Must Know How To Settle Toilet Installation

THREE ADVANTAGES OF CONVERTING YOUR TOILET TO DUAL FLUSH

Some toilets are dual flush, which means they have separate flushes for liquid and solid waste. The main advantage of a dual flush toilet is you can conserve water without sacrificing flushing power. If you want a dual flush toilet you can either buy a brand new toilet or you can retrofit or convert your existing toilet to dual flush. Converting your existing toilet to dual flush has a few major advantages.

  1. WATER CONSERVATION

The biggest advantage of having a dual flush toilet is saving water with every flush. Water conservation is a serious issue, especially in drought-prone areas. Toilets account for nearly 30% of a home’s water usage according to the EPA, and older toilets can use as much as 6 gallons per flush. New dual-flush options can use less than 2 gallons per flush for liquid waste, representing a significant decrease in water usage.

  1. PRICE

Converting an existing toilet to a dual-flush toilet using a conversion kit is far less expensive than purchasing an entirely new toilet. The nicest kits can cost a few hundred dollars, but an adequate kit that will present the same benefits can be had for fewer than $100.The money you spend can be made up in water saved very quickly.

  1. EASY INSTALL

Each conversion kit has its own installation instructions but for the most part, these kits are extremely easy to install. Some kits even boast installation time of 10 minutes. Most kits only require you to remove the lid to your toilet tank and make a few simple adjustments and attachments with simple tools. Even the most intricate of kits are much quicker and easier to install than an entire new toilet.

 

What are a macerating toilet and sewage ejector pump?

When you flush a normal toilet, it sends the waste through a trap, into a waste line and onto the mainline where it travels to the sewer or septic tank. The drain line on a normal toilet is below the level of it, so gravity pulls the contents of the waste line into it.

Macerating toilets send the waste to a macerating unit located behind the toilet or in the wall. High-powered blades then liquefy the waste, sending it out of the unit through a normal pipe that is tied to the main drain line. Unfortunately, macerating toilets are more expensive than regular ones, but it’s far easier to connect a small-diameter pipe to an existing system rather than redoing the entire bathroom. It’s also much cheaper, too.

For those who believe they are out of luck because their toilet location is below the main drain, don’t worry, we have a solution for you too. Because waste doesn’t need to be liquefied for easier transport through the small-diameter pipe, you can install a sewage ejector pump. There’s no transport involved at all; it just needs to get into the main drain. While they are similar to other pumps, they can do something that others can’t: pass solids. The pump sits in a sealed sump pit basin, where everything is discharged. The float switch normally controls the entire operation, turning the pump on once the water in the basin reaches a certain level.

So, if you had always dreamed about installing that toilet in the basement or in the garage so you didn’t have to run all the way upstairs to do your business, you are finally in luck. Keep in mind that these bathrooms, if maintained and installed properly, can last for a long time.

 

The Benefits of Toilet Replacement

Toilets are the workhorses of the bathroom; in fact, these simple fixtures account for up to 27% of your home’s total water usage. However, these vital components of your bathroom’s layout are often overlooked and forgotten until a problem arises, such as a leak or a clog. Toilets aren’t built to last forever, and will eventually require replacement when either a single major issue or several minor problems result in the need for repairs that simply aren’t worth the money the plumbing work will cost. Knowing when to replace your toilets and how your home can benefit from toilet replacement can help you determine when it’s time to begin exploring today’s many available toilet models.

A More Efficient Toilet

With toilets accounting for such as the significant percentage of your home’s water usage, one of the most obvious benefits of toilet replacement is less water usage per day. Especially if your toilets were installed before 1994, they are not as efficient as newer models for at least one key reason. Federal plumbing manufacturing regulations passed in 1994 required all new toilets to use 1.6 gallons or less per flush; toilets manufactured before these regulations went into effect can use five gallons or more each time the handle is pulled. Simply installing a newer standard model toilet today can reduce your home’s water usage by 23—46% with absolutely no further effort on your part. Newer ultra-low-flush and high-efficiency toilet models can use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, further reducing your home’s water usage as well as your monthly water bills.

A Problem-Free Toilet

Whether you are suddenly experiencing new plumbing issues with your toilet or it has been giving you intermittent trouble throughout the years, toilet replacement can put an end to this struggle. Frequent clogs or leaks can add up in terms of repair costs, while issues such as a cracked tank or damaged floor seal can render a toilet essentially useless, requiring replacement to restore function and prevent water damage from affecting your home. Rather than continue to spend time and money on a problematic toilet, replacing the fixture is a permanent solution with a one-time cost that will ensure your toilet is matched to your needs and will continue to function for years to come without further issues.

A Stylish Toilet

Toilets are one of the most visible but also most often overlooked bathroom features in terms of style. Today, toilets are available in multiple designs, from those with classical rounded features to sleek, low-profile toilets that can save space in a smaller bathroom or powder room. If you’re considering toilet replacement for other reasons, opting for a toilet that fits the style and available space in your bathroom can give this room a drastic visual boost that will improve its aesthetics and could even increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it in the future. Appealing bathrooms, which include appealing toilet designs, have been shown to help homes sell more quickly and for a higher price than those with lackluster bathroom designs and outdated or unattractive toilets.

 

What Are Some Low-flow Toilet Problems?

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

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

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

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

 

Parts Needed for Toilet Replacement

Before you start removing the old toilet, make sure you have everything you need to put the new one in. If you are missing anything, you could have to go several days without use of that bathroom. Some of these parts may be included with the new toilet, but we have included links just in case you need them! Below are some parts for toilet replacement/repair.

  • Closet Bolts
  • Closet Bolt Covers
  • Wax Bowl Ring
  • Closet Flange Extension Ring
  • Toilet Flapper
  • Toilet Tank Lever
  • Oatey Liquilock (optional)

Now that you have all the necessary parts, you are ready to get started with the replacement! Make sure you have an adjustable wrench on hand to help with the bolts.

Choose The Best Wedding Photographer

Mistakes To Avoid Choosing A Wedding Photographer

Find someone who cares more about your wedding images than they do about their own packages and policies. Someone you know will help your wedding run smoothly and efficiently. Choose someone that you can communicate with someone that truly understands how you want your wedding to feel. How do you know? When you talk to her, she’s more interested in learning about you than describing all of the print sizes and prices.

Is this someone that will add to the fun and emotion of your wedding? Remember your friend’s photographer, the grumpy, sweaty, old guy that was a boring, annoying jerk? Steer clear of that! Get someone that will make the work of posed pictures fun, memorable, and exciting! How can you tell who’s cool? When you talk to the photographer, ask how she feels about your family members taking pictures over her shoulder! If she stays relaxed, then everyone will have a good time.

Look for someone who has some flexibility in styles. See what they have to offer. Some of the styles you may want to consider are Traditional, Black & White, Candid, Romantic, or Photo-journalistic. Check to see how they handle both indoor and outdoor situations. Can they do fine portraiture as well as a truly candid style? Find out what they have for you. Remember that the photographer’s creativity and personality (and your rapport with him/her) is what makes your wedding images unique, and your expressions more genuine!

Find someone who has as few restrictions as possible regarding packages, number of prints, limiting locations, and limiting the amount of film they shoot. Prepaid, pre-designed packages limit the creativity of the photographer. Creativity does not come from a pre-packaged album containing, for example, 24- 8x10s. If you’re paying for an album, it should look and feel like a storybook! Think of it, not like a photo album, but an illustrated storybook that uses no words to tell the story. In most cases, packages are NOT a good thing because the photographer “knows” beforehand what he needs to shoot and will only strive for those images.

