Different Types Of Engine Rebuilding Degrees

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Is overhauling an engine good?

What is an engine overhaul?

Just to add to the answers so far that mention that “overhaul” isn’t such a common term anymore.

‘Way back when the useful life of a car was usually seen as being limited to 100,000 miles, that delineation was kind of odd when you think about the amount of metal that was put into a car’s body and chassis back then, but the really important components all tended to wear out about that time. At the heart of the car’s engine was the interface between the pistons and the piston walls, the rings. That’s why the single most telling diagnostic that could be done on pre-electronics cars was a compression test. It’s also why so many snake-oil patent-medicine elixirs were sold at auto-parts stores that were “guaranteed to restore compression.” And some of them could, too….for the time it took to run a compression test.

But also deep in the engine were things like the babbitt bearings and a few other consumables that could only be reached by taking the engine out and then completely apart. Almost every one of these items could have their lives extended by simply changing the oil regularly and often. Oil changes couldn’t grant immortality, any more than eating healthy does for a human, but they both could make the difference between dying at 100 versus dying at 65.

 

Engine rattling: Why did it happen after my oil change?

Admittedly, 230,000km is a high mileage for any car. It will not be long before an engine overhaul or some major work becomes necessary. Mileage aside, other signs that your car needs an engine overhaul include increased fuel consumption, bluish-white smoke from the exhaust and high engine oil consumption. The terms “top overhaul” and “de-carbonising” refer to refurbishing the cylinder head by cleaning away any carbon build-up.

 

Signs you need an Engine Overhaul

  • Too much smoke from tailpipes
  • Loss of Compression
  • Excessive Fuel Consumption
  • Knocking sound
  • Loss of Engine Power
  • Vehicle Producing oil patches

If you notice any of these signs, it is wise to do an engine rebuild as soon as possible. Catching these issues early will be key in increasing your vehicle’s lifespan and in keeping your vehicle running efficiently for a long time.

 

Reasons you would need an engine overhaul?

Having your engine overhauled does not have to be a major expense or inconvenience. There are two main reasons why you would choose an overhaul over any other option. If there is any sign of wear to the engine bearings, it is usually best to have an overhaul done. This is also recommended if you have piston rings that are poorly seated. The moving parts of an engine are mounted on bearings, which allow them to move freely as they are lubricated by engine oil. The bearings are built to last over thousands of miles, but eventually they will start to wear down. The wear is accelerated when a vehicle is poorly maintained and running low on oil levels. Worn bearings will start to produce a loud knocking noise and will eventually cause the engine to fail. Piston rings can also cause issues to your engine if they are not properly maintained. They seal in the expanding cases that are created when the gasoline burns within the engine. As they wear, they no longer can seal the cylinders properly. When this occurs, the crankcase oil escapes past the worn rings and is burned with the fuel mixture that is in the cylinder. This is typically why older engines have an excessive amount of smoke in the vehicle’s exhaust. With all the issues that can happen with your engine, it is wise to always make sure to go to scheduled maintenance tune-ups so your vehicle is running as good as possible.

 

Benefits of an engine overhaul

An engine overhaul is an excellent option for engines that aren’t old or excessively worn but are still experiencing issues. In many cases, an engine overhaul can effectively fix any issues with your engine and save you a significant amount of money over having your engine replaced completely. Since all of your parts and components are thoroughly cleaned and inspected during an engine overhaul, your mechanic will be able to spot minor issues that you might not have even noticed yet. The thorough cleaning of the engine gets it into the best condition possible for peak performance and efficiency.

You can also choose to have your engine rebuilt to add new features or upgrade it. Lots of people choose to rebuild their engines on a routine basis every few years to improve their speed, performance, efficiency and power. Regardless of why you want your engine rebuilt, it’s important that you find a mechanic who specializes in diesel engine repair in Corpus Christi, TX to handle the job. An experienced professional will be able to figure out what’s going on with your engine and address issues during a rebuild.

Home Remodeling Plans

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Beginner’s guide to managing a remodel

Browsing photos and ideas can be a fun part of creating your dream room. But making your designs a reality also takes smart planning and organization. Project management is an essential part of home remodeling, and there’s nothing like the feeling of implementing a plan to create something new and beautiful. These tips can help you achieve your desired results.

Become a list writer

Making lists is key when it comes to project management. It’s the only way to properly organize your thoughts and prevent any details from being forgotten. The most important list is your scope of work, or specifications, document. This is basically a detailed list of everything to be done, from start to finish. If you’re dealing with one main builder who’s organizing all the work, then you’ll need to make sure he or she gets a copy, so the goals are clear and all the information is provided.

Make sure you’re all on the same page

If you’re coordinating separate subcontractors (cabinetmaker, plumber, electrician), then it would be worth indicating who’s responsible for each task. Give a complete copy of the specifications to all of them, so they’re all aware of what everyone is doing. Discuss the specifications with your subcontractors since they may be able to provide help and advice. A schedule is also useful, so you can keep track of progress and everyone knows who’s going to be on-site on which day.

Break into subsections

In addition to your main specifications, it’s a good idea to have sublists for each separate element of your design. For example, your main specifications may say “install 6 x recessed LED downlights in ceiling,” but your lighting specifications will detail where they are to be positioned, the type of bulb, the hardware finish and so on. The more information you provide, the more accurate your quote should be and the less likely it will be for mistakes or misunderstandings to occur. It will also minimize any unexpected costs.

Stand by for decisions

Your builder will present many questions and decisions to you along the way. Which tiles do you want on the walls? Where do you want these wall lights? What color do you want on the baseboards? Your best bet will be to try to pre-empt as many of these decisions as possible and have the answers ready or, even better, provide the information in advance. Making these decisions under pressure can lead to impulse moves you may regret later. However, taking too long could hold up the project, costing you time, money and the patience of your builder. No one wants an unhappy builder.

 

A Beginner’s Guide To Managing A Remodel

Browsing photos and ideas can be a fun part of creating your dream room. But making your designs a reality also takes smart planning and organization. Project management is an essential part of remodeling, and there’s nothing like the feeling of implementing a plan to create something new and beautiful. These tips can help you achieve your desired results.

Become a list writer. Making lists is key when it comes to project management. It’s the only way to properly organize your thoughts and prevent any details from being forgotten.

The most important list is your scope of work, or specifications, document. This is basically a detailed list of everything to be done, from start to finish. If you’re dealing with one main builder who’s organizing all the work, then you’ll need to make sure he or she gets a copy, so the goals are clear and all the information is provided.

Also, having detailed specifications makes it easier if you want to obtain multiple quotes, and you’ll know it’s a fair comparison since all the builders will be quoting using the same criteria.

Make sure you’re all on the same page. If you’re coordinating separate subcontractors (cabinetmaker, plumber, electrician), then it would be worth indicating who’s responsible for each task. Give a complete copy of the specifications to all of them, so they’re all aware of what everyone is doing. Discuss the specifications with your subcontractors since they may be able to provide help and advice. A schedule is also useful, so you can keep track of progress and everyone knows who’s going to be on-site on which day.

 

Guide to Home Renovation

There are four stages to being a grown man: Bachelorhood, Marriage, Kids, and Home Renovation. Home Renovation comes last because it sucks, and you will resist it with all your might, even more than you probably resisted stages two and three. I know I did. I saw other men go through the renovation process and emerge from it catatonic and bankrupt six times over. I heard nightmares of strained marriages and vindictive contractors, and I thought, I will never subject myself to that.

Oh, but I did. I had no choice, really. My kids were already big enough to kick through the walls. Something had to be done. I got a bank loan, then I got a cyanide tablet, just in case. But somehow, against all odds, I survived. I stared into the mouth of the dragon, and I slayed that fucker. Somehow, I kicked home renovation’s ass. I WON. And now I am one of those smarmy middle-aged dipshits sitting comfortably in my newer, roomier home, ready to bequeath to you all of my wisdom, even if you didn’t ask for it. Especially if you didn’t ask for it.

Set a budget, then accept that your budget is meaningless.

Think about a realistic number for your project. Now add 10 percent. Now add another 10 percent. You have just established the baseline minimum of your spending

Don’t hire Jimmy Teamster’s Bargain Toilet Emporium.

You are placing your life in your contractor’s hands, so do your homework. Scout out neighboring projects and Google their contractors. Probe for horror stories. Find out who knows all the latest zoning laws. And most important

Sit down with your builder and list your goals.

