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Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

How To Conduct A Smooth Small Kitchen Remodel

How to Remodel A Small Kitchen

Remodeling a small kitchen is similar to remodeling your entire home, which we outlined in detail in this article, but a few details are a little different.

Determine your budget.

First, decide on how much money you want to spend. This will help you keep tabs on your spending in the long run. Break down your budget by category: cabinets, appliances, painting, furniture, etc. This is an important first step because it prevents you from pursuing a project that is too ambitious. If you want to renovate too many areas of your small kitchen, your budget can get out of control.

Decide what you want to renovate.

Now that you have determined your budget, what do you want to renovate? Remember, always be conscious of how much room you need to move around and use your kitchen. Visualize yourself cooking in the kitchen and using it every day for all the different things you do. Also, keep your budget in mind. You can only renovate as much as it will allow.

Create a priority list.

A priority list is a great way to manage your tasks and ensure that your small kitchen renovation is done efficiently. More importantly, certain tasks need to be completed before others to ensure a smooth remodeling process.

Counters Before Sink

New counters will need to be installed before your new sink since the sink attaches to the countertop. So, to avoid any hassle, decide on a countertop material and finish that installation first.

Steps to Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

Congratulations — the kitchen remodeling job you’ve planned for months is finally ready to begin! Now comes the hard part: making do without a fully functioning kitchen for the duration. There’s no escaping the inconvenience, but with some smart planning, it doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your household. Follow these tips to make the construction process as smooth as possible.

Designate a Kitchen Stand-in

Eating out all the time gets tiresome, not to mention the strain it can put on your budget. And no matter how much takeout you bring home, you’ll still need a spot to make school lunches, pour a bowl of cereal or brew coffee. Set up a temporary kitchen somewhere that’s out of the way of construction.

Winnow Down Your Kitchen Gear

During a remodel, your cooking and eating routine will be disrupted, and no matter how much you love to cook, ambitious meals will be a challenge. Keep things simple and pare down to the kitchen tools you really, truly can’t live without. Be merciless — how often are you going to use your food processor or waffle iron? Stash the essentials close at hand and store the rest.

Plan Meals Around Small Appliances

Portable workhorses such as slow cookers, microwaves, toaster ovens, electric griddles and skillets, hot plates and coffee makers can get you over the mealtime hump.

Stock the Pantry With Disposables

Without your usual spot to wash dishes, you’ll be getting creative (the bathtub, an outdoor hose, a cooler full of sudsy water). Make life easier by stocking up on recyclable or biodegradable plates, napkins, cups and utensils. You’ll streamline cleanup and cut down on the stress of your temporary displacement.

Kitchen Remodeling

Create a kitchen remodeling plan

To achieve the dream kitchen dream kitchen that you want, first you should have a clear vision of what you want the remodel to look like.

Analyze the existing space. Take plenty of measurements with a tape measure and get a clear idea of the dimensions of your current layout.

Pros vs. cons. Decide what you like about your current kitchen’s features and what you’d like to see changed.

Set your goals. Make a list of all your kitchen remodeling goals. Include everything from simple, easy-to-accomplish tasks like organization and decorative elements to over-the-top, impossibly expensive overhauls.

Create a collection of ideas. Print out or save photos of great kitchen remodels from websites, clip photos from decorating or remodeling magazines or snap photos of kitchens you come across at the homes of friends and family, restaurants or home shows.

Prioritize your goals. Determine your top priorities. Be practical and realistic. Don’t assume that you’ll suddenly start making more regular use of your kitchen if it has pricey, stainless steel appliances.

Don’t forget remodeling takes time. A kitchen remodel will take time and likely prevent you from using your kitchen for whole days or weeks. Be sure you and your family remodel plan adequately to anticipate for periods without the use of your kitchen.

Kitchen remodel cost

One of the most important parts of any remodeling plan is deciding how much to spend. Without a clear budget, you’ll have trouble determining whether you’re making a sound investment. Come up with a firm number for the overall remodel first. If you try to make budget determinations feature by feature or appliance by appliance, you can quickly exhaust your budget.

Here are a few tips for setting a budget and making a kitchen remodel a sound investment:

Make the budget a percentage of home value. Aim to spend no more than 20 percent of the total market value of your home on your kitchen remodeling project. With this method, you should be able to come up with a reasonable budget.

Set a buffer. Take the total that you came up with and set aside 20 percent of it, or an additional 20 percent, for contingency expenses. Things do not always unfold as planned during a kitchen remodeling project, so it is smart to create a little wiggle room by setting aside some extra funds.

Have realistic expectations. Remember that you won’t see a return on your investment, if any, until the time comes to sell your home. Housing values are not static, of course, so there is no definite way to predict how much the value of your home will rise due to your kitchen remodeling work. Anything that improves the style and usability of your home is generally worth it, though, as home buyers tend to be impressed by well-designed, attractive kitchens.

Kitchen remodel features

Once you have decided on the general layout of your kitchen, you will need to make decisions about the various components that will go into it. This is where the big spending is going to happen, so you need to choose wisely.

How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?

Average Kitchen Remodel Cost

On average, a kitchen remodel costs $25,305 or $150 per square foot. Most homeowners spend between $13,276 and $37,550 or $75 to $250 per square foot. The total expense varies depending on the size of the space, the quality of materials, and whether you change the layout of the room.

A smaller project between $10,000 and $15,000 may include painting walls, refacing cabinets, upgrading the sink, and installing a tile backsplash. A $30,000+ renovation may include installing custom cabinets, hardwood floors, granite counters, and high-end appliances.

The kitchen serves as the heart and hearth of your home. It’s where you prepare your meals and where all your parties gather. Is it any wonder that remodeling this space is so popular and has one of the largest payoffs in terms of boosting a property’s resale value? Of course, it’s also the most complicated and can be the most expensive.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator

Kitchen remodels cost $75 to $250 per square foot. The first step in determining your estimate is looking at the space. Before you get to the smaller questions, ask yourself the big questions:

What do you want from the space?

How do you want it to look and function?

Is the size and configuration right?

Also ask: What should you spend? The industry says spend 5% to 15% of the home’s value on this project. If your house is worth $300,000, you could spend $30,000 without negatively affecting its resale price.

What a Kitchen Remodel Costs — and Ways to Save

To help control costs when updating your kitchen, use the same layout, make simple style choices and do some work yourself.

The kitchen may be your home’s most popular room, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most loved. Constant foot traffic means outdated features are always visible, begging to be replaced. But can you afford it? How much you can expect to spend on your kitchen update depends on where you live, whom you hire, the materials you select and just how big a change you have planned, among other things.

What does a kitchen remodel cost?

The cost of a kitchen update can vary widely. Data from a Remodeling Magazine report puts a minor remodel in 2019 at about $22,500 and a major one around $66,200. But data from the National Kitchen and Bath Association shows remodels that involve a designer average from $48,000 to $90,000, depending on the kitchen’s size.

How to plan your kitchen remodel

Create a budget. Make a list of must-haves and want-to-haves, and work with a professional to price them. Prioritize the replacement of elements that waste money — like inefficient appliances — or that make your kitchen look dated, like stained flooring. Only when all the must-haves fit into your budget should you splurge on that warming drawer or built-in wine fridge.

Think about ROI. Keeping things simple often means more bang for your buck, especially if you’re remodeling to boost resale value. A minor kitchen remodel, which includes refinished cabinets, new flooring and a couple of updated appliances, recouped about 80.5% of the cost, according to Remodeling Magazine. A major remodel, which can include custom cabinets and all new appliances, saw about 62.1% returned in a higher home value. With that in mind, decide how much work you need done to achieve the results you want.

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Rock Carpet Flooring Resin

What type of carpet is best for bedrooms?

When it comes to the bedroom, most homeowners are looking for luxury. From a soft mattress to stylish décor, your room should be the part of the house you can’t wait to unwind at the end of the day. When thinking about adding more luxury to your bedroom, don’t forget about the type of flooring you have!

Most of us don’t want to wake up and step on a cold floor. That’s why carpet is such a popular choice for bedrooms. It adds warmth and elegance to the room easily. If you’re thinking about installing carpet in your bedroom, here are a few popular choices.