Ask about their guarantees!!! They should have some sort of performance guarantee – GET-IT-IN-WRITING! If something didn’t come out the way you expected, they should offer to recreate it somehow or give you your money back! As of this writing, one performance guarantee is to get “preview” images on a CD before you get anything else. These are small versions of your digital images, like getting a sample before buying the whole scoop of ice cream. If you don’t like them, the photographer should give you your money back! In other words, you don’t buy the photographs until after you’ve seen them!

 

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer

PHILOSOPHY

For some wedding vendors, you really don’t need to care about their philosophy. Wedding photography is not one of those places. Chances are, you’re going to spend more time with your wedding photographer than with your maid of honor on your wedding day, so you want to make sure they’re someone you jive with. The simplest way to start is to sort through the vendor listings of a wedding website where you feel like you fit in. (Oh, hi, APW Vendor Directory.) Once you’ve found photographers you’re interested in, look at their About pages. Those pages are carefully constructed to give you a sense of who the photographer is and how they work. Back when our CRO Maddie shot weddings, she had an About page that really laid out who she was very clearly. It said, “As a wedding photographer, I believe that getting married is one of the bravest things a person can do. It’s messy and it’s hard work, and rarely the result of a perfect love story.” That sets out a very specific philosophy that might be really right (or realay wrong) for you. Look for written philosophies that feel like they just click, and then see if that feeling continues when you meet with the photographer in person or talk to them on the phone.

DO YOU LIKE THE PHOTOGRAPHER?

Once you’ve narrowed down photographers whose work you like, and whose philosophy you seem to gel with, set up an in-person meeting (or a Skype session, if that’s what works). Then, figure out if you LIKE them. If you don’t, please don’t hire them. You spend enough time with your photographer on your wedding day that you should find them generally pleasant at minimum, possible-BFF-forever at maximum. (Only you know how much you care about love-loving them, but make sure you like them.)

LIGHTING SITUATION FOR YOUR WEDDING

Before we get too far into this idea of, “Just hire someone whose work makes you feel happy inside,” let’s have a quick reality check. The easiest wedding to shoot is a wedding in the daytime, with a ceremony under shade and great natural light. If that applies to you, ignore the rest of this paragraph. If, however, you’re getting married in a dark church or you’re having an outdoor evening wedding reception, it’s really important that you specifically look for a photographer that’s skilled with those lighting environments. Don’t assume that experience equals skill in low lighting. Look for weddings shot in similar lighting environments in your photographer’s portfolio, and ask them specifically how they would handle your particular situation

REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Every photographer is going to have their strengths and weaknesses. It’s pretty easy to get a sense of what someone’s strengths are (let’s assume taking stunning photos is one of them). The trick is to get an accurate sense of what a given photographer’s weaknesses are, and then decide what you can live with. You can do this by a robust conversation with a photographer. (Just ask them flat out what their weaknesses are. A professional will tell you. Run away if they say they have none.) Or you can ask to chat with a past client

PRICE AND WHAT THEY OFFER

When looking at someone’s pricing, be careful to see what’s included in the package you’re looking at. Things like second shooters, additional hours, hi-res JPGs, albums, and engagement sessions may be included in the price quote, or might be extra money. Just make sure you’re not signing up to pay more later for things you definitely want (i.e., having your wedding photos taken isn’t worth all that much if you have to pay $3,000 extra to get the files). That said, things like albums and prints can always be ordered later when you’re not facing the burden of paying for a wedding, so if you love someone’s art, but they don’t include as many bells and whistles with their package, go for the art.

 

Essential Things To Consider

When you’re researching how to choose a photographer, it can be a bit daunting at first. What do you base your choice on? How do you choose? What advice on photographers is best?

It’s not an easy task, so I decided to write this wedding photographer advice with the aim of making the process of choosing a photographer more comfortable for you.

How to choose a photographer: Technical Proficiency

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the best camera, lens and other photographic technology if you don’t know how to use it. Today’s photographic equipment comes with a multitude of features and options, often more than most wedding photographers would ever require. It feels good to have the latest equipment, but often an incompetent or inexperienced photographer of weddings doesn’t quite get to grips with how a feature works, or when or why they should use it.

Equipment alone doesn’t make you a better photographer.

I once worked alongside a photographer who had just bought a new tripod that enabled them to shoot photos from a low down on the floor. Unfortunately, the photographer didn’t practise setting up the tripod before the wedding day and decided to use the tripod for the first time while shooting photos of newly-weds at their wedding. He had no idea how to set up the tripod for this unusual angle

The photographer wasted a good ten minutes trying to figure out what was going on. Unwilling to accept advice or help from anyone (including me), they persevered in vain. I felt sorry for the bride and groom having to waste the most important day of their lives waiting for this guy to figure out how to operate a new tripod (though the couple seemed happy enough enjoying a glass of champagne while they waited!). I learned from this – the simplest option is often best. The latest equipment enhances what I do and how I do it – but I learn how to use it and become proficient at using it in demanding situations before being on a paid job. Low angle shots? I’ll lie down and have the shot done in seconds.

 

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

Traditional Photography

Traditional or formal wedding photography is the classic posed look you see in conventional group shots of the couple and the wedding party. This used to be the most popular style and involves plenty of direction from the photographer, but it also takes time and you might miss some of the action of the day. Your photos are likely to be a bit formulaic, but will be beautifully shot and well-lit

Contemporary Photography

Contemporary photography will feel more like fashion or editorial photography combined with reportage. It’s ideal if you want fashion-led couple photos and an artistic approach to other shots. You’ll need to find a photographer with the same creative vision as you, whether that’s street style, portraits, conceptual or nature-focused

Set a Budget

No point finding a photographer you love and then discovering they’re well beyond your budget. We’ve got our complete guide to wedding photography prices to give you a good idea of what you can get for your money – the average is £1,500-£2,000.

Find Your Style

Now for the fun part of starting your search! Your preferred photography style really is one of the most important things to consider. We’d suggest you browse our wedding photographers section – you’ll see the styles of hundreds of photographer and can easily work out what you do and don’t like. Do you want candid, classic, a mix of colour and black-and-white, creative, contemporary? Normally one of the styles above will jump out at your straight away.

Ask for Testimonials

One of the best ways to find a photographer is to ask friends for recommendations. If anyone has got married recently and you loved their shots, find out who their photographer was. Other places to get recommendations from are your venue, social media and online reviews. Is there a forum for your county? What about asking in

 

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

STYLE

First off is decide your style, you can browse our site and see hundreds of different wedding photos by different photographers, however it is important you find a photography style that matches what you want, a style that you want your photos to follow. Shortlist photographers that match your style, be it reportage, traditional or contemporary, quirky and creative

EXPERIENCE

They may have been taking photos for years, but have only recently started capturing weddings. Make sure they have a good few solid years of photographing weddings. Weddings are very different to fashion shoots or staged shots as they are dynamic, it is a live event, an experienced wedding photographer will know the flow of the day and know where to be at the right time to get those stunning shots.

TESTIMONIALS

If they have the experience then they should certainly have a lot of testimonials and great references. Ask to speak to previous clients, make sure they were happy with how it all went and are thrilled with the end result when they got their photos.

CONSISTENCY

You may have found a photography with the perfect style you are looking for, they have some great shots on their website, now you want to see some albums, whole weddings that are complete.

