Hardwood Flooring Improvements

Things To Do Before You Start Shopping for Hardwood Flooring

One the keys to completing any successful home improvement project on time and according to budget is doing the necessary preparation prior to starting any actual installation. Developing a step-by-step plan of action and addressing the details before beginning any project will give you a better idea of what all is involved with the project, a close estimation of final costs, and help save you any headaches you may encounter along the way. Here are the tip 5 things you should do before you start shopping for hardwood floors:

  1. Take proper measurements. Having an accurate measurement of square footage of your room(s) is a vital step in determining exactly how much hardwood flooring you will need to complete the project. Having to go back and repurchase materials will waste time and sometimes money, and can add frustrations to the overall project. Taking proper measurements is fairly simple and the time spent doing it right can save you even more time over the duration of the installation process.

To measure the proper square footage of your room(s), measure from wall to wall in both directions. If the room isn’t a simple square, you can section off the room into squares to get your accurate measurements. If a wall regresses or you have full or partial hallways, simply treat those areas as squares separate from the main portion of the room. Also take into consideration the flooring will have to run underneath any baseboard and moldings, so measure to the wall itself. Finally, with any home improvement project there will be some degree of waste with the materials. Typically adding an extra 5-10 percent to your total square footage will allow for any waste that may and probably will arise during the installation process.

  1. Determine if you are going to perform the installation yourself or hire a professional. This is a very important factor when planning your hardwood flooring project. Self installation can save you a significant amount of money. On average, labor costs are going to be roughly 40-50% of a turn-key installation, so depending on the size of the room(s) you can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Saving money is always a prime aspect of a home improvement project, but installing your own hardwood floors is not for everybody. A project of this level requires adequate construction and carpentry skills, and improper installation methods can be costly by wasting both time and wood flooring material. Self installation requires having all the proper tools, the time and patience to complete the project and a few handy friends to help out never hurts.
  2. Decide on the overall desired look and color of your hardwood flooring material. Hardwood flooring lasts a lifetime when properly maintained, so deciding on what is visually pleasing to you is another key step when planning your flooring project. Hardwood flooring comes in many species, natural coloration and grain patterns. These characteristics combine to produce hardwood floors in many different styles. Do you want your floors to make a bold statement? Do you have existing hardwood flooring that you need to match? These are questions you should take into consideration when shopping for hardwood floors.
  3. Learn the terminology associated with hardwood flooring. You should do the proper research and educate yourself with the many different terms and aspects of hardwood flooring will help make your project run a lot smoother from beginning to completion. Especially if you hire a professional installer, it is beneficial to be able to fully communicate exactly what you want. Spend some time on our site familiarizing yourself with hardwood flooring. It will help you make better decisions along the way as well as help you feel more confident that your hardwood floors will end up precisely how you envisioned them.
  4. Decide where you will purchase your hardwood flooring materials. A factor as important as the actual product you buy is the company you purchase your products from. Saving money is always a welcome facet of a home improvement project and purchasing your wood flooring online can save you a significant amount of money. See our article on why you should purchase hardwood flooring online to see the many benefits of buying from an online company.

Doing the proper research and preparation prior to beginning your hardwood flooring project will help ensure your project runs smoothly, you maximize your cost efficiency, and end up with hardwood floors that you will be happy with for many years.

 

Subflooring Impacts Installation

It’s a good idea to know your subflooring type when shopping for hardwood floors. Concrete slab and plywood are two common types of subfloors. Various subflooring types have different qualities when it comes to hardness, sound absorption, and ease of installation.

If you’re thinking about installing floating floors, the type of subfloor will dictate the proper underlayment to use before laying down the visible layer of flooring.

Height and Weight Restrictions When Buying Hardwood Floors

Thinking about installing hardwood on an upper floor of your home? You’ll want to know the load restrictions to find out if your home can sustain the weight of solid hardwood floors.

Do you live in an apartment building or condo with metal doors? While wooden doors are easy to cut to size in order to accommodate new flooring, metal isn’t so simple. It’s a good idea to make sure that there will be enough room to install a thicker wood flooring type so that the doors don’t scrape and scratch against the floor and cause damage.

 

Should i choose engineered, prefinished, or unfinished hardwood flooring?

Before choosing your flooring, it’s important to know the differences between engineered hardwood, prefinished hardwood, and unfinished hardwood flooring.

Engineered wood floor planks have inner layers of material, such as plywood or fiberboard. These core layers make the material very stable. The outermost layer is composed of a hardwood veneer.

Benefits include:

  • Difficult to tell apart from solid wood flooring
  • Great sound resistance (perfect for apartments and condos)
  • Its multiple layers block moisture and less susceptible to warping
  • The material is low maintenance and less expensive than hardwood flooring
  • Prefinished hardwood flooring eliminates the need for onsite finishing. The floors are sanded and prefinished in the factory and available in solid or engineered planks.

Benefits include:

  • The factory-applied finishes are nearly perfect
  • You don’t have to worry about dust marring the finish like you would with unfinished hardwood flooring
  • Installation takes less time, as sanding, sealing, staining, etc. is already completed
  • Unfinished hardwood flooring is finished on-site and is sanded to a smooth, even finish.

Benefits include:

  • It’s customizable, as raw wood offers endless options
  • The natural look of the wood is showcased
  • You have the ability to match existing floors in your home

 

The look you are trying to achieve.

Essentially you are either after a contemporary or a traditional look. The variety of woods available today is mind boggling. Different grains, patterns and colors each have their own distinctive look and feel. It is important to match these qualities with what you trying to accomplish. You will also want to take into consideration what decor and furnishings will be in the room.

The traffic level of the room.

This includes any pets, children or people with disabilities who will be using or travelling through the room. You will want to choose the flooring option that is most compatible with these factors.

Where you will be putting the flooring.

Whether you re going to be installing solid wood flooring in your living room, dining room, bedroom, hallway, bathroom, or even your kitchen, you will want to make sure that you choose the appropriate flooring. Flooring for a kitchen or bathroom needs to be of a different structure to that fitted in a living, dining or bedroom. If you are putting flooring in more than one room, you’ll want to make sure that you strike a balance between what is appropriate for each room.

Your Sub base.

What is the surface that you are going to be fitting your new floor too? Is it concrete, wooden batons, existing wooden floor, carpet. All these options affect which floor you can fit and how it is fitted. It is essential to know about this to avoid costly mistakes.

 

Things to Know About Hardwood Floor Installation

Preparation is the key to a smooth installation. These tips will help.

Wherever you are in the floor buying journey, installation should play an important role in your decision-making. Who’s going to install it? How and where will it be installed? These types of things can affect your budget and timeline, so consider them from the beginning to ensure the best possible results.

  • Consider where you’re going to install.

Carefully review the product specifications and instructions before you buy. The vast majority of hardwood products are not recommended for bathroom or laundry room installations (though, our Hydropel flooring is one exception). If you plan to install in a basement or over concrete slab or a radiant heating system, choose engineered hardwood instead of solid hardwood.

  • Know what installation options are available.

Recommended installation methods can differ from product to product. Solid hardwood must be nailed, stapled or glued down. Engineered wood can often be floated, meaning the planks connect to each other instead of the subfloor. Floating hardwood installation is much more DIY-friendly.

  • Decide whether you’ll DIY or hire a professional.

If you plan to do it yourself, it’s probably fastest and easiest to choose an engineered flooring product that can be floated. Hardwood installation that requires staples, nails or glue can be challenging—even for experienced DIYers. If you decide to hire a professional, ask your flooring retailer to recommend a professional installer that they are associated with, or someone who they have successfully referred before. This will give you peace of mind that your floor is being installed correctly.

  • Read the instructions well in advance.

Your specific product instructions cover a lot of information about what supplies are needed and what you can expect throughout each step of the process. Read every word to ensure you’re fully prepared. View installation instructions.

  • Gather all your supplies.

Those instructions you read so thoroughly list out any extra tools and materials you’ll need. While requirements vary from product to product, your list could include things like trims and moldings underlayment, nails, staples, glue, an air compressor, and/or miscellaneous tools.

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Choosing A Wedding Photographer A Very Important Decision

How NOT To Choose Your Wedding Photographer

So, needless to say, finding the right photographer is pretty important. It’s also pretty overwhelming. Photography website SLRlounge.com estimates there are 100,000 wedding photographers in the U.S. alone — and you’re expected to find the one who will capture your wedding exactly the way you envision it. And you thought finding a husband was hard!?

Unfortunately, some of the most common “selling points” for wedding photographers can actually be red flags in disguise. Here are a few factors that shouldn’t influence your choice — and how to make sure you’ve picked a winner.

  1. “This studio shoots 300 weddings a year!”

Experience is a must — you don’t want a photographer using your wedding for practice. But busier isn’t always better. If someone shoots 100+ weddings in a year, either they’re shooting back-to-back events every single weekend, or they’re hiring associate photographers to fill their shoes (and their sample albums). Neither of those is an automatic deal breaker, but you should get a feel for how these photographers handle their heavy workload. If they’re doing it all themselves, do they seem passionate or jaded? If they’re hiring an associate, is it a talented colleague or a random freelancer? Make sure you know who will be holding the camera on your wedding day, and that they’re committed to treating you like a VIP no matter how many other clients they have.