Choosing Carpet For Your Bedroom

From the comfort of soft fabric beneath your feet to the extra warmth and quiet carpet can bring, it’s no wonder more and more homeowners are adding this to their bedroom. If you’re considering adding carpet to your bedroom, you will find that there are many styles and choices you have to make. Here’s what to consider when choosing carpet for your bedroom:

  • Budget
  • Material
  • Carpet Pile & Height
  • Color

The Best Carpet for Bedrooms

Having frigid feet as you step out of bed isn’t a great way to start off your morning, which is one reason why carpeting is a top option for bedrooms in homes today. Finding the right type of carpet for your bedroom is easier than you think as long as you follow a few quick tips.

Consider your style

The style of your bedroom can differ considerably from the design or vibe in other parts of your home. Before you can think about what type of carpet is best for bedrooms, you have to consider your tastes to ensure your new flooring won’t clash with the rest of your decor.

With a traditional bedroom, you wouldn’t want anything too bold, but if your bedroom is a mix of styles with an eclectic vibe, your options are unlimited when it comes to carpeting. It’s also important to remember that up to half of your carpet can be hidden in the bedroom, depending on the size of the room, your bed and other furniture. If it’s a small bedroom with a king-sized bed, the style may not matter nearly as much as the feel.

The Pile

Whenever you hear a manufacturer discuss “pile,” they are referring to height or density. That can have a great deal to do with how comfy your new carpet is underfoot. Pile height lets you know just how high those fibers are, and doesn’t include the backing. High pile carpet will feel good beneath your feet but is prone to crushing with heavy foot traffic.

Pile density tells you how dense the fibers in a carpet are. Thicker carpets will hold up better over time, and it’s a critical specification to keep in mind if you want carpet built to last. A low pile carpet is perfect for living rooms and areas that take a beating, but not as important in bedrooms for obvious reasons. Overall, pile is very important, but not as crucial as our next two areas.

Fiber & Style

The type of fiber you choose can play a part in comfort, but it’s also tied directly to style and price. If you want the softest carpet in your bedroom, look for a plush style. Wool is an ideal choice if it’s within your price range; if not, polyester is your next best bet. Nylon and other fibers aren’t uncomfortable by any means, but they aren’t the softest fibers either.

If plush is a little too much for your tastes, a good cut pile carpet is a nice alternative. They are comfy just like shag carpeting, but loop style carpets aren’t as cushy beneath your feet. Sisal will look good in your bedroom or den, but it’s just not as comfortable as plush, shag, or cut pile carpeting made from wool or polyester.

The Green Factor

Buying eco-friendly flooring is never a bad idea, but there is also a hidden benefit to going green with hardwood, vinyl, or carpeting. It ensures you have good indoor air quality as well. For decades, the flooring industry was plagued by issues with off-gassing and concerns over VOCs, but those concerns are a thing of the past if you keep an eye out for a few key features.

Look for carpet that carries Green Label Plus certification or has met similar standards when installing carpeting in your bedroom. It’s essential to have “safe” carpet in any room, but as most people sleep 7 to 8 hours in their bedrooms every night, indoor air quality is critical for that room. Potential causes for VOC in carpeting include the backing layer as well as fibers themselves unless you purchase wool carpet for your bedroom.

Pros and Cons of Bedroom Carpeting

Your bedroom flooring is important. It is the last thing that your feet will touch before you slip from your shoes and climb into bed at night, and it is the first thing they will feel when you wake and leave your bed each morning. Because of this, few flooring materials are more suited to the bedroom than carpet. It is soft, plush, warm underfoot, and soothing to the touch.

Pros

  • Sound dampening: One of the benefits of having carpet installed in a bedroom is that it can insulate the space against unwanted ambient noise. The thicker the carpet, the less sound will be transmitted from downstairs, up into the serenity of your bedroom setting.
  • Soft: Your bedroom floor is going to be the first thing your bare feet touch each morning and the last thing they touch before slipping from shoes and stepping into bed each night. Carpet has a soft, cushioned feel that makes it very soothing in bedroom applications.
  • Warm: One of the worst feelings is slipping from a warm bed on a cold winter morning and having your feet instantly freeze on a chill flooring application. With carpet, you never have to worry about that. Bedroom carpeting is always warm and soft, no matter the weather.
  • Maintenance: Aside from dealing with stains, the only regular maintenance that carpet needs is regular vacuuming.

Cons

  • Replacement: In a low traffic space such as the bedroom a carpet can last for years. However eventually, it is going to start showing signs of wear and tear, requiring you to update the material.
  • Stains: Depending on the type of carpet, you may have to worry about a variety of stains occurring from dirt, colored liquids, and other agents. There are a variety of methods for removing each type of stain, but the most important thing is to wipe up the agent immediately and begin to treat it as soon as possible. Depending on the speed of your efforts the stain may leave residual color in the carpet.
  • Snags: In the case of loop pile carpets you may have to deal with snags that can if left untreated, lead to the carpet starting to unravel.
  • Cats: In some cases, people will find that cats react to carpeting as if it were a giant cat toy stretched out across the floor of the bedroom. This can often be curbed with a little discipline but may result in wear and tear until your pet is trained.
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Breast Enlargement Without Plastic Surgery

Tips For Post-Plastic Surgery Care

Now a days, a lot of plastic surgery procedures are less invasive. But plastic surgery is still surgery – and even relatively simple procedures like facelifts often require recovery and healing periods

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions To The “T”

Potential side-effects are most likely to occur immediately after your operation. Because of this, it is very important to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. You will be supplied with a comprehensive packet of post-operative instructions. Be sure to follow these instructions to ensure a healthy recovery and eliminate potential risks. Never hesitate to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about your recovery process.

Get Your Support System Ready

Not only will you need assistance after your surgery but you will also need a caretaker to take you to and from your procedure as you will not be able to drive. Also, you’re probably going to be out of commission for at least a week after a plastic surgery procedure. Inform your family and friends about your upcoming surgery, and make sure that you have a support system in place – people who can help you cook, clean, and do other tasks since you may be limited in the amount of activity allowed during your recovery period. The first 2-3 days after surgery will be the most difficult as you may experience uncomfortable soreness. It’s best to have someone in your home to take care of you during this time.

Be Ready To Take Time Off Of Work

You’re probably going to have to take a week or two off of work after your procedure. This means you may have to plan your cosmetic surgery around your available vacation days.

Relax And Keep Yourself Occupied

When you’re recovering from plastic surgery, it’s important that you limit activity and relax. Let the healing process take place. If you try to rush things, recovery may take longer. Keep yourself occupied. Check a few books out from the library or download a few on your Kindle. Find a few new shows to watch on Netflix or Hulu – this time is a great chance for you to relax and take things easy for a little while.

Things to Consider Before Having Plastic Surgery

Plastic and cosmetic surgery has substantially grown in popularity over the last few years, with the number of procedures increasing from 14 million to 23 million globally since 2010. People decide to have cosmetic surgery for many different reasons and the reasons are very personal. Appearances are one part of the story but not the whole tale. Often, it’s more about confidence and self-esteem. This is true for people in all age groups, but Millennials are having plastic surgery at fairly young ages, and their reasons for doing so may not be the same as for older people.

Am I Healthy Enough to Have Plastic Surgery?

Before considering plastic surgery, ask yourself if you’re healthy enough (most people are great candidates for plastic surgery in terms of health) and get your BIMC plastic surgeon to give you a thorough assessment (you will need to disclose your entire medical history). Remember, your BIMC plastic surgeon cannot provide an accurate assessment if you hide health problems. It’s important to note that certain health issues may prevent you from having plastic surgery.

What Are You Hoping to Gain from Your Surgery?

Obviously, an improvement in your facial features or the contour of a particular area of your body is expected. Perhaps you may even gain a boost in self-esteem. If you are expecting anything more than that, you should know the limitations of your procedure.

What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Plastic Surgery?

Your BIMC plastic surgeon can only control what happens inside the operating room. No matter how great a job your plastic surgeon does, it will not guarantee a job promotion, a relationship, or an improved social life or social status. Plastic surgery will not cure depression or eating disorders.

Are There Alternatives to Undergoing Plastic Surgery?

This is important to know because plastic surgery is not without risks. Could you improve your diet? Could you move your body a little bit more and get more exercise? If you’ve given other alternatives an honest try, then plastic surgery may be a good alternative for you. Not having surgery at all is also an alternative.

Things Plastic Surgeons Won’t Tell You

Plastic surgery before and after photos may be alluring, but before you consider going under the knife, here are the secrets you need to know.