I want a Ping-Pong table in the basement, and I don’t wanna put my hand through a window when I go for a wicked backhand! Stuff like that. Once you get a proposed floor plan (OMG SO COOL!), pore over it with a jeweler’s eye. Imagine yourself in your new home. How often will you be naked in this room? (Better frost those windows.) Are you going to bash your head into that overhang? (You will.) Is the sink close enough to the garbage drawer for you to toss out carrot peelings? Visualize it.

 

Home Improvement Tricks That Everyone Should Know

You may be spending a LOT more time at home than you’re used to and taking an extra look at your living space. Is your dining room now your home office during the day and then a place for dinner at night? What about that drip, drip, drip that you’re hearing and can’t ignore anymore? There’s no doubt that some work is best left to a professional, but there’s a lot of do-it-yourself that you can do!

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to change things up at home. Walking into a home improvement store can seem overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be. Taking your project into your own hands should feel empowering–so walk into that store like a boss! Many stores hold free workshops for DIYers looking to handle some basic home maintenance or bigger improvement projects. And thanks to YouTube, you can learn how to repair just about anything.

Whether you’re looking through Pinterest to get inspired or you have a vision in mind, it’s a good idea to think about whether or not you need to improve your home for functionality, decor, or both. If you’re considering throwing away your old couches, you might be able to restore them instead. “If your wood furniture is scratched, dinged, or discolored, you can sand it and apply varnish, or pick up a bottle of a furniture restore product, which is simple to apply, and seems to magically take away scratches, evens out the finish and color and makes your furniture look brand new,”

Add a touch of color to your stairs

Staircase remodeling can cost a lot, and this trick will save you money if you do it yourself. editor of The Bunny Hub, recommends that you paint your staircase so that it looks like it has a carpet runner. “This gives you the cozy look and feel of a carpet, without the maintenance of owning a carpet,” she says.

If you’re going to take on this task, remember that painting can be a bit of a messy job. “Although we cover furniture and wear old clothes, often people forget about their phone,”

 

Remodeling For The First Time?

Remodeling for the first time can be downright frightening. Lets face it if you are like most people your home is the single largest investment you will ever make. With so much at stake it’s no wonder there is a lot of anxiety associated with the process.

That being said, just keep in mind that a successful project is not only visually satisfying but financially rewarding as well. There is usually a nice (roi) return on investment depending upon the type and size of project completed.

No matter what type of home improvement project you are considering, there are specific steps you must take to make it a success. There are also many questions to ask yourself before even getting started. We will cover these in detail shortly when we review our Master Plan.

will answer your questions and take you step by step through the entire process. Remember all projects no matter how large or small require the same steps and considerations. The larger ones just require more of them.

We’ll also take a look at real dangers that can be lurking in your home and show you how to eliminate them and keep your family safe. As well as money saving tips to consider during your remodeling endeavor.

There Are Many Benefits To Plastic Commercial Roofing Sheets

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What building owners need to know

If you own any sort of commercial building, maintenance should be one of your big concerns. Whether it contains your own business or somebody else’s, it’s your job to ensure that it is well taken care of to provide the utmost safety and comfort for occupants. Clearly, the roof is one of the most important parts of a building, which is why you have to be sure that it offers the best protection. Over time, a roof wears out and stops doing its job properly, but when is a replacement necessary? Let’s examine the factors that have an impact on the longevity of a roof, along with the average lifespan of common roofing materials. We will also discuss the best ways to keep a roof in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

Commercial roofing isn’t like residential roofing, mainly because the square footage is typically bigger. Commercial roof construction must be stronger, from the commercial roof decking to the framing. Most commercial building roof types are flat, and this requires a roofing contractor that is experienced in the construction of commercial structures and flat roofs and how to repair commercial roofs.

The building’s overall health is integral in determining the commercial roofing style and longevity too. Considerations include the climate and environment, extraneous variables like animals and foliage, all things that can impact commercial roofing’s integrity.

 

How long should a commercial roof last?

Here, we will list 6 common commercial roofing classifications with a brief description and reasons that it may be the right style for your commercial roofing needs:

  • Built-Up Roofing Membrane: Also known as BUR roofing, is the standard commercial roofing of multiple layers of tar & gravel. The quantity of layers varies which can help with budget concerns yet is durable commercial roofing material.
  • Metal Roofing: Another popular choice for commercial roofing, metal roofing is available in different types of metal, some of which are Aluminum, corrugated galvanized steel, metal tile, and more. Because metal is predisposed to rust, a protective surface layer is added to prolong any damage from the environment, like UV rays. Metal roofing now comes with an attractive and finished look, they are fire-resistant and are known for durability and strength.
  • Modified Bitumen Roofing: Roof fabrics that have been reinforced are applied cut for installing layers, comparable to the membrane of BUR roofing, and is typically affixed to commercial rooftops in a two-ply system that is stuck to the roof decking for protection and stability. Modified bitumen roofs have simple maintenance requirements, a routine schedule of cleaning and inspection is the biggest requirement. If you expect an abundance of foot traffic on your building’s commercial roofing, like HVAC installation or repairs, plumbing vents, etc., modified bitumen is the ideal roofing material.
  • EDPM: EPDM or Thermoset commercial roofing system are durable, long-lasting, and versatile. Installation is easy, making it a favorite among commercial roofing contractors, and when paired with easy maintenance and repairs, it is popular among building owners too. Made of ozone and UV ray resistant single-ply rubber material that is flexible even in cold weather, strong resistance to alcohol, solvents and some acids. It provides a reflective property that minimizes energy costs for cooling, a big plus in the southern areas.
  • TPO and PVC: Thermoplastic Polyolefin and Poly Vinyl Chloride commercial roofing systems are highly reflective, lightweight, durable against weathering while resistant to punctures, tears, and UV rays as well as most chemicals, animal fat, bacterial grown, and oils. Thermoplastic commercial roofing has seam strength, perfect for second applications. It has a high tolerance to fire, high temperatures, and high winds. A popular commercial roofing membrane for structures that house restaurants or any business that emits fats or oils through the ventilation systems.
  • Green Roofing: Today, commercial roofing is going toward green roofs more and more. They are versatile as well as sustainable and provide an excellent layer of protection, water management, and energy efficiency.

 

Factors that affect a commercial roof’s lifespan

  1. Weather

As strong as a roofing system may be, it’s really no match for Mother Nature. Eventually, all of the rain, snow, ice, and wind will erode it. Sun exposure is another thing that causes quicker roof deterioration, particularly when the material is a dark color.

  1. Installation

Often, a poorly-installed roof is the reason why a roof fails prematurely. Even minor flaws during installation can drastically shorten the lifespan of a roof. This is why it is vital to be selective with the company you choose to handle your commercial roof.

  1. Ventilation

When a roof isn’t ventilated well, a couple of different things happen. In hot weather, all of that heated air can literally cook roofing materials, especially asphalt. In cold weather, poor ventilation can lead to the buildup of ice. Plus, when moisture gets trapped inside, this can cause mold or rot in the roof’s structure.

  1. Slope

A roof’s slope or pitch also plays a role in how long it will be able to hold up, as it determines how well a roof can get rid of water. With low-sloped roofs, water typically isn’t shed very quickly, which results in a buildup. And the longer water is pooled on a roof, the higher the chance that it can cause a leak or even structural damage.

  1. Maintenance

Even if a roof looks just fine, it can’t be neglected. A commercial roof should be examined regularly to ensure that it is doing its job properly, particularly after periods of harsh weather. Too often, building owners ignore basic maintenance and small issues that could have been easily taken care of result in much bigger problems.

 

Ways to get the longest lifespan out of your roof

  1. Perform regular inspections

As mentioned, a lack of care is one of the common causes of early roof failure. At the very least, your roof should be looked at by professionals every year. With a preventative maintenance plan, experts will be able to spot problem areas and make the necessary repairs. This could also involve the removal of debris and the cleaning of drains and gutters.

  1. Make immediate repairs

Roof issues can escalate quickly. Just because something is minor today doesn’t mean it will stay that way very long. Once something is discovered, it has to be taken care of as soon as possible. Because a commercial roof is comprised of so many parts that have to work together, everything is related. This is why waiting too long to fix something can put the entire system in jeopardy.

  1. Apply the right coating

One of the best ways to have a long-lasting roof is by applying a coating. Coatings restore a roofing material and offer protection from UV rays, as well as limiting the effects of expansion and contraction cycles. Coatings are especially beneficial for roofs that get a lot of foot traffic. It’s important that a roof gets the right coating, and there are quite a few different types to choose from, including acrylic, solvent-based silicone, and polyurethane.