VENUE

Have they shot at your venue? This certainly isn’t necessary, however it is an added bonus if they have, you can see wedding shots they have taken there, and they will know the best places and locations at the venue for some great shots.

Choose The Best Kitchen Faucet

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A KITCHEN FAUCET YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

CHOOSING A KITCHEN FAUCET

Know how many holes you have. You may need a deck plate to cover any existing or if you only have one, you may need to drill into your countertop. It’s easier to go with less than more.

Keep the finish of your hardware in mind

I personally don’t believe there are any hard and fast rules when it comes to home design but, personally, I prefer my kitchen faucet to match the finish of my kitchen pulls and handles. It’s easy on the eyes and makes the decor aesthetically appealing.

Spray features.

When it comes to choosing a kitchen faucet, the more spray options the better. I don’t want a trickle, I also want a jet steam so I easily clean stuck on food.

Faucet height.

Most faucets are in front of a window, but if yours is below cabinets – take some measurements before you buy

Hose length

This is a feature that I missed the first few times I was choosing kitchen faucets. Take into consideration the size of your sink (my old sink was a large one, and I couldn’t stretch the hose enough to clean the bottom corner), if there are any plants nearby you would like to easily water, or if you have coffee maker next to the sink to easily fill (I can’t be the only one who gets annoyed when I have to take the reservoir out of my Keurig each time).

 

 

Tips for Selecting a Kitchen Faucet

Height and Reach

Kitchen faucets are available in a variety of heights and reaches. You want to choose a faucet that offers the best combination for your space. If you have large cabinets over your sink, you want to make sure that the height of the faucet doesn’t make the space look overcrowded.

Kitchen Faucet Style

You need to choose a style before you start shopping for a new faucet. Take a few minutes to look around your kitchen and gauge your current style. There are some styles that you mix and match together and others that look awkward together. For example, you can add a modern shape and style faucet to your traditional kitchen, but it would look odd if your style is rustic farmhouse.

Sprayer Options

You already know that you want a sprayer to reach the gunk that lurks in the corner of your sink, but there are so many kinds. You can choose between a side sprayer and one that pulls out from the faucet. The central sprayer is easier to use and helps keep your sink area looking tidy and efficient.

Number of Handles

Most faucets come with either one or two handles. With two handles, you use one to turn on and control the flow of water while the other handle provides hot or cold water. If you choose a faucet with only one handle, water flow and temperature are controlled with a single handle, making it very convenient in a kitchen.

Number of Holes

Most sinks come with pre-drilled holes in them. There are typically two or three holes, and if your new faucet comes with fewer pieces to fill those holes than your previous faucet, then the holes need to be covered. Many faucets come with bridge pieces to cover a hole, but it’s a good idea to check the packaging if you’re going to need a cover to ensure it’s in there. For example, your old faucet had a side sprayer while your new one has a pull-down sprayer. The hole for the side sprayer is now empty.

 

How to Buy a New Kitchen Faucet

Start With the Sink’s Faucet Holes

There are many different kitchen faucet and sink designs available, but they’re not always compatible. Start by taking a look at your kitchen sink to determine how many pre-drilled faucet mounting holes are available. This applies if you’re installing a new faucet in an existing sink or buying a completely new faucet and sink.

Check the Water Lines

Make sure the new kitchen faucet you want is compatible with the water supply lines. Look under your sink towards the bottom of the cabinet and note the size of the existing water line and the shutoff valves. Here are a few guidelines to use when checking your water lines and valve

Consider the Finish

Even something as seemingly small as the finish of a plumbing fixture can make or break the aesthetics of your kitchen. There are a few rules of thumb. The kitchen faucet should match the finish of other sink accessories, such as the tiny dishwasher air gap, built-in soap dispenser, and sink-hole covers for unused holes. A faucet that has a shiny chrome finish will look out of place if the rest of the fixtures have a matte brushed nickel finish, for example.

 

How to Choose Your Kitchen Sink Faucet

Measuring For Kitchen Faucet Size and Reach

It’s important to check every aspect of the size of your faucet before you order. First, you need to address size as it relates to functionality. Second, to look balanced, your faucet should be in proportion to the sink. A large faucet would visually overpower a small prep sink, while a small faucet might look odd in a large sink and countertop area.

Height

You may find height expressed as deck to top of faucet and/or deck to aerator. Make certain you are choosing a faucet with adequate height to accommodate the items you’ll be washing or filling. The higher the spout, the easier it is to fit tall pots under it for filling or cleaning. If you have a shelf above your sink or a wide window ledge, a tall faucet may not fit.

Reach

This important (and often overlooked!) measurement refers to the horizontal distance from the faucet spout to its point of connection with the sink or countertop. In other words, how far the faucet extends into the sink. This measurement determines how large an arc your faucet can cover within the sink basin. This aspect of your faucet also needs to be coordinated with your sink size so the water stream does not hit too far back or forward within the basin.

Clearance to backsplash

Let’s say you fall in love with a faucet whose single handle controls temperature by rotating back. You bring it home and install it, and it looks fabulous. Then you turn it on…and find out that the handle hits your backsplash before it’s fully extended. Check the product specifications to see if there is a minimum recommended clearance to backsplash. Make sure the space between your backsplash and the handle allows for the recommended measurement, or select a faucet whose handle(s) have only forward motion to operate.

Spread

When you shop kitchen faucets you will see terms like “8-inch center spread”. This refers to the distance from the center of one hole to the center of the farthest hole on the other side. Some widespread kitchen faucets come with flexible water line hoses that allow for some variance in spread.

 

Faucet Buying Guide

Faucet Findings & Shopping Tips

In the graphic below we highlight single-handle pullout faucets, a very popular style that combines a spray head and spout for convenience and flexibility. But our findings are applicable to other faucet styles too. Here’s what else to consider when shopping for a new faucet.

Match the Faucet With the Number of Mounting Holes

Most sinks come with mounting holes pre-drilled for faucets and accessories such as side sprays or soap dispensers. If you’re keeping your original sink, you’ll need to match what you have or get a base plate to cover any extra holes. The base plate sold with your new faucet can be used to cover holes in your countertop, but don’t buy a faucet that requires more sink holes than your sink has; it’s not a good idea to try to drill additional holes in an existing sink or countertop.

Spout Styles and Shapes

Straight spout faucets are compact and often inexpensive, but you might need to move the faucet to fit a big pot under it. Gooseneck models have higher clearances, but can cause splashing if your sink is shallow. Whatever style you pick, make sure the faucet head swings enough to reach the entire sink, especially if you have a wide or double bowl sink. Also keep the faucet proportional; a large sink can look odd with a small faucet.

Installation and Repair

Replacing a faucet and a sink at the same time is easier because the faucet can be installed in the sink, or in the countertop before the sink is put in place. Fittings that can be tightened with a screwdriver also streamline installation. Long water-supply hoses allow you to make connections lower in the sink cabinet where tools are easier to use. Though most faucets are guaranteed not to leak, if yours does, the manufacturer will give you only the replacement part—it’s up to you to install it.

Tips To Make Self Home Electrical Safety Inspection

Home Electrical Safety Checklist

The electrical system in your home has many parts and components to be aware of to ensure a safe home all year long. Do you know what GFCI and AFCI outlets are? What is whole-house surge protection? As part of your spring cleaning, take some time to inspect your electrical system.

If you are like most people, you are probably aware of some basic electrical knowledge, such as knowing how to flip a breaker and that water and electricity don’t mix, but there’s also a lot you probably don’t know.