I had a patient who wanted a brow lift because she thought she looked grumpy all the time

I sent her for a brow wax instead. It took 15 minutes, she looked great, and she saved herself $5,000. I’ve also seen patients get results similar to eyelid lifts with over-the-counter firming serums and eyelid-lift creams. The results are temporary, but they do work to reduce lines and puffiness

It drives me crazy when parents call from the emergency room because their kid got a scratch on his face

It’s not going to look any different if I sew it up instead of the ER doctor; it’s probably just going to cost you a lot more money. Unless the injury is severe, you don’t need a plastic surgeon for every cut and scrape.

If I’ve invested $200,000 to buy a laser machine, that’s probably what I’m going to recommend, even though another type of treatment may be cheaper

Make sure you ask if there is an alternative, such as a chemical peel, that might work just as well or better.

We have a secret weapon we can use when things go wrong: leeches

By restoring blood flow and secreting a chemical that prevents blood clots, leeches can help salvage a breast lift gone bad or a reattached finger that’s about to die. It sounds gross, but reconstructive plastic surgeons use them routinely.

Things That Make a Good Plastic Surgery Expert Witness

The role of a plastic surgery expert witness is not a simple one. There are several components required in order to perform this role well. With every word being scrutinized, there is a great amount of pressure resting on the shoulders of expert witnesses, not to mention the added pressure of being addressed – and accountable – in a court of law.In this brief article, we will outline three things which make a good plastic surgery expert witness. When choosing your next expert witness, it might be prudent to ensure the plastic surgery expert witness you choose has these qualities

A strong plastic surgery medical background and qualifications

This is perhaps obvious, but it’s important that a plastic surgery expert witness demonstrate that s/he is indeed an ‘expert.’ This is best proven in the form of qualifications, in particular, being Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A Board Certification indicates that the surgeon has met high standards in this specialty.

Experience

It’s important that plastic surgery expert witnesses have experience in two areas. First, in their medical specialty. In addition to having certifications, having many years of experience performing plastic surgery, writing Independent Medical Evaluations, and reviewing cases are all things which help to make a good expert witness. Second, experience of being a plastic surgery expert witness also greatly helps. It stands to reason – the more you do something, the better you get. The same applies to being a plastic surgery witness. Plastic surgeons who have served as an expert witness many times – over many years – become more adept to fulfilling their role in an objective and effective manner.

Knowledge and use of a code of ethics for plastic surgery expert witnesses

put together a code of ethics which aims to provide a guide for expert witnesses and how they should behave in an ethical way. This code of ethics is effectively a set of criteria which allows plastic surgery expert witnesses to consistently perform their duties in an ethical and moral way. For example, it offers clear guidelines with regards to performing the role in an objective way. Furthermore, it also covers other areas as confidentiality. In short, by choosing a plastic surgery expert witness who uses a code of ethics, it gives you added reassurance that ethics and professionalism will be adhered to at all times.

About the Author

This expert witness plastic surgeon – is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures

What are cosmetic surgery and procedures?

Cosmetic surgery and procedures change, restore, or enhance your appearance. There are many reasons for wanting to change or enhance your looks. If you have had burns or other injuries, were born with a birth defect, or want to change parts of your body for other reasons, you may choose to have a cosmetic surgery or procedure.

What are the general types of cosmetic surgery and procedures?

Cosmetic surgery commonly includes:

Reconstructive surgery. This is typically done to improve a visible scar, skin condition, or malformed body part caused by an injury, a surgery, a disease, or a birth defect. These problems can affect your day-to-day life, including your job, your relationships, and your self-esteem.

Elective cosmetic surgery. Being unhappy with something about your appearance—such as a large nose, small breasts, wrinkles, or fat around your belly or hips—is a common reason for choosing to have cosmetic surgery. These kinds of things don’t bother everyone who has them. But for some people, these things can affect their self-image or confidence. Cosmetic surgery is one way to address them.

Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures include:

Botox injections.

Fat deposit removal, either with injectable deoxycholic acid (Kybella) or by freezing fat cells below the surface of the skin with a handheld device (CoolSculpting).

Filler injections, which include soft tissue fillers.

Laser hair removal.

Laser resurfacing to improve acne scars.

Sclerotherapy injections for small varicose veins and spider veins.

Teeth whitening.

Why are these surgeries and procedures done?

For most of us, our physical appearance affects how we see ourselves and how others see us. The size, shape, and look of our bodies may affect how we feel about ourselves and even how we live our lives.

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Ways To Lower The Cost Of Home Remodeling

It’s Tool Time: The Ultimate List of Home Renovation Tools and Equipment You Need

Planning a massive home renovation? Don’t get stuck without the tools you need. Here’s our list of must have home renovation tools and equipment.

If you are planning a home renovation, the first thing you will need is the right home renovation tools. And buying the wrong tools is one of the first places where you can lose money.

Does this already sound stressful? If so, relax, because I have got you covered with this ultimate list of tools for home remodeling. Once you know what these tools are, you will be able to save time and cash. … And stay out of that 46% of stressed out, over budget homeowners.

Sensor Tools

Before diving into any major renovations, a smart thing to do is to get yourself some sensor tools for home remodeling. Sensor tools allow you to locate studs, plumbing pipes and electricity cables.

A Pipe and Cable Finder

Water pipes and electrical cables are (hopefully) hidden from view within your walls. Anytime you cut, drill or demolish a wall, you run the risk of encountering one of these. Cutting through a water pipe or an electrical cable can quickly turn your DIY session into a day from hell. Not only do you run the risk of being shocked – but you will also have to repair the damage. To avoid this, invest in, or hire, a pipe and cable finder.

A Stud Sensor

Stud sensors are handy little tools that electronically sense the location of studs in your walls. If you are attaching something to the wall, it is very important that you drill or nail it in where there is a stud to bear the weight. Guessing where studs run is a recipe for failure. Not to mention extra work! Which is why I recommend you save yourself frustration, and pick up a stud finder.

Home Improvement Shows That Will Inspire You to Change Things Up

bet you’re looking for new ways not only to tackle your drawers and closets but also to take on a bigger project. For us, nothing makes us feel more inspired than watching a home improvement show. From simple fixes to major overhauls, home renovation series are both wildly entertaining and incredibly inspirational. Lucky for you

some standout offerings for both novice and professional DIYers. If you are looking for your latest project (or simply want to watch other people transform their spaces from the comfort of your own), we suggest binging one of these series now

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REMODELING AND RENOVATING?

REMODELING ≠ RENOVATING

For design and build professionals, the words “remodel” and “renovate” have two very different meanings, although they are used interchangeably.

Let’s start with the definition of the words first. According to the dictionary definitions:

Remodel means “to change the structure or form of something.”

Renovate means “restore to a good state of repair.”

HOME REMODELING

Changing The Use of Space

A remodel will include changing the use of a space. A remodel is altering the structure and style of a space and completely transforming it. When you are changing the layout of a room reconfiguring the floor plan, you’re remodeling.

Improves Functionality

In a kitchen remodel, for instance, you may decide to combine the kitchen with the living room and create an open concept kitchen layout. Or perhaps you’d like to install a kitchen island to create more functional space for cooking

Breaths New Life Into A Room

If you’ve started gutting, adding, or removing walls, raising ceilings, or expanding the square footage of your home you’ve crossed over into remodeling territory. Whatever it is, remodeling breathes new life into a room, giving the space a whole new look and feel.

HOME RENOVATION

The Act of Renewing

In home construction, this includes re-painting, re-facing cabinets, installing new light fixtures, or adding other finishes and fixtures.

Update & Upgrade

The original purpose isn’t to drastically alter, but rather, to update to a new standard. Renovating a room in your home, if it’s the kitchen, will make the space attractive, and add value to the home

Cosmetic Improvements

Remember that a renovation simply means you’re updating an existing structure with cosmetic changes, not significant alterations to the existing structure. For example, replacing your old windows with new ones is a renovation project

Home remodeling time: things to know about insurance coverage

I’ve been through five major remodeling projects, including rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy, and I’m planning a full kitchen remodel next year. I’ve learned a lot about the insurance coverage issues for the homeowner, the contractor and the subcontractors, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned.

Some people (like me) hire a general contractor to manage the renovation process while others prefer to manage the project themselves. Some homeowners are willing to be do-it-yourselfers and actually do some tasks while hiring licensed subcontractors for plumbing and electrical work.

However you choose to remodel, keep this in mind: The homeowner, the general contractor and the subcontractors — plumbers and electricians, for example — all need insurance coverage.