  1. “She’s running an insane sale!”

I planned my wedding on a shoestring budget, so I wore a $400 wedding gown in order to afford my first-choice photographer. My reasoning? The right photographer can make a budget dress look breathtaking, but the wrong photographer can make a Yumi Katsura look tacky. Ask anyone who’s been burned: It’s not a bargain if you hate your photos. If your favorite photographer is running a discount (like 10 percent off for Friday weddings, or a free engagement session), then heck yeah, jump on it! But don’t let a deep discount be your deciding factor. Good wedding photographers pay taxes, carry insurance and invest in high-end gear and professional-grade printing. So before you cut corners with a dirt-cheap photographer, ask yourself where they cut corners.

  1. “The venue recommended him!”

Early in my career, I shot a wedding at a gorgeous local venue and asked the coordinator if I could drop off a sample album for him to show his future clients. He told me I could — for a price. Maybe I was naïve, but I didn’t realize that some venues sell spots on their “preferred vendor” lists. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every venue — some offer excellent recommendations because they like to see gorgeous images of their venue floating around on the web. But always double-check recommendations against friends, online reviews and your wedding planner before plunking down a deposit.

 

Why Wedding Photography Should Be A Priority

Is wedding photography the most important thing when it comes to your wedding? Nope, not at all, however when it comes to planning your special day it should be up there on the priority list of things to look at, budget for and book.

Wedding photography is important because it will capture your day, it will capture your memories, it will tell a story, and not just any story, it will tell a beautiful story of your special day, a day you will never forget. A story that you can show friends and family, your kids, and grandchildren, something you will have and can treasure for ever.

You see your flowers will wilt, your cake will quickly be eaten, your invites will be binned after the day, your dress shall be worn once, those shoes shall go back into their box, this isn’t me trying to be glum and miserable, this is about perspective, this is about helping you focus your budget on things that you may not put importance on, such as wedding photography.

ONE DAY, AND A LOT OF MEMORIES

Earlier I mentioned about couples who didn’t put to much importance on wedding photography, and it can easily be forgotten or put down the pecking order because on the day itself, you don’t have anything. If you go to a florist they will create beautiful bouquets of flowers for you, your cake maker will make the most delicious and gorgeous looking cake for your day, the list goes on, the thing is here, these are things and items that will be there on your day, things that you and everyone will see. Yet when it comes to wedding photography you are paying for something you won’t see till after, and the best wedding photographers will go unnoticed, your guest won’t even know they are there.

WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR?

When it comes to wedding planning, it is more than just one day, it is about a lifetime of memories. It is about capturing moments, it is about capturing emotion, it is about being able to relive the day through beautiful photos, it is about smiling at moments that you never knew happened, seeing the emotion on your family and friends faces, and most importantly of all, having a story you can treasure forever.

If you are just thinking about your wedding and looking at your budget, make sure you maximise your budget for your wedding photography, it’s not just a few photos of you and your partner on your wedding day looking beautiful and happy, it is about a beautiful story of your wedding day, from getting ready and smiling with your bridesmaids, to the emotion on your dads face as he sheds a tear and looks on with pride. Capturing the beautiful details on your day after hours and days of planning, from the beautiful flowers, your dress and venue, capturing the day as it unfolds, capturing the emotion of your guests, the nervousness of the groom, all the way through to that first dance, this is not just any story, this is your story.

Make sure you capture your day, and your story, don’t regret not hiring a professional wedding photographer.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  • Maximise your budget. Will the guests notice if you saved a little money on your flowers, will your guests really notice if you saved a little on the food, will they notice if the cake isn’t 5 tiers high? Save a little where you can and maximise your photography budget, it is the only thing you will have left at the end of the day. Read our article on the The Real Cost of Wedding Photography.
  • Find your style. There are hundreds of wedding photographers to choose from, and most will travel all over the country and even abroad, take time to decide on a style you like and find a photographer that reflects this. Make sure you view more of their work and complete albums, you don’t want one or two beautiful photos, you want a beautiful story that is of high quality through out, from beginning to the the end.
  • Book quickly. The best wedding photographers get hired and booked up to 2 years in advance, so once you know the date, find your perfect wedding photographer and get them booked.

 

Keep These 5 Things in Mind When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Once you’re engaged, one of the first tasks you’ll want to check off the list is choosing a wedding photographer! As the person responsible for documenting all the memories of your #bestdayever and delivering images you can look back on for years and years, it’s an important decision, no doubt. Not sure where to begin or exactly what to know when choosing a wedding photographer? We’ve got five helpful tips to guide you through the process.

  1. Know what you’re willing to spend.

Quality wedding photography is not something to skimp on. Often, photography (and videography) can end up being one of the largest single expenses of your entire wedding. You can expect an experienced professional wedding photographer to charge anywhere from $2500 all the to way to $10000 and beyond. Packages vary, but remember their prices factor in not only their creative talent and honing of their craft, but their equipment costs, travel time and many, many hours of preparation and editing in addition to the time they’ll spend actually photographing your day.

  1. Decide which style you feel most drawn to.

Photography, like any art form, can vary immensely from artist to artist. It’s up to you and your fiancé to decide which artistic style you like best, and let that heavily influence your decision.

Are you drawn to fine art photography? These photos tend to have more muted colors, less contrast, more brightness and cool tones. You’ll tend to see more posed, “still life,” artful shots. Often, fine art photographers use film to help achieve this distinct look. Because film has been around for generations, these photos will definitely stand the test of time, but film is also more expensive to shoot and requires a different skill set than digital photography, so you can expect to pay more for someone who incorporates film into their work.

On the contrary, many couples are drawn to a more adventurous and photojournalistic style – with less emphasis on curating the ‘perfect’ shots, rather documenting the day exactly as it unfolds. These photos tend to have more contrast, warmth and saturated colors. This style can reflect more raw emotion via candid shots and shots that capture movement.

  1. Do your research.

When it comes to narrowing down your short list of photographers, you’ll want to rely on word of mouth (who have your friends used and loved? what are reviews saying?), Instagram (remember to use location-based hashtags to your advantage) and local photographer listings on resources like Brides of Austin.

Narrow down your list to 3-6 photographers (you’ll always want to have a backup, even if you have a favorite, in case that person is unavailable for your date). Peruse their websites and Instagrams to get a feel for their individual personalities. You’ll be spending essentially all day with this person on your wedding day – you want to make sure they’re someone you can be friends with!

  1. Be clear with your goals.

Do you want these photos to be published in a magazine or online publication? Do you NOT want them to be published or shared? It’s important for your photographer to know these things ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to let them know which types of shots are most important to you – not specific poses or copies of photos you’ve found on Pinterest, but do you care more about the details, the candids, the family shots, the portraits of just you two?

Bring your photographer up to speed on any potentially awkward family dynamics, and tell them if there’s anyone in particular you’d like them to pay attention to. Do you have a grandparent you’re especially close with? Any family traveling from far and wide? Let them know so you can be sure and get photos with these people while you have the opportunity.

 

Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

We feel that there are categories of things to look for when it comes to finding the best wedding photographers to care for your wedding.

We’ve broken it down :

  • Pricing: We won’t focus on that much here, since it’s covered largely in our “How Much Should I Spend On My Wedding Photographer Post?” Check it out!
  • Perspective Approach and Editing Style: Their photos should make you feel the way you want them to make you feel while retaining a timeless and talented look that won’t quickly go out of style. You can learn more about the importance of Approach and Style by visiting our post on “Which Photography Style is Best for My Wedding?”
  • Interpersonal Skills & Client Care: Your wedding photographer should have the ability to make you comfortable so you look relaxed and enjoy having them there. Also, they need to be able to manage their time and others, not only to help your big day stay on schedule but to rescue it from being “too behind.” They also need to be able to confidently direct groups of people for formal photos, without seeming like a pushy jerk.
  • Photo Care: They should have the know-how and equipment to ensure that your photos are kept safe, even when hard drives crash.
  • Business stability: Let’s face it, if they don’t have their actual business in order, it will affect how well they can serve you. In Louisville, there was a photographer that made the news because of her shady business practices that left couples high and dry.

 

Find out what wedding photography style and types of imagery you’re attracted to

So what are all these wedding photography styles? You can read more about that by doing a quick Google search. However, you don’t need to become an expert to know what you like the most.

The words that are used are often confusing. So, here’s a quick crash course to describe the way the images look and feel:

  • Bright and airy using natural light (poppy, light, fresh, clean)
  • Fine art (highly curated; film or looks like film; usually high end)
  • Dark and moody (uses shadows and deliberate underexposure)
  • Trendy editing (e.g making green look brown; images look very warm)
  • Documentary style (true-to-life colors; not overly staged)

As cheesy as it sounds, you just have to feel the connection to the imagery with your heart. Use that information to pare down your list of wedding photographers.

Feeling the connection is a very important step. Why? Well, photographers don’t generally change their editing or shooting style depending on the client’s wishes.

They have honed their craft over the course of their career, and create the work that only they can create. If you don’t 100% love the way they capture and edit images, you can safely cross that wedding photographer off your list!