Every year, there hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and billions of dollars worth of damage caused by a lack of electrical safety knowledge. Electrical outlets/receptacles alone account for 5,300 home fires and over 40 deaths and 100 injuries every single year

Our home electrical safety checklist is meant to reduce these numbers and protect homeowners everywhere. In addition to doing your own DIY electrical safety check, make sure to schedule an electrical safety inspection with a professional. Your licensed electrician should inspect your home every year to make sure the electrical system meets the safety provisions provided in the National Electrical Code

Your professional electrical safety inspection will include checking your electrical panel, outlets and switches, wiring and circuits, GFCIs and AFCIs, outdoor circuits and HVAC wiring, and your smoke and CO detectors.

 

Electrical Safety Inspection: The Ultimate Guide to Passing

What’s the point of  an electrical safety inspection anyway?

Having an electrical safety inspection done on your home might seem like a bother but try not to see it that way! Ensuring that the electrical safety inspection is conducted periodically and properly is extremely vital for your family and property.

Protect your property

Electrical surges are a common phenomenon in much of the United States. They can not only ruin your appliances but also create short circuits in your house, leading to fire that can cause severe property damage.

Someone could get hurt

Electrical wiring does not last forever. Due to wear and tear, it deteriorates along with its associated accessories. This deterioration can lead to nasty experiences such as electric shock or fire.

You have a legal duty

The law also mandates that you keep your house safe, especially where it concerns guests. Apart from this, many US states have local legislation that requires all homeowners to maintain certain electrical standards in their homes.

You could get sued

If a fire breaks out in your home and spreads to neighboring property or if there’s an electrical incident and someone gets hurt, you could find yourself paying far more in damages than you would have for a simple residential electrical inspection.

 

Electrical Safety Inspection Services

What Is an Electrical Home Inspection?

An electrical home inspection provides a thorough examination of your entire electrical system, ensuring all electrical wires, systems, and components (such as appliances) meet legal safety standards. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the code that all electricians operate under when examining your home, and defines the parameters for minimum standards across the United States. Upon completion of your electrical home inspection, a Mr. Electric® inspector will provide a detailed, prioritized checklist including areas in need of immediate attention, recommendations for improvements, and potential upgrade possibilities.

When Do You Need an Electrical Safety Inspection?

There are specific times when homeowners should schedule an electrical home safety inspection. The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends that homeowners make an appointment for an electrical home inspection at these times.

Benefits of an Electrical Safety Inspection

An electrical home inspection is important for the safety of your home and everyone in it. Getting your home’s electrical system checked by a professional will offer you peace of mind by

What Does an Electrical Home Safety Inspection Include?

Your local Mr. Electric knows just what to look for when it comes to residential electrical hazards. An electrical home inspection from Mr. Electric covers

 

Electrical Safety Checks Homeowners Should Do Every Year

Breaker Panel Inspection

Look over your main electrical panel and the area surrounding it. You should have three feet of clear space around the panel, and an easy-to-find, battery-operated light source available for when the power goes out. Next, open the panel door and examine the breakers. Do they show signs of rust or rodent activity? Flip the circuit breakers on and off, making sure that none of them are sticking or corroded, which could prevent them from operating correctly.

GFCI Testing

Any outlets likely to be exposed to a water source should be ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) protected. That may be in the form of an individual outlet (as shown here), an outlet farther up on the same circuit, or by a GFCI breaker in the panel. Regardless of where the GFCI is on that circuit, you should be able to press the test button and ensure that all of the outlets affected are turned off and safe.

Test Your Outlets

One of the most useful tools for quickly checking outlet safety is a receptacle tester, often called a “cube” or “block” tester. This device simply plugs into an outlet and displays lights which indicate the most common outlet wiring issues. These tools are extremely affordable and widely available, and they deserve a place in every DIY toolbox. The block tester is only one of the very affordable electrical safety test devices that can help keep your home safe.

Visual Inspection of Exposed Wiring

If wiring runs are visible in a basement or attic, take the time to look them over and make sure they’re free of cracks, splits and rodent activity. Look for signs of chewing or nest building, and take any steps to repair damaged wires and eradicate the rodent activity.

Extension Cord Review

Extension cords are practically essential for DIYers, but they can also pose potential problems. Add them to your electrical safety checklist and examine extension cords for cuts, nicks and other damage that can easily occur during DIY and other seasonal projects. Also, make sure that any cords being used for power tools are within their amperage rating. If you do have a damaged extension cord, it’s usually fairly simple to make a repair. Here’s how.

 

Electrical Safety Inspection Tips For Fall

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

While an electrician at Current Electric will make this an important part of an electrical safety inspection, you should also test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on your own time. After all, the chances of a fire or carbon monoxide exposure will skyrocket the instant detectors stop working. Conducting a test may reveal you will have to replace batteries for either before the season begins.

Be Careful of Electrical Lines

If you plan on doing some outdoor work this fall, you need to be cautious of the placement of electrical lines and wires across your landscape. If you are doing work requiring you to climb a ladder, be careful not to accidentally yank wiring loose. Even just making the wrong move can either bring damage to the wiring or result in electrocution.

Consider Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

GFCI outlets can immediately shut off electric power to reduce the risk of shock or fires. They are installed in areas of your home where water and electricity are likely to mix, like bathrooms, garages, or kitchens. This may be an important update to make this fall, as it can single-handedly keep your family away from any safety hazards.

Check Outlets & Switches

Since you rely on your outlets and switches many times a day, you need to make sure they are working at their best. If they feel hot to the touch or are resulting in frequently blowing fuses or circuits, you need to call an electrician at Current Electric immediately. Your outlets will need to be replaced if you have outdated two-prong or builder’s grade outlets.

Pay Attention to Your Lighting Wattage

Every lighting fixture in your home is rated by a specific wattage. However, you need to pay attention to wattage requirements. A lighting fixture with wattage over the requirement can cause an overload on your wiring and potentially result in a fire. There is also danger in having lighting fixtures that are under the requirement, as it can bring further stress to your home’s electrical system.

Tips To Change Your Bathroom With Bathroom Remodelling

Bathroom Remodeling: Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom

There are various, sometimes unexpected, factors that go into bathroom remodeling planning. A bathroom remodeling project is no small undertaking in terms of both money and time spent on the job. The average mid-range bathroom remodel costs $19,134, according to the 2018 Cost vs. Value report. That’s a significant financial investment that requires thoughtful consideration and research before diving in.

Before you start your bathroom remodeling checklist, there are several aspects to consider: budget, design, plumbing, and contractors. Read more of these considerations before moving forward and taking the first step in building your dream bathroom.

Evaluate Your Finances

Although you can research the average bathroom remodeling cost for your area, every remodeling project is unique. How much a homeowner actually spends will vary depending on the size of the space, the intensity of the project, and the quality of materials used. Before starting your remodel, examine what you think you can spend and then ask for an estimate from several contractors. Set realistic expectations for yourself.

 

Warm up your floors

To avoid a cold tile floor, consider adding radiant heat, which is simply an electric heating element that the tile installer puts underneath your finished floor. Set it on a programmable thermostat, and it’ll have the floor warm to the toe when your alarm goes off in the morning. That adds about $500 to $1,000 to your project costs, depending on the room size, but it’ll make your new bathroom a comforting and peaceful place.