Contact your home insurance carrier or broker to confirm whether your policy covers your home and property while it’s being remodeled. For example, if you have to move your furniture out of the rooms that are undergoing renovations, consider getting a storage container to put in your driveway. I rented a 40-foot unit when I added a second floor to my single-story ranch and filled it with furniture and everything from my attic.

Your homeowners policy should cover the contents in the container, but confirm the coverage with your broker. If you don’t have room for a container on site and you put your belongings in an offsite storage unit, you may need a separate policy.

How to renovate a home: A beginner’s guide

renovation, remodeling a home outside the city is a slightly different ballgame. While you won’t need board approval —and most cosmetic work, like painting the walls and refinishing floors, generally doesn’t require a permit at all—renovating from afar means giving up, at least in part, the security of boots-on-the-ground supervision.

Choose a long-distance-friendly contractor

Like any renovation job, the success of your project rides largely on the shoulders of your contractor. Make a point of meeting with at least three candidates in-person and onsite, so you can compare portfolios of past work (to get a sense of what types and quality of work a contractor has done) in addition to their bids. Beyond price and portfolio, consider the following: Does the person communicate well? Have they completed the type of work you want done? Have they received positive reviews? Can you imagine working with this person for the duration of the project?

If possible, speak to at least one such long-distance client as a reference. If that is not an option, ask the other references, “Based on the contractor’s communication skills, could you imagine working with him remotely?”

Set up a solid communication system and schedule

Since you’re not going to be able to oversee every step of your renovation in person, you’ll need to set up easy ways to communicate remotely, as well as a detailed schedule with your contractor. Communication will take the place of site visits, so it’s important to get it right. Discuss ahead of time how you’ll interact: Via frequent texts with photos? Detailed daily emails? Weekly calls by phone, Skype or FaceTime, with photos sent in advance? Some clients install drop cams (similar to a time lapse or security camera) to check in on progress.

Schedule your site visits

Ideally, you should aim to visit the site four times: to meet your contractor before hiring, to walk through the site and create a to-do list together, after demolition and before framing, and after installation of cabinetry, floors, etc. and before finishes, such as counters, backsplashes and hardware.

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Key To Tax Preparation Success

The Real Grown-up’s Guide to Filing Taxes

That’s right. An adult woman with a real job and several side gigs relied on her mother to do her taxes every year. One spring, I knew it was time for me to cut the cord and learn just how complicated this income tax stuff really was. I’ve been doing my own taxes ever since.

Figuring out which tax preparer is right for you can be complicated. Do you stay at home and file your taxes with the help of software or venture out to visit a real-life accountant? And what about all those storefront tax-preparation services?

Software

Examples: TurboTax, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, QuickBooks, H&R Block at Home You’re probably familiar with the idea of completing your taxes online or with software. The biggest perk of using a website or software is they don’t cost much. In fact, many allow you to file your federal tax return for free.

These tax-preparation websites and programs make taxes easy because they walk you through each step of the process, asking you questions to determine which credits you might qualify for or what deductions you should include. All you have to do is plug in some numbers, and voila! Your taxes are done.

Of course, you’ll have to pay more if you want bells and whistles, such as audit protection or extra guidance on rental properties. TurboTax, for example, ranges from $0 to $114.99 depending on the level of service you want. Those prices are for federal returns only — you’ll have to pay more to file your state returns.

Tax Services Manager

The Opportunity

critical mission to build a better working world by applying your knowledge, skills and experience in assisting clients in meeting their business objectives. You will learn, grow and contribute — building new relationships and discovering the satisfaction that comes with producing high-quality, valued work and advice

Your Key Responsibilities

You’re likely to spend your time on a diverse array of projects, responsibilities and tasks, supporting client engagements by participating in day-to-day interactions with team members, providing a quality work product and driving delivery of services to meet deadlines. You will serve as a trusted advisor and role model for our people across multiple teams, research tax law issues, provide advice and assistance to help clients understand risks and potential needs for additional tax advisory or compliance services

Responsibilities

Sign tax returns as preparer

Manage Analysts, Senior Analysts and Assistant Managers in performance of tax compliance services, and review and confirm accuracy in tax reporting

Communicate complex tax issues to colleagues, clients and non-tax professionals to enable evaluation and review of tax compliance requirements central to fulfilling fiduciary tax reporting obligations

Oversee multiple tax engagements of various sizes, including coordinating production and delivery of all tax deliverables, managing people and resources, implementing new processes and procedures, and managing engagement economics throughout the year

Serve as a trusted advisor and role model for our people across multiple teams

Identify service enhancements that will improve tax deliverables and engagement economics via improved accuracy of bridged data, educating engagement team members to provide for increased knowledge of clients’ trust accounting systems to provide for more insightful client communication and guidance, making sure the team is using the ONESOURCE™ Trust Tax software to its full functional capabilities, implementing leading practices, enhancing team members’ communication skills for continued growth and improved service delivery, helping team members to identify gaps that need analysis and review, and making sure team members understand the difference between routine and non-routine service deliverables that maybe out of scope in nature

Skills and Attributes for Success

Ability to identify, deploy and allocate resources as needed to fill gaps in service delivery in a high-volume, fast-paced working environment

Primary point of contact for day-to-day client relations for assigned engagements and demonstrate professional discretion by appropriately escalating complex tax and client relationship matters to senior management and subject-matter professionals, coordinating efforts, and managing expectations with regard to timing of response and resolution

Manage internal and external client relationships and professional network to support client retention and new business development

Manage communications with client tax liaisons, client trust administration teams and client trust officers to gather required information, to share information to support informed decision-making, and obtain instruction or authorization necessary for timely, accurate production of tax information statements, tax returns and related reporting

Build effective long-term relationships and manage workflow effectively with our clients, and understand their unique needs to provide tailored services

Manage engagement deliverables and team resources to achieve timely and accurate delivery of tax compliance services while effectively managing engagement economics

Tax

Get a clear picture of your tax position, even when changes to the law shift your landscape

Significant U.S. tax reform and global tax disruptors are creating market volatility that can have serious tax implications. helps businesses and private clients make sense of continually evolving issues related to federal, state and local, and international tax laws so they can optimize their tax position

Optimize your federal tax planning and better understand tax reform

Work with to enhance your tax opportunities and be more strategic in your tax planning. The changing regulatory environment is complex, but proper planning can help improve cash flow, reduce tax burden, and increase shareholder value.

Approach state and local tax enforcement with solid strategies and preparation

Compliance in an ever-changing state and local tax environment is challenging at best. Our SALT professionals can help with strategies to ease compliance and optimize tax advantages.

Understand the implications of international tax law on your global business strategy

When tackling the complexities of international tax compliance reporting and other nuanced issues, gain insight and reduce uncertainty with the help of our global network of international tax specialists.

Manage complex indirect tax exposure and liabilities

Managing indirect taxes requires a deep understanding of expanding tax bases and geographic tax obligations. Get sustainable, valuable results and manage the liabilities and risks of your organization’s tax footprint.

Accounting software for small business, that works anywhere you do.

Create and send personalised, professional invoices

Customise the look of your invoice by using our beautiful invoice templates. Add or edit a branding theme, include your payment terms, or simply upload your logo and you’re ready to go.

Take the work out of chasing payments

can send automated invoice reminders for you. All you have to decide is when and how often the reminders are sent out. You can also see whether your customer has seen an invoice and if it’s been paid.

Create online invoices quickly

Reduce repetitive manual data entry and speed up your invoicing by using preset inventory items, replicating previous invoices, and setting up repeating invoices.

Better security with online invoices

The online invoices you send are protected from unauthorised changes – unlike a PDF attached to an email. Within, invoice editing is limited and a record is kept of the main invoice actions. To fend off unauthorised access, we recommend enabling two-step authentication on your account and on your email account too.

Bulk send invoices

Send all of your invoices out at the same time. Or email multiple invoices, including overdue ones, to a single customer at once – the customer can then pay the full amount in one go.

The challenge of catching elusive taxpayers

tax collection is set to decline sharply this year because of the decline in national income and fall in employment due to COVID-19. Simultaneously, expenditures related to the pandemic are ballooning. Thus, the fiscal deficit in the budget is set to rise unless other expenditures are cut. However, there are committed expenditures which cannot be curtailed and the deficit in the budget is set to climb to a new high for 2020-21. So, there is no option but to try and collect more taxes.

stated that 15 million people pay income tax out of a population of more than 1.35 billion. This is the number for the financial year 2018-19. For 2019-20, the number of taxpayers may be similar given that the economy was slowing down and unemployment was at a record high. In 2020-21, the number would drop sharply due to the impact of COVID-19 and massive unemployment in the organised sector.

