Truck Tires Innovators And More

All About Truck Tires

When searching for tires, you might hear of two types: P-metric and LT. P stands for passenger, and LT stands for light truck. Neither of these is used for a semi-truck and you would be best to avoid them.

Commercial tires don’t have a specific typing, so we will just call them commercial tires. Commercial tires tend to have more tread and are made of harder rubber, making them less likely to puncture but also make the drive less comfortable for the driver. They also cost a lot more than a standard passenger tire, in part because of their design and in part because of their size. Don’t try to use a P-metric or LT tire in substitution for a commercial; that’s a safety hazard.

Understanding tires

The above string of characters might seem like gibberish to the untrained eye, but it tells us a lot about the tire. What does this combination mean? Because each section represents something different, let’s take it one step at a time.

225-Tire width. Tire width can be displayed in terms of inches or millimeters. You should be able to tell which just by looking at the number, a 225-inch tire would be more than twice as wide as the truck itself, and a 9-millimeter tire would be too small for a bicycle, let alone an 18 wheeler.

/80-Aspect ratio. The slash might make you initially think the aspect ratio is the width divided by 80, but clearly, the height of the tire is larger than 3 millimeters. No, this number represents the percentage of the length of height to width, with the slash being a divider to separate the width and the aspect ratio.

R-Tire type. R stands for radial (steel belts inside running 90-degrees from the direction the tire is facing), a dash is bias-ply (nylon belts running anywhere from 30 to 45-degrees from the direction the tire is facing). Much less common are B for bias belt and D for diagonal.

22-Diameter. Not the diameter of the tire, but rather the diameter of the hole in the center of the tire. A 22-inch wheel is a perfect fit for this tire.

119-Load index. How much weight a single tire can hold. The further down you go, the more each number adds. 119 is 1,360 kilograms or about 3,000 pounds.

U-Speed rating. How fast the tire can go under its maximum load. A tire can go faster than this at a lower load, and generally, the speed limit will be much lower than your tire’s speed rating anyway. A U rating is 124 MPH.

When to Replace Tires

Even if your tires still have plenty of tread remaining, their structural integrity may be diminished — an aging effect that’s not always visible to the naked eye and makes your tires more susceptible to blowouts.

Most tire and automobile manufacturers recommend that tires should be replaced every 6 to 10 years regardless of use, regular rotation and lack of damage, with 10 years being the absolute maximum service life. This range applies to the tires you drive on every day, as well as spare tires. Still not sure when you should replace your tires? Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your particular set of tires.

Bubble in Tire Sidewall

If you have a gumball-shaped bulge sticking out from the side of your tire, it should not to be ignored. It is usually not a defect and is a lot more dangerous than it looks because it’s actually an air bubble on your tire that could cause a deadly blowout. Side tire bubbles aren’t repairable — the entire tire must be replaced before a blowout occurs.

If you have a bubble on the side of your tire, be sure to drive slowly and take your vehicle in to your nearest tire repair shop or auto dealership. It’s a ticking time bomb that could quite literally explode at any time — when, for example, you’re cruising at 80 miles per hour down the highway — causing a blowout that can put your life and others’ lives at risk. In fact, the NHTSA has estimated that 11,000 crashes each year are caused by tire failure.

And, if you’re replacing one tire, it’s best to replace at least two tires. If you’re routinely rotating your tires, it’s best to replace tires in sets of two or four to maintain even wear. It might sting financially at first, but replacing tires in sets will surely save you money in the long run. If you do buy two tires instead of all four, you should always have the new tires installed on the rear axle and move the old, partially worn tires to the front axle — those new rear tires will provide the utmost traction and control.

Dry Rot on Tires

Keep an eye on your tires — if you notice spider-like hairline cracks, or dry rot, along the sidewalls and tread, then it’s a good idea to have your tires inspected by a professional. Dry rot causes tires to fall apart and separate from the steel belt.

Another indication that your tires have dry rot and should be replaced is if they have turned from black to a dull gray wherever the cracks appear. This condition is common in vehicles that are stagnant or improperly stored. If you do notice dry rot forming on your tires, make sure to get them replaced before you do any high-speed driving.

Dangerously Low Tire Tread

Last but not least, tire tread should be factored in when considering whether to replace your tires. If the tread on your tires is worn and bald, your traction and your safety are impacted. A healthy tread helps your tires grip the road and your vehicle quickly respond in adverse weather.

You should be sure to check the tread regularly and replace your tires if the tread has been worn down to 2/32″. When your tread gets this low, replacing your tires isn’t an option — it’s a legal requirement. By law, your tires are considered to be exhausted and unsafe for driving when they reach that 2/32″ level.

What Is The Difference Between Car and Trailer Tires

One of the great things about this time of year is the cooler weather and enjoyable time that can be spent outdoors. It’s a great time to hitch up the trailer and head out of town for a long weekend and enjoy the changing season . While spending more time driving and on the road, the possibility of experiencing a flat or other tire malfunction is increased. It might even be tempting in a stressful situation to consider putting a trailer tire on your vehicle or vice versa, but that could be risky decision.

At the most fundamental level, vehicle tires and trailer tires are built differently –from the sidewalls and tread to the ply and structure. Yes, they are both tires but their functions and the duties that they perform to keep you on the road are different.

Truck or car tires are made to be on a lead vehicle. They have thick tread to maintain traction on slippery road and sharp turns. They are also designed to handle the higher speeds of highway driving.

Trailer tires, on the other hand, are designed to be on a following vehicle. They have thicker sidewalls to handle debris and other objects that maybe projected at them. The tread is not as thick as car tires and they are not as capable at maintaining traction. In fact they are specifically designed to accommodate the sway that trailers typical experience. Because it is not recommended to drive above 80 miles per hour with a trailer, trailer tires can not handle speeds much greater than 80.

If your vehicle and your trailer have the same size tire, it is strongly discouraged that you share tires between them. Both keep you moving down the road smoothly, but they perform different functions that really can’t be interchanged.

TIRE POSITION

The type of tire is not the only factor in the quality of your drive, but where you place the tire. There are three general locations to put a tire to get different changes in results:

Steer tires. The frontmost tires on your truck, and arguably the most important ones. These tires impact your truck’s handling.

Drive tires. Located where the truck meets the trailer, these tires are the ones turned to make the vehicle move. These tires determine your truck’s grip on the road, so high traction tires are a must during the winter seasons and are still a good idea otherwise.

Trailer tires. Located at the back with the trailer, these tires tend to be especially stiff to better support the weight put upon them.

You can either purchase tires specifically for the position or use all-position tires to place them anywhere. If you place a specifically marked trailer tire in the steering area, though, you may have a hard time steering.

Home Renovation Advice For Dealing With Contractors

How Much Does A New Shower Installation Cost?

Average Shower Installation Cost

Installing a new shower costs $4,413 on average, with a typical range of $1,724 and $7,311. The total depends mostly on the size, style and material used. A 32 inch square acrylic stall runs from about $750 to $3,000. A custom tile shower of the same size ranges from $4,200 to $8,500. You’ll pay more for replacement, or for special features like a full body shower head.

Walk-in Shower Cost

A tile walk-in shower costs $4,200 to $8,500 for a 32 inch square model. If you need to add plumbing, special features or expensive materials, the total will run higher. Acrylic or fiberglass can not be used for walk-in showers as they can not efficiently seal in water.

Cost to Install Tile Shower

Installing a new tile shower runs $1,800 to $6,850. If you only need to replace the wall and floor materials, the cost to retile a shower ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Ceramic tiles start at $0.50 per square foot. Natural stone and other high-end options can go up to $15 per square foot.

Shower Installation Costs

Labor usually costs $400 to $1,000 in addition to the price of materials. In many cases, you’ll hire a professional shower installer who purchases a kit from a popular brand, such as:

Bath Fitter

Kohler Luxstone

Showereasy

Schluter Shower System

Cost to Add Shower to Half Bath

The price to add a shower to a half bath ranges from $900 to $12,500. You’ll need a space at least 5’ x 7’ to accommodate three fixtures. This might require you to change the position of walls and plumbing.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Or Install A Roof?

Average Cost to Replace a Roof

Roofs perform such an essential function that “keeping a roof over your head” is synonymous with the very concept of home. When it comes to maintaining your investment, the smartest money you spend could be on this project. So, while paying $5,000 to $10,000 or more for this project might seem high, understand that there is good reason. A lot of time, effort and equipment is involved in keeping your installation up to snuff.