  1. Only use experts for installation

When it is time for a new roof for your building, the best thing you can do to ensure it lasts for as long as possible is to only use qualified roofing contractors. They will make sure you get the best type of system and that it is installed correctly. They should also be able to provide you with other services, including preventative maintenance and repairs.

 

Do flat roofs always leak?

No, they do not. The first thing that any owner of a commercial building is that a flat roof is not truly flat. It has some slope to it that allows water to drain. However, if the flat roofing wasn’t installed properly, or the drains become blocked or clogged, then water will pond and if allowed to sit there, eventually it will seep through under the membrane and on to the ceiling to leak. Flat commercial roofing can develop a leak if the membrane seams separate or any flashing around pipes, vents or other intrusions become loose or pulled off.

Can I change a flat roof to a pitched roof?

Most commercial buildings have a flat roof, it is almost standard roofing, but there are some that have a pitched roof for various reasons. While it is difficult, it is possible to convert flat commercial roofing to a pitched style. The first thing you must do is to check building codes for your jurisdiction. Next, check with your insurance company on coverage changes.  Last, but not least, find an experienced, reputable contractor to do the job.

Points Not To Miss In Hiring A Carpet Flooring Cleaning Expert

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THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SWITCHING YOUR CARPET FOR HARDWOOD

In many homes, hardwood has replaced carpet as the primary flooring type, especially in rooms like living rooms and kitchens. New homebuilders are aware of the trend and have shifted their design choices accordingly. However, many older homes still have carpeting throughout, leaving homeowners with a dilemma. Should they remove the carpet and replace it with hardwood or leave it as it is?

Hardwood flooring has several benefits over carpeting, but there are some disadvantages, as well. Before making the decision to replace carpeting throughout your house, there are three questions you should ask yourself.

Will You Be Selling Soon?

Today’s home shoppers are likely viewing a large number of homes with beautiful hardwood floors throughout. This has upped the game for sellers of older homes, who are now required to compete with brand new homes in the same price range. While hardwood flooring is the top request of homebuyers, this may not translate to every room. Some consumers have stated a preference for carpeting in bedrooms, which allows them to step onto a soft surface when they get out of bed in the morning. Hardwoods in areas like kitchens and bathrooms can also turn some buyers away, since these areas are prone to spills and moisture. For that reason, some homeowners choose instead to install tile or laminate flooring in these rooms.

Do You Have Allergies?

Carpet has gotten a bad rap for its supposed contribution to allergies and asthma. However, a 15-year study in Sweden determined no correlation between the two. In fact, the study pointed out that when carpet use declined in the country, allergies increased by 30 percent. Some postulate that carpet acts as a filter, trapping allergens that might have otherwise been floating freely in the air. If carpet is cleaned regularly, it may be a better option for families that are concerned about air quality. When handled by a qualified professional, even the most deeply-embedded particles can be removed, keeping the home free of allergens.

Are You Prepared for Maintenance?

Whether you find hardwood maintenance easier than carpet depends largely on your preference for sweeping versus vacuuming. Carpets should be cleaned at least once every one to two years—more frequently if your household has pets. Hardwood flooring removes the need for this type of cleaning, but don’t assume wood-based flooring doesn’t have its own maintenance requirements. At least once a year, homeowners should use a wood-cleaning product to deep clean floors and remove any dirt and grime that builds up. Many experts recommend also using area rugs throughout the home to reduce dirt and protect wood from furniture marks. Just like carpet, these area rugs will need to be vacuumed and deep cleaned on a regular basis to remove embedded dirt.

 

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF FLOORING FOR HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS?

When choosing flooring for your home, one of the first things you should consider is the amount of activity the room sees. Is it the main thoroughfare through your house, connecting the entrance to your living spaces or bedrooms? Is it a space where family and friends like to congregate, like the kitchen or lounge?

These types of spaces that see a lot of foot traffic need the right flooring to be able to handle the additional wear and tear. Here we look at the best flooring for high traffic, as well as pros and cons of various flooring materials.

CARPET

Carpet brings comfort and warmth to your home, and is often a more cost effective option. However, it tends to be more susceptible to wear and tear over the years, with the fibres pilling or bald patches appearing.

FINDING THE BEST CARPET FOR HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS

If your heart is set on using carpet, however, there are some types of carpet that are more suited to high-traffic areas. Nylon carpet for example is incredibly durable, making it a good choice for hallways and stairs.

TIMBER FLOORING

The dense nature of timber flooring means that it can take a lot of wear and tear, while still maintaining its classic, stylish finish. However, timber floors also require care to keep them looking their best. If you notice the flooring losing its glossy shine in high-traffic areas, you may need to buff or recoat the floor to support its durability and moisture-resistance.

 

Guide to Acoustic Flooring

Sound treatment is a key design consideration for almost every building, regardless of industry, in order to reduce noise disturbance and enhance sound quality. Selecting acoustic flooring materials is crucial to effective sound treatment.

When noise is made within your building, it will either be absorbed, reflected or transmitted by your wall, ceiling and flooring. The goal of sound treatment is twofold: (1) prevent transmission of sound from room to room and floor to floor, and (2) reduce background noise to enhance the quality of speech or music within rooms. Installing acoustic flooring is an effective and efficient way of accomplishing the former goal.

While acoustic ceiling and wall treatments protect against transmission of sound from room to room, acoustic flooring is effective at preventing the transmission of sound from an upper floor to a lower floor. Together with ceiling and wall coverings, your acoustic flooring system will help create the best acoustic environment for your building’s application.

Impact Sound

Whether from foot traffic, carts or vibrating machinery, floors bear the brunt of impact within your building. The sound energy generated by this impact can be transmitted through the structure of your building, distorting noise and disturbing workers, guests or residents. Acoustic flooring is designed to insulate impact noise, preventing its transmission from your flooring into the rooms below.

Airborne Sound

Airborne sound typically stems from people, speakers and instruments. Like impact sound, airborne sound can transmit through your flooring into other parts of your building.

 

Layer on! ways to make rug on carpet look good

This is a question that comes up fairly often. To some, area rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpeting is taboo, to others, it’s a way to bring some personality and colour to the space. For us, the answer is YES there are ways to do this! Rugs usually pull a room together, so how can you go without one. Of course, they look fantastic on wood, concrete, and tile floors, but what about rug carpet? It’s entirely understandable that replacing a fitted carpet with hardwood flooring doesn’t come cheap, in saying that the right rug can actually look picture-perfect on top of carpeted floors.  It can be a good idea in some cases, like if you are stuck with a fitted carpet, or maybe unsightly damage or stains that are beyond a steam clean to cover it up with something much nicer.

Why you should try rug on carpet

Wall-to-wall carpeting shouldn’t be a deterrent for buying area rugs. The reason why rugs are so important is that they offer another layer of dimension and texture. The rugs purpose is to achieve a certain style and tone as well as merging the space together, completing the overall aesthetic of a room.

Play with size

If you want to partition your space, use smaller rugs that complement each other. On the other hand, if you really dislike your carpet situation and you’re looking to cover as much of your wall-to-wall carpet as possible, there’s a solution: Go large and get an area rug that covers the entire floor, making sure the rug isn’t too overwhelming in print or colour since it’ll be covering a lot of space.

Contrasting colours & textures

Bring life to the floor! While most carpet is plain these days; a neutral colour with no interesting variation, opt for something with a different texture/fiber/definition in order for the rug on carpet to distinguish itself as a new and important element in the room. Whether you want to add traditional aspects to your interior or create a bohemian oasis, a rug will highlight your furniture and draw eyes to where you want them to be looking.

Cosy Layers

The goal here is to create contrast and dimension. If you’re looking for extra layers of softness, a plush textile can really cosy things up. The extra soft floor is perfect for a bedroom or children’s nursery for playtime. A rug with good weight is key to combat snagging (carpet creep) – which will be more likely to happen with lighter rugs on carpet. Make sure to avoid having the pile too high on the top layer (think Moroccan shag) not a mountain that you can trip on.

 

Learn About Carpet

Carpet continues to be one of the top choices in flooring for homeowners because of its unmatched style and comfortable qualities. Carpeting not only looks good in your home, but also comes with several different benefits such as being simple to maintain and comes in allergy friendly options.There are several carpet characteristics that play a role like the base material, pile styles, and even the carpet cushion underneath.

Carpet is built to withstand everyday life, and comes in options that are stain, wear and fade proof so you can live your life worry free on your floors. It does not matter if you have pets or toddlers running around your home

Where Can You Install Carpet?