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Electrical Upgrades Tankless Water Heaters

Electrical Upgrades

I live in a pre-war co-op with a very old electrical system. Fuses blow regularly, even when running light appliances such as a toaster or an iron. Several other shareholders I’ve talked to are experiencing the same problem. How does the board determine if the building as a whole needs to upgrade its electrical system or if the problem lies within the individual apartments? And who is responsible for the cost of the upgrade: the cooperative or the shareholders who are affected?

If you and other shareholders are constantly blowing fuses in an old building, chances are the problem is building-wide, especially if the original electrical system has not been replaced or upgraded in a long time (if ever). Upgrading the building’s electrical system will increase the overall electrical capacity.

This increased capacity will give shareholders the potential to use more electrical power, but only if the existing wiring in the individual units can handle it. So even after the main upgrade, shareholders may still need to address deficiencies in the electrical components in their individual apartments.

main service feeders enter a building within a property line or end box. This point is the beginning of a building’s internal electrical system. Main conductors extend from the end box via a conduit or wireways to service switches, which in turn provide power to various panel boards, equipment load centers, and/or meter banks.

Master Meter vs. Submeters

In some cases, a master meter is in place to measure the amount of electricity being used in the building as a whole. Residents pay that cost as part of their monthly maintenance bill, apportioned based on usage. In other cases, individual apartment meter banks are provided and residents pay for their own electrical consumption directly to Con Ed or to an alternate submetering firm.

 

Electrical Upgrades You Need in Your Home

You wouldn’t think of buying a home that lacked any electricity whatsoever — but millions of homeowners invest in properties that boast outdated or unsafe electrical components. It’s more than likely that some aspect of your electrical system needs attention, especially if your home is more than 15 years old and hasn’t seen a major renovation in recent years. Fortunately, most electrical upgrades are fast, easy and affordable, meaning you can make your electrical system run better sooner. Consider your need for the following electrical upgrades in your home

ENOUGH OUTLETS

There are more electrical devices in the modern home than there ever have been before. Not only do you need to plug in lights and major appliances, but you need outlets for televisions, speakers, computers and all manner of smart and mobile device. What’s more, it’s no longer necessary to keep outlets hidden; in fact, because you and house guests need access to outlets for chargers and other tech, it’s more convenient to have outlets out in the open. Thus, if you only have one or two full or inconvenient outlets in your rooms, you should consider upgrading your home with more.

SLIPPING PLUGS

Admittedly, this is more of a repair than it is an upgrade. Still, it’s important to note that over time, outlets begin to lose their functionality. The most obvious failure, aside from an outlet that no longer provides power, is an outlet that cannot keep hold of a plug. If your plugs continue to fall out of your outlets, you should replace your outlet, stat. Otherwise, you could experience more severe symptoms of your aging outlet, like arcing and sparking.

USB OUTLETS

While we are on the subject of outlets, you might as well invest in outlets that come with USB ports, especially in the most visible outlets in your home. Most charger cables have one side that plugs into a device and the other side as a USB, allowing it to slip into computers, external batteries, wall plugs or, if available, walls themselves. USB outlets are advanced features that make your home stand out, and it’s unlikely they’ll become obsolete any time soon.

GFCIS

Another outlet-related issue, ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are special outlets that help avoid arcing and electrocution in areas more likely to experience these phenomena. In most areas, GFCIs are required in kitchens, bathrooms and home exteriors because these outlets are more subject to moisture, which can cause problems. However, homes built before GFCI codes are grandfathered in, meaning you don’t necessarily have to make these changes — you just should, for your safety and the safety of future homeowners.

 

ESSENTIAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING ELECTRICAL UPGRADES WITH YOUR ELECTRICIAN

built more than 40 years ago; hence they have electrical systems that may not handle today’s electrical needs. Therefore, an electric service upgrade is a safety necessity because an outdated electrical system trying to handle modern electricity is downright dangerous.

The average standard for household power used to be at 60 amps. Currently, homes need 200 amps to power air conditioners, flat-screen TVs, computer equipment, and many other modern household electrical gadgets. This has prompted most homeowners to opt for electrical upgrades on their properties to accommodate the gadgets’ energy requirements

Electrical upgrades provide solutions for tripping breakers or flickering lights due to few outlets for the many modern appliances and prevent fire accidents and electric shock originating from power hitches.

Knowledge of your home’s electrical grid

Before booking an electrician appointment, you should be well-versed in the functionality of your electrical system. You should know whether your electrical system works with breaker panels or fuse boxes and identify how the rooms and appliances in the house are wired

Also, you need to understand the full scope of your electrical needs by knowing the local codes and permits, thereby giving you basic knowledge of the appropriate type of wiring to be used and the number of outlets installed in each room. However, it’s advised to have a certified electrician conduct comprehensive inspections in larger residential houses.

Choose modern lighting options

When making electrical upgrades, it’s recommended to use low ceiling lighting to increase your home’s aesthetic appeal. You may also consider extrusion lighting, which provides a more sleek and commercial look. According to expert electricians, adding automated lighting solutions should be a priority to guarantee the utmost comfort.

 

AWESOME ELECTRICAL UPGRADES FOR KITCHENS

The kitchen is the heart of every home. As the place family members come together to eat and enjoy one another’s company, it’s no wonder kitchen renovations are one of the leading home upgrades done by homeowners today. Whether your renovation plans are intended to increase your home’s resale value, or simply to improve the ergonomics and appearance of your kitchen, don’t start your kitchen’s electrical renovation without considering these four incredible upgrades.

LIGHTING IS EVERYTHING

Even the largest kitchen space can seem dwarfed by a lack of lighting. If you’ve recently enlarged your kitchen, adding accent lighting in frequently used spaces such as over the stove, in major walkways, or over the kitchen table will bring a sense of warmth and openness to your home. Because of their high lumen output, affordability, and efficiency, recessed downlights are an excellent option for heavily travelled walkways and task-oriented areas such as the stove and countertops. Use 6” recessed down lights with reflectors for walkway areas, and 3-4” directional recessed down lights as an accent light over the stove and counter tops.

ADD DATA PORTS

On average, there are over 3 billion USB ports are shipped each year. In fact, it’s very likely that the device you are reading this on requires some sort of USB connection to charge. With USB cables becoming just as common as traditional electrical plugs, it’s no wonder USB data wiring has been suspected to become a staple of kitchen electrical systems over the next few years. Although it is unclear whether adding USB outlets to your kitchen’s electrical system will increase home value, the ability to plug in your phone, iPod, or other electrical device without an adapter will be extremely useful for many years to come.

DIMMERS

Although your kitchen’s lighting should be some of the brightest in your home, the ability to turn reduce light output can come in handy when you’ve had a long day, or are planning a romantic dinner for two. Wall dimmers can be paired with multiple bulb types, including LED and CFL; keep in mind, however, that a bulb must be dimmable in order to pair it with a dimmable wall switch.

GFCI OUTLETS

In 2014, the NEC declared that all residential outlets being replaced, installed, or renovated will be equipped with a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets (officially known as ground fault circuit interrupters) are electrical safety devices used to prevent electrical fires from occurring due to tripping breakers or dysfunctional outlets.

 

Electrical Upgrades

Oftentimes, while these properties are charming and full of character, their electrical systems were not made to handle the needs of today’s technology-dependent families. The clash between older homes and today’s electrical needs can result in power outages and safety hazards, making electrical upgrades not only an important part of maintaining property value, but a key safety concern as well.

If you frequently struggle with flickering lights, tripping breakers, and outlets that are no match for your modern appliances, it’s probably time to call an experienced electrician. technicians provide professional electrical upgrades and other services. If you love your home and don’t want to put your family in danger, call today tor electricians that can get your house up to code and ready to handle all necessary technology.

COMPREHENSIVE ELECTRICAL UPGRADES

Did you know that electrical fires account for about half of all home fires in the United States every year? The total number is around 26,000 fires overall, the effects of which include $1 billion in property loss, as well as hundreds killed and thousands injured annually. Get the professional service you need to avoid these dangers

ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES

When electrical panels overheat, they can be a major hazard, resulting in fires and causing other significant damage to your home. Although many Americans still don’t know this, thousands of Zinsco, Federal Pacific, I-T-E Pushmatic and GTE/Sylvania brand electrical panels were recalled years ago for safety defects. However, many houses built in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and even beyond still use these panels today. Bottom line, if your home is over 25 years old, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and call for electrical panel replacement today.

WIRING UPGRADES & HOUSE REWIRING

That flickering that happens whenever you turn on a major appliance is likely the result of loose or old wiring. In addition to being annoying, this problem can also be very dangerous, as faulty wiring is a main cause of electrical fires. If this is what’s going on in your home, you will want to call an electrician right away

CIRCUIT BREAKER & FUSE BOX UPGRADES

If your circuit breaker frequently gets overloaded, chances are it may blow a fuse, or “trip,” shutting off the electrical flow in your home. It does this to protect the circuit from overheating and causing fire and other damage to your system. While most circuit breakers trip occasionally, if this happens frequently, there’s a good chance this equipment is outdated to a dangerous degree, and needs to be upgraded.

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Qualifications Of A Great Car Accident Lawyer

What To Look For In A Car Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a car accident is no easy experience for anyone. Especially if you have been injured. In the event that you need to hire a car accident lawyer or an auto injury lawyer, how do you make the right decision? There may be dozens to hundreds of potential attorneys who might be the right car accident lawyer for you, but it’s essential that you judge each attorney and law firm based on a few very important merits before deciding on which car accident lawyer to take your case.