Outlined in this guide are in-depth prices to give you a realistic sense of installation rates and what’s involved in the process. Always get quotes from at least 3 to 4 professionals so that you get an accurate range that’s within a margin of $2,000 to $3,000. If you’re not sure that you even need this service, hiring a roof inspector costs $100 to $300 and can be very helpful in your decision process.

If you don’t need a complete replacement, then you may want to read this guide on roof repair costs. The rates and services of a handyman can vary widely depending on the market and handyman. A handyman or woman is a skilled generalist. Some jurisdictions require them to have a license, but the term applies to a jack-of-all-trades who performs minor repairs or construction tasks on residential sites.

Cost to Reroof a House

Reroofing a house costs an average of $8,059, with most homeowners spending between $5,351 and $10,835. The project typically involves removing the existing shingles, making spot repairs to the underlying shingle, and installing new shingles. It’s important to note that this price fluctuates depending on factors like:

Size

Pitch

How it’s installed on your frame/deck

Products and supplies

Layers

Code requirements

Skylights, chimneys, plumbing pipes or other features

Roofing Prices

Roofing materials alone cost anywhere from $100 per square to $1,000 per square, depending on the type you choose. For an average roof of 17 squares (according to the United States Census, which puts average home size at 2,200 square feet and two stories), roofing materials typically range from $2,500 to $25,000.

How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Basement?

Basement Remodeling Costs

Accounting for variables such as square footage, materials, electrical and plumbing, the average basement remodel ranges from $11,041 and $29,366. Some cost as little as $5,000, with top of the line remodels costing over $40,000. The average cost to homeowners is $20,198. Expect to spend between $10 and $35 per square foot depending on the changes made.

Average Basement Remodel Cost

The cost of a basement remodel can be significant, but your potential return on investment is just as considerable. In addition to adding to your living space, the average basement remodeling project also increases your home’s resale value. The National Association of Realtors considers basement remodels to be among the most valuable home renovations.

Importantly, these costs and benefits apply only to remodeled basements that are already finished. Finishing your basement is a separate project, and will cost the average homeowner an additional $3,000 from beginning to end.

How Much Does a Basement Bathroom Cost to Install?

Installing a bathroom in your basement can significantly increase its functionality. Of course, it will also add to the costs of your basement renovation

Some cost factors to consider include:

Plumbing

You will need to connect your bathroom to both water supply and sewage lines. Cost factors include materials, hiring a plumber, and potentially opening up walls to access the necessary areas.

Permits

You need to make sure that everything built and changed during your renovation is approved. Fees to acquire these permits range between $100 and $3,000.

Inspections

After your new bathroom is complete, or you have remodeled an existing space, get it inspected to ensure all plumbing and electrical installation are done correctly. If your bathroom needs to be installed from the ground up, expect to pay somewhere between $6,000 and $15,000 for the entire project. If your basement is already finished but does not yet have the necessary plumbing for a bathroom in the space, you can expect to pay between $200 – $500 to hire a plumber.

How Much Does It Cost To Build An Addition?

Home & Room Addition Costs

The average cost to build an addition or add a room to your home is $45,809. Most homeowners report spending between $21,090 and $70,528. Your total project cost will vary greatly depending on the type of addition, materials used, labor and location of the job. It can cost as little as $5,600 and as much as $125,000 or more.

Home Addition Cost Estimates

The average cost for a home addition ranges from $21,090 and $70,528. The type of home you’re adding onto can vastly impact your final cost.

Cost to Add on to a Ranch House

Expect to pay from $80 to $200 per square foot to add a room to your ranch house. You typically have two options for this project: build out or build up.

Build out

More expensive.

Involves adding a room at ground level and extending the home’s perimeter outward.

You’ll need to pour a new foundation.

You will lose yard and property space

You may have to get a zoning variance to complete the project.

Build up

Less expensive.

Includes adding a room to the second story – or adding an entire second story to a one-story home.

You’ll need to pay to add a staircase to your home

Your contractor may need to strengthen the existing foundation to support the extra weight.

Always check to see if your town has rules regarding the height of your home.

Cost to Build a Second-Story Addition

Building a second-story addition usually runs between $100 and $300 per square foot. It can cost as much as $500 per square foot depending on the quality of materials and complexity of the project. A second-story addition often involves adding an entire level to your home, rather than just an extra room.

How Much Does Landscape Installation Cost?

Plant Installation Prices

Plant installation costs $3,317 on average with a typical range between $1,375 and $5,472. However, you might pay anywhere from $300 to $10,800 or more depending on the size of the job. Plant installation includes flowers, shrubs, trees and grass. Landscaping pros, including designers and installers, charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour or $4 to $10 per square foot.

Whether you are moving into a new home or updating the grounds of the home you already live in, landscaping can dramatically change the look of your house and property. You may like a neatly trimmed lawn or prefer a wild and overgrown look, you may live in an arid climate and need to xeriscape, or you may like finely manicured rosebushes. In this guide, we’ll cover all the costs associated with planting and maintaining your beautifully manicured yard and lawn.

How Much Does It Cost to Plant a Tree?

Planting a single tree costs anywhere from $150 to $300 but it’s cheaper to do multiple trees at once. Five small trees ranges from $300 to $700, or $60 to $140 per tree. About 30% of the cost is labor. Most trees you purchase are small to plant, ranging from 5 to 15 feet tall. It makes it easier to transport and install. If you want to DIY this project, you’ll need a truck or trailer for transport, with other simple tools being a shovel and a garden hose.

Cost to Plant a Large Tree

Planting a mature tree, something that’s past the sapling stage and usually more than 15 feet tall, costs $1,500 to $3,000 per tree. They require large machinery to dig, transport and lift into place. The process not only requires larger machines, but more space, time and crew members.

How Much Do Landscapers Charge to Plant Shrubs?

Landscapers charge $25 to $50 per shrub to purchase and install them. They figure the price based on 2 to 3 times the cost of the shrub plus $50 to $100 per hour. Shrubs are priced per a 3 gallon or 5 gallon container and tend to be small bushes and trees.

Different Kitchen Sink Options For Different Spaces

How to Keep Kitchen Sink Drainpipes Clean

The pipes under your kitchen sink have to funnel all kinds of sticky, greasy substances on a daily basis. If you have newer plumbing, with PVC or copper pipes, your sink drain can probably handle all this gunk — but if you have older, narrower iron plumbing, the pipes are likely to clog more often. Keep your pipes clean by controlling what you put in them and flushing them out when necessary.

Prevention

Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are some substances you shouldn’t pour down your kitchen sink. Cooking grease, coffee grounds and fat you’ve trimmed off cuts of meat can accumulate in the pipes and lead to blockages, so always discard these things in the trash. Place a sink strainer over the drain, so large food particles don’t wash down the pipe, and empty the strainer frequently. If you have a garbage disposal, always run cold water down the drain while you use it to flush the ground-up food down and out of the drain pipe.

Using Water

If your sink isn’t prone to clogs and doesn’t develop musty odors, you can probably keep it clean using only water. If your kitchen sink has a stopper, close it once a week and fill the sink all the way. Then release the stopper and let the force of the water flush the pipes clean. If you don’t have a stopper in the sink, pour 3 to 4 cups of boiling water down the drain each week to dissolve grease buildup in the pipes.

Using Bleach

Sometimes water alone isn’t enough to keep pipes clean, particularly if they are old or connected to your local sewage plant. In that case, use bleach to clean and disinfect the pipes and dissolve clogs. Once a month, pour 12 ounces of chlorine bleach straight down the drain at the end of the day. Be careful not to let the bleach sit in the bowl of the sink, especially if the sink is stainless steel. In the morning, flush the pipe thoroughly with water from the faucet. Don’t clean the pipes with bleach if you have recently cleaned the sink with a product containing ammonia.

Using Green Cleaners

If you’d rather not use strong chemicals such as bleach, you can get equally good results with non-toxic, environmentally friendly household products. Whenever your sink begins draining slowly or develops an odor, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the pipe and then add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. Close or cover the drain and let the mixture work in the pipe for 3 to 5 minutes. Then pour several cups of boiling water down the drain to wash it clean. Vinegar disinfects and baking soda scours, so together they leave your sink pipes sanitary and free of debris.

basic things you need to consider for your kitchen remodel at a glance

Getting your kitchen renovation underway is quite a daunting task. Even the keenest of home improvers can come unstuck when it comes to project managing a big kitchen refurbishment. With so much to consider it can be hard to know where to start, and it’s all too easy to forget about the small things that matter.