Carpet flooring is well suited for homes with little to no traffic, or homes with children and pets roaming freely.We can help you find a carpet that suits your home and lifestyle. Carpets are more durable than you think and can handle places around your home with heavy traffic like hallways, stairs, and even living rooms. Transform rooms you like to relax in into cozy and inviting spaces as your own personal retreat.Places you should avoid installing carpet in include bathrooms and kitchens.

Types of Carpet

Choosing a carpet color is just part of choosing the typeof carpet you want in your home. Carpet pile plays a role in how a carpet will function in your home, and feature different characteristics. What are these different characteristics? Cut pile has fibers that are cut at the ends making the carpet denser. Loop pile is the opposite, where no fibers are left at the surface and are in a series of loops, giving the carpet an even look. Multi-level loop staggers the height of the loop fibers to create an uneven surface. Cut and loop piles also provide an uneven look but also give texture to the carpet and hide dirt.

The type of fiber the carpet is made out of also impacts how the carpet will look and feel.It also determines the stain and matting resistance as well as long term durability. Nylon fibers are the most durable, but polyester has a more soft and plush feel.Sisal and wool are two natural carpet fiber options.Wool fibers are sought after by homeowners not just because they are natural but because they also feature many different benefits like being hypoallergenic.

Why Should You Go With A Wedding Photographer

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Things to Include in Your Wedding Photography Contract

As a new Wedding Photographer, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of booking your first wedding. With all of the details that go into the booking process, it can get confusing when you start to put together your Wedding Photography contract. What do you include? What do you not include? How long should it be? These thoughts are all perfectly normal, and the key to creating a contract that will cover all of your bases, as well as allow your clients to clearly understand their expectations from you and vice versa.

RESCHEDULING CLAUSE FOR CLIENTS

This is such an important piece to cover in your Wedding Photography contract. Many times couples start planning their wedding before confirming all vendors’ availability. If any other of their preferred vendors is unavailable on their requested day, they might want to reschedule the wedding.

RESCHEDULING CLAUSE FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

That’s right! Even you, the Wedding Photographer, need a rescheduling clause. It is your responsibility to be at the wedding, no matter what. The couple has paid you a good chunk of change for you to capture their big wedding day. Unless you have a physical impediment, you need to be there.

DELIVERY TIMELINE

Always be sure to have a guaranteed date on your contract! My delivery timeline states that the couple will receive their images within 90 business days from their wedding day. Many couples have specific ideas in mind to do with their images, and having a set time will ensure that their timeline is accurate.

OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUES

As a wedding photographer, you know how important (and expensive) it is to maintain quality equipment. This clause is vital for your sake and the sake of your clients as well. Weather is such a tricky thing to predict in advance. If inclement weather has the potential to ruin your equipment, then it is unfair to both parties.

 

Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Wedding Photographer

Some of the first things newly engaged brides do is go dress shopping, reserve a ceremony and reception location, and hire a wedding photographer. Chance are, this is the first time any of them have hired a wedding photographer. It can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience, filled with explanations of packages, prices, albums, contracts, portfolios, and what’s the difference between flush mount and matted albums again? In an effort to give you a few pieces of advice, ISPWP member photographers have provided a few insights into what mistakes you should definitely avoid when hiring a wedding photographer. Many ISPWP photographers have the experience of shooting hundreds of weddings so they’ve seen it all.

Don’t Make the Mistake of Overlooking the Photographer’s Personality

When you are hiring a wedding photographer, don’t hire someone whom you don’t really like on a personal basis! Their photos might be great, but remember that your photographer is going to be a very substantial participant in your wedding day, not only capturing your memories, but becoming a big part of them! So make sure you’re comfortable with their personality. If you find your photographer irritating, abrasive, or if you think their jokes are cheesy, keep looking. You REALLY don’t want to look at your wedding photos, and think “Oh wow, remember the incredibly inappropriate joke the photographer told right before he shot this?” or “That guy got on my nerves – I remember feeling irritated with him as this photo was being taken.” Your day is about your happiness, first and foremost. The most beautiful photo in the world won’t mean as much if your memory of the photography experience sours it!

Don’t Make the Mistake of Prioritizing Products Over the Photography

If you have a limited budget for wedding photography, invest the money in the photographer and not the album. If you look for a less expensive photographer so you can have money left over for an album, you will likely end up with bad photos in a pretty package. You are better off with great photos in a shoe box. You can always get an nice album down the road after you win the lottery or get that big raise, but if your photos are bad you are out of luck

Don’t Make the Mistake of Expecting Pro Results From an Amateur Photographer

I can’t tell you how many brides I’ve had come in to look at my albums, and tell me: “My sister got married last year. They had Uncle take their pictures because he only charged them $200. But she didn’t get a single picture from her wedding that she likes.  Every time she looks at her pictures, she cries.” The biggest mistake a bride can make is to undervalue her wedding photography. Countless brides have tried to save a few dollars by hiring a friend, or having a family member take their wedding photos. And countless brides have little but tears to show for it. Think of professional wedding photography as an investment in your future joy. It will cost a little now (although it will cost less than the food you serve at your wedding), but it will pay off in great dividends, as you enjoy the memories for the rest of your life.

Don’t leave your wedding photography up to chance! “Cheap” doesn’t necessarily mean good, and “good” doesn’t mean cheap! Do you want to risk one of the most important days of your life to an inexperienced photographer

 

Things Your Wedding Photographer Should Be Able To Do

There are a lot of lists out there of “Questions you should ask your Wedding Photographer.” Instead of giving you a list of questions, I thought I might just mention some things that your wedding photographer should be able to do. This isn’t necessarily a comprehensive list but if someone tells me they are a professional wedding photographer

Behave in a Professional Business Manner

Does he return emails and phone calls? Does he deliver in a timely manner?  If your wedding photographer never calls you back and says he’ll need 8 weeks to deliver your images, be afraid. You want a committed professional who is determined to give you good service and great images.

Pose People

Posing people can be very important. I’m not just talking about posing a bridal party or posing a big family group. Posing can be so much more. Sometimes it’s just a little direction for the bride and groom, a little “tweek” that can make all the difference in how the pictures turn out.  Look for both types of posing when you look for a wedding photographer. Make sure they can pose a group or a couple but also look for images that look natural and have a sense of “flow.” Odds are, he posed those pictures too

Use Natural Light

One of the first things that you have to learn as a photographer is how to see light. It can take years to develop the ability to see light the way the camera sees it and then figure out how to use that light to your advantage.  Sometimes it means using natural light to create a great image and other times you are in a situation where the natural light is actually hurting your images… and if you can’t recognize the problem and fix it, you will have bad wedding pictures. Harsh shadows, lens flare, etc have ruined many a picture.

Use Off-Camera Flash

Taking the flash off the camera and putting it on a tri-pod or handing it to an assistant makes a huge difference in the quality of your images. It can be used to create amazing portraits, to light a dark room and even to create a dynamic light source that wouldn’t exist otherwise.  There are still many photographers who refuse to learn how to light their clients but I’ve always felt that you are only hurting yourself by not having that option.

 

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Apart from choosing that dress, perhaps the most important decision of the whole wedding process is finding the right photographer to capture and record those perfect moments you’re going to be looking back at forever

His images almost seem to lean out and touch you, they’re bursting with life and energy and rarely seem to linger on still moments, and we love him for it. Able to sum up a day in a single image

An artist behind the lens and thoroughly nice guy away from it, is very adept at putting everyone at ease which allows him to shoot his brilliantly candid, documentary-style photos that perfectly sum up the drama, emotions and tenderness of your day. Never posed, always honest, the man’s a lens flashing genius!

certainly not when it comes to wedding photography. It’s perhaps this disregard for the rules (he was once a computer hacker) that lead this photo artist to have his work appear in Brides, The Telegraph, The Times, Elle and even Vogue. The fact that you can have this award-winning photographer’s work on your home is truly exciting for anyone lucky enough to secure his services.

THIS is what a wedding looks like! They’re not posed, should never appear stuffy or uncomfortable, they’re happy, full of crazy/silly/unexpected moments and has that amazing knack of being in the right place at the right time to record those “Yes, that was our day” moments that really do bring those special memories back to life. The fact that he manages to make those images look like something from a high-end fashion magazine is further proof of his talents and why he’s hit

 

things to know before you hire a wedding photographer

Expensive doesn’t always mean good – There are so many wedding planning blogs like wedmegood , sayshaadi , weddingsutra which have a detailed directory of photographers in your area . Do a thorough research when it comes to pricing . The end result might be the same quality wise ( not style wise)  if we compare two photographers but you see a huge difference in the price . Why a certain photographer is charging what he/she is charging? What value is he/she bringing to the table apart from the photographs ? There can be plethora of reasons behind the same – huge inventory of equipment , industry experience , targeting a different set of market altogether or photography being the sole earning for them.