 

Plumbing fixtures and features

No renovation is complete without remodeling or repairing fixtures and features, which could very well make a separate checklist themselves: shower, bathtub, toilet, bidet, sink, faucets and shower heads. You should also update or repair your mirrors and shower doors. You can also change the look of your bathroom very easily by changing out door handles, drawer pulls and the hardware for your shower doors. If you have the budget a new set of shower doors can completely change the look of your room.

Cabinets, storage and shelving

Planning cabinets, shelving and storing solutions is a tricky problem in most cases. In small, irregular shaped rooms like the bathroom, it is even more so. They need to be functional and accomodate all your stuff while keeping everything easily reachable, they must fit into the available space and make the most of it and on top of it all, they need to look stylish.

Final clean

The final clean should include a thorough cleaning of all cabinetry, inside and out, ductwork, walls, floor, windows, and light fixtures. Although often overlook in the planning phase, in the case of a major renovation you may want to consider contracting a cleaning service which means additional costs that impact your budget. If you feel up to doing it yourself, you may need to add a day or two to your initial timing.

 

Don’t forget about ventilation and lighting. 

Make sure the space is properly ventilated as moisture breeds mold and mildew and can take its tool on finishes and surfaces. In addition, you’ll want to ensure your bathroom has plenty of light. Install a ceiling fixture for general light, but depending on the layout of your bathroom, you may want to add sconces near the vanity and task lighting in a shower.

Don’t be too distracted by trends. When planning your bathroom remodel, think about the long term. While you may be tempted to add a trendy mirror, lighting or tile, don’t go overboard when bringing your bathroom up-to-date, as trends come and go. Opt for practical fixtures that won’t lose their appeal in the next few years.

 

Summary

Unless your bathroom is unusually large, you can DIY most of the smaller tasks within this overall project. For core-level bath remodels, many DIYers still hire out electricians and plumbers but do the rest of the work themselves. For surface-level remodels that require no major wiring and plumbing changes, the entire project is within the reach of a DIYer.

But do remember that professional contractors may do the job better and faster than you can. Weigh cost savings against these advantages when making your decision.

Must Know What Is The Benefit Using Accountant

Tips to Choose an Accountant for Your Small Business

Be Selective

You need an accounting professional on your team. Interview at least three candidates before you select your accountant. You need to choose an accountant that is a fit for your small business. If you hired an accountant that does not feel like they are on your team, move on. While you might feel some short-term discomfort while doing this, you will get long-term benefits for your business. You need up-to-date financial information to make the best business decisions. This starts with professional accounting services.

Ask About Reporting Frequency

It is important for you to know how often you will get financial statements from your accountant. Frequent communication is vital between you and your accountant, especially when you are growing your business. You want to use your accountant as a business advisor, not just to get help during tax season. So, set expectation about the frequency of reporting and communication in advance, and choose an accountant who meets your requirements.

Check If the Accountant Uses Cloud Technology

More and more accountants are switching to cloud computing. It is because of the number of benefits they can get, such as data security, remote data accessibility, flexibility to do work, and many other features like electronic invoicing, and ACH wire transfer. At all times, you want to have access to your accounting data. Plus, you want the accountant to be available to discuss urgent matters any time. This is possible when the accountant has opted for cloud services.

Ask About Accounting Software

Before you choose an accountant, you’ll want to ask what software they recommend for their small business customers. You may find some accountants who are using the same old desktop accounting software. They do not want to switch to the latest online accounting solutions. You want to invest in an accounting software system that you can grow into in 3-5 years. You also want an accountant who can teach you how to use your software and set up your initial chart of accounts. You should also inquire about whether they could help you get a discount on your accounting software.

Leverage Social Media

These days most accountants are active on different social media platforms. In fact, having a profile on LinkedIn should be a must for any working accountant or accounting firm. You want to see if they have a profile and if they have any recommendations from customers. That is social proof that they have an active business and are highly recommended for their expertise by at least a few customers.

 

Businessman working in the office

Choosing the Right Accountant for Your Business

Choosing the Right Accountant: Hiring a Firm Versus an Inside Accountant

Many entrepreneurs who launch their own businesses start out by wearing the accountant’s hat and doing your own taxes, in addition to doing just about everything else in the business, too. It’s become easier for a layperson to keep track of a business’ finance with the advent of simple bookkeeping software, such as QuickBooks, Quicken, and Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting. But there comes a time in a growing enterprise when it makes sense to hand over responsibilities for taxes, accounting, and the rest of the financial functions to specialists.

Choosing the Right Accountant: When Is It Time?

Many small businesses don’t have the volume of financial transactions that necessitate hiring a full-time — or even part-time — bookkeeper or accountant on staff. Then again, the financial situation of their business is such that they could benefit from more regular financial review and planning and up-to-date accounting — instead of leaving every invoice, receipt, and ledger to hand off to the tax preparer at the close of the fiscal year.

Inside accountant

When the business grows in revenue and the transactions become more complicated, it is time to consider hiring a full- or part-time inside accountant. Since the outside accountant’s fee grows with the size of the business, the owner may see some cost savings by bringing some of the work in-house.

Choosing the Right Accountant: The Key Qualifications

After determining whether you will hire an inside or outside accountant, you need to determine what qualifications your accountant should have before beginning your search. A non-certified accountant may be precisely what you need to handle your business’ financial statements, analysis, and bookkeeping.  However, when it comes to tax advice and return preparation, business owners usually look to accountants who are certified and licensed. Here are some of the qualifications you may look for:

Choosing the Right Accountant: Finding a Referral

For an outside accountant, find out who and/or which firms your friends and colleagues are using. Ask people in similar industries for names or referrals. Mention that you are looking for an accountant at the country club or health club. “Word of mouth is one of the best ways to identify good candidates for your business,” Chamberlain says. “Maybe your corporate attorney can make a recommendation. Your industry trade association also can be a good resource.”

 

tips for small businesses on selecting the right accountant

  • Make finding an accountant one of the very first things that you do when starting your business. Working with an accountant during the startup phase is the best way to ensure that your company is in compliance in terms of taxes. Your accountant can also help you manage any expenses related to getting your company up and running.
  • Choose someone who is qualified. These accounts in Hounslow recommend that you consider hiring an accountant who belongs to a group like ICAS, ICAEW, or ACCA. In order to become members of these organizations, accountants have to prove that they are qualified.
  • Look for an accountant who is familiar with your industry. An accountant who has experience working with other small businesses in fields similar to your own can usually do a better job of providing you with knowledgeable advice. For instance, if you are a freelancer, you should avoid hiring a general accountant. Instead, look for someone who specializes in situations like yours.
  • Evaluate the fees. When hiring an accountant, take a look at the specific fees that they charge and how those fees are calculated. Some companies charge a flat rate on a monthly or annual basis. Find out if there are any start-up fees or fees if you close your account. Discuss extra charges for services that aren’t included in the typical workload of the accountant.
  • Consider the services that the company offers. All accountants offer standard services like managing payroll, handling annual accounts for limited companies, and managing HMRC. Look at some of the specialized services that they offer, as well. For instance, will they help you with your self-assessment returns or do they offer IFA services?

 

TIPS ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING AN ACCOUNTANT

TEAM

how many members of staff work for him? Does he have enough numbers to service your needs? What is the level of experience and qualifications of the team members? Does the accountancy practice network with other accountants, tax advisors, niche tax practices or independent financial advisors?