Design style and cabinetry

Explore kitchen designs that suit your personality, your lifestyle and the style of your home. There are no right or wrong conventions, but the style of kitchen you choose should blend perfectly with the rest of your interiors.

If you’re the proud owner of a period property you may be considering a traditional kitchen style. In a contemporary property you’ll have a mandate for much more minimalist and streamlined modern designs. That’s not to say modern kitchens can’t be embraced in older homes, so long as it blends with the rest of the home and is tastefully done.

Flooring

The type of flooring you choose, along with its colour, can have a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. Limestone or marble tile floors are elegant bases for large traditional kitchen spaces. Funky vinyl flooring can add real wow-factor to modern kitchen designs. Kitchen flooring options include:

• Hardwood

• Bamboo

• Laminate

• Rubber

• Vinyl

• Concrete

• Tile (marble, slate, travertine or limestone)

Worktops

As with flooring, worktops can make or break the overall look of the kitchen. Countertops are the workhorse of your kitchen, so durability should be factored into your choice. You’ll need to think about practicality of material for everyday use, the overall style and the colour. The main options for worktops are:

• Granite

• Quartz

• Marble

• Hardwood

• Laminate

• Glass

• Solid surface composite – Corian, Myre, Encore

• Stainless steel

• Concrete

Water activities for sink play – how to keep little kids busy in the kitchen!

thought you might find it useful too! We spend so much time in the kitchen and when we have young children it can be difficult to get anything done. Some children are happy to work, cook or clean alongside us and others are just not interested! Most young children, however, do like water play. I’ve compiled a list of activities to keep young children busy while learning and playing at the kitchen sink

Set Up. The child needs to safely reach the kitchen sink. A Learning Tower or child’s kitchen stand is ideal (we use the FunPod). A stool can work if it is stable. Keep knives, breakable materials and other hazards (pots of hot water) out of reach. You may want your child to wear an apron (a toweling apron is a good option) and a towel on the floor may help too.

Transferring or Pipetting. Teach your child to transfer water or simply play with a pipette. Plastic pipettes are often found in the art section in stores or even a large kitchen baster can work well. The fine motor movement of the child using the pipette can help prepare their hand for writing (develop pincer grip). The large baster uses whole-of-hand movements and really strengthens the hand muscles. As much as possible ensure the child keeps the water in the sink, if this is too much responsibility I would offer another activity.

Scrubbing. Scrub vegetables with a small vegetable brush. I used to buy unwashed potatoes from the market because I knew how much my toddler loved to scrub them. If you have fresh vegetables from the garden such as carrots or other root vegetables invite your child to clean them, it’s a good way for them to contribute to the meal.

Rinsing. Rinse vegetables or salad for dinner. Children can pull apart leafy vegetables such as lettuce and rinse them in their colander or how about in a salad spinner? Children can rinse salad items such as tomatoes, celery or beans. Or they can rinse fruit before consuming them. If anything needs rinsing you can invite your child to help.

Should I install a sink in my kitchen island?

Just wondering what everyones thoughts are regarding having the Kitchen Sink placed in the Island bench? Pros/Cons? Has anyone renovated their kitchen to put the sink in the Island but then regretted their decision?

My partner and I are planning our Renos and he would love to put a sink in the island however I am deadset against it.

No, having an island without a sink is wonderful. In a major remodel many years ago I had an awkward space – a long, narrow galley kitchen. The designers at the time were hung up on this ridiculous concept of the working triangle and designed a sink in the island. As a pretty obsessed cook, I could see it would be a cluttered mess. Instead I placed the fridge, dishwasher, huge single sink and stove/oven in a straight line down one wall. Parallel to this there was a huge island with not a thing on it. The microwave was underneath the island countertop.

i suggest that super neat people who wash up and clear the island sink every time it’s used would have no problem with a sink in the island but i suggest that the rest of us need the island quite empty ready for action even if the sink is still piled up

kitchen sink is in the island bench and we like it there. We have a wonderful view of the outdoors so it is no hardship to work away at the sink & dishwasher. In my last house there was nothing installed on the island, and the sink was on an opposite benchtop, but right in front of a window, so again there was a view to the outdoors.

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink is probably not the place where you’d choose to spend your time, but it’s a necessity—and having the right one can make all those minutes spent scrubbing and rinsing easier and more efficient. Learn about the different materials, types of sinks, and factors to consider as you discover how to select a kitchen sink that fits your needs.

From washing produce to rinsing dishes, a sink is called upon to do plenty in a kitchen. While not as technology-heavy as appliances or requiring as much thought as a layout does, it’s still an important kitchen feature. Learn how to select a kitchen sink with these tips for materials, configuration, and styles.

Kitchen Sink Materials

Kitchen sinks come in many different materials, including metal and stone. The best kitchen sink material for you depends on how much money you want to spend, your cleaning routine preferences, and what material goes best with your kitchen’s style

kitchen sinks are one of the most popular options and the material continues to be improved and upgraded. The newer 16- and 18-gauge sinks are thicker and less noisy than their less-expensive predecessors. Stainless-steel sinks contain a percentage of chromium and nickel, which is indicated by numbers such as 18/10 (18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel). The metal imparts a rich glow and adds corrosion resistance. Finishes range from a mirrorlike shine to a satin luster. Stainless-steel kitchen sinks are appealing because they are affordable, durable, and easy to clean. However, they can become scratched and water spots can become an issue, and the cheaper sinks can sometimes make more noise when items are dropped in.

kitchen sinks are made from a sturdy material that is enamel fired on an iron form. These durable sinks lessen noise and vibration more than other materials but can be heavy for installation. An added advantage is that cast-iron sinks are available in a wide range of colors.

Roof Inspection Services

How do you know when it is time to replace your roof?

As a homeowner, maintaining your property and ensuring it remains up to code at all times is one of your most important responsibilities. Similar to most investments in life, homes require maintenance and upkeep as years pass to provide maximum comfort, safety, and security.

The longer you have lived in your home, the more likely you have considered investing in a new roof to replace your old roof. Before moving forward with the decision to replace your roof entirely, there are a few signs to watch for to determine whether or not the time is right for you and your home.

Curled or Buckled Shingles

Curled or Buckled shingles are a clear sign that your roof has some age on it. Buckled shingles can occur because of moisture in the attic space forcing nails to push up and out of the roof’s decking. This mishap can leave your home exposed to outside elements as well as being prone to shingle blow-offs during a storm.

Tar Streaking or Algae Growth

Tar Streaking and Algae growth is caused by bacteria eating away at the shingles weatherproofing properties. Cheap shingle manufacturing companies use fillers like limestone to keep the cost of shingle production low. This algae will eat away the limestone causing the black streaking and thus compromising the weatherproofing properties.

Shingles Blown Off the Roof

It this is happening, it means that the shingles have dried, curled, and cracked. Obviously, if the shingles are in your yard then they aren’t on your roof! So when you start to see this it is time to get that roof replaced.

Missing Granules

Missing granules, when viewed from the ground, look like dark patches on light shingles or lighter patches if the shingles are black or dark.  You will also see large amounts of granules in the gutters when you clean them.

The loss of granules do not affect the waterproofing of the roof, so if they are missing you won’t necessarily get leaks.  But the granules protect the asphalt in the shingle from being damaged by the UV rays of the sun. So once they go, the shingles will wear out faster.

Flashing

Flashing is common in chimneys, vents, and even skylights and can help with sealing various seams to protect your home from any type of weather. When you are inspecting your home’s roof, be sure to check all potential flashing areas of your home to determine whether or not the areas are leaking or have cracks in them.

Flashing beams of light can signify a more serious issue that requires immediate attention.

It is also important to note that many old homes typically use a cement flashing system, which is considered outdated today. If you are thinking of updating your flashing system, consider an all-in-one metal solution for longevity and durability.

Streaks and Discoloration

Whenever you are inspecting the interior or exterior of your roof it is important to look for discoloration and off-colored streaks on your roof that simply does not belong. Streaks and discoloration are some of the telltale signs that a roof requires attention, even if it does not require a complete renovation or replacement.