Know your style preference – Do not hire a wedding photographer just because your best friend hired them . Your taste & preferences would be very different from your friends and it might result in utter disappointment if there is a style clash . Trust me no matter how good a photographer is , nothing can be done if their shooting/post-processing style is very different from your expectations

Full wedding sets – Never ever just go by the few pictures you saw on the slideshow of the photographer’s website . If you like a certain photographer’s style , always ask them to send you the full wedding set . Any decent photographer who is in the industry can make 10 wonderful images on your wedding day but you need someone who can make each image look like a masterpiece . That’s what you are paying for ! Try to analyse the quality across the wedding set , how good the photographer has communicated the story , if he or she is good with night photography or they have killed the ambient light by bombarding flash recklessly . Using flash is not a bad thing as many think , as long as your photographer knows how to use it.

Make sure your wedding photographer is not just a “weekend photographer” – you want a professional photographer, someone who is doing this as their sole living as they are better equipped with the gear ( backup equipment , better storage solutions) , more experienced and in my opinion , are far better in their work as they have dedicated their life to create art . They chose to do it because they absolutely love it and not to earn some extra cash over the weekend . This will ensure that you not only receive the best quality but also the most choices of products and services.

Photobooks are evergreen – I wish I could write this whole paragraph in bold . No amount of technological advancement can take away the feel of a printed photograph . A HUMBLE REQUEST , PLEASE DON’T LET THE DIGITAL FILES ROT ON YOUR COMPUTER HARD DRIVE . As a wedding photographer, I can’t even begin to describe my disappointment when prospective clients tell me that they are very sure they don’t want the photobook . It makes me sad when I think of all the photos that I worked upon for hours would never get printed. Display your wedding pictures proudly because on a crappy day in married life , pictures in print do make things better . Holding an album in hand would take you back in time and going through good memories will definitely relieve some stress .

The Need For Pros For Home Renovation

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Cheap Home Improvement Products That Make A Big Impact

A home renovation project may sound like an expensive undertaking on the surface. However, you might be surprised to find that there are many cheap home improvement products on Amazon that’ll make a huge impact on your house’s ambiance (without breaking the bank). Here’s a list of must-have items that could be extremely helpful while sprucing up your house.

We’ve included colorful under-cabinet string lights that could make all the difference in the world when it comes to the look and feel of your kitchen. We even added silicone caulk that can help improve the appearance of your tile and bath area, along with wood repair markers that could mend scratched furniture. There are even sink plungers and universal socket wrenches that can come in handy when something breaks, making home maintenance issues a breeze to handle on your own.

So whether you’re looking to DIY or call in a handy person for help, these products are sure to help you upgrade your living space without having to spending a fortune. Keep scrolling to take a look at cheap home improvement items that you’re going to absolutely love.

Unlike other magnetic screen doors, this one features weights at the bottom so that it doesn’t blow open when it’s windy outside. The magnets running along the center allow you to walk through it without using your hands, and there are zero tools required for installation.

Put these string lights under your cabinets or behind your television for some chic lighting. Each order comes with a remote that you can control them from the couch without having to get up, and there are 16 LED colors to choose from when setting the mood: red, blue, purple, green, and more.

 

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOME RENOVATION

Depending on the size and scale of your home renovation project, you may need to get building permits from the city or county government before you can begin remodeling.

Smaller projects like painting your home or installing new carpet or flooring generally do not require building permits. However, building permits are usually required for more full-scale remodeling projects

Figure out your home renovation budget

Another important aspect of home renovation is figuring out your renovation budget. Take some time to assess your finances, and be honest with yourself about what you can realistically spend.

Once you know your home renovation budget, you can strategize which tasks you can afford to begin now and which remodeling projects you’ll need to save up for. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are some of the most common home projects

When deciding which home renovation projects to prioritize, it’s helpful to consider not only what’s most important to you functionality-wise, but also what will give you the best return on your investment.

 

Should You Remodel or Move?

If you’re asking yourself if you should remodel your home or just move on to a new one, there are probably a few things about your home you don’t love — and that’s no surprise. No home is perfect! But when you’re asking yourself that question, you’re really asking: Can my dislikes be changed with a remodel? Would that make financial sense? Is remodeling worth the hassle?

Determine whether remodeling or moving is more cost-effective

You’ll incur costs no matter which path you decide to take, and what makes sense for you might not make sense for another homeowner. For some homeowners, moving is cheaper. For others, it makes more financial sense to renovate the house they already have. To find out the more affordable option for you, make sure to consider all possible expenses in order to make an accurate side-by-side comparison.

Costs of selling

Most sellers are focused on the profit they’ll make when they sell, and they sometimes overlook all of the expenses related to selling. Keep in mind the following common expenses.

AGENT COMMISSIONS

If you’re selling with a full-service listing agent, and if your buyer is using their own agent, be prepared to pay 6 percent of your sale price in agent commission. You can cut back on some of these expenses by using a discount broker, but you’ll have to do much more of the work yourself.

MOVING COSTS

Whether you’re doing a DIY move (and paying for boxes, storage and a rental truck) or a full-service, cross-country move with a professional moving company, everyone pays moving costs in one way or another.

MINOR REPAIRS

Even if you’re not planning on making any sweeping changes to your home to get it ready for listing, there are always touch-ups and minor repairs that need to be done so your home can attract buyers that will pay your desired asking price

Costs of remodeling

Compared to selling, the costs associated with remodeling are a bit more straightforward. It’s all about how much the renovation is going to cost you when all is said and done. And speaking of costs, you’ll want to make sure you set a budget and avoid overspending on the room you’re remodeling. Here’s an example: If your home is worth $200,000 and your kitchen is 10-15 percent of your square footage, you shouldn’t spend more than $20,000-$30,000 remodeling it.

 

Renovations and additions

Renovations and additions can improve the livability and sustainability of your home with careful planning, thoughtful design and a considered choice of builder.

Renovations

Most local governments have planning policies that allow minor internal and external changes that don’t alter structure or services to be made without council approval, but it is always best to check first. Alterations to services (plumbing, drainage, gas and electrical) do require approval and inspection by the relevant authority but may not require planning or building approval.

Improving thermal comfort

The options below for improving thermal performance while renovating are described in more detail in Passive solar heating and Passive cooling and the specific articles noted.

Windows and glazing

Replace windows or glazing with high performance units appropriate for the climate or consider retrofitting double glazing to serviceable timber windows that you plan to keep (see Design for climate; Glazing).

Improve air seals as you refit sashes (see Sealing your home).

Use polycarbonate films with magnetic attachments to emulate double glazing during winter in cool and cold climates — they can be removed and stored in summer.

Relocate or reduce the size of east and west facing windows and install adjustable shading devices (see Shading).

Shade problem windows (use temporary shade cloth blinds for windows that will eventually be removed, moved or replaced).

Remove trees or plantings that are blocking solar access to north facing glass and ask neighbours to prune or remove such trees.

Install heavy drapes that touch the floor and walls at each side and fix sealed pelmets on top to prevent convective heat loss in cool climates (see Passive solar heating).

Thermal mass

Remove carpet or other insulative coverings on slabs and replace with tiles or polished concrete finishes to expose thermal mass, in locations where exposed thermal mass is desirable. Information from building sustainability assessors indicates that this can increase Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) ratings by up to one star in many climates (see Thermal mass).

Install thermal mass in rooms that have little or none and are exposed to passive heating or cooling, e.g. dark coloured, sealed water containers or phase change materials in solar or breeze exposed positions (see Thermal mass).

 

Things Homeowners Always Forget When Renovating

I’m sure you have heard it from your friends, but as a professional in the business, I can tell you that renovating is extremely stressful. Even if you are prepared, there are always surprises and unexpected expenses that pop up and send your blood pressure through the roof. There are things that you can do to lessen the stress along the way, and hopefully enjoy the process. Your home, after all, is your most prized possession. You should love the process of creating a space for you and your family to enjoy for a long time. Here are some common home renovation mistakes that I’ve seen happen time and time again.