Today, we’ve put together these essential merits in eight important things to look for in a car accident lawyer. If your attorney meets all of the following requirements, you know that they are the right choice to take care of you and your car accident case over the next few months.

Experience in Car Accident Injury Cases

First and foremost, you must have an auto accident attorney who is experienced in the field. Car accident cases are unique because they involve a complex interaction between traffic laws and insurance policies. Your lawyer must not only be informed but have a deep experiential understanding of how the elements in an auto accident case usually play out and how to deal with each hiccup along the way.

Car accident injury cases are no small matter, no matter how common accidents and injuries may be. Ensure that every auto accident lawyer you consider has significant experience and success in car accident cases. Ask about their previous cases and their previous wins. Get a sense of how many car accident cases each attorney has handled and whether they were similar to your current case.

Deep Understanding of How Insurance Companies Work

Your attorney also needs to understand insurance companies. In auto accident cases, usually, the insurance company is your ultimate opponent. The insurance business model is built on paying out as infrequently and in as small amounts as possible and they will try every strategy in the book to reduce your settlement. It’s just how they play ball.

This means your attorney needs to be a pro “ball” player as well. They need to know the traps that insurance companies lay, the ploys they try, and the fair amount you deserve that the insurance company will guarantee by try to underbid. By understanding insurance companies and their ways, your lawyer will always know what’s around the corner and anticipate each roadblock the insurance companies try to throw.

Detailed Advice on How to Protect Yourself & Gather Evidence

A good car accident attorney will also be ready to give you detailed advice on how to protect yourself. Insurance cases tend to be vicious and full of opportunities to make a mistake. Your lawyer should be telling you useful, self-protecting advice like how to avoid insurance company traps and how to gather evidence of your accident and injury that will be persuasive and legally admissible in your case.

Your lawyer should tell you not to see the insurance company provided doctors. They should tell you when to take photos, and of what. They should guide you in building a folder or collective document that contains all your medical records and information from the accident site. These things are all essential to a successful car accident case but you don’t know them automatically. Helping you with these precautions is a vital part of the attorney-client relationship.

 

A Good Car Accident Lawyer Specializes

Would you hire a car mechanic to design your home? Would you hire an interior decorator to fix up your car? Clearly, the answer to both of these questions is no. So why would you hire a divorce lawyer or a criminal law attorney to represent your car accident case? A lawyer who specializes in car accidents and knows the ins and outs of handling these types of cases will get you the best results, while a jack-of-all-trades-type lawyer who spreads themselves too thin amongst too many different practice areas will only get you middling or just plain bad results.

A Good Car Accident Lawyer Has Plenty of Resources

Car accident cases can get expensive to prosecute, especially when complex legal procedures are involved. Your lawyer should have the resources to cover all legal fees, hire investigators and experts, and carry out your case from start to finish without any financial impediments. Hiring a lawyer who lacks resources may result in your claim being compromised. Their financial challenges are not yours.

A Good Car Accident Lawyer Provides Personal Attention

It’s been observed that an okay attorney-client relationship nets okay results while a great attorney-client relationship nets great results. Therefore, make sure the lawyer you choose has a reputation for maintaining close communication with their clients; this means access to their phone and e-mail, and regular case updates. Also, get a lawyer who caters their legal advice and strategies to each client’s unique needs, not a claims “mill” that processes cases with cookie cutter approaches.

 

Communication

As you pursue your personal injury claim after an accident, you may be recuperating in the hospital bed or too weak to move around. However, this is also the time you need an update on every progress from your lawyer. A poor communicator may not provide you with the much-needed peace of mind, especially when it comes to case value, legal costs, and compensation estimates.

Legal Fees and Charges

Some lawyers’ charges can be too mean, especially those that charge you a consultation fee along with an hourly rate for you to access their services. However, this could be very costly, especially if they end up misrepresenting or misleading you and your personal injury claim ends up getting denied by the respective insurer or the party at fault fails to pay you. You’ll also lose money in case they were to lose the lawsuit. The best injury attorneys are clear about their fees and will only charge you when and if they win the case for you and manage to get you compensated fairly.

 

Attorney Dedication

If you have foot pain, you will not visit an ophthalmologist, even though they are both doctors. Similarly, if you were injured in a vehicle collision, you need to partner with a car crash attorney. Another kind of lawyer may be very competent in another area, but come up short when it comes to vehicle collisions.

That being said, diversity is usually a good sign. A lawyer who does nothing but car crashes may be a one-trick pony. If the lawyer handles related claims, such as dog bites or slip-and-fall injuries, that’s typically a plus.

Nevertheless, your car crash attorney should devote a significant amount of time to car crashes. This dedication has a lot to do with experience, which is discussed below.

Convenient Location

In the wake of a serious car crash, simply getting from Point A to Point B is a chore. That’s especially true on bad days. Most victims are barely able to get out of bed on many occasions. An attorney on the other side of town may score very high in terms of dedication, experience, and the other items on your list. But that long drive back and forth will get really old really fast.

So, your lawyer should be close to your home or job. Alternatively, your lawyer should be willing to meet you outside the office. Such meetings are not quite as good as an in-office visit, but they are almost as good.

There are so many lawyers nearby that you should not have to compromise on quality to find someone close.

 

Choose A Lawyer Who Communicates

Have you ever dated someone who never seemed to take your calls or answer your text messages? It’s frustrating and can sour the relationship, right? The relationship with your lawyer should never look like this.

Lawyers are busy professionals, but they should take and/or return your calls within a reasonable period of time. The same goes for emails with them too. It’s a business relationship and they should act like a professional with every client.

Pick Someone Who Plays Hardball With Insurance Companies

Car accidents mean dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies want you leaving with as little as possible, so they will offer the smallest settlement they think you will accept.

Depending on the insurance company, you may even see the first settlement offer before you have begun recovering from the car accident and injuries.

A good car accident lawyer will spot these lowball offers for what they are and advise you accordingly. You want a lawyer with a reputation for pressing insurance companies hard for better settlements.

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Know Your Mold Remediation

Mold Remediation

When Mold Spreads

Mold can spread quickly through your home or business. The spores from mold release mycotoxins. Once airborne, mold may cause health problems for people and pets. Over time, mustiness, mildew, and mold colonization can reduce the value of furniture, damage appliances, and electrical equipment. Additionally, it gives off an unpleasant odor.

Be sure and look for mold the following places:

  • Often water finds access to an attic through the roof or eves.
  • Burst pipes are apparent, but invisible leaks behind walls are challenging.
  • When air doesn’t circulate, closets or shelves or cabinets next to a wall cause stagnant, moist air to accumulate.
  • In warmer months, humid weather can be a problem, especially in basements.
  • Heavy rains and improper ground slope can cause water intrusion at foundations, garages, and basements.
  • Dampness due to condensation can cause mold on walls and furniture and cause wooden window frames to rot.

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy

Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

 

Mold Remediation and Restoration

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours, especially with the humidity in our area. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors

Faster to Any Size Disaster

In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

Highly Trained Mold Remediation Specialists

As water and mold damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.

Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist

Water Damage Restoration Technician

Applied Structural Drying Technician

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Mold Containment

Air Filtration

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Restoration

Common Mold Misconceptions

It’s easy to understand why many people struggle to grasp the facts and issues surrounding indoor mold because sensational news stories and advertising cloud and obscure the real issues. Educate yourself with the facts about mold and learn about the mold remediation process.

 

Mold Removal

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same

 

Remediation and Restoration

there are many properties throughout the region that combat moisture and humidity that can often facilitate mold growth. Once colonization has begun, the organism can quickly spread throughout the property, becoming more hazardous and degrading more hosting materials and contents

IICRC-Certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians have extensive experience and a large inventory of recovery equipment to get started on the mitigation and containment your property needs from the moment we arrive.

experienced professionals have handled mold incidents in area schools that exceeded a total of 1 million dollars, and we can work to address the symptoms and effects of mold colonization in your home or business to prevent the situation from getting out of control

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy

Highly Trained Mold Remediation Specialists

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist

Water Damage Restoration Technician

Applied Structural Drying Technician

Use Advanced Mold Remediation Techniques and Equipment

invest in the latest equipment and ongoing mold remediation training because it helps us restore your home or business quickly and effectively. We will isolate the affected area using physical barriers and a negative air pressure chamber.

 

Mold Removal Services

Professional Mold Removal Services

The growth of mold, mildew and fungus can be detrimental to any property. It smells bad, looks worse and if left unattended can damage the tile or furniture, on which it is growing. staff has been educated in the latest IICRC recommended techniques for early detection and treatment of commonly occurring mold and mildew problems. We’ll make sure your property goes mold-free.

Why Does Mold Contamination Happen

It is primarily standing water that causes mold formation. It can seep into porous surfaces, and those materials can become breeding grounds for destructive molds and fungus. It can also set in after the unexpected influx of moisture following a flood, burst pipe, or slow leak. In some rare cases mold can enter in your room through doorways and windows, heating and cooling systems, and also through your pets.