Take note of streaks and discoloration you discover while inspecting your roof. If possible, take photos and be sure to note the approximate location of each of the streaks or discolored beams you have discovered. While some streaks and discoloration just may require a bit of attention, others may be a sign of a deeper underlying issue.

Lack of a Chimney Cricket

If you currently own an older home with a large chimney, be sure to verify that your chimney has a “chimney cricket” installed. A chimney cricket is a solution that acts as an additional roof for a home’s chimney. As the seasons pass and weather changes, chimneys collect debris, dirt, and water buildup. Without a chimney cricket in place, you run the risk of furthering issues in your home from leakage, water damage, and even from nature outdoors. Ensuring your home’s chimney has a chimney cricket in place can significantly reduce the risk of encountering issues with your home’s roof system and your chimney.

Replace your roof if the shingles are in bad shape

The easiest way to tell that you need to replace your roof is that the shingles themselves are starting to look worn. There are a few ways to tell that you will need a new roof based on how your shingles look:

  • The edges of the shingles may be curled or have a cup-like appearance
  • The shingles are cracking
  • There may be bald patches

In short, if your roof is starting to look old and worn out, it’s time for a new one.

Moss is appearing

Another key sign that you may need to replace your roof is that you’re seeing moss on or between the shingles. While it might seem like moss on the roof is a quaint quality that will make your home look like a fairy tale cabin in the woods, it’s a sign of a potential problem.

Moss itself is not an automatic sign that you need a new roof immediately. Moss does naturally grow on or between shingles, especially on roofs that are in shaded or moist climates. But moss could hint at hidden damage.

The problem with moss is that when it rains, the moss absorbs the water like a sponge and holds onto it. The whole point of shingles is to allow water to roll off the roof and into the gutters. When moss is present, it keeps that moisture from going where it’s meant to go. That can lead to the shingles themselves breaking down. Since moss impedes the water from reaching the gutters, it can also lead to that water seeping into the layers under the shingles, causing water damage and mold growth.

So if you see moss, you’ll need to call a roofing contractor to clean up the moss and look for signs of permanent damage.

Consider the age of the roof

Another key factor in determining if you need to replace your roof is the age of that roof. This isn’t a warning sign you can see at times, but it’s worth keeping in mind. Roofs that are at least 20 years old may benefit from replacement with higher quality materials. Typical asphalt shingles last about that long.

Other materials may last longer, however. Slate, copper and clay/concrete roofs can last over 50 years and wood shake roofs can last around 30, for instance. So, depending on what material you have on your roof and the last time it was replaced, it could just be time so that you avoid leaks down the road.

And, remember, for an investment this large, you might want to consider getting materials that will last longer and be more durable, like metal roofing. This is one of those home purchases where a higher up-front cost could mean fewer repairs down the road. It could be a good investment, especially for a home you plan to stay in as long as possible. If you plan correctly, you might not have to replace your roof ever again.

Excessively High Energy Bills

High heating and cooling bills can be from energy escaping due to poor ventilation and insulation in your home, especially in your attic and roof. If you notice you have high energy bills in addition to any of the warning signs listed above, it could be because your roof is under-performing.

A common misconception is that a roof is good for 10-15 years. A new roof should last at least that long, however, if there is mis-application or sub-par materials, the age means absolutely nothing. Use these tips to help protect your home and family and make sure that your roofing system is protecting your home for a lifetime.

Commercial Painting Overview

How to Generate Commercial Painting Leads and Sales

Commercial painting leads and sales are a mystery to so many painting contractors. Yet the methods for making it big in the commercial painting area are tried and true… if you know the system to follow.

In this 1 hour and 22 minute commercial repaint training session, I pull back the curtain on what REALLY WORKS when it comes making more money in your painting business by adding large commercial repaint contracts to your service mix.

You’ll discover how to generate leads, professionally sell, and MAINTAIN your relationship with decision-makers who can add hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue to your bottom line each and every year.

Commercial Painting Leads Training Full Transcript

has worked as painting business owner and political consultant to the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, and state and local officials and cognizance to the painting industry, specifically as it relates to the marketing of repaint services

Commercial Painting Leads

Thank you for that kind introduction. Raise your hand if you were in my session yesterday. You people are a glutton for punishment. Why would you end your day and start your day with me? That’s what my wife is always asking herself. She’s in the back of the room. Honey, would you turn around and wave. That’s her. Hello. That’s my wife. So, I’m excited to talk about commercial today. I think there are a lot of misnomers about how you can go about building this portion of your business, and we’re gonna unpack some of those. And we’re gonna talk about what I have found, working with my owners, to be the most direct route to generating large commercial repaint contracts.

GOOD REASONS WHY TO CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AND DECORATOR

Painting and decorating can be a lot of fun. Whether it is a small paint job or decorating an entire house, any job can quickly look like an entire project. You knew to know what you want to do, how to do it, make the time for it, and make sure you do it right.

It is easy to do good at something you have done many times… but when painting and decorating without experience, it is easy to forget something.

They have a lot of experience

Painting and decorating being their job, painters and decorators know which details to keep in mind when it comes to the task. They know how to prepare walls for painting, on which bases to choose colours and finishes and how to test them. They know where to buy the best things for each requirement, so even if you are keen on buying paint and materials yourself, they have the knowledge to advice you. Operating in the area you live, also allowed them to gather experience on likely requirements like strict timeframes and aim for high customer satisfaction.

They are fast

Even though painting and decorating takes time, professional painters and decorators are used to working in restricted timeframes in which they do the job and clean thoroughly, so you don’t have to. While the painting and decorating goes on, you can even keep living in your own house as can be done whilst you’re at work and broken into stages. To read more about how this works, here about a family house we decorated.

They can colour mix and are trained in painting techniques

If you want to retouch some paint without actually painting the whole wall and you don’t know the colour, professional painters will be able to mix and blend colours until they find what you need. Painters like our offer Colour Consultation services which means selecting colours that fit your lifestyle and use paint samples under different lights and room orientation, to help find the right one. For people without experience it can be challenging to do all of this on their own and keep everything in mind.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL. PAINTING SERVICE

There is a lot of uncertainty right now due to thespread of COVID-19 and the effect it is having on day-to-day lives. wanted to assure you that are continuing to operate while maintaining all the recommended government procedures and precautions.  As events unfold are reviewing latest advice and implementing safety mechanisms for staff and customers.

If you are self isolating in another location, this is the perfect time to have your home or investment property painted while supporting a long standing small business. In these uncertain times you can rely on experienced staff to continue to deliver high standards of house painting while you concentrate on other more important things

Residential Painting

Careful preparation is the only way to achieve a quality finish that will last for years.

RESIDENTIAL PAINTING

Careful preparation is the only way to achieve a quality finish that will last for years. At paint services all surfaces are prepared to technical standards. Unfortunately, in the painting trade it is easy to cut corners especially on preparation and by using inferior products.

COMMERCIAL PAINTING

Knowledgable personnel and over 32 years experience in all types of commercial, industrial or institutional projects. standards, representative on the board of the Master Painters Association of Vic/Tas. can provide service after hours, on weekends, during holiday periods and any other time when our services can be carried out with minimal downtime.

How Painting Your Business Can Improve Revenue

Although there are many ways to boost the revenue of your business, few are easier or more beneficial than applying a fresh coat of paint. When a professional commercial painter performs a quality paint job, it will, among other things, attract more customers, increase the productivity of your employees and prevent deterioration of your facility.

Exterior Commercial Painting Benefits

It improves your customers’ perception of your company: It’s not hard to understand customers prefer visually appealing and clean-looking businesses.

It’s cost-effective: Painting your business is also a form of preventive maintenance. Generally speaking, regularly painting your surfaces will keep your facility from deteriorating to the point where it needs an extensive overhaul. Regardless of the quality of paint that’s on your surfaces, it will eventually deteriorate, which will become evident through fine cracking, color fading and gloss degradation. If you don’t deal with these problems immediately, they will negatively affect your business’ image and leave your building susceptible to damage.

It adds value: Considering the numerous other benefits a new paint job provides, it’s not hard to understand painting your facility’s exterior will boost the value of your company.

It helps your company stand out: A new exterior paint job can help you promote your business. If your company has recently rebranded itself, your building should reflect that.