Start With a Design Package

The single biggest mistake that anyone can make when renovating is starting without a design. Saving photos on Pinterest and on Houzz is not going to help you design your home. There is a crazy amount of time and work that goes into crystallizing a design and telling your general contractors that “you know exactly what you want” is not going to help matters.

Understand Your Budget

There are many things to consider when determining how much your renovation will cost. If you have a budget in mind, it will be easier to design and plan your renovation around that number. And even if you have a construction budget, you will still need to establish if your construction budget includes taxes and fees (i.e. permit fees, designer fees, engineer’s fees etc.) Are you going to be living elsewhere during your renovation? And will you have to pay rent or carry the cost of more than one property?  Have you considered that you should carry a contingency budget for surprises along the way (i.e. mold, asbestos, compromised structure, etc.)?

Prepare For the Stress

I could write an entire book on this topic. It doesn’t matter how easy-going you are. It doesn’t matter how cool and collected you are. You will feel the stress that goes hand in hand with renovation projects. If you are reading this article, it will help prepare you for what’s in store. The likelihood of you going temporarily insane at about the 85% completion point of your project is very high. What I mean is, your brain will start functioning in a way that is completely foreign for you. You will develop super acute visual skills that will allow you to focus on the very tiny details that you would have normally never seen. You will notice a slight variation in your grout colours, or the colour of your light bulbs. You will envision the tile or your wood flooring to be different from what you had chosen because your super acute visual skills will see details that you didn’t see before. And all of these things that you are now looking at with your super acute eyesight will stress you out in a way that I can’t really explain.

Quality Over Quantity

When putting together your costs for your project, you will discover very quickly that everything adds up! An extra thousand dollars here and there turns into an extra hundred thousand before you know it. Don’t default to the cheapest products or contractor as a result. Remember that the hardest day to spend a lot of money on a quality product is the actual day you part with your money. Every day after that, you will be so grateful that you spent your money on getting quality products for your renovation. You will never regret going with quality products and a quality contractor. Whereas, you will most likely regret going with the cheapest option and cutting corners in places you’ll later wish you invested in!

Why You Need Small Business Payroll Service

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What are the common mistakes happen during payroll process?

A smooth payroll process in your organization is like oxygen—when it’s there, you hardly notice it; when it’s missing, you can’t think about anything else. That makes payroll one of the least appreciated yet most important functions within a business. Payroll, when done well, can keep employees satisfied and help your organization stay safe from legal consequences. On the other hand, when payroll mistakes crop up, their impact can ripple across an entire company.

Fortunately, all of the most common payroll errors are easily avoidable with education, proper planning, and the right tools. To learn about these payroll mistakes and how to avoid or fix them, read on.

Most Common Payroll Mistakes

With a process as complex as payroll, there are numerous places where organizations can make mistakes. Here are some of the most common payroll errors to watch for in your company.

Misclassifying Employees

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides benefits and protections, like overtime pay and minimum wage, for most employees under the law. Independent contractors, however, are not afforded these same protections. Likewise, exempt and nonexempt employees also have different legal rights. Some organizations slip up and misclassify their employees as independent contractors or as exempt.

Not only can misclassification deny an employee some important benefits and wages, it may also mean the government misses out on valuable tax dollars. If left unchecked, the resulting underpayment or overpayment can turn into a costly payroll error.

Miscalculating Pay

With overtime, commissions, deductions, PTO, and more, payroll admins have a lot to keep track of when it comes to calculating pay. For overtime wages, the general rule is 1.5 times an employee’s regular wage for any time worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek. However, your state may have different policies regarding overtime; your organization should always comply with the law that is more generous for the employee.

Poor time tracking capabilities can also contribute to miscalculated pay. If your company doesn’t have a reliable way to track employee hours or paid time off, then your chances of making a payroll overpayment or underpayment mistake skyrocket. Mistakes like these will result in a payroll correction.

What is a Payroll Correction?

A payroll correction is required when adjustments need to be made to amounts paid. Poor payroll organization, like forgetting to account for vacation days, can cause the need for money to be added or subtracted from the original amount.

How Long Does a Company Have to Fix a Payroll Error?

While legal time frames differ depending on the state, the short answer is that errors should be paid promptly. Fixing shortages in payroll as soon as possible should help you avoid any penalties. Labor laws require full payment for work completed and most companies will either add the missing pay to the next pay period or cut a check between pay periods.

 

Poor record keeping and data entry.

Mismatching names and Social Security numbers is so common that the Social Security Administration has even established a special verification phone number. Numerous data entry mistakes, including poor records of employee hours, cost companies millions of dollars annually and can result in government penalties.

Not properly handling garnishments, levies, or child support. Employees may owe money by way of a court order to other parties. This means whoever is handling payroll will be responsible for sending the payment to the appropriate recipient.

 

Ignoring the Importance of Mobile Security

Like computer security, mobile security is also vital to protecting your data. Have a clear policy set for mobile access that lets employees know what information and which applications are okay to share and access on their mobile devices.

Putting Off Installing Anti-Virus Software

You can also protect important online data by installing anti-virus software. Common anti-virus software, such as Norton or McAfee, should be installed on all company computers (Quickbooks). Additionally, procedures should be put in place to make sure this software is always up to date.

 

Bad bookkeeping

You have to integrate payroll into your books. After all, it has a direct impact on your cash flow. Knowing how much money you have available at any given time tells you how much you can invest in your business and your employees. Don’t want to deal with it? Get a good bookkeeper or hire an accountant.

We hope this helps you dodge any major payroll problems that might come your way. For state-specific guidance, visit your state labor office’s website.

Falling behind on tax payments and filings

Again, taxes. Depending on the amount of payroll taxes you collect, your tax deposits may be due monthly (most common), biweekly, or even the next day. If your state or city collects income taxes too, check with them to confirm due dates. Late payments may come with penalties and accrue interest, so follow submission guidelines and get your payments in on time!

Also, make sure you plan ahead and register your business well before taxes are due. Get federal, state, and local payroll tax identification numbers, as applicable, so you can pay the government and submit filings on time.

 

Administrative Staff

Many businesses, especially smaller ones, still carry out their payroll process in-house and manually. Often, the payroll staff is overworked. A manual payroll system typically requires a great deal of paperwork and a manual process also creates an administrative burden for your HR staff. Errors in data entry, for example, can create payment issues and the misapplication of rules. Being understaffed leads to mistakes.

Payroll Documents

A common problem is one of simply keeping all of your important payroll and employee records and information organized in an effective and accurate manner. Sometimes it is simply a matter of work flow: not keeping files and documents in a central location or creating uniform filing processes. A typical issue is storing and organizing paper checks, for example.

Criminal Charges Require The Services Of A Criminal Defense Attorney

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What are the four categories of criminal defenses?

Exploring the four major criminal law defenses used today

While there are definitely more than four, these four are the most common, and they are some you are most likely familiar with already.

ACTUAL INNOCENCE DEFENSE – YOU DIDN’T DO IT

It sounds simple enough, and it should be. If you didn’t do it, then why not argue that you are innocent. However, it takes more than just taking the witness stand and saying you didn’t do it. Instead, your attorney would build his or her defense around that innocence. They find witnesses, experts to testify, and even find evidence that helps show you didn’t commit the crime or there was no way you could have committed it. Sometimes, that means having a strong alibi witness, while other times it means presenting enough evidence in court that another party should be convicted of the crime instead of the defendant.

The prosecution still has to prove to the court beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty – it is not your job. However, the more evidence you can present to counter anything the prosecutor uses, the easier it will be to show that the prosecution cannot prove their case.

SELF-DEFENSE – YOU DID IT, BUT TO PROTECT YOURSELF OR OTHERS

Self-defense claims are often used in instances of assault, battery, and even murder. In these cases, the defendant claims that he or she harmed or killed the victim to protect themselves from threats of violent action. Self-defense claims, unlike in the movies, are hard to win. Not only must the prosecutor show that the defendant had no reason to use such drastic measures, but the defense often must prove that there was an incredible risk of danger to the defendant and that justified his or her actions.

The defense of others may also apply in these cases. In this instance, the defendant harmed or killed the victim to defend themselves or someone else from violent acts that would have happened against them if they did not intervene. For example, someone pointing a gun at a person’s head, threatening to harm that person.

Usually, the defendant is protecting family and loved ones, but there are instances where the defendant is protecting someone that they do not know.