Drop in number of taxpayers

The number of tax filers has increased but the number of taxpayers has dropped. This is a result of the tax concession offered in the Budget — those filing a return

There are two categories of the well-off in the country: those who file a tax return and those who completely escape the tax net. If the former had declared more of their incomes, the tax to GDP ratio would have risen. If those who were outside the tax net had come into the tax net and started filing their returns, there would have been a rise both in the tax to GDP ratio and the number of taxpayers.

report says the top 10% of Indians earned 55% of the nation’s incomes. If these people could be brought under the income tax net and they paid their taxes honestly, at current tax rates, income tax to GDP ratio alone would have been about 18%. Add to that the collection from other direct taxes, like corporate tax, and the figure would be more than 20%. This figure of 55% does not take into account the black income generation in the country. Clearly a lot of taxes are not paid out of white incomes and none from the black incomes

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Packing Services Up Your Place

Packing

If you don’t have the time or desire to pack all those boxes before the big move—or if you don’t trust yourself to pack things safely—then

do the job for you! One of the reasons the best moving service is that go the extra mile for customers every day. Along with thoroughly trained and dependable moving staff, have a dedicated packing team that will pack and unpack the most fragile of your belongings for safe, secure transport to your new home.

Packing Boxes, Supplies and Tape Metro

commitment to customer service means you call the shots—we’ll do as little or as much of the packing as you need to. If you want to handle the entire process, we’ll bring the packing supplies, pack your things securely, then unpack them and remove the boxes and used packing materials from your new place

If you prefer to do the packing yourself, can provide all the supplies—boxes, tape, packing peanuts, etc.—and leave you to it. Just be advised that while always handle your belongings with the greatest of care (including the boxes), the items inside self-packed boxes are not covered by movers insurance.

staff are all employees – NOT freelancers. This is important because not only are employees drug tested, also invest heavily in them with Peach University – training system which shows best practices how to Pack valuables; whether jewelry, electronics, antiques, or other delicate assets. Let take the burden of organizing, packing, and moving, or be there every step of the way to assist you.

PROFESSIONAL PACKING SERVICES

Packing & Unpacking Services

You won’t believe how fast all the furniture in your house can be sorted and packed with professional packing services. No matter how many items you need to pack or unpack, know how to deliver the best results. Even the most experienced packers can find the task too tedious and time-consuming, so why not leave it to the experts/ Who are skilled in the art of packing? You don’t have to wonder where you can find packing/unpacking services near your location anymore – company is here to help you with your next move

Need Storage for your possessions before you move into your new home?

offers you dry, secure storage, with a 100% safety guarantee. containerized warehouse storage service assures a safe, economical solution for storage of your furniture and household contents. Choose from several convenient plans for short-term, long-term, and seasonal storage.

Packers and Movers Near Me at Reasonable Cost

How to find experienced, affordable packers and movers near me? take on all types of moving jobs, including packing/unpacking and pickup of your furniture or home appliances, moving heavy items from one room to another and loading your own vehicle for your move.

Book the Best Local Full-Service Movers Right Now

full-service movers can provide invaluable help with your next big move to a new house. are one of the most dedicated full service moving companies that will pack and move your items with speed and care so that you could start enjoying your new home as soon as possible.

FULL PACKING SERVICES

Do you absolutely love to pack? We’re going to guess that answer to that question is no. Even people who enjoy organization quickly grow tired of packing when the time comes. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it yourself

full packing service, you can kick back and put your feet up as our professional packers get to work packing your stuff. And here’s the best part: complete packing service is available to all of our customers, including commercial, residential, long-distance and local

Oh, and there’s another bonus. are among the only full packing service that is designed to fit within any budget. This does not have to be an uber-premium service reserved for those willing to pay through the nose. full packing service is affordable for anyone.

It’s safe to say that if you’re moving, you have a lot on your plate. There are so many things to think about – and that’s even before you get to packing and moving your belongings. complete packing service takes packing off of your to-do list and allows you to concentrate on more important things.

And you won’t have to stress about whether you packed your fine china well enough to withstand the move. Simply relax and trust professional packing experts to do the job well – rely on years of experience and training.

Packing Services

Whether you’re moving down the street or moving across the country, packing is an essential step that’s vital to any successful move. You need to ensure all of your belongings are kept safe and secure throughout the relocation so that you can get settled into your new home efficiently and stress-free.

Moving & Storage has completed an impressive array of packing supplies that are sure to protect household goods of any size. From furniture and power tools to fine china and clothing, we offer several sizes of moving boxes that will comfortably fit any items you need to pack during your move.

Packing Materials

While moving your belongings, want to ensure that they are all properly packed and ready for transport. To help with that, Moving & Storage has an assortment of packing materials for customers to choose from.

Full-Service Packing for Your Move

As part of your move plan, Moving & Storage will assign you a personalized moving coordinator to discuss each aspect of your move with you. You may choose to have Moving & Storage pack all of your goods, or you may choose to do some of your own packing and rely on the experts at Moving & Storage to pack those hard-to-pack, fragile or meaningful items.

follow these helpful moving and packing tips:

Labels

Use a pen or marker to write a list of the items in each box on either a white label or on the box itself. There are also helpful moving apps that allow you to crate and label boxes on your phone. Be sure to write in large letters on the box which room your items belong in to make the relocation easier for the movers.

Most Important Goes Last

Always be sure to pack the things you’ll need to use first at the end of your packing day and place them on the truck last. It may also be a good idea to pack a bag with things you and your family might need immediately. This will allow you more time to unpack and carefully place your items instead of rushing. The bags should contain things like toiletries, clothing, and food so that you can have everything you need to get through the next day comfortably before unpacking everything else.

Weight

Along with keeping like items together, be sure to layer everything by weight within a box; start with the heaviest items on the bottom and end the stack on top with the lightest items in the group. Also, remember to put the heaviest items as close to the door as possible to make things faster and easier on moving day.

Room by Room

Pack every item you find in one room before starting in any other rooms. This is extremely useful for organization as it allows you to focus on one task at a time, you will be certain that everything has been addressed and accounted for.

Packing Services

With moving being as stressful and vexing as it is, it is in your best interest to find the proper assistance for your relocation. And that help comes in

moving experts, every part of the move is just as important, and that applies to the packing as well. That is why we offer prime packing services

best idea when you’re relocating

We’re guessing that, like most people, you pretty much hate packing. Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys putting their life in boxes, wrapping their belongings and labeling the boxes. It’s pretty laborious and boring and, on top of that, it takes a long time. The good news is – we have no problem doing all the packing for you. On the contrary

packing services

Searching for packing supplies is one of the things people dislike most about packing for relocation. After all, you need to make a list of all the things you need and go out of your way to find everything. You’re probably also worried about the prices and the quality of the supplies

After pack your things, help you move

Of course, packing your belongings is a huge help and it will take a lot of stress off your shoulders. However, packing services isn’t all offer. Other than that, have a number of different moving services that can make any relocation much, much easier.

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Simple Ways To Find A Professional Mold Inspection

Mold Inspection, Testing & Analysis

Do you need a mold inspection?

If you suspect you have mold growing inside your home or business, it’s best to hire a professional to do a thorough inspection

What Is Mold?

Mold is a natural fungus found growing outdoors. It’s not a concern when growing outdoors. In fact, it serves a purpose: to break down leaves and other materials. If mold is growing indoors, however, it can affect your home’s structural integrity, as well as the health of everyone who lives there.

How Does Mold Grow Indoors?

Mold needs just one element in order to grow: moisture. This moisture can come from a water intrusion, from condensation, or even from excessive humidity. If you have experienced a water intrusion, or condensation is present on walls, windows or other surfaces, you need to ensure that the water is dried out within 24 hours, or mold growth can occur. If your humidity is elevated, this too can lead to mold growth, and needs to be brought under control as soon as possible

These spores can cause two major problems:

Health Issues. People living in the home will breathe in the mold spores. This can lead to cold-like symptoms, including sneezing, coughing wheezing, and headaches. These symptoms will remain until the mold is removed from the environment.

Structural Issues. Mold spores are microscopic, so they can reach areas you can’t see and result in mold growing there. Behind drywall, above ceiling tiles, underneath flooring—mold will continue to grow and cause damage to the structure of the home.