Consequences Due to Mold Formation

Asthma and allergy attacks

Difficulty breathing

Congestion

Itchy and watery eyes

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Start Tax Planning Now

Tax Planning and Preparation

Tax Planning

Tax reduction planning is something that can be done throughout the year. When you walk into your tax preparer’s office in February or March to have your taxes done, it’s usually too late to do much of the tax planning that can be done to save taxes. Post Resch Tallon Group’s professional at NFS Tax Prep, Inc. in Webster can help you determine when to take profits and losses, shift income and deductions to the appropriate tax year, decide on Roth IRA conversions to help you maximize retirement plan benefits and reduce the taxability of social security income. These are just some of the issues that can be addressed to help you meet all your financial needs.

Things You Can Do to Prepare for the Upcoming Tax Season

  • Check Your Withholdings

If you’ve had a big refund before, you should consider lowering your income tax withholdings if your income and deductions will remain similar in the next year. Alternately, if you’ve owed a substantial amount in your previous filings, you may want to consider increasing your tax withholdings to try and lessen your tax burden due April 15.

  • Examine Your Information

It’s always a good time to meet with your tax preparer – waiting until February could increase stress when you’re getting ready to file your return. Get together, look at your tax situation, and start planning now.

  • Get Your Books or Financials in Order

If you’re doing anything beyond working, it’s time to start getting everything in order so that you aren’t rushing at the beginning of the new year. If you have a small business or rental properties, get prepared to issue 1099s or prepare other forms you’ll need to complete your taxes.

  • Set Aside Receipts

Don’t wait until the end of the year to start thinking about deductions – be smart and start pulling together the records immediately so they are close at hand come tax time.

  • Clear the Clutter

Now’s a great time to clear the clutter as the days fall shorter. Consider gathering your old clothing and household items and donating them to a reputable charitable organization. Be sure to get a receipt for your donation. When you prepare your taxes, we’ll apply a “fair market value” to that donation. Your generosity may be worth $25 to $35 in tax savings for every $100 value of the items you donate.

 

To harvest or not to harvest

Evaluate whether you could benefit from tax-loss harvesting – selling a losing investment to offset gains. The first $3,000 (single or married filing jointly) offsets ordinary income. Excess losses also can be carried forward to future years. With your advisor, examine the following subtleties when aiming to decrease your tax bill:

  • Short-term gains are taxed at a higher marginal rate; aim to reduce those first.
  • Don’t disrupt your long-term investment strategy when harvesting losses.
  • Be aware of “wash sale” rules that affect new purchases before and after the sale of a security. If you sell a security at a loss but purchase another “substantially identical” security – within 30 days before or after the sale date – the IRS likely will consider that a wash sale and disallow the loss deduction. The IRS will look at all your accounts – 401(k), IRA, etc. – when determining if a wash sale occurred.

Manage your income and deductions

Those at or near the next tax bracket should pay close attention to anything that might bump them up and plan to reduce taxable income before the end of the year.

  • Determine if it makes sense to accelerate deductions or defer income, potentially allowing you to minimize your current tax liability. Some companies may give you an opportunity to defer bonuses and so forth into a future year as well.
  • Certain retirement plans also can help you defer taxes. Contributing to a traditional 401(k) allows you to pay income tax only when you withdraw money from the plan in the future, at which point your income and tax rate may be lower or you may have more deductions available to offset the income.*
  • Evaluate your income sources – earned income, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, qualified dividends, etc. – to help reduce the overall tax impact.

 

When can I file my taxes?

The IRS announced last year it will begin accepting and processing federal tax returns starting Jan. 27.

You can begin working on your returns as soon as you’d like, whether you are partnering with a tax preparer or doing it yourself with tax software. However, the IRS won’t review and process your return until the official start date.

What do I need to bring to my tax preparer?

If you’re working with a tax preparer, they will need some key documentation. First, they will require proof of your identity. If they are preparing taxes on behalf of your business, you need to provide your Employer Identification Number, also known as a tax ID.

The tax preparer will also need to understand your finances. This includes income from gross receipts from sales or services, sales records, returns, business bank account interest, and other income. It also includes the cost of goods sold such as your inventory, the total dollar amount of beginning inventory, the ending dollar amount of inventory, items removed for personal reasons, and needed materials and supplies. A tax preparer will also require your business expenses, which could qualify you for certain deductions and credits that reduce your overall tax liability.

 

Itemize business expenses.

Having expenses detailed, itemized, and categorized is another way you can greatly save time and hassle before tax day.

Working closely with the bookkeeping and accounting teams (if your business is large enough) or with outside help will please your tax expert and put you in a position to claim the maximum benefit from your expenses.

The IRS also offers a business expenses explainer that details the type of expenses that can be claimed.

Keep up with your home state’s tax issues.

Some states take out loans from the federal government to meet unemployment benefits liabilities. Ayyad noted that if your state has taken, but not repaid those loans, there will be a reduction in the credit against the Federal Unemployment Tax Act tax rate. This means employers in those states have to pay more. A number of states may be affected, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and South Carolina, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Most tax professionals will prepare your state return in addition to the federal return. The key, however, is that complexities and changes in state requirements should receive the same type of attention as IRS rules.

 

4 Things You Should Know Before Hiring Someone To Do Your Taxes

Hiring someone to complete your tax return is like hiring a mechanic to fix your car or a real-estate agent to help you buy a home. While it can take a significant amount of stress out of a complex job, it doesn’t necessarily prevent all problems or absolve you when problems occur.

Fifty-four percent of Americans said they believe the tax preparer has to defend any return they’ve prepared to the IRS in the case of an audit. But in reality, it’s you who is on the hook for defending your tax return and paying any additional taxes if your tax professional makes mistakes.

Here are four crucial facts to get you started in the right direction.

  1. Not all tax preparers are the same

The tax preparer you’ll find at a pop-up location during tax season may not have the same credentials as the accountant you visit at their own office. Anyone who prepares federal tax returns for payment must have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). But some — such as certified public accountants, licensed attorneys and enrolled agents — have undergone additional certification requirements, education and/or training. You can ask them for their credentials or look them up in the IRS directory of tax preparers.

Membership in professional organizations such as the National Association of Tax Professionals or the National Association of Enrolled Agents can also indicate additional training, certifications and adherence to codes of ethics.

  1. Tax preparers make mistakes, too

Almost half (45%) of Americans who have used a tax preparer in the past five years say they just glance at their return before filing it and “generally trust” their preparer won’t make mistakes, according to the survey. Another 16% sign their return without reviewing it at all.

It’s understandable — you’re paying for a service and errors are unacceptable. But tax preparers are human, and mistakes happen.

Always review your tax return before signing and submitting it. At the very least, check your name, Social Security number, address and bank account numbers. Also, give the final outcome — whether a refund or tax bill — a gut check. If it’s far off from what you expected, ask questions. Changes in tax laws and changes in your financial life can dramatically affect the outcome of your tax return from one year to the next, but if something catches your eye, ask your preparer for an explanation.

  1. If your tax preparer makes an error, you’re on the hook

Identifying mistakes in your return before you file can save you from headaches with the IRS later. More than one-third (36%) of Americans mistakenly believe tax preparers are responsible for any additional tax payments owed to the IRS if an error is found in a return they’ve prepared, according to the survey.

The IRS will contact you, not your tax preparer, if there is a problem with your return. But a reputable tax preparer may help you figure out how to handle the next steps in resolving the issue. If you signed a contract with your tax preparer (also known as an engagement letter), it likely includes how preparer mistakes will be handled. While some tax preparers may offer to cover fees or submit an amended return if the mistake was theirs, the taxpayer — that’s you — is the only one responsible for any additional taxes.

  1. In the event of an audit, the IRS looks to you

The likelihood of an audit is pretty slim — in 2018, the IRS audited just 0.6% of individual returns and in 2019, only 0.45%. But similar to the IRS finding a mistake in your return, if they decide to audit you, it’s you they’ll contact, not your tax preparer.

In addition to the more than half (54%) of Americans who believe tax preparers are responsible for defending a return to the IRS in the event of an audit, 25% of Americans weren’t sure who would need to defend the return. Just 21% of Americans correctly indicated that the preparer would not necessarily have to defend the return.

While you can hire a tax attorney or preparer to speak on your behalf to the IRS during an audit, paying for them to complete your taxes doesn’t automatically include audit defense. If you’re unsure, ask so you know where you stand on the rare chance that your file is flagged.

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Questions To Consider Before Choosing Residential Cleaning Services

Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting

Develop Your Plan

DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED.

Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning. Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.

DETERMINE HOW AREAS WILL BE DISINFECTED.

Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched. Prioritize disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

CONSIDER THE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED.

Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants.

Implement

CLEAN VISIBLY DIRTY SURFACES WITH SOAP AND WATER prior to disinfection.

USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING OR DISINFECTANT PRODUCT.

Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against COVID-19, and read the label to make sure it meets your needs.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL.

The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.

Maintain and Revise

CONTINUE ROUTINE CLEANING AND DISINFECTION.

Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant and PPE availability. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.

MAINTAIN SAFE PRACTICES such as frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings, and staying home if you are sick.

CONTINUE PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE.

Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others. Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.

 

HOW MUCH TO CHARGE FOR HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES

How Much to Charge for House Cleaning Services

The average hourly rate for house cleaning services is between $25-50 per hour, going up to $90 per hour depending on factors such as the type of cleaning and demand in your area.