Interior Commercial Painting Benefits

It improves employee morale: Clean work environments are an excellent way to boost employee happiness and productivity. Employees are more eager to work hard in a well-maintained space because it shows the owner cares about the business.

It helps create a unique brand identity for your company: When painting your facility, you can pick out colors that suit your brand and create a distinct look for your business. Before choosing a color scheme, consider learning about the psychological effects associated with different colors. For instance, bright, vibrant colors convey energy and vitality, whereas more neutral tones create an impression of calmness and reliability.

It may help comply with regulations: For many companies, industrial painting may help you meet regulations and ensure your workers’ safety and health. For example, many work environments rely on line striping to keep the flow of traffic efficient and safe, so maintaining them will help increase productivity and reduce the risk of accidents.

It can help keep your facility cleaner: Certain paint coatings also reduce the growth of mold and bacteria, which is essential in medical facilities and academic spaces.

Although we believe a new coat of paint is a valuable investment for any commercial building, the following businesses enjoy a particularly high return on their investment when they decide to repaint.

Schools: As school can be immensely challenging for children, it’s essential to create a clean, uplifting environment that is conducive to learning. School buildings have many surfaces that require paint, including hallways, classrooms, bathrooms, gyms, locker rooms and offices. Repainting this facility can have a significant impact on students, faculty and parents.

Churches: A clean appearance is crucial for places of worship, as well. Most people come to church to feel inspired and uplifted, so it’s vital that this space looks clean and well-maintained.

Commercial spaces: If you own a business where customers spend time, repainting it is a worthwhile investment because it shows your business is well-run.

Knowing when your business needs a new coat is essential for keeping up the visual appeal and value of your business. When your paint job nears the end of its life, it’s time for a new one. However, the issue is that many people are unable to recognize the signs. Here are the five most common ones.

The colors are fading: While many consider fading paint to be merely a cosmetic issue, it usually signifies much more. Various problems with the paint can cause fading, including an inferior grade, an inadequate amount or over-tinting, but in all cases, it means your paint system is deteriorating prematurely. If the paint film appears dusty, this also signifies deterioration and an inability to provide your building with the protection it needs. If you notice either of these signs, have your building repainted right away.

Mildew and mold are growing: If you’ve recently noticed fuzzy gray, greenish or black stains under your eaves or in your corners, it’s likely mold or mildew. This growth tends to be the result of insufficient air circulation and excessive moisture. Although mold is a common occurrence, that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Mold and mildew can irreversibly damage a building’s structural integrity and endanger the health of its occupants. If mold is present in your building, we recommend hiring professional painters who have experience dealing with mold and moisture issues.

The paint is cracking: If you’ve noticed any spidery cracks on your walls, this could also be a sign of paint failure. Even if the paint film only has a couple of cracks, it can lead to patterned cracking, which looks like alligator scales. Although these cracks don’t usually don’t end up exposing the substrate, they can become widespread and cause other issues such as peeling. Once your paint begins to peel, your building loses its protection against moisture, fungi, rainwater, termites and various other natural elements. Once these things make it through the small gaps and cracks, they can cause severe structural damage, including metal corrosion and rotting wood.

The paint is blistering: Bubbles forming in the paint film is a result of adhesion loss in certain places. Sometimes this happens if the painters are performing the job on a hot surface or in direct sunlight, and other times, it can result if the paint got exposed to rain or high humidity levels shortly after being applied. Occasionally, it occurs when moisture stuck in the wall begins to escape.

Pressure washing doesn’t work: Pressure washing your business’ exterior a couple of times every year is a relatively easy, affordable way to keep your building looking its best. But if you notice your pressure washing job isn’t removing certain stains or isn’t doing enough to improve your building’s look, this may be a great time to give your commercial building a repainting.

Painter job description

Painter responsibilities include:

Reading blueprints/instructions and examining surfaces to determine the kind and amount of work necessary

Making on-site preparations such as building scaffolding, covering fixtures etc.

Preparing walls and other surfaces for painting by scraping, using sandpaper, removing old paint etc.

Job brief

are looking for a skilled Painter to paint the interior and exterior of structures, buildings and other surfaces. Your job will be important since good painting has both practical and aesthetic benefits.

An excellent painter is knowledgeable in selecting the right material for their job. They have experience in painting with various tools and in various heights and spaces while observing all safety measures. They must be reliable and deft as well as possess great attention to detail in completing their duties.

Responsibilities

Read blueprints/instructions and examine surfaces to determine the kind and amount of work necessary

Make on-site preparations such as building scaffolding, covering fixtures etc.

Prepare walls and other surfaces for painting by scraping, using sandpaper, removing old paint etc.

Fill cracks and holes with appropriate material (e.g. plaster)

Mix paint and other materials to prepare the right color or texture

Paint surfaces according to instructions with various tools

Apply varnish and other finishes

Calculate costs and negotiate prices

Take and adhere to all health and safety precautions

Requirements

Proven experience as a painter

Excellent knowledge of painting material and how to select, mix and apply them

Solid knowledge of commercial and/or construction painting techniques

Aptitude in using appropriate tools (brushes, caulking guns etc.)

Good basic math skills

Manual dexterity with excellent balance to work on scaffolding, ladders etc.

Conscientious with great attention to detail

High school diploma; successful completion of an apprenticeship

Rising Popularity Of Laminate Flooring In Interior Design

Is laminate waterproof?

We are often asked is laminate flooring water resistant. The answer is yes and no. With new laminate technology, many manufacturers are now offering water resistant and waterproof laminates that can withstand spills and surface moisture.

With a traditional laminate without waterproof coatings, most surface spills can be wiped up quickly and will not cause any harm, however if spills are allowed to soak into the joints of the laminate, major issues can occur.

Traditional Laminate Flooring Is Water Resistant

If you are worried about your pets or kids destroying your laminate flooring, due to spilling drinks, or potty accidents, don’t worry too much. Laminate flooring is recognized to be one of the most pet and kid friendly flooring solutions on the market. Accidents can be cleaned up easily with little repercussion, so long as you get to them quickly.

Traditional Laminate Flooring Is Not Water Proof

Water resistance should not be confused with waterproof. Waterproof means water will not be able to permeate the surface of the object. While water resistant means the object will resist, though does not entirely prevent the penetration of water.

If you leave a spill unattended on a laminate flooring, you will be sorry you did it. What happens is the spill will seep into the locking system and cause the edges of the laminate to cup or buckle, ultimately ruining your floor.

You can mitigate some of this risk, however. In areas with a high risk of moisture exposure, such a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen, it is recommended to glue the joints in between planks. This will create a more moisture resistant surface.

Why Laminate Flooring Isn’t Waterproof

The reason moisture is such a problem for laminate flooring has to do with its construction—in particular, its seams and its fiberboard core.

The problem that water creates for laminate flooring is not with the top layer, but with the core, which is little more than a dense type of fiberboard—an engineered product made from wood fibers. If you’ve ever seen a sheet of particleboard in the rain, you’ll know how it bubbles up and crumbles like a wet soda cracker. Complicating the issue is the click-and-lock joining system used in laminate flooring, which makes it difficult to create perfectly tight seams. Seam gaps plus a fiberboard core equals a flooring that will swell and delaminate when water seeps past the surface layer.

One little-known aspect of this moisture-and-laminate issue is that the moisture problem actually starts in the factory, not in the home. Flooring manufacturers have found that high moisture content in the fiberboard particles in the factory can result in poor adhesion of the top melamine wear layer.

Waterproof Laminate Flooring Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • More resistant to moisture than standard laminate flooring
  • Resists scratches better than vinyl
  • Easy DIY installation

Cons

  • Usually not truly waterproof
  • Style and color choices are limited
  • Considerably more expensive than standard laminate flooring

How To Make Your Laminate Flooring Waterproof

If you are dealing with a moisture problem, you should first go to the flooring company that installed your floor and ask them if they have a sealant that is specific to your laminate floor. Using a trustworthy brand that was made specifically for your floor will yield the best results and will maximize longevity.

After you have talked with the flooring company who installed your floor, here are several tips for preventative waterproofing care:

  • Use Silicone To Prevent Water Damage

Another easy way to prevent water damage to your laminate floor is to use a silicone caulking gun to fill any cracks where water could drain into and cause damage. We recommend using DAP Silicone Plus, which is a highly rated silicone sealant with clear instructions on how to use it.