There are indications that you may have mold growing inside your home. Some of these include:

You can see it. If you see mold growing on surfaces, it’s obvious you have mold. But you probably don’t know the extent of it. It could also be growing in hidden areas that you can’t see.

Musty odors. If you notice an odor that smells musty, you may have mold growth.

Humidity. If the weather is humid outdoors, it may cause excess moisture indoors. The moisture can settle on surfaces and cause condensation. If left unattended, the damp surfaces may start to grow mold.

Unexplained health issues. If you have lingering cold-like symptoms that won’t go away, it could be attributed to mold growing. Continuous exposure will make these symptoms worsen.

Mold could be making you sick, here are signs there’s mold hiding in your home

From smelling something odd to feeling sick, there are a number of different signs that can indicate that you might have mold in your house.

If you do suspect you have mold in your home, getting it taken care of as soon as you can is very important as the situation generally won’t improve over time.

If you don’t address any underlying leakage, however, you really haven’t gotten things under control — the mold will likely come back

Mold can be a common issue in homes and although it isn’t always dangerous, it can cause structural damage to the house and it can negatively impact your health when left untreated and undetected. The best thing to do if you know or suspect that there’s mold in your living area is to address the problem as soon as you can and as thoroughly as you can.

You visibly see mold spores.

Of course one of the most obvious ways to determine that you have mold in your house is if you can see it. The downside? If you see a ton of visible mold, it can be an indicator that you have a big problem on your hands.

Simply scrubbing the visible mold with soap and a sponge won’t actually get rid of the mold. So if you see visible mold, you need to reach out to a mold remediation company or another expert to help you get things under control, including any leaks that may have caused the issue in the first place.

You feel like you have a lingering cold or are battling flu-like symptoms.

If you’re dealing with symptoms that you can’t exactly pinpoint, it could be that you’re stressed, haven’t been taking care of yourself, or wound up with some sort of virus, of course, but it could also potentially be that you’re dealing with mold.

Mold Removal & Remediation

Because moldy cheese is stressful enough.

Your kids are not going to want to breath in mold for very long, and neither do you. Its critical to remove all traces of dangerous molds from your home to maintain a healthy environment, and stop the spread of bacteria. If you can see it, its already bad.

Even “dead” mold carries the same toxins and allergens as “alive” mold. But the only fix for mold is removal. When the substrate is porous (like drywall) it needs removed, and when its non-porous (like framing) we scrape, sand, and agitate it, dry, under negative pressure, to collect all the spores in an enormous HEPA filter, and get them out of your house.

Things You Should Know about Mold

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:

Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside

Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers

Increasing ventilation

Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning

Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Mold Removal from Within Your Walls: Info You Need to Know

What do we do if it’s hiding in our walls, though? Unfortunately it’s a common place for mold to grow and usually the last thing anyone wants to do is tear their walls down to resolve the issue.

What Tools Do We Need for Mold Removal?

There are quite a few tools used by experts that help us figure out whether or not you have a mold infestation within your walls. None of them include taking a sledgehammer to your walls.

Thermal Imaging Camera

One of the main tools we use in the mold inspection process is a thermal imaging camera. It has the ability to scan the room where mold is suspected and uses thermal energy to identify possible areas where mold colonies could be growing within your walls.

Moisture Meter

This brings us to our next tool—the moisture meter. This is another common tool used for mold inspection as it can show us materials in the residence or commercial facility that have high enough moisture content to grow and feed mold colonies.

Borescope

A borescope is another camera. This camera, however, is much smaller and can give us views of areas that might not be accessible to the naked eye. It’s small enough to help identify any cracks or small nooks and crannies that you might miss otherwise. This helps us with more visual inspection and helps you not have your walls torn down.

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What Do I Need To Start A Profitable Residential Cleaning Business

The Best Natural Cleaning Products, According to Experts

Lots of brands claim to be “natural” or “organic,” but knowing the difference between products that are truly organic, nontoxic, and better for the environment and those that simply claim to be “green” can require a level of expertise most shoppers don’t have or care to acquire. You’d think you could just check the ingredient list, but unfortunately, there are still no federal regulations forcing manufacturers to list the ingredients in their products on packaging

One way to ensure that you know what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself. Ask any green-living expert or organic devotee, and they’ll tell you that the best natural cleaning products are regular white vinegar and baking soda, with a little lemon or orange thrown in. For most of us, however, that’s not an option. If you don’t want to mix and bottle your own cleaning products, or would like something with a more pleasant smell, there are many, many choices.

who use it as a scrubbing powder for everything from countertops and bathtubs to floor tiles and kitchen sinks when they need something stronger than plain baking soda.

This one has the refreshing scent of peppermint and tea tree. “I like this product because it adds that extra kick to your cleaning power and can be used on several surfaces, including stainless steel, stove tops, and ceramic tiles,”

recommends this plant-based cleaner that she says works just as well as the chemical-filled ones. She’s a big fan of Better Life’s all-purpose spray, but the company also makes a stainless-steel polish, a product that not many other natural cleaning brands carry.

Clean’s Response to COVID-19

cleaning services utilise soap-based cleaning supplies which have been proven to be effective at breaking down the COVID-19 virus

Not your average cleaning company

We were born to clean. We’re just wired that way. There’s nothing we like better than getting stuck in to a dirty home and making it sparkle again.

Meet your perfect cleaning team

We want you to be delighted with your clean every time. We know the secret to a great service is perfectly matching you with a cleaning team who understands your needs.

That’s why we’ve hand-picked every one of our cleaning teams. We only choose those with extensive cleaning experience, a professional, can-do attitude and a passion for cleaning. They’ve got to be a bit fun and friendly, too.

Clever House Cleaning Hacks

Keep these tricks in your back pocket to make a tough job a tiny bit easier.

One major benefit of living in a lockdown state is that my house is cleaner than ever. With an empty calendar and no competing priorities, Saturday mornings have become house-cleaning time. Oddly, I’ve begun to enjoy it. Perhaps it’s because I don’t feel rushed or squeezed in other areas of my life, so I’m able to give it the time it needs without feeling like I’m missing out on other activities. Or maybe it’s because all five members of my family are stuck in this house 24/7 and a weekly deep-clean is one thing that makes it more manageable!

Clean the shower while you’re in it.

Cleaning a shower is an annoying task, but you can almost eliminate it by doing a quick scrub during a shower. a Clean My Space follower, who says, “I hate cleaning my shower so what I do is I have a dish wand, one of those with handles that you can fill up with soap and I fill it with dish soap and vinegar. Every day I wash down the wall or tub while I’m in there. It’s super easy, super quick, super cheap and my daughter loves to do it as well.” You can also wait till you’re finished showering, then grab a squeegee to wipe down walls and use a rag to mop up the moisture along the bottom.

Illuminate the dirt.

Think how you move your face around to get the ideal angle for taking a picture. Cleaning is similar; you need to look at surfaces from different angles to see the dust and dirt that’s there. Grab a flashlight and shine it in corners, under furniture, and on surfaces to make sure you do a thorough job

Flip rugs over for a deep clean.

Most of us vacuum one side of a rug and call it clean, but if you want to make sure a rug is truly clean, flip it over for a second pass with the vacuum, then flip it again to its proper side and repeat. You can also sprinkle with baking soda and let sit overnight to deodorize, then vacuum several times to remove all traces of baking soda and accumulated gunk.

Open windows as you clean.

Even in the middle of winter, I usually crack the window at least an inch to let in fresh air while cleaning, and obviously more when it’s warmer. The introduction of fresh air immediately takes a room from stale and musty to smelling fresh and clean. It serves a practical purpose, too, helping to flush indoor contaminants (and viral particles) from the air.

Maid Service You Can Trust and Rely On

Love working with Right Touch! When I come home after my cleaners have been over, it feels like I’m stepping into a whole new place. I have two young children and keeping the house clean is an INSANE chore. The moments I feel most relaxed are immediately after Right Touch has been over. It is also worth noting how flexible and kind they were when my youngest daughter fell ill and had to spend weeks in the hospital. They worked with me, even forgave the time I totally forgot I had a cleaning scheduled, and even sent flowers to brighten up our home during a difficult time. Can’t recommend them enough!

NO CONTRACT

Hiring Right Touch is virtually risk free.  If you are not happy with any area we’ve cleaned, simply call within 24 hours and we will come back and re-clean free of charge.  Cancel anytime

VETTED PROFESSIONALS

The same cleaning technician will arrive at your home in uniform.  All of our employees have undergone criminal background checks.  We are bonded and insured

GREEN cleaning

We clean according to a customized list created for your home and needs using environmentally friendly cleaning products.