BE WARY OF DUPLICATED WORK

If you are being charged on a time basis then make sure that there is no duplication of work. You do not want to pay for the same job done twice or even worse to be charged for errors made by your advisor (this is applicable to both solicitors and accountants). Always ask for a predictive cost of the service to be provided (I always do this with my solicitors) and also set a ceiling of fees on time charged services. It is important that this ceiling is agreed together with your professional advisor BEFORE any work is done as this will avoid unnecessary arguments in the future. If this ceiling is to be breached by your advisor then simply ask for a reason and also a breakdown of their time sheet so that you can analyse where and how time has been spent.

SERVICE

What are you getting for your money? Cheap fees will inevitably reflect on the service. If you only want compliance work then choose a basic cost effective accountant but if you want the best tax advice then never select on the basis of fees. Always look for the right balance, any advice that you pay for MUST always make or save you more money than the fees being charged, otherwise you are wasting your money.

OFFICES

Do they have any or do they simply work from home? If they do have offices how expensive are they to run and maintain. Having expensive, plush offices in Central London may look fancy on the letter head but it will obviously be reflected in the charges so beware.

UP TO DATE

Does he really know his stuff? Does he go to seminars to update his knowledge in the areas that you want to receive advice from? Is he passionate about increasing his knowledge in taxation? Does he network with other niche tax practices and Independent Financial Advisors to assess if there are any other products in the market that can genuinely support your business needs?

 

How to choose an accountant for your small business

Why should I hire you?

Hiring an accountant can be “even more important” than taking on a member of staff, says Clive Lewis, head of enterprise at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). “If you get the wrong person, you can miss out on things you should know,” he explains, “and that can be very costly.”

Could my money work harder?

James Richardson is a company director at Metric, an accountancy firm specialising in start-ups. He says most people believe an accountant will just be looking after annual accounts and tax compliance. However, “that’s only a small portion of what a good accountant can – and should – be doing for you.”

Are we a good match?

The right accountant will have more than just prestige – it’s important they understand small business needs, and are able to offer relevant insight.

Are things working out?

Once you’ve chosen an accountant, measuring their performance is an ongoing process. Chung says a great way to do this is to hold monthly meetings where you can ask for their view on the business and its finances. “If their view is close to yours, that’s a good sign,” she says. “But you do still want to see a degree of challenge and initiative – if you only hear what you expect, that’s not a good sign.”

Must Know Tips To Maintain Laminate Flooring

HOW TO MAINTAIN AND RESTORE LAMINATE FLOORS

Laminate floors give a different look to your home or office. These floors are durable and resistant to stains. If you use the proper laminate cleaning products and methods, they can be cleaned and maintained easily.

Here are some general floor cleaning tips for these types of floors:

Sweeping Laminate Floors:

Sweep the laminated floors daily with a soft-bristled broom. That will prevent the scratches.

Vacuum Cleaning Laminate Floors:

It is convenient and vital to vacuum clean the laminate flooring frequently to remove loose dust and dirt. The dust has abrasives that can cause scratches.

Wet Mopping Laminate Floors:

A damp mopping is recommended to clean the laminate floors once in a week or less. You can use a soft microfiber mop. Always mop along the lines of the floor planks. Dry and clean the floor with soft microfiber mops. Make sure only to use a damp mop as water can harm the laminated floors. It is advised only to use the recommended laminate cleaning products to clean your floors.

 

Keeping Laminate Clean and Shiny

Sweep or vacuum regularly. Dust and dirt can make your floor look dirty, and they can also cause scratches. Sweep or vacuum the floor at least once a week, and more often if you have kids, pets, or a particularly active house.

  • When you vacuum, always use the hard floor attachment.

Mop regularly with the right cleaner. Mop the floor at least once a week after you vacuum. Work in small sections by spraying cleaner directly onto the floor and wiping with a microfiber mop. To maintain the shine, use a commercial or homemade cleaner that’s specifically formulated for laminate.

  • To prevent dullness, don’t use cleaners that contain soaps, oils, or harsh chemicals.

Use floor mats at entrances. Floor mats aren’t just good for welcoming guests to your house, and they’re also designed to catch dirt, mud, dust, moisture, and other particles that might get dragged in from outside. Using mats at entrances will help keep your floor cleaner, and reduce how often you have to sweep and mop.

Clean spills immediately. Laminate floor is very durable, but it’s not meant to get wet. As soon as food spills on the floor, pick up solid waste with a spoon or a towel. Wipe up any liquids, puddles, or spills that end up on the floor with a cloth or towel.

  • Laminate that stays wet for too long can warp or be otherwise damaged.

 

Why It Matters How You Mop Your Floor

The North American Laminate Flooring Association points out the benefits of this type of floor.

For one, it’s environmentally friendly because it’s made from sustainable wood and wood byproducts.

Two, it’s available in a wide variety of styles and colors for every room in the house And three, it’s surprisingly durable. Laminate is stain, scratch, and moisture-resistant. Plus, most manufacturers offer at least a 10-year warranty.

You don’t even need to wax or varnish laminate to keep it looking like new. But here’s the hard part: it does matter how you mop your laminate floor.

Soaps and abrasive cleansers will destroy the finish. So will homemade cleaners if they aren’t properly diluted. Also, some popular cleaning liquids leave residue and streaks. Worse, leaving the floor wet can cause it to warp and peel.

 

Cleaning Laminate Floors with Vinegar

Thought I would share some tips if you have laminate flooring in your home. I find these tips helpful and found then off a website where I bought my steam cleaner. If any one else has any tips please let me know or share here.

If you are trying to maintain you laminate floor here are some maintenance tips

1) Becareful with the laminate floor cleaner that you buy. Lot of chemical based floor cleaners tend to leave behind residue and can make your flooring look dull. Invest in a steam mop so you can eliminate the need to use chemical cleaners and just steam clean your laminate flooring.

2) Sweep your laminate flooring on a daily basis to prevent dust and dirt from sticking to the surface. Sweeping on daily basis prevents you from alot of scrubbing and mopping in the future. prevents you from alot of future scrubbing and mopping.

3) Do not use soap or any other household cleaner to clean your laminate floors as they leave unsightly streaks. If you have spots or stains invest in a steam mop that will help lift the stains from the floor. A steam mop is more convientent to use when you have spills and spots.

4) When you spill anything wipe it up immediately since extend period of moisture absorption can damage your laminate flooring.

5) Do not wax your laminate flooring

6) Use natural cleaning ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon and water. Natural ingreditent such as these can help maintain your home daily with out any chemicals. You can also use all these natural ingredients with steam mop so you have the power of hot steam to wipe away dirt and refreshen your home.

 

Making the best homemade cleaner for laminate floor

By now (thank the internet), you and I know that the best way to clean laminate floors (and save money) is by using natural ingredients at home.  Most of these ingredients are in the kitchen, and the best part is that they are safe. But, there’s the huge risk of using the wrong homemade ingredients leading to damage.

Baking soda mixed with water: baking soda is a magical ingredient that should be present in any home. It removes stains effortlessly and is nonabrasive.

Borax with water: mix these two and then spray on your microfiber mop to clean the floors. Be careful about the amount of water you use and wipe surfaces dry when done.

Vinegar and warm or hot water: The most popular homemade cleaning solutions for laminate floors and other surfaces, it has been in use for centuries. The best part: vinegar is affordable, and it lasts a long time. Mix the two in equal parts, put in a spray bottle (or a mop bucket), and get to work.

Vinegar, lemon juice, and water: besides the citrusy scent and the antiseptic properties of the lemons, this mixture will leave your floors streak-free. And even if you cannot stand the smell of vinegar, note that it dissipates quickly – you may add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar-water mixture as well.