Prevention by making your floor water-resistant is almost more important than repairing, as it is far easier and will save you time and money in the long run.

  • Have a High-Quality Top Coat Applied To Your Laminate Floor

Even though this may seem like an additional step, it is entirely worth it in ensuring the longevity of your laminate floor. Applying a top coat to your laminate floor involves treating the entirety of the floor.

Unlike silicone caulking which simply protects target areas of your floor from damage, coating your laminate floor involves covering the entire surface with polyurethane. Polyurethane protects the surface as well as the cracks of your laminate floor which will increase longevity and water resistance.

One thing to be aware of if you are considering coating your laminate floor is that generally laminate floors require two layers of coating to make them impervious to water damage. Failing to apply the adequate amount of coating layers to your floor will not yield the same results.

Tips for Maintaining Laminate Flooring?

Joints, click and lock seams are the main hindrance to the waterproof floor. This provides a weak point for water to sip to the subfloor.

  • Clean all debris and dirt before installing it. Take more care on the corner and edges of laminate floors.
  • Consider applying epoxy glue on the outer edges and press it down to firmly seal it. Allow it to dry completely.
  • Cover the edges and apply floor sealant on your laminate floor. allow it to dry. You may apply a second and third layer for better results. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
  • You may also consider luxury vinyl plank as an alternative for your waterproof floor needs.

Must Haves For A Kitchen Remodeling

USE THIS KITCHEN REMODELING CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU START YOUR PROJECT

Remodeling your kitchen is exciting, but you can’t just dive into the project head first. Overhauling your kitchen constitutes a major remodel, and it requires proper planning.

No matter how eager you are to get started, there is a whole slew of tasks that you must take care of before you start tearing out counters and moving in new appliances. Going through each of the steps on this kitchen remodeling checklist will help you approach your renovation in a smart, streamlined manner.

Identify Your Goals

Identifying your motivation for a kitchen remodel is one of the very first steps you should take. After identifying your “why,” you can evaluate each remodeling decision based on what best fits your goals.

You may have just one purpose in mind or a mix of several. Your goals may include:

Expanding the square footage of your kitchen.

Increasing your storage space.

Rearranging the location of appliances.

Creating more workspace.

Moving the location of windows or doors.

Updating the style of your kitchen.

Improving the value of your home.

Replacing old plumbing or wiring.

Think About Money

Kitchen remodels can be expensive, but proper planning can help reduce your financial burden. It’s imperative that you set a budget that you can actually afford and then make your remodeling decisions based on what fits that budget.

THE BEST EVER KITCHEN ORGANIZATION IDEAS

Having issues with kitchen organization? It’s not as hard as you think! From kitchen cabinet organizers, hideaway outlets and pull out spice racks, these ideas make kitchen organization fun!

KITCHEN ORGANIZATION IDEAS

Some of these are things I’ve had in the past or have now. Some I just really, really want! I love all of these awesome kitchen organization ideas and if I could have them all in my kitchen, I totally would! From kitchen cabinet organizers to hidden electrical outlets, these are my favorite ideas for organizing the kitchen.

KITCHEN REMODEL IDEAS

These first ideas are things you’d have to have installed, so if you’re planning a kitchen remodel, that’s the perfect time to do it. If you’re handy around the house (or have a handy hubby), you should be able to do many of these yourself, as long as you have the space in your kitchen.

I had one of these pull out spice racks put in when we remodeled the kitchen in our hold house. It was awesome and is one of the things I miss most about my old kitchen. My new kitchen is bigger and better but I still miss that spice rack

One thing that we do have in our new house that we didn’t have before are Pull Out Cabinet Shelves. They make life SO easy. I no longer have to pull out the bowls and pans in front to get to things in back. I may not have my spice rack but this kinda makes up for it

Beautiful Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Looking for kitchen remodeling ideas? The kitchen is a place in the home where people spend a considerable amount of time daily. Whether to quickly grab a cup of coffee on the way out in the morning or relaxing in the evening to enjoy dinner with the family, it’s the place where loads of memories are created.

It’s no surprise then that much thought and consideration goes into this space when choosing a new home. It could be a deal breaker in an otherwise lovely home, as a lot of people would not compromise when it comes to the style and design of their kitchen.

KITCHEN REMODELING IDEAS TO CONSIDER WALLS

The color on your walls will definitely set the tone for the rest of your decor scheme. Choosing the right color is important. You may want to spend time deciding what your personal style is. Do you want a clean look? Are you more of the bold and bright, let it come-alive kind of person? Let your personality dictate the type of colors you pick. A rule of thumb is to keep it neutral and simple. You will not go wrong with that decision.

FLOORING

Changing the flooring is a project that you should carefully consider. See if it is possible to create your look using existing flooring.

COUNTER TOPS AND ISLAND

Updating your counter tops can add a fresh new look to your kitchen. There is a vast array of varieties of materials that can help transform your space. Counter top materials such as marble, granite,  wood, and even glass are good options to consider for your kitchen remodeling ideas.

Must-Have Favorite Kitchen Features for your Renovation or Remodel

Are you planning your dream kitchen?  Pinning images of every gorgeous stove, backsplash, and granite counter?  I’ve come up with Must-Have Favorite Kitchen Features for your Renovation or Remodel that I’m excited to share with you.

POT AND PAN STORAGE

This first item of my favorite new kitchen features is an awesome product and I don’t know how I lived without it.  It’s called Glideware Pull-out Pot and Pan Organizer.  It mounts inside a base cabinet and can hold up to 100 lbs

DEAD CORNER STORAGE

This thing is awesome; in the back I keep my Crock Pot and some cake and pie pans as well as my large pot, the steamer basket, and some lids in the front section.  It’s easy to operate and makes good use of otherwise wasted space.

Magic Corner is another brand you may have heard of and there are some less expensive options such as Rev-A-Shelf but they don’t have the storage capacity of the the Wari or Magic Corner.

SINK AND FAUCET

The one thing we use most often is the gigantic Stainless Steel Sink.  I cannot begin to tell you what an upgrade this is to the old shallow two-bowl sink I had before.

High-End Kitchen Remodel Ideas for a Luxury Kitchen

Have you always wanted a beautiful, spacious kitchen with all the bells and whistles? The kind of kitchen you love spending time in even when you’re not cooking? If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and your budget is not a major concern, you may want to explore some fun and functional high-end kitchen design options. A luxury kitchen remodel typically combines beautiful materials, high-quality appliances, and custom design solutions to meet your individual wants and needs.

What Makes a Kitchen Luxurious?

Most people think of a luxury kitchen as one with expensive appliances and materials and lots of extravagant design features. While these elements and others certainly can be part of a luxury kitchen remodel, a truly luxurious kitchen is more about the quality and overall aesthetic beauty of a space

A luxury kitchen is not just functional. It’s a part of your home that’s for more than just preparing meals. It’s a beautiful, custom oasis that meets all your practical needs, suits your aesthetic preferences, and is a space you and your loved ones love spending time and making memories in.

Here are 10 of our favorite high-end kitchen remodel ideas to consider including in your new space:

Add seating for a spacious, luxury feel.

Make it your own with unique custom features.

Let light in with plenty of windows.

Go big with two islands.

Include high-tech features.

Stick to one cohesive style.

Opt for an open layout.

Choose a light and bright color scheme.

Bring the outside in with natural features.

Don’t forget the finishing touches.

Add Seating for a Spacious, Luxury Feel

Even if you have a formal dining room, a breakfast nook or counter seating will give you more options and make your space more usable and inviting.

Best Practice For Flat Packing Services

Do Movers Pack Your Clothes?

With so much on your plate for your upcoming move, you may be wondering what exactly your movers will help you do. Can they help you pack your clothes and other personal effects? Generally speaking, the answer is yes, at least for most full-service moving companies. As an add-on service, movers can, in fact, come to your home and assist you with the process of packing, and this does include your clothes.

There is a distinct, tangible benefit to hiring movers that will pack your clothes and other personal items. Assuming you hire a reliable moving company that has been in business for a long time, that company should have a team of relocation experts who know the best way to pack clothing, in order to ensure that it arrives at your destination without being damaged. Delicate items such as gowns and suits will be properly stowed on hangers and placed on a rack so they don’t have even a single wrinkle when you reach your new home.