Here are the most common factors that will influence your house cleaning prices. You’ll want to keep them all in mind before offering a quote.

The size of the home: House cleaning rates can be determined either by square footage or by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the home (more on average room rates below). The larger the house, the more you should charge.

The type of cleaning: Deep cleaning, which is more thorough and requires more cleaning supplies, will cost more compared to basic cleaning like mopping and sweeping.  According to Thumbtack, the starting cost for the standard clean of a one bedroom home is $100 compared to deep cleaning, which is $125.

The state of the house: The dirtier the house, the more cleaning required, and the higher the price.

Home location: The further you travel to clean a home, the more you’ll have to charge to cover these costs. To keep your overhead low, you can try scheduling clients who live near to each other on the same day, or use route optimization to reduce mileage and increase efficiency.

Demand in your area: While you should charge a rate that’s unique to your business and not pegged to industry averages, certain areas will, on average, have higher or lower going rates than other regions.

Frequency of cleaning: Professional cleaning companies will often charge less for frequent cleaning compared to one time cleans. The reason is that these houses require less cleaning in subsequent visits.

Experience: Companies who have been in the industry for a long time have the knowledge and reputation, which often allows them to charge a premium. While we certainly don’t ever recommend undercharging for your services, charging these premium rates may not be possible out the gate.

Hourly Rate

Charging an hourly rate is a superb option when starting a business because you usually don’t know how what your average cleaning times will be and it gives you some wiggle room.

It is, however, not ideal if you’re established because you won’t get rewarded for becoming more skilled and faster at what you do. Just think about it: why should you get paid less for completing a superb cleaning job in an hour that takes someone else five times longer to do?

Flat Fee

A flat fee solves many of the problems of the hourly rate. It’s the most common and popular method for established professional cleaners. With this method, you charge a fee to a client based on the value you’re providing. You’re pricing your cleaning services to solve a problem. This means they’re paying you to solve that problem (the value) and not for your time.

 

HOUSE CLEANING GUIDE FOR KIDS

It can be tough to know which chores are appropriate for your children, particularly younger kids. That’s why the team of house cleaning experts has put together ideas for the age-appropriate cleaning chores you might want to assign to your children.

Of course, these are only suggestions. Choose house cleaning chores that you think are age-appropriate, and feel free to think up new chores that you think your children can handle

 

Housekeeping

Housekeeping refers to the management of duties and chores involved in the running of a household, such as cleaning, cooking, home maintenance, shopping, and bill payment. These tasks may be performed by members of the household, or by other persons hired for the purpose. The term is also used to refer to the money allocated for such use. By extension, an office or organization, as well as the maintenance of computer storage systems

Housekeeping includes housecleaning, that is, disposing of rubbish, cleaning dirty surfaces, dusting and vacuuming. It may also involve some outdoor chores, such as removing leaves from rain gutters, washing windows and sweeping doormats. The term housecleaning is often used also figuratively in politics and business, for the removal of unwanted personnel, methods or policies in an effort at reform or improvement

Housecleaning is done to make the home look and smell better and to make it safer and easier to live in. Without housecleaning, lime scale can build up on taps, mold grows in wet areas, smudges appear on glass surfaces, dust forms on surfaces, bacterial action makes the garbage disposal and toilet smell and cobwebs accumulate. Tools used in housecleaning include vacuums, brooms, mops and sponges, together with cleaning products such as detergents, disinfectants and bleach.

Removal of litter

Disposal of rubbish is an important aspect of house cleaning. Plastic bags are designed and manufactured specifically for the collection of litter. Many are sized to fit common waste baskets and trash cans. Paper bags are made to carry aluminum cans, glass jars and other things, although most people use plastic bins for glass since it could break and tear through the bag. Recycling of some kinds of litter is possible

Dusting

Over time dust accumulates on household surfaces. As well as making the surfaces dirty, when dust is disturbed it can become suspended in the air, causing sneezing and breathing trouble. It can also transfer from furniture to clothing, making it unclean. Various tools have been invented for dust removal: feather dusters, cotton and polyester dust cloths, furniture spray, disposable paper “dust cloths”, dust mops for smooth floors and vacuum cleaners. Vacuum cleaners often have a variety of tools to enable them to remove dirt not just from carpets and rugs, but also from hard surfaces and upholstery

Removal of dirt

Examples of dirt or “soil” are detritus and common spills and stains in the home. Equipment used with a cleaner might include a bucket and sponge or a rag. A modern tool is the spray bottle, but the principle is the same. Many household chemicals are using in cleaning, scrubbing, and washing surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.

Tools

Brooms remove debris from floors and dustpans carry dust and debris swept into them, buckets hold cleaning and rinsing solutions, vacuum cleaners and carpet sweepers remove surface dust and debris, chamois leather and squeegees are used for window-cleaning, and mops are used for washing floors.

 

Best House Cleaning Resources

Do you need some good ideas for keeping your house clean and tidy? Do you like using cleaning schedules, meal planners, and recipes? Do you need to know how to kill fruit flies or get a coffee stain out of the carpet? Then this article is for you. We’re going to share top resources for articles, blogs, tips and house cleaning and organizing ideas and help, so you’ll know where to go, to learn what you need to know.

Good Housekeeping:

This website is filled with helpful and informative house cleaning articles, tips, and help. From how to clean coffee stains out of carpet, to how to kill fruit flies, and more!

Clean Mama:

This website and especially the blog has lots of helpful cleaning information, tips, help, cleaning schedules, meal planners, etc to help you keep your house clean and tidy.

House Beautiful:

This website offers all kinds of ideas for your home. It has design and DIY ideas, organization tips, articles about what you need to have in your nursery, and even how to properly put toilet paper on the holder

Housewife How-To’s:

This website has lots of articles that offer helpful tips and information on cleaning, cooking, laundering, and more. From things you shouldn’t flush, to organizing ideas, DIY cleaners, how to get pet stains out of carpet, and menu plans and recipes, there’s even an article with “15 great gift ideas for guys, a man approved gift guide.

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What To Expect From Pain Management

What is Chronic Back Pain?

Chronic, or ongoing, back pain, is a common complaint among adults. It occurs when nerves continue to signal pain, even after the cause of pain—such as an injury or illness—has been resolved.

Research continues to reveal important information about how chronic pain works, how to treat it, and how to help people manage it. While it’s not common for pain to disappear entirely, it can be reduced so it has less impact on your life. Just as important, management strategies can help you function better despite a certain level of pain that may remain.

What can I temporarily do to ease my chronic back pain?

Try these suggestions to temporarily reduce your back pain, keeping in mind these are not long term solutions:

  • Keep moving
  • Find a comfortable position
  • Apply heat or cold
  • Anti-inflammatories or acetaminophen

Long-term back pain management

Pain management for chronic back pain aims to reduce your level of back pain and minimize its effect on your life, so you can do more of the things that make life meaningful and enjoyable. To develop a pain management plan, follow these steps:

  • Assess the situation with your doctor
  • Work with your doctor to make a plan based on your pain goals
  • Follow up with your doctor
  • Find effective self-help activities
  • Be patient as you try different approaches

 

Treatments you can try yourself

Stay active

One of the most important things you can do is to keep moving and continue with your normal activities as much as possible.

It used to be thought that bed rest would help you recover from a bad back, but it’s now known that people who remain active are likely to recover quicker.

This may be difficult at first, but do not be discouraged – your pain should start to improve eventually. Consider taking painkillers if the pain is stopping you from carrying on as normal.

There’s no need to wait until you’re completely pain-free before returning to work. Going back to work will help you return to a normal pattern of activity and may distract you from the pain.

Hot and cold packs

Some people find that heat (such as a hot bath or a hot water bottle placed on the affected area) helps to ease the pain when back pain first starts.

Cold (such as an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables) on the painful area can also help in the short erm. However, do not put ice directly on your skin, as it might cause a cold burn. Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a cloth or towel first.

Another option is to alternate between hot and cold using ice packs and a hot water bottle. Hot and cold compression packs can be bought at most pharmacies.

Relax and stay positive

Trying to relax is a crucial part of easing the pain as muscle tension caused by worrying about your condition may make things worse.

Although it can be difficult, it helps to stay positive and recognise that your pain should get better. People who manage to stay positive despite their pain tend to recover quicker.

 

Ways to Relieve Back Pain

Sleep Better

When you have back pain, sleeping can be hard. It can be a vicious cycle because when you don’t get enough sleep, your back pain may feel worse. A poor sleep position can also aggravate back pain. Try lying on your side. Place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine in a neutral position and relieve strain on your back. If you need to sleep on your back, slide a pillow under your knees. Be sure to sleep on a comfortably firm mattress.

Good Posture

Grandma was right! Slouching is bad for you. And poor posture can make back pain worse, especially if you sit for long periods. Don’t slump over your keyboard. Sit upright, with your shoulders relaxed and your body supported against the back of your chair. Try putting a pillow or a rolled towel between your lower back and your seat. Keep your feet flat on the floor.

Prescription Pain Relievers

Some people may need prescription-strength NSAIDs or opioid medications to help with pain. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications — including over-the-counter medicines — to avoid overdosing on certain active ingredients. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants to help ease painful muscle spasms.

