005 from CMC Electric over your to your property today.

How to Pass an Electrical Safety Inspection

It is a good idea to know how to pass an electrical safety inspection. Electrical safety inspections may be necessary when you are making an electrical change or trying to find the source of an electrical problem. If work is needed, electrical inspections can help determine what work needs to be done. If work was performed, the inspection will ensure that everything was done safely and future problems do not arise. Regardless of what the issue may be, here is how to be confident that you will pass an electrical safety inspection.

If you are having electrical work done and you’re not sure if an electrical inspection will be necessary, you can talk to your contractor. He or she may be able to perform a smaller inspection to make sure whatever work is needed, it will be completed safely.

What to Expect During Your Electrical Safety Inspection

Once you have determined that an electrical safety inspection is necessary, your first step will be to call your electrical contractor. He or she will be able to schedule an inspection in the next couple of weeks. If you are dealing with an emergency situation, let the contractor know so he can come out sooner

Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a written report. This will give you a summary of the assessment and may also include a list of repairs needed and recommendations for improving energy efficiency. Electrical inspections are done by a city or a professional electrical contractor. If the inspection was made officially, it may serve to let insurance and real estate companies know that all work is safe and complete. In unofficial settings, it will let homeowners know that upcoming electrical repairs may be necessary.

How to Pass an Electrical Safety Inspection

Now that you understand the process of electrical inspections and when they are necessary, it is important to be familiar with what you need to know to pass the electrical inspection.

Home Electrical Safety Inspections

Homeowners and landlords need peace of mind that all electrical systems are working safely at home. Protecting your family or tenants from electrical hazards is of utmost priority, and Rytec Electric is here to help.

Home electrical inspections ensure:

Your belongings are less likely to perish in an electrical fire.

Your rental properties aren’t at risk of damage.

Your family is safe from electrical hazards.

Inefficient or unsafe electrical systems in your home can have devastating effects. If you think your appliances are working fine, or you’ve had no electrical issues in the past, remember it only takes one degrading wire or breakage in an electrical circuit to cause a fire.

Protect your home with Rytec Electric

Determining potential hazards or weaknesses in your electrical circuits, before they cause any problems, is essential for the safety of your home.

Avoid costly repairs with a home electrical inspection

It’s easy to avoid expensive repair bills when you work with Rytec Electric. Our certified electricians identify problems and electrical hazards, before any long-term damage occurs, and offer free in-home quotes for any electrical repair work needed.

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION TIPS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Electrical inspections play a crucial role in maintaining your electrical system. Performing one helps to maintain energy efficiency and electrical safety. But do you know what to expect from an electrical inspection? If you’re not exactly sure, don’t worry. Instead, learn from the electrical experts at Roman Electric!

Electrical Flow is Examined

Being the main component of your electrical system, we examine the flow of electricity in and out your home. We check every circuit, wiring, boxes, and outlets. We also examine the service drop, which is how electricity is supplied to your home.

Outlets, Breakers, and Devices are Tested

We run each of your outlets through a test to determine their functionality. Each outlet is also examined for any damages, loose connections, or other defects. The same applies to your electrical panel, circuit breakers, and lighting. Wiring is thoroughly examined throughout this process, helping to identify any issues.

Electrical System is Inspected for Code Compliance

Throughout the inspection, we determine if your electrical system falls in line with local codes and regulations. We do this by checking to see if your home is suitable by NEC (National Electric Code) standards. NEC guidelines are required for every home.

All Problems and Issues are Identified

We perform a full analysis of your electrical system. This helps to identify any present issues, along with the severity of each problem. Problems can be loose wiring, damaged boxes, faulty installations, or more. We let you know the exact status of your electrical system, and the possible effects of each issue.

Making The Right Choice Of Residential Cleaning Companies

christopher

Tips on How to Choose the Best House Cleaning Service

Eliminate any companies that are not insured

When choosing a house cleaning service, it’s important to make sure that the company you choose is fully insured. Should any accidents or thefts occur whilst the service is there, the insurance will cover it. If you choose a cleaner without insurance, all the responsibility will be yours.

Don’t just consider the cheaper option

If a cleaning service is offering to clean for you at an incredibly cheap price, it may be too good to be true. Find out what kind of service you’ll actually be getting. They’ll most likely be taking some kind of short cut or may have a bad reputation

Are they using environmentally friendly chemicals?

Looking after the environment as well as your family should be your main priority. If you have pets or children with allergies, knowing what kind of chemicals are used is essential.

Choose a cleaning service that provides a guarantee

Any cleaning service that takes pride in their work will ensure you’re satisfied and will make sure that any issues you have are reviewed and taken care of promptly

Things to Look For When Choosing a Maid Service

Taking the decision on whether to hire a professional maid service can be a tough one. On one hand, there is the fear of having your privacy invaded by strangers and having them handle the things you hold dear. On the other hand, you could be someone with no time in your hand to clean your own house and need a person to rely on to save you the time and the the resulting tiredness afterwards.

Choose a Highly Referred Service

Choosing a cleaning service can very well be compared to choosing a doctor.  You need to look for the most trusted and reputable ones and keep going through them until you find the one that suits you the best

Conduct a Telephone Interview

Most cleaning services have a policy of going through your home first to see the extent of cleaning they need to provide before they come up with an amount for the service and decide on the dates. Before it even gets to that, it is better to ask questions over the phone to save both of you any wastage of time. This way, you can also keep sketchy services from taking a look inside your house

Individual or Service?