INSANITY DEFENSE – YOU WERE NOT OF SOUND MIND AT THE TIME

Unfortunately, TV and movies have given a false impression of what it means to be “insane” at the time of a criminal act. This defense does not apply in all situations, and insanity defenses are considered affirmative ones. This means that, instead of poking holes in the prosecutor’s case, the burden falls on you. Now, the defense must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was suffering or suffered at the time a mental illness or defect that caused them to commit the act.

What Makes the Insanity Defense So Difficult?

To claim insanity, the defense must show that the defendant could not determine right from wrong at the time of the crime, or they had an impulse that was irresistible. In that case, they would have been aware that they were doing something wrong but were unable to stop themselves from doing so.

Also, to use the insanity defense, the defendant is basically admitting guilt, but saying that their guilt should be excused because they were insane at the time.  It is a very risky defense strategy to use, and only one a good attorney uses it when it is possible to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury were to doubt a defendant’s mental status at all, it is most likely not worth it for the defense to risk this strategy.

CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS

Whether you have committed a crime or not, you are entitled to specific protections under the U.S. Constitution. In a criminal trial, constitutional violations come up a lot, especially when it comes to how a defendant was treated, the circumstances of his or her arrest, and even how the evidence was collected to use against them.

Often, a good Constitutional violation can result in the charges being dismissed entirely or force the prosecution to agree to a plea bargain for a much less severe charge. These are the violations attorneys will immediately look for, because they are a powerful, effective defense.

 

Defense – Others or Self

Murder, battery, and assault are legal reasons for defense of self and/or others. In some cases, a violent act may prompt an immediate violent response to defend one’s own or another’s life. For example, if you witness a person trying to harm another person, under the right category of reasonings, you are allowed to defend that other person to a point in which the person inflicting the harm is forced to surrender, but not beyond that point. Once you go beyond the point of defending the innocent person (continuing to harm the person whose surrendered from harming the innocent party), you have crossed into the category of assault and battery. The same rule is applied to self defense. Once the person has relinquished control, you should refrain from continuing bodily harm to that person.

 

Common Criminal Defenses

When a defendant goes on trial for allegedly committing a crime, a prosecutor must establish that the defendant is guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. At the same time, the criminal defendant is entitled to present a defense and may do so through a variety of means. The defendant may attempt to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case, argue that another individual committed the crime, or argue that he or she did commit the crime but had a legal and reasonable defense for doing so. There are numerous criminal defenses available that may allow a defendant to avoid punishment for his or her actions.

The Defendant Did not Understand the Significance of the Criminal Actions

One category of defenses available to a criminal defendant argue that the defendant cannot be found guilty for the crime because he or she did not understand what he or she was doing or that his or her actions were wrong. At its most severe, this includes the defense of insanity. The defense of insanity requires the defendant to prove, depending on the state in which the case is tried, that either he or she had a mental disorder that rendered him or her incapable of understanding right from wrong, or that it prevented him or her from controlling his or her actions and resisting violent impulses. In some states, the defense of insanity will allow a defendant to avoid prison but will require that the defendant be held in a psychiatric facility for treatment.

The Defendant Was Justified in His or Her Actions

Another category of defenses applies when the defendant committed the crime but argues that he or she was justified in doing so. The most commonly recognized of these defenses are self-defense and defense of others. A defendant may argue, for instance, that he did shoot an intruder but did so in self-defense because the intruder was threatening him with a knife. Similarly, under a defense of duress, the criminal defendant argues that he or she only committed the crime because he or she was forced to do so by someone else. For example, a criminal defendant may argue that a co-defendant told him that if he didn’t commit a burglary, the co-defendant would kill him. Finally, under a necessity defense, the criminal defendant may argue that he or she committed the crime in order to prevent a more significant harm. For instance, the defendant may contend that it was necessary for him to steal a car in order to chase down another individual who was threatening to use an explosive device.

No Crime Actually Occurred

Finally, a smaller set of defenses may be used to argue that although it appears there was a crime, the defendant did not actually commit a criminal act. First, the defendant may argue that no crime occurred because of the defense of consent. For instance, the defendant may argue that although sexual intercourse occurred, it was not rape because there was consent. Likewise, he may argue that there was no assault because the victim consented to the harm. Second, a criminal defendant can assert the defense of abandonment/withdrawal if he or she initially intended to commit or participate in a crime but later had a change of heart and withdrew from participation. Third, the defendant may argue entrapment. Entrapment occurs when the government induces an individual to commit the crime and then attempts to punish the person for it. The defendant may argue that no crime would have occurred but for the government’s inducement, and he or she should therefore not be held responsible.

 

WHAT MAKES A GREAT DEFENCE ATTORNEY?

Being charged with a crime and/or convicted of a crime will have serious, long-term consequences on your life. Mainly, it can affect your chances of getting a job or keeping the one you have, getting an education, keeping custody of your child (if applicable), and can even lead to deportation if you are not already a U.S. citizen. It is very unwise to represent yourself in court, even if you think your case if very straightforward and that your defence is obvious. Prosecutors will fight aggressively for you to receive the harshest punishment possible. That’s why you need to hire an experienced, successful attorney to represent you. But you may want to think about the kinds of advantages you’ll have if you hire someone who has experience as a prosecutor, who will be familiar with the types of arguments you will face. Of course, you will also want to schedule your consultation right away.

 

Criminal Offences

Robbery

Physical force or threats of violence to steal property from someone. The penalty is up to life imprisonment.

Assault

Physical force directly or indirectly without permission on another person or attempting or threatening by act or gesture to apply force to another person. The penalty is up to five years imprisonment.

Possession of Drugs

Having illegal or prohibited drugs in your possession. The penalty is up to six months imprisonment and/or a $1000 fine if prosecuted by summary conviction; penalty depends on what substance it is and how much is in possession; if prosecuted as an indictable offence it could be up to seven years.

Trespassing by Night

Being on someone else’s property at night without permission or lawful excuse. The penalty up to six months imprisonment.

Breaking and Entering

Definition gaining entry into someone’s house or commercial premises and committing or intending to commit another offence. The penalty is up to life imprisonment if the property is a house; up to ten years if the property is a commercial property.

Understanding Local Moving Advertising Ideas

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Things We’ve Learned From Moving Often

In fact, the longest we’ve ever stayed in one house since 2000 was just over two years. At last count, we’ve moved 12 times over the past 16 years, and that only includes places we’ve lived for six months or longer.

We’ve moved for almost every reason under the sun: for work, for family, for new adventures, to buy a house of our own, to save money, to store our things while we travel, and because the house we were renting was sold (happened twice now). Since 2000, we’ve officially lived in four different cities, plus a cabin by a lake.

On top of all that, we’re also frequent long stay travelers, so if you include all of our one or two month stays it would easily be triple that. As a result, we’ve become pretty good at packing and unpacking. Especially since for nine of those moves, our stuff went into, and then out of, long term storage.

Besides for memorizing the mantra always lift with your legs, we’ve also learnt that sometimes spending a few dollars here and there can pay for itself in peace of mind. For instance, whenever we’ve put our stuff into a storage locker we’ve always looked for temperature controlled, camera monitored indoor lockers for better security. This has cost us a few dollars more than exterior lockers, however the peace of mind that our things are taken care of gave us one less stress while we were on the road. To be honest, the price difference was minimal anyway.

A few other things we’ve also learnt are what to do with our pets while we travel (our cat goes to Grandma’s house) and what to do with our vehicle (RV storage yard). As we quickly found out, leaving the country for extended travel is almost never as simple as locking the door and walking away.

 

Local Moving

Moving and Storage understands the complexities when planning a move. Whether you’re moving your business or your home, you’ll feel like family when working with All Reasons.

offers a full range of moving, packing and storage services such as:

Home and Apartment Moving

Office Moving

Long-Distance Moving

Warehouse Storage Solutions

Packing

Moving & Storage takes pride in providing you with a dedicated and trained team of professional movers. trucks are fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment needed to make your move effortless

Moving companies are not all created equal, and stands out from the crowd. strive for the best customer service, which is why clients continue to use us for all their moving and storage needs. Many satisfied clients refer us to their friends and family.

diligent moving specialists are here to provide you with a customized moving and storage plan based on your specific needs. To get more information, you can fill out a free estimate

 

Moving company

A moving company, removalist or van line is a company that helps people and businesses move their goods from one place to another. It offers all-inclusive services for relocations like packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking, arranging of items to be shifted. Additional services may include cleaning services for houses, offices or warehousing facilities

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40 million United States citizens have moved annually over the last decade. Of those people who have moved in the United States, 84.5% of them have moved within their own state, 12.5% have moved to another state, and 2.3% have moved to another country

The use of truck rental services, or simply borrowing similar hardware, is referred to as DIY moving. Typically, the parties who are moving borrow or rent a truck or trailer large enough to carry their household goods and, if necessary, obtain moving equipment such as dollies, furniture pads, and cargo belts to protect the furniture or to facilitate the moving process itself.