Antidepressant Medications

Even if you’re not depressed, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications as part of the treatment for chronic low back pain. It’s not clear how antidepressants help relieve chronic pain. It is believed that antidepressants’ influence on chemical messengers may affect pain signals in the body.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can teach you how to sit, stand, and move in a way that keeps your spine in proper alignment and alleviates strain on your back. They also can teach you specialized exercises that strengthen the core muscles that support your back. A strong core is one of the best ways to prevent more back pain in the future. Studies show that when you increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance, back pain decreases — but it takes time.

 

How Common is Back Pain?

While it is estimated that four out of five people will experience back or lower back pain at some point in their lives, back pain that lasts longer than a few weeks is not normal and it may be necessary to seek advice from lower back pain doctors.

Back Pain Symptoms

Back pain symptoms may include feelings of muscle ache, stabbing or shooting pain, stiff or limited flexibility in the back or lower back, inability to stand with proper posture and radiating pain down one or both legs.

Where is my back pain coming from?

Muscle Strains

Did you know that muscle-related pain is one of the most common reasons for overall back pain? It’s true. Muscle-related back pain can be caused by improper lifting techniques, overuse, poor posture or a sudden awkward movement or fall.

Bulging or Herniated Discs

Spinal discs are soft cushions between vertebra. Sometimes, the soft jellylike substance inside the disc can bulge out of place or rupture, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves causing back pain. Disc related pain can be caused by an injury. Interestingly, some people who have bulging or herniated discs will never experience any back pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to back pain that stems from the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a disorder, but a symptom of another underlying problem, such as a spinal stenosis, a pinched/irritated nerve in the lower back or a herniated disc.

If you have spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, compression fractures, arthritis or osteoporosis you may also experience bone and joint pain in the back. These conditions can be treated with conservative, minimally invasive procedures by our back pain and lower back pain doctors.

 

Back Pain Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of pain from spinal issues may vary depending on the cause, and could improve within the first 72 hours of conservative treatment. Often back pain goes away on its own within a few weeks. Acute back pain is defined as lasting up to three months, and chronic pain lasts longer than three months. Acute or chronic back pain may exhibit the following symptoms:

  • Muscle ache
  • Shooting, stabbing or dull pain
  • Pain that radiates toward the neck or down the legs
  • Decreased range of motion and flexibility
  • Pain that reduces with rest or minimal movement

To diagnose the source of your back pain, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and history and do a physical examination. Other tests that can help diagnose the source of your pain include X-rays, MRI scan, CT scan and blood tests. It is important that your issue is properly diagnosed so that you can receive the most effective and appropriate back pain treatment.

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Scary Reasons Why Humans Should Heel To Almighty Ants

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rid of Ants

DIY Ant Bait

If you have an ant infestation in your home, here’s an inexpensive way to kill them, without calling the exterminator. Mix a quarter cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon borax, and 1 cup water in a small container (not one that you eat out of) and pour a bit of the mixture into some bottle caps. Place the caps wherever you see ants. They will carry the poison back to the colony, killing the whole nest. Borax can be found at drugstores. Be careful, this mixture is not safe for pets or kids to ingest.

Keeping Ants Out of Cabinets

If you listen to our lifehacks podcast, you know that one of our favorite household tricks ever is to sprinkle cinnamon around the edges of your cabinets to keep ants out. Ants won’t cross a cinnamon barrier! They also won’t cross a line made out of chalk.

Ant-Free Pet Food

Never have to throw away an ant-infested bowl of pet food again! If ants keep sneaking into your pet’s food, you should know that ants can’t swim. Place the bowl of dog or cat food into a shallow bowl filled with water and the ants won’t be able to reach the food

Talcum Powder for Ants

To kill off any ants in your home with something that’s safe for kids and pets, try talcum powder. Sprinkle talcum powder along your baseboards and doorways. It dehydrates ants’ bodies, eventually killing them.

Keep Ants Away from Your House

Never use decorative paving stones near your home. Certain ants love to make their homes underneath them! Use them away from your house to be certain ants won’t decide to come in for a visit.

 

Homeowners Guide for Getting Rid of Summer Ants

How to get rid of ants and stave off future infestations

Considered one of the most common nuisance pests and known for crashing backyard BBQs, ants can show up in overwhelming numbers during the summer. Although these pests rarely transmit diseases, they can be difficult to get rid of and can easily take over living spaces, especially areas where food or moisture are present such as kitchens and bathrooms. During the summer, these intruders can run rampant throughout the home as they search for food and shelter.

Although homeowners are familiar with ants, some may not know that there are several common species capable of infiltrating and taking over households. With more than 700 species living in the U.S., it is crucial to know which one you’re dealing with in order to properly get rid of these common summer ants.

Carpenter Ants

These ants get their name from their ability to excavate wood and form smooth tunnels throughout structures. Carpenter ants do not eat the wood, they only tunnel and chew through it to build their nests. These species pose a threat to households because of the structural damage their nest building can cause. Additionally, carpenter ants have powerful jaws and can bite. A western black carpenter ant colony, when mature, can contain between 10,000 to 20,000 workers, with larger colonies containing over 50,000 individuals.

Odorous House Ants

When crushed, you’ll likely be able to smell this ant due to the strong, rotten coconut-like scent it gives off. Odorous house ants are determined pests and will use branches or plants outside of your home to climb inside. Once indoors, they will nest near moisture sources and inside wood damaged by termites. Odorous house ants like to eat sweets, such as honeydew, and are capable of contaminating food. Click the link above to learn how to get rid of these summertime ants.

Little Black Ants

Little black ants, named for their appearance, are scavengers that will feed on a variety of sugary or fatty foods including candy, fruit, grease, oil, and meats. Because of their small size, their nests tend to also be small and therefore difficult to locate. Indoors, they typically nest in wall voids and decaying wood. These ants have stingers, but they are too small and weak to pose any health threat.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are known for making nests in or under pavement cracks. These ants will eat anything, including bread, meats and cheese, and are willing to forage in trails for up to 30 feet to find food. Pavement ants are found in ground-level masonry walls but can also nest in insulation and underneath floors.

 

How to get rid of ants

Here’s how to get rid of ants and keep them out of your kitchen and home for good

Want to know how to get rid of ants? Have you discovered an army of ants marching in single file across your kitchen units? Remember the sugar granules you spilt as you were making your tea? Unless they were mopped up immediately, you’ve created a tempting spot for ants to gather. If you’re serious about getting rid of these small colonial insects

Why are there ants in my house?

You’d be correct in thinking that ants are usually found in nests outside, then how have they made it into your house? Well, the clever (but annoying) insects often head into our homes to forage for food.

Clear away food

If you want to get rid of ants the obvious thing to do is keep food off their menu by storing yours away in airtight containers. Next wipe away any food and drink spillages immediately, not forgetting to clean the inside of cupboards and under the kitchen cabinetry.

Use a natural anti-ant spray

Once you’ve removed the ants’ food sources, give your kitchen surfaces and floor a final wipe down using an eco-friendly homemade anti-ant spray, made with one part vinegar to one part water. Homemade lemon and peppermint oil sprays will also do the trick. Ants can’t bare strong smells, so the vinegar or oils will work a treat in deterring the house invaders and masking there scent trails, making them loose there direction.

Block up entry points

Follow the trail of ants back to their nest to find out where they’re getting in, then fill any cracks and crevices with sealant, especially around the doors and window frames.

 

Ants: The Ultimate Guide

Ants are some of the most notorious household pests throughout the country and the world. Ants are found on every continent except Antarctica, and according to a study published in PNAS, may make up as much as 25% of Earth’s entire animal biomass. Needles to say, there are a lot of ants, and they are extremely successful at what they do. This success is partly because of their sophisticated social organization and the various defense mechanisms that they employ

According to National Geographic, there has now been over 10,000 unique species of ants discovered that have been classified. These insects are best identified by their segmented antennae, compound eyes, and 3 body segments with a constricted second segment (petiole) that gives them a narrow waist. Ants are important to the environment because they decompose forests and other habitats, help aerate the soil, and can help control other insect and pest populations

Understanding Ant Behavior

If you want to learn how to get rid of ants, you must first understand ant behavior. Although ants vary widely by species, the majority of ants exhibit similar ways of living. Most ant species live within a caste-like social structure. Typical colonies consist of one or several queens (that lay the eggs for the colony), fertile males called drones, soldiers, and workers. Each ant within the colony has a specialized job and works for the good of the colony.

While the queen is essential for the growth of the colony, the workers are the lifeblood. They forage for food, and then bring it back for the rest of the colony. Ants are omnivores that will eat almost anything that is available. In the outdoors, ants will eat nectar, honeydew from aphids, leaves, grains, insects, dead rodents, vegetables, and many other things. When they enter homes, they prefer sweets and starches like sugar, fruit, candy, and breads. Ants feed their colony through trophallaxis.

Identifying Common Household Ants

Even though there are thousands of species of ants on the earth, there are only a few species that are labeled as pests in the United States.  When dealing with ants, it is helpful to know what species you are dealing with so that you know the best extermination methods. Some ants build their colonies outside and only come into your home to forage. The method of ant removal of these species will be different than ants who build their nests in your walls and home.