The catch to this service is that you should entrust it only to an experienced, full-service moving company. Fortunately

Packing Service, Pack & Move

have a wide range of Packing Services available for your move. Whether you desire to pack your entire household or just a few items, will make your moving experience easier. trained packers can ensure your fragile items are secure. provide boxes, bubble wrap blankets and tape.

Moving Company Packing Services

For many people, the worst part about moving from a home, apartment, or office is the nightmare of packing and unpacking everything they own. Depending on the size of your space, packing up everything may be impossible for just a couple of people to do safely and securely

know that caring for clients’ every belonging is a hugely important job that requires a high level of attention to detail and coordination. make sure to provide you with the best packing services available – a quality that certainly helped

What Packing Services Does Moving Company Offer?

Moving Company can help you make almost any type of move, regardless of the location or the type of goods being transported. offer complete packing services, meaning that can come and pack up all of your belongings in high quality boxes and moving materials or provide you with the tools you need to pack your items yourself. are also happy to unpack and re-assemble all of your goods in your new location. even have every sort of moving device you may need, like dollies or ropes

Are There any Specific Requirements for Packing?

As mentioned, everything move other than furniture should be packaged and sealed. If are not doing the packing for you, ask that you carefully label all boxes with its contents and destination room. It is also important that you mark appropriately any boxes that contain fragile items so as to prevent any damage.

What Should You Look for in a Good Moving and Packing Service

If you have purchased a new home and want to move safely, you try to make your work easy with movers or experienced removalists. At the very first moment, you can be happy while thinking about your new house and at the next moment the thought of complex shifting your valuables, can spoil your mood. Well, you have already decided for shifting, should make your moving easy whether you hire professional removalists or you do yourself. Here, major things which should be examined by you while hiring removalists from any company.

Remember These 5 Majors Things While Moving

Start Research for Best Removalists:

It is essential to find out the best company so that you can move easily without any stress. You should have some basic knowledge about the removalists company who provide services in your area. Many websites are available on google and you have to choose the right company for moving. So, start your research for the best removalists.

Get Suggestions from Friends, Relatives or People Nearby You:

Sometimes, Google is not the ultimate solution while you are trying to find a reliable company. You should contact your friends or relatives who have received these types of services successfully in the past. Contact them and ask for their experience. If their experience has been good, you can rely on this company. And, hire for home removalists.

Check Reviews Online:

If you are searching removalists at online, first check all reviews which are specially written by online users. Usually, people write reviews about the company and its services too. And, you may get good or bad reviews from the review section. Both types of reviews will surely give a helpful clue while leasing Residential Removalists. Viewing reviews are also beneficial when you look for cheap removalists. You can find out the company who provide affordable packing services

Choose a Licensed and Approved Company:

When you are searching for a reliable company remember, always check its license. Choose a company that should have proper approval and should be registered with the Department of Transportation.

Be Aware of Fake Prices or Quotes:

Be aware of the false quotes or promise before servicing. You must check out the prices and should clarify about hidden charges which are unnecessarily taken by customers. You should also check about Furniture Removalists that they are shifting your valuables carefully or not. For your antiques, you should tell them so that they can pay more attention while moving these valuable antiques.

Get Affordable Services

If you are searching for a reliable company that can provide you with affordable services according to your preference. So, end your research, and call us now to get affordable services for residential removalists

House Movers — Commonly Asked Questions

In this FAQ list, we cover over a dozen of commonly-asked questions about hiring the right House Movers. Along with the questions, here is a full house moving cost guide that will help in your moving. This guide includes information about questions to ask before engaging a mover.

What service do moving companies provide?

Before your home moving day, moving professionals will prepare in advance by assessing your household in-person or via a call/photos. This will allow a moving company to give you a better estimate of the total cost, factoring in the distance of your relocation.

On the moving day, home moving professionals are responsible for transporting your belongings from your old house to your new home. They will organise all your boxes and furniture to load them safely into the moving truck.

Depending on whether you have fragile items such as a piano, the company will bring the necessary items to protect these items.

A quality moving service will also keep an inventory of all your goods in case anything gets lost or damaged. They will load your items into the truck and are responsible for ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and on time at your destination.

Packing Services

has extensive experience with safely moving and packing all types of items. professional movers are experts in crating, packing, and protecting valuables and breakables such as:

Antiques

Artwork

Pianos

Various Other Unique Items

All furniture is carefully wrapped in clean quilted moving blankets

Careful Planning. Careful Handling

use professional packing materials and techniques to keep your items safe and well-organized so that unpacking them and putting them away at the other end is quick and uncomplicated. You can be sure that all the items pack and move will be handled carefully and delivered in the same condition as you last saw them.

Packing Piece of Mind

packing services will not only save you time and frustration, but can give you peace of mind that fragile items will be handled and moved safely. customers have told that breakage and damage are among their biggest concerns while moving. They nearly always prefer that experts take on the responsibility of packing their delicate furniture, valuable collectibles, and antiques along with all the other typical household goods. That’s part of what full service packing and moving is all about- easing your stress, solving your problems, and taking responsibility off of your shoulders.

Unpacking Services

There is nothing worse than confronting a mountain of boxes spread throughout your new home after the movers drive away. But remember… as quickly and efficiently as packed your goods, Moves can unpack them and remove all the cartons and materials. Again, are flexible and can unpack as little or as much as you want. For example, have deal with the heavy or bulky things- dishes, books, stereos- while you unpack the decorator items at your leisure.

The Contents Of An Event Planner Tool Kit

What do meeting and event planners do?

An event planner structures an event, coordinate all of the moving parts, and makes sure everyone has a good time. Also called convention and meeting planners, they do everything involved in making sure these events go smoothly, including choosing locations, hiring caterers, entertainment, and other vendors. They may also arrange lodging and transportation for attendees.

Organizations, businesses, and individuals often rely on the services of event planners to coordinate conventions, business meetings, trade shows, and private parties. Those whose area of expertise is wedding planning are called bridal consultants or wedding planners.

Event Planner Duties & Responsibilities

This job requires candidates to be able to perform duties that can include but are not limited to the following:

  • Meet with event stakeholders to gain an understanding of the event’s purpose and goals
  • Outline the scope of the event, including time, date, location, and budget
  • Scout and inspect event venues
  • Work with vendors to get bids and determine best fits for the budget and goals of the event
  • Negotiate and manage vendor contracts
  • Coordinate event logistics and services, including technology and equipment needed to run the event, food, drinks, transportation, lodging, and more
  • Manage the budget and ensure event stays within guidelines; ensure vendors are paid

Event planners plan and coordinate every single detail of an event for their employers or clients. What that includes, exactly, can depend on the size and type of event. Some event planners may specialize in certain types of events, such as meetings, conventions and trade shows, festivals, parties, or weddings.

What are the usual job requirements?

Most companies will require you to have an associate degree, at the very least, although a bachelor’s degree is preferred. The ideal undergraduate majors for this role include business, communications, marketing, event management, and hospitality management.

Employers will naturally look favorably upon those who have experience in event management, especially those who have a portfolio at the ready. Work experience and internships in related fields—including marketing, public relations, communications, and business—would also be of benefit, especially if you’re just starting out.

Meeting planners

Plan large meetings for organizations. Healthcare meeting planners specialize in organizing meetings and conferences for healthcare professionals. Corporate planners organize internal business meetings and meetings between businesses. These events may be in person or online, held either within corporate facilities, or offsite to include more people.

Convention planners

Plan conventions and conferences for organizations. Association planners organize annual conferences and trade shows for professional associations. Convention service managers work for hotels and convention centers. They act as liaisons between the meeting facility and the planners who work for associations, businesses, and governments. They present food service options to outside planners, coordinate special requests, and suggest hotel services that work within a planner’s budget.

Important Qualities for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

  • Communication skills. Meeting, convention, and event planners communicate with clients, suppliers, and event staff. They must have excellent written and oral communication skills to convey the needs of their clients effectively.
  • Interpersonal skills. Meeting, convention, and event planners must establish and maintain positive relationships with clients and suppliers. Often, a given area has a limited number of vendors, and meeting, convention, and event planners will likely need them for future events.
  • Negotiation skills. Meeting, convention, and event planners must be able to negotiate service contracts for events. They need to secure quality products and services at reasonable prices for their clients.
  • Organizational skills. Meeting, convention, and event planners must multitask, pay attention to details, and meet tight deadlines in order to provide high-quality meetings. Many meetings are planned more than a year in advance, so long-term thinking is vital.
  • Problem-solving skills. Meeting, convention, and event planners must be able to develop creative solutions that satisfy clients. They must be able to recognize potential problems and identify solutions in advance.