SUPERIOR QUALITY

CONTROL

Clients receive a quality survey after every clean so we can fix any issues quickly.  Feedback inspires and motivates our entire team to keep working hard.

easy cleaning jobs to do while in lockdown – for every room of the house

There’s never been a better time to clean our homes from top to bottom. Aren’t we all looking for ways to beat the boredom while in lockdown? What could be better than all those cleaning jobs on the to-do list.

Cleaning is a great way to pass the time and do good. Not only will our homes be spotless but cleaning is thought to be therapeutic – and therefore good to compact any anxiety we might have during these uncertain times.

Clean inside and outside your kitchen cupboards

It’s one of those jobs we all put off, right? Spend this time now to completely empty each and every cupboard. Washing the inside down with soapy water or diluted Zoflora.

Organise kitchen cupboards

Washing is the first job, re-stacking and reorganising the contents of the cupboards counts as a job in itself. Check the sell-by dates on all your food produce before you put them back. Depending how big your kitchen is, these jobs could be best split over a few days?

Wipe on top of kitchen units

No one sees the top but we all know the dust and dirt that hides there. Because it’s hidden its never a priority to clean, until now.

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Engine Rebuilding A Lotus Twin Cam

Engine replacement

have an 07 subaru outback wagon that needs a new engine. It is a 4 cyl non turbo with a manual transmission. NnvBesides the 07 are there any other years that I could use if needed?

my best advice to you is REBUILD your engine, and find a great qualified independent mechanic to do this. Have them use the newer multi layered head gaskets. Otherwise, get a replacement car. I don’t know how many miles are on your car, or its overall condition, but, you may want to evaluate all of these things before proceeding. An exchange engine is NOT a good idea. You don’t know what you are getting

don’t leave us in suspense, are you going to rebuild your engine?? How many miles are on your car?? See this below, it’s not excess mileage even at 120,000 miles. These cars are known for going between 200,000 and 300,000 miles.

We’re you able to get the multi layered head gaskets that are stainless steel and much improved over the originals. I know that you are making a wise decision here, what are they charging you for the rebuild? And, if my answers have been helpful for you, please mark one my previous posts “best answer”.

I think Subaru’s are great cars and from a strictly speaking economic point, no matter how much it costs you, an engine rebuild is less expensive than 60 more months of car payments. And, your car has already given you almost 200,000 miles of service! So, by fixing the engine, you could easily go another 150,000 miles

know next to nothing about cars but have a similar question and hoping someone can help me out. My 2007 subaru outback 4 cylinder manual transmission was supposed to have had gaskets and ring job done when I was in corpus approx $3K. I arrived in CA right after getting this done and realized I was losing oil. I am now told the ring job wasn’t done. I was quoted $6K for a new motor. I have been trying to figure out what to do. 6K seems high. Is it possible to get a “new” motor for my car or are they quoting a rebuild and why is it so high?

Rebuilding a Carburetor

This is a tutorial containing a ten step process to rebuild a small engine carburetor that may have become dirty or clogged, causing the engine to fail to run. In order to successfully complete this task with the given directions, it is assumed that you (the reader/todays mechanic) will have adequate knowledge on the tools and ideas presented in these steps. Prior to starting this project, I would visit your local hardware store and purchase a carburetor rebuild kit (make sure to have engine’s serial #, as well as its make and model) also grab some carburetor cleaner if you don’t already have some. Always make sure to wear adequate safety gear when working with various tools and chemicals.

Identity the location of the carburetor on the engine and remove bolts that are fastening the carburetor to the engine block. When pulling off the carb, also remove the throttle and choke cables. (When doing this it is important to either mark or at least note where the choke and throttle cables are attached.) In addition to these members, it is important to carefully remove the gas supply hose.

Once the carburetor is completely disconnected, place it into a pan or other workspace that will help catch any springs or other small pieces that might come off when disassembling. At this point I always like to take some of my carburetor cleaner and an old toothbrush and clean the outside of the carb. Often times there is a large buildup of grease and dirt that can hinder moving pieces when the engine is running.

As shown in the diagram above, there will be (normally three) screws on the outside of the carb. One not shown above is the idle screw that keeps the throttle at a minimum closed position to ensure that the engine does not stall. The other two screws act as valves for in the fuel inlets for high and low throttle position. Take note of the position of these screws when removing to ensure that when reinserting them after cleaning the “valves” are open the same amount.

Remove the bowl on the bottom of the carb as well as the screws mentioned in the step above. Inside of the bowl you will see a device called a float that acts as a valve for gas coming into the carb from the gas tank. Remove the pin that allows this piece to hinge and set it and the needle off to the side (this needle should be replaced with the new one from the rebuild kit).

Rebuilt Engine? A Good Thing?

I’m researching/shopping for a big twin. A lot of times on craigslist, you will see: “60,000 miles on the odometer, 5,000 miles on a new rebuilt engine”. Actually, you’re lucky if they disclose the odometer reading.

What exactly does a “rebuild” entail?

How compromised is one of these bikes/engines?

Should it lower the value of the bike?

Depends… I had my motor upgraded with gear drive cams and full head work. New bearings,oil spring, pistons, push-rods, valves and guides etc. At 26000 Km/ 16155 Miles. If Buying a rebuild and you know the Indy or dealer that did it, and provided they have a good solid rep. I would have no problem buying a rebuild.

First, what’s a “new rebuilt” motor? It’s either a crate motor (new) or a rebuilt motor. And a 5,000 miles it’s not new anymore, is it? What’s a rebuild entail? Rebuilding is in the eye of the beholder. Without receipts for the work, you’ll never know

How compromised would the bike be? That depends. If the motor was rebuilt by a good shop and used by a sensible rider, it’s not going to be compromised at all. As for the rest of the bike, who knows? I’d be careful…a big twin that needs a whole new motor at 60,000 miles was probably not well cared for or may not have been one of Harley’s best off the assembly line. Not a good sign either way. And you’re right about the non-rebuilt parts. There’s a whole lot more to a bike than the motor that may need replaced at 60,000 miles.

Everyone is giving you goood advice.

1) Unless it is a screaming great deal, I would look for 1 of the other 100,000+ bikes that are for sale with little or no mileage.

2) If you choose to go with a rebuilt, get the receipts. Without seeing those, assume it didn’t happen. There is no way to know unless you tear it down.

3) The rebuild is only as good as the mechanic doing it. If you don’t know the mechanic , or can’t get a reference from a reliable source, I wouldn’t trust his work and wouldn’t buy the bike.

CUSTOM ENGINE BUILDING & REBUILDING

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specialize in fine-tuning your high-end performance racing engines, and we have a full engine machine shop to ensure that the job is done right the first time.  If it’s quality custom engines you’re looking for, you have come to the right place!

your need for engine rebuilding may be, you can put your trust in our experts to accomplish just what you need.  We work on performance racing engines for racecars, sports cars, boats, drag racers and hot rods. You can rest easy knowing that we are well-experienced and ready to service your needs. We are a specialty engine machine shop & are equipped to work on your custom engines, racing motors and racing engines.

Should I Have My Vehicle’s Engine Rebuilt or Replaced?

Engine trouble and a diagnosis

After years of faithful service, your vehicle begins to experience engine troubles. A trip to your mechanic reveals a grim diagnosis – either rebuild or replace the engine or start shopping for a new vehicle. After the initial shock wears off, your mechanic presents you with a few options.

You can have your car’s engine rebuilt or replace it with a remanufactured engine or a used engine. As you begin to weigh your options, your head is spinning with questions. What is the difference between each of these? Is one of these options right for me or should I start hitting the dealership lots for a new vehicle? Read on to learn what  each of these terms means and get some advice on how to decide which option is best for your situation

Used engine

A used engine is an engine that is taken from a used vehicle – usually from a junkyard vehicle. There is no inspection or replacement of worn parts. What you see is what you get. In some instances, the junkyard may be able to provide the amount of miles on the engine but that isn’t a guarantee.  Putting a used engine in your vehicle can be risky – you don’t know if the vehicle it came from was in an accident, flood or sustained other damage. You typically don’t get a warranty with a used engine

Rebuilt vs remanufactured

Please note that within the auto industry, there isn’t a consensus on the definition of what a rebuilt and remanufactured engine is. Many mechanics and auto shops will use the terms interchangeably but as you have learned there is a big difference in what these terms mean

By having a basic understanding of what these terms mean, you can ask the right questions of your mechanic so you know exactly what you are getting. No one wants to think they are getting a remanufactured engine that they are depending on for many years of service only to learn that their existing engine is just getting some worn parts replaced. Knowledge is the best way to avoid surprises at the auto shop

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Various Types Of Outdoor Electrical Lighting

Solar Landscape Lighting (Pros and Cons)

Outdoor lighting is an essential part of landscape design and something that every home needs. Landscape lighting increases safety, enhances your home security measures, guides traffic through your yard, accentuates interesting features of your home or yard, provides task lighting and illuminates your outdoor living areas.