The moving process also involves finding or buying materials such as boxes, paper, tape, and bubble wrap with which to pack boxable and/or protect fragile household goods and to consolidate the carrying and stacking on moving day. Self-service moving companies offer another viable option: the person moving buys space on one or more trailers or shipping containers. These containers are then driven by professionals to the new location.

The moving industry in the United States was deregulated with the Household Goods Transportation Act of 1980. This act allowed interstate movers to issue binding or fixed estimates for the first time. Doing so opened the door to hundreds of new moving companies to enter the industry. This led to an increase in competition and soon movers were no longer competing on services but on price. As competition drove prices lower and decreased what were already slim profit margins, “rogue” movers began hijacking personal property as part of a new scam. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Federal consumer protection regulations related to the interstate shipment of household goods (i.e., household moves that cross State lines). FMCSA has held this responsibility since 1999, and the Department of Transportation has held this responsibility since 1995 (the Interstate Commerce Commission held this authority prior to its termination in 1995)

 

Professional Moving Solutions

national mover uniquely focused on helping people move small shipments locally, state-to-state and to international locations around the world.

State-to-State Moving Services

If you are moving out of state, you’ve come to the right place for affordable, reliable, convenient move solutions deliver affordable state-to-state moving services and quality results that are the best in the moving industry.

teams of experienced movers have helped thousands of people complete small moves out of state from their apartment, dormitory, hi-rise condominium, townhouse or home small out of state moving services are perfect if you’re moving just a piece of furniture, or if you’re shipping an apartment full of furnishings. If you are currently packing for a move, we have some packing tips and resources as well.

quick and easy quoting process delivers a binding price quote so you can budget your small out of state move with confidence. You can choose from extensive menu of moving services to make moving out of state easy and affordable.

STATE-TO-STATE MOVING SERVICES INCLUDE:

Professional, experienced out of state movers

Disassembly of your bed with placement and set up in your new home

Cloth moving pads covering your furniture providing the highest protection

Detailed inventory of the items we move including checking-off every item at delivery

Scheduled arrival time on the day of your interstate move

No minimum weight charge so you only pay for the items you move

Inside delivery at your new home, furniture arranged in the room you choose

Convenient, dependable dates for loading, transportation and delivery of your move

 

Best Movers / Moving Companies

Let’s face it, moving residences or office space can be among the most stressful of experiences. has notoriously high rents, expensive parking tickets, and tall, narrow houses which can exacerbate an already difficult time. Boxing up your belongings, carefully wrapping fragile memorabilia, and labeling each set of items might not be your idea of a good time, but this begs the question: Why not hire some of the best movers

They can handle moves of virtually any size, including 1 bedroom apartments, large houses, and commercial moving services. Dependable Movers also offers white glove moving service upon request. Working with Dependable Movers makes your move easier and less stressful, as you will know that your items are being moved carefully and by one of the best.

these movers have flexible options based on your needs. Whether you have heavy items that need to travel up flights of stairs and to another city or you need to move the contents of your studio apartment across the hall, you can pick a job-appropriate team to ensure you don’t overpay for the work you need done. This team also helps with commercial moves, as well as storage & packing services.

Whether you only need a moving crew to haul your precious items from your old apartment to your new home or you are seeking a professional packing crew to carefully wrap each item, Sierra has an amazing record with happy clients throughout the City.

professionally store your furniture, boxes, equipment and anything else that you’ve collected over the years through their dust-free and highly-rated storage services

Choosing A Residential Painting

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Things to Consider When Hiring a Painter

If you have owned a home for any length of time, you have probably need to hire a painter in the past.

If this is the first time getting you are house painted or your last experience with a painting contractors wasn’t the best of experience, we will discuss 7 things you should consider prior to hiring a painter for your next project.

Here are the top things to consider when hiring a painter:

Check References and Past Work

One of the most important things to consider when hiring a painter is what other people are saying about what it is like to work with them. Online is a great place to start, but you should also call a few of their previous clients so you can see what it’s like working the painting company. Also ask if the painter can provide examples of recent projects to decide if their style matches the look you are going for. Once you’ve found the right painting contractor, move on to the next step: reviewing the house painting contract details.

 

Does the Contractor Have Insurance?

It might feel a bit strange, but put those feelings aside and confirm that your contractor has insurance before doing business with them. Remember that the contractor is working at your house or property. While you may have insurance to cover accidents that happen on your property, it is the contractor’s responsibility to have adequate insurance as well. Don’t hire a contractor unless they have comprehensive business liability with a minimum of a million dollar limit. This protects your property from damage by the contractor. Likewise, check that your contractor is also carrying workmen’s compensation to protect the workers while they’re on your property. This protects you from having liability for any accidents. Don’t rely on your homeowner’s insurance. Ask for proof of both insurances before agreeing to hire the contractor.

Is the Contractor Properly Licensed?

Some licenses are for only residential or only commercial properties. Others are for small jobs, but not big. Make sure your contractor carries the proper licensing for your property and the scope of your job. You can search for this online, and while you’re at it, check to see if the contractor has any unresolved complaints.

 

The Prep is Time Consuming

You may have considered how much time it would take you to paint your home, but have you taken into account all the work that must be done before you start the job? Professionals state that at least 30% of the total project time is dedicated to proper prep. Taking the time to do this step right will save you long term, from ensuring your exterior paint sticks to not having to deal with the messy clean up when it ends up where you don’t want it.

Being Ready Can be Cost-Effective

tIf you are hiring a professional for your house painting, don’t leave all of the prep work to them. Ensuring your home is ready to be painted can save your painter time and your money. If you have landscaping or hardscaping that is going to make it awkward to get to the house, clear it away. Ensure that the ground is clear for ladders and supplies, think at least 18 inches of space. Also, take this time to ensure that your gutters and downspouts are appropriately cleaned and attached.

Don’t Be Scared to Negotiate

Sometimes you love the expensive painters work way more than his competitor who is cheaper. Do not be afraid to tell the painter that! He may price match, or at least work with you to ensure that you get a quality home improvement for a price that wont make you struggle to afford your improved home. This is best done when you have two or three bids done, so you know what is reasonable when asking for discounts. The worst he can say is no.

 

Did they provide a formal estimate?

When getting an estimate did they provide you with a written or typed formal proposal? Before signing onto any project, there should be a clear understanding with the contractor as to exactly what services they will be providing (including the specific areas of your home they will be working on, agreed upon products, specific repairs to be done, etc.) and exactly what you, the customer, will be expected to pay.

Does the painter use employees or subcontractors?

In general, it is best to find a company that uses their own employees – these are men and women on their payroll who the employer knows well, trusts, and who operate in line with the company’s values.

 

Things Your House Painter Wishes You Knew

Take a deep breath. You have hired a professional house painter! Here are 13 things we want you to know and how you can help us do the best job possible.

House Painting Is Skilled Artwork

House painting is more than just brushing, rolling or spraying paint on a surface. Think of house painting as not just a skill, but also an art form practiced daily over years by your professional house painter. While this form of artistry will not turn your bathroom walls and ceilings into one of the world’s premiere masterpieces, like the Sistine Chapel, it is important to understand your house painter is a skilled artist.

Find a Painter You Like

Always go out for multiple bids for your painting project, not only does this give you an idea on what the average cost for your painting project will be, it also allows you to meet with the painting contractors to get a feel for them and their business. While price is important, it is very import to find a company you are comfortable working with, and if at first you don’t find a good fit, by all means ask for other painting companies to walk through your planned house painting project and give you a bid. Repeat until you find the RIGHT House Painter, at a fair price for the job

Compare the Specifics of Each Bid

It’s tough to over-emphasize the importance of hiring house painters that provide detailed bids. Deciding between two, three or more painting contractors is hard enough, and it is made more difficult if you’re relying on pure guesswork when it comes to the differences between the bids. For instance, a bid that is “scribbled down on a napkin” or that is generic with no details is not even comparable to a complete and detailed bid.

Estimate Flexibility

If you’re comparing two bids and you really do want the more expensive painter, but your budget just won’t allow it, ask the painting contractor if they can work with you to get the paint project in line with your budget. This could include changing some of the parameters of the painting project or asking for a discount to reduce the cost based.