Getting Started

Plan your move into event planning the same way you’d plan your next event—with a strategy and detailed documentation. Get started with these steps:

  • To gain valuable experience, volunteer your time with a non-profit organization or another business like a catering company, florist, event designer, or another event planner.
  • If you’re already planning events for another event organizer, move toward taking on more responsibility. It’s often as simple as asking your manager for more work within the context of your next event.
  • Join associations like Meeting Planners International or the International Live Events Society to network. The more people you know and the more relationships you develop in the industry, the easier it will be to build your career as an event planner.
  • Create an event portfolio to showcase your expertise and knowledge.
  • In addition to developing relationships with other event planners, network with outside vendors or partners. Caterers, musicians, or media personalities can all increase your exposure and circle of influence.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

The Events Industry Council offers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, a voluntary certification for meeting and convention planners. Although the CMP is not required, it is widely recognized in the industry and may help in career advancement. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of 36 months of meeting management experience, recent employment in a meeting management job, and proof of continuing education credits. Those who qualify must then pass an exam that covers topics such as strategic planning, financial and risk management, facility operations and services, and logistics.

The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) offers the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation for meeting planners who work for, or contract with, federal, state, or local government. This certification is not a requirement for those looking to work as a government meeting planner; however, it may be helpful for candidates who want to show that they know government purchasing policies and travel regulations. To qualify, candidates must have worked as a meeting planner for at least 1 year and have been a member of SGMP for 6 months. To become a certified planner, members must take a 3-day course and pass an exam.

Some organizations, including the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners and the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants, offer voluntary certifications in wedding planning. Although not required, the certifications can be helpful in attracting clients and proving knowledge.

Finding Free Immigration Lawyer That Specialize In Detention Bond Release

How can I speed up immigration in the US?

Everyone wants to get their immigration case done as quickly as possible, but long waits of a year (or many years) can be the norm. One of the most common questions we get is “can you speed up my immigration case?” The answer usually is “it depends on what type of immigration case,” but there are some things you can do to help expedite or speed things up in certain cases.

Here are some quick tips to speeding up your immigration process

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offer a Premium Processing Service.

While it was suspended for a while, premium processing is back in some cases in 2019. For $1410 above regular fees, certain employment based cases may be expedited by filling out an 1-907. But in the big picture, we are talking about certain temporary work visas and petitions that lead to green cards through sponsorship. There are no Premium Processing Services for Family or any other Immigration case. In the case of expedited processing there must be a real reason for rushing and no guarantee that USCIS will approve the request. This is for emergent use only such as family emergencies, military personnel who are being called overseas, or scheduled surgery with a long recuperation period, meaning you might not make your appointment afterwards.

Do not attempt to file the paperwork yourself; normally it slows things down.

Time and again we have people come to us who made an error on their paperwork causing months of waiting while they try to refile or fix the error. It is tempting to think that the best way to get something done is to do it yourself, but with immigration law this is not the case. Many times our clients have tried filing the paperwork on their own, only to find that they used a form that is outdated,  or failed to follow some easy-to-miss instruction that can cause the whole package to be rejected, and have to start all over again

Hire A Qualified And Experienced Immigration Attorney.

Highly skilled immigration lawyers know the rules and regulations, which change frequently. We get daily updates on the newest policies, which can have huge effects on your immigration case and your life. A regulation or procedure that worked previously may no longer be supported, or perhaps a new law has opened a path for your particular case, that the average person just wouldn’t know about. Do not go to your family friend who is a divorce attorney, or personal injury lawyer for your immigration case. You wouldn’t go to a dermatologist for open heart surgery, would you? When you hire an outstanding immigration law firm to handle your immigration case, you can be sure they will use methods to ensure that everything is as close to perfect as it can be. I’ve written more on how to choose the best immigration lawyer here.

A final option in some cases is actual contact with an officer at USCIS.

When an immigration case is not completed within a certain, expected period of time, you may contact USCIS to try and speed things up. Again, the best thing to do is to get a professional to handle the process.  Experienced immigration lawyers know how to get things accomplished. Thousands of times before, we have done it. We can try to resolve the reason for the delays. This can help.

How Should This Work?

Having done hundreds of these cases in my legal career, I would suggest there are only three major concerns in spousal cases, and the following are the ways we can address them in an expeditious manner:

1) Is the marriage real or a marriage of convenience just to gain entry into the United States?

To overcome the concern, I would suggest we tentatively accept a prima facie bona fide marriage certificate from a credible source, such as for example, a certificate from the U.S., Canada, the Commonwealth or the E.U. If an application contains a suspect certificate, then the applicants should be steered into the normal current processing channel.

2) Is the foreign spouse a criminal or are there security concerns related to that spouse?

To overcome this concern, I would suggest we tentatively accept a prima facie bona fide police report from every country where that spouse lived for six months or longer as an adult. A further security clearance can be performed by U.S. officials as part of the approval for a conditional green card.

3) Is the foreign spouse healthy, or is that spouse bringing in some sort of contagious disease we need to be worried about?

I would suggest we accept a medical clearance from a U.S. trained doctor approved by the USCIS.

Assuming the foreign spouse can provide these three items, they should be issued a two-year conditional green card. In my view such approvals should not take long to process and could be granted within a few weeks, and not longer than say, six months. Should an officer have any concerns about any such application, they should be able to block such cases with a statutory declaration setting out objections on reasonable and probable grounds. Then a senior official in their office should decide. If blocked, the file would be diverted into the normal processing stream.

How to Speed Up the Green Card Application Process

Waiting for a green card can be a long and trying procedure. Because of the large number of people who wish to immigrate to the United States, and limits on the numbers of green cards or visas that can be given out annually in certain categories, U.S. immigration authorities are usually heavily backlogged with applications.

Is there any way to speed up the process so that your green card gets approved faster? For the most part, speeding up the process is impossible. However, below we will give you some tips for avoiding unusual or disastrous sorts of delays.

Warning: The coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in long delays in every part of every immigration process. As of May 2020, there is almost no way to complete the green card process at all, owing to government office closures to in-person visits. Even after things reopen, expect delays as the U.S. government makes its way through the backlog.

Understand the Usual Timeline for Your Green Card or Visa

It’s important to understand what is considered “normal” in the process of applying for a green card or visa. No matter what, it will probably take longer than you would like. Do your research at the beginning, so that you will not be surprised by the following:

  • The usual bureaucratic backlog in your application category. This can often be checked online. For example, if you’re applying to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), try using the Check Case Processing Times page of its website to get an indication of the current, average wait times for particular applications. Or if you already have a receipt for an application, go to the Case Status Online page.
  • Whether annual limits slow down visa availability in your category. If, for example, you are applying for a family-based visa and are not the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you are in what’s called a “preference category,” where annual limits apply. That means you will likely wait years on a waiting list for a visa number to become available. Similarly, annual limits on employment-based green cards result in long waits in certain categories. Your place on the waiting list depends on your “priority date,” which is based on the date that either your family-based I-130 petition or your labor certification was first filed. To check on what priority dates are currently becoming eligible for visas, see the State Department ‘s latest Visa Bulletin.

When to Ask for Expedited Processing

In rare cases, when you’re facing a true emergency, you might be able to ask the immigration authorities to speed up consideration of your case. For example, if you’re trying to get a fiancé visa for an immigrant who is hoping to get married before receiving a much-needed kidney transplant, that might be grounds for a request for expedited processing. You would want to submit a letter to whoever is handling your case, along with documentation proving the emergency. In normal circumstances, however, bugging the immigration authorities to put your application ahead of the rest will get you nowhere.

Carefully Preparing Your Green Card or Visa Application

By far the best thing that you can do to make sure that your green card application is processed as quickly as possible is to make sure that all of your paperwork is in order prior to filing. If you leave something out of an application, the whole thing can be sent back to you, or you might receive a letter requesting follow-up documents. Such issues invariably add weeks or months to the process. Carefully read and follow any instructions from USCIS or other immigration authorities regarding your paperwork. Check many times over to be sure that you have filled in all of the requested information on your forms and included the appropriate documents, fee, and photos.

Posted inLegal