The only catch when adding essential oil is that it will reduce the floor’s shine.

Vinegar, water, and liquid dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle. This mixture will work magic on your high gloss laminate floors. As one of the best recipes for homemade laminate flooring cleaners, you need 3 parts water, one-part vinegar, and 1 squirt of dishwashing detergent.

Pencil eraser: You did not see this one coming, did you? Well, besides being an invaluable resource in school, you could use it to remove scuff and heel marks on the floor.

To remove gum or candle wax, cover the area with ice, let it freeze, then scrape it off gently with a non-abrasive plastic scraper.

Tips To Solve The Problem In Residential Painting

THE MOST COMMON PAINT PROBLEMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

While many of us decide to take on the task of painting our own homes, we don’t usually consult with professionals beforehand. This means that the final product is often different from what we expect, usually for reasons that we cannot fully understand. From polishing the walls, choosing finishes, to choosing the right colors, there is plenty of room for mistakes without proper guidance. Therefore, with the right set of guidelines, there is an easy way to avoid making the same painting mistakes in the future. the most common painting problems people face, and tips and tricks on how to avoid them.

 

Blistering

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

If you observe bubbles forming from the underlying surface of your wall paint, this is blistering. Blisters are caused by moisture being drawn out from the surface that the paint is applied. It can be caused by painting when humidity is high, applying paint to a damp surface or re-coating too quickly. Insufficient surface preparation also increases the occurrence of blisters.

The solution

Avoid painting under extreme humidity or if a high dew point is present. Make sure your surface is dry and free of moisture before the paint application. Allow adequate drying time before re-applying paint. If the blisters go down to the surface, then moisture is a problem. In this case, it is highly-recommended to install vents and exhaust fans in affected areas. Choosing the Correct Primer Undercoat for the type of surface to be painted is your best chance of success may be the difference between success and failure.

 

CRACKING / FLAKING

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

Use of lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility, over thinning or overspreading the paint.

Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer.

Excessive hardening of enamel/oil based paint as the paint job ages.

SOLUTION:

Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, using a filler may be necessary. Prime bare wood areas before repainting. Use of a top quality primer and top coat should prevent a recurrence of the problem.

 

Blocking

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

An unexpected and undesirable result of interior painting that people often experience is blocking, which is when two painted surfaces stick together, such as a door sticking to the jamb. Possible causes include: using substandard gloss or semi-gloss paints or not allowing the painted surfaces to dry thoroughly before closing windows or doors.

SOLUTION:

The most reliable way to prevent blocking is to use top quality gloss or semi-gloss acrylic latex interior paint and carefully follow directions regarding drying times. Persistent blocking can be relieved with talcum powder.

 

Efflorescence

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

A variety of factors contribute to efflorescence, including:

  • insufficient curing time for cement or mortar during construction;
  • moisture migration from inside the house;
  • groundwater penetration from an inadequately waterproofed basement;
  • insufficient surface prep to remove previous efflorescence; and
  • painting over holes, cracks, or unrepaired pointing.

SOLUTION:

Tackle efflorescence on a warm, dry day. Eliminate excess moisture conditions externally by waterproofing and repairing cracks, repointing, and sealing around windows and doors with butyl rubber caulk. There are various ways to remove efflorescence, and you may need to use a combination, depending on the extent and severity: a wire brush, scraper, low-pressure washer, and/or cleaning with diluted white vinegar or a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution (wear protective gear when working with this chemical) and then rinsing thoroughly. Applying an impregnating hydrophobic sealant to a building material surface can prevent water absorption and keep moisture from entering the material. Colorless water repellents may prevent efflorescence from recurring, as may silicone or acrylic coatings. Allow to dry completely before repainting.

Alligatoring

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

Paint naturally expands and contracts in response to temperature fluctuations and, over time, loss of elasticity can result in alligatoring. The process can be hastened through such missteps as applying a rigid coating such as oil enamel over a softer, more flexible coat (e.g., latex paint or latex primer); painting over a glossy finish (the top coat not bonding properly to the glossy finish); or not allowing sufficient dry time between primer/basecoat and topcoat. The process can be hastened through such missteps as applying a rigid coating such as oil enamel over a softer, more flexible coat (e.g., latex paint or latex primer); painting over a glossy finish (the top coat not bonding properly to the glossy finish); or not allowing sufficient dry time between primer/basecoat and topcoat.

SOLUTION:

  • Remove unsightly scales by scraping, sanding, applying chemical removers, or using a heat gun.
  • Then rinse to banish dust and let dry completely. Prime, allow to dry, and repaint.

Tips To Find The Best Pediatric

Tips for Choosing a Pediatric Doctor

Be comfortable with your choice of pediatric doctor

It is important that you are comfortable with the choice that you make. In fact, if your family is currently being treated by another physician, but the fit does not seem right, we can help. Finding the right one for you may take a few tries, but it is worth the effort to find the right one.

Evaluate the office

The pediatric doctor is not the only one that should be evaluated. Decisions should be mostly based on the doctor, but also the staff and office. The nurses should be kind and work well with children. They will see the children as much as the pediatrician will see them, they should be well-trained and like kids.

Questions to ask when meeting the pediatrician

It is important to get a sense of what the pediatrician offers. Plus, feeling comfortable with them and their level of care is essential. To find out more about them and their practices, ask questions. The answers to these questions can help to determine if they are right for you.

Tips for finding a pediatric doctor your kids will enjoy visiting

Here are some tips and guidelines to follow while choosing the best one for you. Each child and family is different so it is wise to take time in getting to know pediatricians, how their office functions and selecting one who is a good fit.

Ask for a referral

If moving or needing to switch to a new physician, it can be helpful to ask for a referral. Our office may know of another pediatrics office that is highly regarded. Otherwise, parents at school can be a helpful source of information.

 

tips to get more pediatric patients through your door

Be prepared.

At Dr. Zolman’s practice, doctors and staff share informational folders with patients who mention children and grandchildren. The folder contains an InfantSEE pamphlet and a vision simulator card (from the Ohio Optometric Association). “Make sure staff are well-versed on your practice’s services,” Dr. Zolman says. Whether it’s handing out folders or helping contribute to a team managing a practice’s social media, “having staff involved is a huge part of it,” she says.

Be strategic about your social media.

Facebook and Instagram are great places to catch the attention of and educate information-hungry parents, the doctors say. “Had the best time giving sweet little Rosie her first eye exam!” reads an Instagram post by Dr. Zolman’s practice. “The AOA recommends scheduling your baby’s first eye assessment at 6 months to ensure healthy visual development.” Using photos of patients, with their approval, makes eye care ‘real’ to the public,”

Be open to leaving the office and going into the community.

Talk to parent groups, nurses, child care providers and physicians. “Our largest referral source for the program is our local pediatricians,” Dr. Gregory says. “They include the information about the program in their well-child visits. This brings into our clinic many new families as well as educates our current patients who are new parents. Once they are in for the infant eye assessment, we make sure we explain why this no-cost assessment is so important to ensuring the proper development of their child. We also let them know that we will send our assessment information back to their clinic, so it is in the child’s health record. This shows that we are coordinating care with the pediatrician and that we are part of their children’s health care team.”

Create welcoming, kid-friendly spaces in the office.

“We have a children’s space in the waiting room with a colorful wall mural and toys for them to play with,” Dr. Gregory says. “We also include toys and children’s books in each exam room. I have outlet covers on all electrical outlets in the exam rooms. This shows parents you have thought through having children in your space and are welcoming them. Another aspect to consider in making your patients feel welcome is the greeting and reaction from your staff. Our staff comment on the babies when they are checking in and often start conversations with the parents about their children. This adds to the environment and impression you are creating for your new patients.”