 

Ant Control: How To Get Rid of Ants

One of the most frustrating problems you can have as a homeowner is an infestation of ants. Ants frequently find their ways into homes thanks to their small size and foraging nature. Ants often travel in large groups and will appear in long lines, especially if they have found something good to eat. Controlling an ant infestation can be tricky as treatment options can vary depending on the type of ant that is present.

Because ants live in colonies, even if you see only a few ants, there is likely a lot more that you don’t see. An ant population grows rapidly, so a small ant problem can grow into a big one in little time. Their numbers can grow even into the millions, which leads to ants breaking off and establishing satellite colonies to help support their growing numbers, which only spread their infestation throughout the rest of your property.

Most ants are nuisance pests and are not considered to be public health threats. But some species, such as Fire ants or Argentine ants, are invasive and will bite people and animals causing itchy welts and allergic reactions. Other species, such as Carpenter Ants and Crazy Ants, will cause structural damage to your home and electrical equipment.

Knowing what type of ant you have and where it’s found is crucial for treating an infestation. Some common types of ants found in homes are Pharaoh ants, Rover Ants, Little Black Ants, Carpenter Ants, Odorous House Ants, Crazy Ants, Argentine Ants, and Fire Ants. However, many other species exist. In fact, there are over 10,000 different species of ants all over the world.

Ants are identified by their size, the number of body segments, color, antennae, and shape. A quick way to identify them is by their nesting locations and where they may be foraging (around the foundation, flowerbeds, mulch bed, around windows and doors, areas of moisture etc.)

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Transmission Repair On Vacation

How To Identify The 5 Most Common Vehicle Transmission Problems

Luckily, many of these transmission problems can be diagnosed by having a basic understanding of what signs and symptoms to look for during your daily commute.

  1. The Car Does Not Move When You Attempt To Accelerate Or Your Car Struggles To Accelerate

What does it mean? One or more components in your transmission has failed or worn out. This failure can be due to high mileage, loss of transmission fluid, or improper use/abuse of your vehicle.

  1. You Smell Something Funny

What does it mean? Your transmission has overheated due to intense use and fluid breakdown. You may smell something “burning” this is typically the smell of burning fluid from a leak. Overheating fluid can be caused by either low fluid level or by using the wrong type/brand of transmission fluid.

Be sure to check your fluid levels often and ask your mechanic which transmission fluid is right for you.

  1. You Notice A Dark, Burnt-Smelling Fluid Leaking From Your Car Or Your Fluids are Low

What does it mean? Your car is losing automatic transmission fluid (ATF). ATF is vital to the health of your car’s transmission as it cleans, lubricates, and prevents the engine from seizing. Leaks can be caused by physical damage (running things over), or in some states, corrosion, typically from harsh weather.

  1. Your Car Refuses To Go Into Gear Or Your Car Is Shaking Or Grinding When Going Into Gear

What does it mean? Typically, your car should shift and accelerate smoothly. If you notice any shaking, grinding, or odd noises while shifting your car, you could be experiencing problems with your car’s gears. As the problem gets worse, your car may “jerk” when shifting and will take time to “wiggle” into first gear.

  1. Your Vehicle’s Check Engine Light Is On And Flashing

What does it mean? A flashing check engine light is an indicator of an issue that has occurred somewhere in your car and could indicate any number of issues. If you notice any of the above issues your flashing light is more than likely a result of transmission issues.

Bring your car to your mechanic to be inspected. They will be able to look at this check engine light for a code that your car produces and will give you advice on what steps to take next.+

 

Tips for Preventing a Transmission Breakdown

The moment you start noticing something out of the ordinary with your car, it’s time to start considering the problem and finding a way to fix it. It’s great if your problem can be sorted without much trouble, but even better not to have a problem in the first place. This is especially true when it comes to your vehicle’s transmission, as this can be one of the more specialized parts to repair. Looking after your transmission is important, so don’t neglect it. The best way to do this is to catch problems early.

Here are 12 tips that could help you avoid a potential breakdown:

  1. Check your transmission fluid level, color and smell regularly.

Your fluid should be checked roughly every 1,600 kilometres. The fluid should also be changed every 80,000 kilometres or every other year, depending on which comes first.

  1. Use the correct fluid.

Types of fluid vary from vehicle to vehicle. Some newer fluids may be more expensive but they will likely improve the protection of the transmission, which makes it worth the expense.

  1. Don’t overfill your transmission.

Follow your manual very carefully when checking and adding fluid.  Overfilling can cause the fluid to foam, which can lead to erratic shifting, loss of internal lubrication and potential transmission damage.

  1. Avoid excess heat in your transmission.

Heat is a serious enemy of transmission health. Research suggests that 90% of transmission failures are caused by heat. If you reduce the heat back to normal operating temperatures, you increase the life span of your vehicle.

  1. Don’t tow in overdrive.

Look for a button on the dash or steering column that turns overdrive off.  If your vehicle doesn’t have this button, if probably has the overdrive position on the shift indicator.  Pull the shift lever from overdrive to the drive position before towing.

  1. Install an auxiliary cooler.

An auxiliary cooler can save your transmission from the damage done by excess heat.  When properly installed they may help your transmission to run 30% to 50% cooler when towing. This investment could save you hundreds of dollars.

  1. Don’t overload your vehicle.

All that weight from towing makes the transmission work too hard so it overheats, which causes real damage. If you do a lot of towing, consider the point 6.

  1. Allow your vehicle to warm up thoroughly on cold mornings.

Warming up the engine/transmission for about 30 seconds to a minute before driving is best practice. After that take it easy until the car is actually warm.

  1. Avoid rocking between gears if your vehicle becomes stuck in mud or on ice.

If you must rock, do so as gently as possible and make sure the wheels have stopped moving before each gear change. This will drastically reduce the strain placed on the transmission.

  1. Do not perform high performance starts, or spinning of your tires except in emergencies.
  2. Use your emergency brake when parking on an incline.

This reduces stress on the parking pawl (pin) and linkage.

  1. Play it safe; get any potential trouble looked at promptly by a professional.

If you think a problem is developing (say you notice sudden changes to the way your car drives, or any changes to the way your transmission works, such as trouble changing gears or a delay before the gear seems to shift), but you aren’t sure, get it checked out by an expert.

 

 

Differences Between Manual and Auto Transmission Repair

It’s important to know the differences in maintenance between automatic and manual transmissions if you are not familiar. In general, manual transmissions are a bit less expensive to repair, and they are built to last, with many people reporting a decade or more before the clutch needs to be replaced. Automatic transmissions also last a long time, but their fluid flushes and change-overs require more attention and occur more often, so they require more maintenance.

Fluid leaks are a common issue with automatic transmissions, but not so much with manual devices. This is because of the way that fluids become exposed or seals that can be compromised as a matter of course, when you are working with high-pressure systems that continuously operate.

If you are experiencing manual transmission problems and all your prior experience is with automatic transmissions, then you need to realize that it’s far more likely you will experience a slipping clutch or other symptoms from the list above rather than a large-scale fluid leak. That’s simply the nature of the design differences between the two.

 

Shifty Business – Gear Shift Trouble

Car gear shift problems can send any driver into a panic, assuming their transmission is to blame. Yet, there are many other reasons that cause trouble when shifting gears. For example, if the catalytic converter or exhaust is clogged, the engine may experience a back-pressure problem, making it difficult for the transmission to change gears. An expert technician will need to perform an inspection to confirm the exact cause of the shifting problem. Shifting problems can also be caused by:

  • Faulty interlock switch. This is the apparatus that requires the brake pedal to be engaged in order to shift from park to drive or reverse. If shifting from park is troublesome, a faulty interlock may be to blame.
  • Shift Cable or Linkage may be corroded or coated with thick grease. Moisture, grease, and dirt can accumulate in or around the interlock and brake light switches and shift cable, making shifting troublesome. This usually occurs when the engine and transmission are After it and the surrounding components warm up, the gunk may become softer allowing the vehicle to shift from park.
  • Low transmission fluid combined with sluggish feeling and hard shifts. Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission, acting as a lubricant and coolant to keep internal components cool and well-oiled. Transmission fluid flushes are imperative to the life of your transmission.
  • Your vehicle’s internal computer may be malfunctioning. A car’s computer is responsible for communicating with the transmission to shift from park to drive or reverse and when to shift while moving down the road.

If you notice gears slipping, you may, in fact, have transmission trouble. Transmissions are designed to shift gears either manually by the driver or automatically. If the transmission is unexpectedly slipping in and out of gear, the transmission needs immediate attention. If this occurs, for your safety, do not drive the vehicle and have it immediately towed to a professional.

 

What Does the Transmission Do?

The transmission is one of the hardest-working devices in your car. The transmission sends power from the engine to the wheels through something called a driveshaft, and the machinery is often under great pressure and heat.

The cost to repair a transmission is usually more expensive than just about any other repair your vehicle might require. Therefore, keeping an eye on potential transmission problems may save you money in the long run as long as you catch the problem early.

Bad Transmission Symptoms

Look out for these warning signs and symptoms of a bad transmission.

  • Sluggish Transmission
  • Slipping Gears
  • Jerking Upon Acceleration
  • Transmission Slipping
  • Transmission Fluid Low or Dirty
  • Noises During Acceleration & Deceleration
  • Burning Smell
  • Check Engine Light Registering a Transmission Error Code

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