Hiring an individual has both its pros and cons. For an individual, they can provide more attention to details and you can personalize their service more to your needs. However, if they fall ill, you won’t have anyone to back them up on a day when you need them. The insurance you have for an individual also doesn’t always cut it. If something happens in your home, you might have no way of getting full compensation.

Take a walk through your home with the representative

If after the telephone interview, you have narrowed down the list of house cleaning services you prefer the most, it’s time to let them have a look inside your house. When they are coming for a visit, don’t bother cleaning up your house more than you usually would.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right House Cleaner

Herein we layout everything you need to know to equip yourself to find the right house cleaner. Some of this knowledge may overlap with what you know already and there’s no need to read this guide in chronological order, so feel free to skip to any section that addresses your concerns. We’ve laid out a clear table of contents to help you navigate. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, how to avoid house cleaning rip-offs, questions you should ask when shortlisting cleaners, mistakes to avoid when choosing a home cleaning service and much more.

Be aware of these three house cleaning rip-offs

A ridiculously low price

To some degree, all of us are lured by a low price because we want to work within a budget. But some house cleaners use price as the bait for their false and misleading advertising. They offer an initial cheap price usually between $19 and $25 per hour (Australian dollar terms) and then, once they’re in your home, they elongate the hours spent and what would normally take 2 hours extends to 3.5 hours. Or they pressure you into buying “add-ons”. It’s as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was charging you extra for the tires and steering wheel. House cleaning is not as cheap as some unethical cleaners would like you to believe.

Eco-friendly bait and switch

This one is heinous and downright unethical. Perhaps one day eco-friendly products and solutions will cost the same or even cheaper as chemical cleaners but for now we understand there’s a premium to using most eco-friendly products. For the benefit of your living and/or family, you order an extra to use eco-friendly products or choose your cleaner because they state they are eco-friendly, only to discover or worse find out through reactions that while you’re away, the cleaners have used cheaper harsh chemicals

Unsupported claims: “Best House Cleaner in Sydney”

You’ll read this in almost every ad. You’ll hear this from virtually every house cleaner. Heck we’re guilty of it too but we stand by our quality. First of all, there are multiple and subjective ways to measure this. Remember this: The cleaner that’s best for you is the one you trust, has a strong track record, can communicate and understand your requirements and provides a thorough cleaning. So, before you choose a home cleaner, identify your objectives. Then select the cleaner that provides the best fit for what you want.

Four costly misconceptions about home cleaning

The house cleaners you hired will clean every single thing in your home

As much as a good home cleaner would love to reach every part of your house, practical limitations prevent them from reaching certain areas within reason. Accessibility, time needed and safety are the primary constraints, for example, house cleaners are not equipped to handle biohazardous materials or lift and move very heavy objects. On the flipside, be wary of cleaners that carve out too much; especially when charging an hourly rate

Benefits of Choosing a Professional House Cleaning Service

People around the world undertake many painstaking efforts to get their homes sparkling clean and free of mess. Naturally, we all love and strive for cleaner spaces to live in. However, cleaning your home can be a tiring and time-consuming affair. Working folks and people with a lot of family responsibilities often feel that hiring professional cleaners for their homes is a better option, because it not just helps you save time but also gives you peace of mind. It is quite evident that experts who have adequate training and experience can do any job better than non-experts. Cleaning homes call for patience and a lot of hard work to things done. Since professional house cleaners have modern tools and equipment to get your house cleaned efficiently, you can trust them as helpful companions.

Everybody with children will understand that sometimes they don’t like to wait for something no matter what the situation, whether that be reading a book, going for a walk or going to the cinema. Having something to put your mind at rest such as a house maid can bring much more happiness to the whole family rather than just the person who feels weighted down by day to day chores.

There is no one who can do better than the professionals for e.g. everyone can bake cakes but no one can compete with Baker because he has the right tools to use and have mastery in baking cakes. Similarly, in the commercial cleaning industry, Professional cleaning services have extensively trained cleaners who know exactly what they are doing. The cleaning staff is armed with high-ended devices to complete the task. They carry special cleaning solutions with high powered vacuums. They never cut-out corners, they focus on the location which you could miss on.

Letting just anyone in your home to clean your belongings is a scary thought for many homeowners. Rest assured, cleaning service employees are educated on how to clean a home to professional standards and work quickly. For example Good Cleaners hires quality employees with a passion for professionalism and getting the job done right the first time. Always ensure you’re working with a bonded and insured company that requires employees to undergo background checks. Enjoy your time away from cleaning knowing that your home and belongings are in trustworthy hands

Benefits of Choosing a Professional House Cleaning Service

Between work, kids, family, and social obligations, cleaning your house can quite literally become a chore. When you decide to hire a professional house cleaning service for your home, you’ll receive excellent service and your home will be cleaned to your standards

Cleaning Supplies Are Provided

Your toilet needs scrubbed, but you’re out of cleaner? Not to worry. Professional house cleaners bring their cleaning supplies with them.

Professional Service

Professional house cleaners offer you the quality service you deserve. They’re educated on cleaning a home to standards and work fast while double checking they don’t miss a thing. You’ll know when you hire a professional to come into your home, you’ll receive great results and top-notch professional service.

Custom Cleaning Plans

Though cleaning packages are available and fit most families, custom cleaning plans can be built to fit your exact needs. If you have hard to clean areas in your home, professional cleaners can work with you to design a plan just for you. Ask the professionals about customizing your house cleaning plan to create a plan that’s right for you.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Chances are you don’t allow just anyone to come into your home. With professional cleaning services, you’re working with a bonded and insured company with trusted employees who pass background checks and references. This offers you peace of mind knowing you and your possessions are safe and secure each time a professional cleaner enters your home.