 

How to Choose a Pediatrician

Interviewing Pediatricians

With a list of doctors in hand, call the office of each. Explain that you are looking for a pediatrician for your child, and inquire about the doctor’s background and training, as well as general office procedures. If you are impressed with what you hear, arrange for an interview during which you can meet the doctor and ask some additional questions. It may be more convenient to do this interview by telephone.

Here are some key questions to ask and things to consider during this first meeting:

What medical school did the pediatrician attend, and w​here did he or she undergo postgraduate and residency training? (Medical directories in many public libraries and online—such as the American Board of Medical Specialists Directory​—can also help answer these questions.)

What are the doctor’s present hospital appointments? If it becomes necessary for your child to be hospitaliz​ed, where would he or she be admitted?

 

Tips for Selecting a Pediatrician

What to ask at a first meeting

At your first consultation, it’s important to determine whether you feel confident having this doctor take care of your baby. You may find it helpful to talk with the pediatrician about practical and philosophical concerns you may have about your baby’s care. Remember, you have a choice in selecting your child’s pediatrician, and you may find it helpful to visit more than one office or physician. Below are considerations, topics and questions you may want to discuss.

Practicalities of care

How do the office staff and nurses treat you? The pediatrician and staff should follow the “no-question-is-stupid” philosophy. These are the people you will turn to for assistance the first time your baby develops a rash, gets a fever or takes a tumble, and you want to be confident that your questions and concerns will be addressed by professionals with whom you can develop a caring relationship.

 

Talking to your pediatric patients: Tips from a pediatric hospitalist

Communicate on their level

Pediatricians treat a wide range of patients, from newborns to young adults. Dr. Lloyd’s approach to engaging patients depends on their age, maturity and developmental level.

“With little kids, you kind of try to be silly,” she explains. “With school-age kids, you find some common ground, like talking about a Disney character or TV show. For teenagers or young adults, you talk to them with the same respect you would use when talking to a grown-up.”

Determining the appropriate way to communicate with developmentally delayed patients often requires talking to the parents in advance. “A patient might be 15 years old but developmentally be more like a 6-year-old. In that case, it’s really important to chat with the family and get a sense of where the child is at.”

Engage the parents

For shy or stoic children, pediatricians must rely on parents for both information and assistance.

Dr. Lloyd says toddlers, in particular, often hesitate to talk to doctors. So she steps back and has parents ask questions for her. “The family can tell you a lot, but it’s important to hear symptoms in the child’s words, too,” she says. “Some patients might be too intimidated to talk to me, but if their parents repeat my questions, they’ll usually answer.”

She also relies on parents when communicating with children who don’t want to admit how bad they feel. “We see this a lot with chronically ill kids,” says Dr. Lloyd. “It’s a defense mechanism. They know if they say something hurts, you might poke them again for blood or do more procedures on them. Parents will often say, ‘He won’t tell you when something is really hurting and his face won’t change.’ Knowing that is really helpful because you need to do more investigation and reassure the child that it’s important to discuss his or her pain with us so you can help diagnose the issue and make it better.”

Choose The Best Photo Booth For Your Wedding Party

Tips For Choosing the Best Photobooth For Your Event

Event type

Your event type should influence your photo booth company’s hiring choice.  The photo booth that you could choose for your teen daughter wouldn’t be the ideal photo booth for a couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Picture quality

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

The backdrops and props

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

The cost

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

Take away

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

 

Tips for Choosing a Good Photobooth

Type of Booth

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

  • Enclosed Photo Booth-This tool can help you in getting and experiencing the feeling of an old school. An enclosed tool is obtained by drawing the curtains you can make this tool by drawing shut the curtain and letting it loose. This means that you will have nothing to worry about since people will not be looking at you.
  • GIF Booth-This tool has made it easier to take photos and create animated images, which can be distributed easily. It has become one of the popular alternatives for parties.
  • Insta Booth-People uses this machine to take selfies on their phones, creating hashtags and orienting photos for their parties.
  • Open Air Photo Booth –Open-air booths don’t have secrets. It is the best place where people can have fun.

 

Tips for selecting the right photo booth

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

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

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

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

Cheaper isn’t always better. Competition amongst photo booth vendors is getting fierce. Prices have been dropping to remain competitive, giving clients the ultimate win as they get to save big money! However, know what you are getting. Ask the following questions.

 

Tips for Creating an Awesome Photo Booth

Regardless of which setup you decide upon, don’t forget to create an event hashtag! Whether or not you’re providing prints immediately, it is likely that everyone is going to take their own pictures with their phones and immediately upload those images to their social media accounts. Make sure your hashtag is clearly printed on a sign near your photo booth setup to allow all of your guests to share and see all of the pictures taken at the photo booth and event itself.

For the analog and instant lover alike, a Fujifilm INSTAX Mini camera or two with packages of film allows your guests to take turns posing for pictures and walk away with a wallet sized one-of-a-kind instant print. Delegate a friend to ration the number of instant prints available for use, putting a few packs out at a time as the event goes on, so not all of the film is used within the first hour or two.

Provide prints to your guests immediately with the Mitsubishi CP-D90DW High-Speed Dye Sublimation Digital Color Printer. This small size printer produces a variety of print sizes in record speed. In addition to being able to choose what size of image you would like, guests can choose between glossy or matte finishes.

A Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Shutter Release works with Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras to provide a wireless shutter release, allowing friends to grab the remote and go. For those relying on a tablet setup, apps like Pocketbooth, Simple Booth, and CamWow typically provide a countdown, as well as editing tools, effects, and easy connection opportunities to compatible printers.

Aside from taping down any errant cords, having a couple of sandbags on hand to stabilize your gear is a good idea. You can get sandbags in a variety of sizes and weight to hold down tripods, c-stands, light stands, signage, and most importantly, to keep your crazy aunt from accidentally knocking the entire system over in her enthusiasm to take a series of pictures with every other member of your family.

 

Tips For Choosing A Photobooth For Your Event

Location Is Everything

If you’re booking your event venue knowing you’ll have a photo booth there, be sure to choose a venue that’ll be big enough for the booth to set up. If this is something you have decided after you have made a booking, the standard size of the booths are around 3m x 3m. This again will be dependent on the type of photo booth you select.

Choosing The Type Of Photo Booth

Thanks to the many technological advancements, the way we know photobooths have changed! As there is now a large variety of photo booths, the technology can be adapted to fit the shell of the photo booth. At boothnation, the following booths are on offer.

Choosing Your Photo Booth Backdrop

Surprisingly enough, the backdrop is an important consideration to bare in mind when deciding on where you’ll be setting the photo booth up. You can choose if you want a backdrop with a custom background, an open air backdrop with the view in the background, or if you prefer the booth to be enclosed.

Will Guests Be Standing or Sitting

This links very closely to where you set up your photobooth and how much space is available. To ensure a much smoother transition between each picture, having your guests stand when they take their picture is recommended. You can give guests the option to sit just as long as they’re a smaller group, and are willing not to use as many props. That way you’ll avoid any sort of injury!

Hard Copies or Digital

This is a tough decision for most as you want to give guests the best of both worlds.

Often there is a lot of wastage when it comes to prints as there sometimes can be a

backlog in printing. Guests sometimes forget to come back for their prints and results in wastage printer paper and ink.