So, really, the only question is which type of outdoor lighting is right for you. The three basic categories are solar, halogen and LED. Here, we will look at the pros and cons of solar landscape lights, but be sure to also read Halogen vs LED Landscape Lighting to help you determine the right lighting product to best suit your needs.

Benefits of Solar Landscaping Lighting

First, let’s take a look at some of the pros of choosing solar-powered landscape lighting for your patios, walkways, driveway, flowerbeds or garden.

  • You don’t need a nearby source (or any source) of electricity for your lights.
  • Because you do not need electricity, you can place your landscape lights almost anywhere that receives adequate sunlight throughout the day.
  • Your landscape lighting will not increase your electricity bill.
  • In the summer months when the days are longer, your lights will stay on longer into the night, which may be a benefit during this popular season for entertaining.
  • You can install your lights in a flowerbed or vegetable garden where you frequently dig without worrying about damaging electrical wires.
  • Because no wiring is required, solar landscape lights are easy to install and can be a do-it-yourself project.
  • Other than your upfront investment, you can expect to spend little to no money during the lifetime of your solar lights. This is because they do not require electricity and have minimal maintenance needs.
  • Because they do not require electricity, solar yard lights are an eco-friendly choice that can help lower your home’s carbon footprint.
  • You do not have to worry about your children or dogs cutting, chewing through or tripping on electrical wires.

Cons of Solar Landscape Lighting

Now that we have gone over the potential benefits of choosing solar landscape lights, let’s look at some of the cons of solar lighting to help you determine if this is the right type of yard lights for you.

  • Solar landscape lights must be placed where they will receive light throughout the day to charge the batteries.
  • Solar landscape lighting is generally not a viable option in areas with trees, shrubs, bushes, plants that block the sun.
  • Solar lights often cannot be used near structures that block the sun for a significant part of the day.
  • The solar panels must be cleaned regularly to remove dust and debris that can block the sunlight needed to charge the batteries.
  • Most solar lights will not stay on as long as other landscape lighting options after nightfall on cloudy days due to not receiving enough sunlight to charge the batteries fully.

Questions about Solar Lighting:

How does outdoor solar lighting work?

Solar-powered lights each contain a solar cell, Ni-Cad rechargeable battery, LED light and photoresistor. Essentially, each light’s solar cell produces energy, which charges the battery during the day. Solar-powered lights stop producing energy at night, so the photoresistor, which detects the absence of light, activates the battery, which turns the LED light on.

What are the benefits of outdoor solar lighting?

Simple installation is the best reason to choose them. They don’t require any wiring or other power sources, making it easy to place them in the ground. You’ll also be grateful when your power bill comes since these lights aren’t using electricity. Safety is another reason to choose solar lights. Since they don’t use power cords or electricity, they are safe for use near ponds or swimming pools.

How long does outdoor solar lighting last?

The Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries will last about two years if you take care of them and periodically allow your lights to recharge. Replacement batteries can also be ordered from the manufacturer or online. The LED light bulbs will run up to 100,000 hours each and are not replaceable.

How do I take care of my outdoor solar lighting?

Because solar lights are powered by direct sunlight, they need to be cleaned periodically from dust or mud, so they can easily store energy for the night. They also do not work as well during the winter or on cloudy days, so you may want to store your them indoors during rainy or snowy seasons. Switch them to the off position when they are not being used and store them in a dark place.

Is outdoor solar lighting weatherproof?

While solar lights are designed for all temperatures, the models that include glass should not be left outdoors if you receive a lot of rain or snow. They should not be exposed to windstorms or extreme storms, either, as they can easily be damaged. You can buy hanging fixtures if you’re worried about your lights blowing away; hanging lights also work well for lining swimming pools, ponds and creeks.

Things To Do If Your Solar Powered Lights Aren’t Working

Now we are big fans of solar lights, but we do understand that they can cause some people a lot of issues. If you’re struggling with yours then try out a couple of our handy tips to see if you can get them working again.

1. Check that they’re turned on

You would be surprised how often people haven’t realised that their lights have an on/off switch (not all of them do).

2. Check that there’s not a pull tab on the battery

This will apply to newly purchased lights only. Sometimes there is a pull tab on the battery that needs to be removed before the light will function. If your new light doesn’t work, definitely check on this.

3. Cover the panel to test the light

Generally speaking, solar powered lights do not work during the day. In order to test if the light is working, you will need to completely cover the solar panel to simulate darkness.

4. Ensure the solar panel is clean

A dirty panel can impact the amount of charge received. See our guide on how to clean your solar panel.

5. Make sure the solar panel is positioned correctly

The panel should be positioned to receive sunlight all (or at least most of the) day, or else it might not be receiving sufficient charge. Do solar lights need direct sunlight to work?

6. Test with regular batteries if possible

In most instances of solar powered lights not working, it is the batteries at fault. Either they are not receiving charge or they are not holding it. If the lights work using normal batteries then it is clear that the problem is with either the rechargeable batteries or the solar panel.

7. Switch off and leave to charge for 72 hours

Many solar powered lights will still charge if they are not turned on, and by turning them off you actually allow the battery to get a full charge over several days of sunlight. It is an idea to do this regularly with solar lights.

8. Contact the retailer

If all else fails, contact the retailer that your purchased your lights from. All of our lights have a 12 month warranty. So, if you’ve tried the above steps and bought your lights from us within the last 12 months contact us or view our full returns policy.

Can you Charge Solar Lights Without Sun?

Yes! It is certainly possible to charge solar lights (like these solar lanterns) without direct sunlight. There multiple methods to do this. Although they are not as efficient as bright sunlight would be in charging the battery, they will all work to regenerate the charge located in the battery and bring the solar light back to life in a pinch.

How to Charge Solar Lights Without Sun

1. In indirect sunlight

One might think that cloud cover is a death knell for solar-powered everything. One would be incorrect in that assumption. While direct, bright sunlight is the preferred way to regenerate a solar light battery, even indirect sunlight will work to charge the light. Remember when we said that photons knock the electrons off of the phosphorus-doped silicon atoms? That remains the case in indirect sunlight. There are just fewer photons to go around. In indirect sunlight, photons will still strike the solar panels, they will just do so less often and, therefore, charge the solar light battery slower than direct sunlight would.

2. Use artificial lighting

Artificial lighting, while much less powerful than sunlight, will charge a solar light battery. This means you can take the solar light inside and place it near an LED or incandescent bulb and expect the solar light batter to charge, albeit quite slowly. The same principle that keeps the battery charging during periods of indirect sunlight holds true in this case. The indoor lights that illuminate our rooms utilize photons just like the sun. They will also knock electrons loose from the silicon atoms in the solar panels.

We should note specifically that both LED and incandescent lights will operate to charge a solar light battery. You do not need to seek out one over the other. Either will do the trick.

3. Use the alternative charging method

Many solar lights, both indoor and outdoor, come with alternate charging methods. Frequently, these are USB or wall outlet ports that allow you to plug the solar light into a USB charger, computer or wall socket to charge the internal battery. Use the opportunity whenever it is convenient to fully charge the solar light (perhaps by using one of these solar power banks) by this method since it will typically be much faster than waiting for it to charge by solar panel, even in direct sunlight. Of course, if you purchased the solar light specifically to avoid using “on-the-grid” power solutions you may not wish to do this.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Solar Lights

Solar lights last, on average, about two years before the batteries must be replaced. However, there are a few ways to ensure they last a while longer.

  • Make sure to clean your solar lights regularly by wiping them with a clean cloth about every two weeks
  • Replace the batteries if the lights are unable to provide light for 8 hours
  • Turn lights off and store in a cool environment with some access to sunlight during extreme weather
  • Be cautious of placing lights in garden areas, as dirt buildup can prevent them from receiving adequate power

Make sure to turn lights off when they will not be exposed to light for long periods of time