Retail Carpet Flooring Key Considerations

What Are the Benefits of Carpet Flooring?

Why choose carpet?

Carpet is a luxurious and comfortable floor. There is a suitable carpet for every room in the house or office. From a soft bedroom carpet to a luxury carpet for the living room or hotel room, a practical carpet for the hallway and stairs or home office.

There are many reasons to choose carpet …

Carpet improves the indoor climate

Carpet improves the indoor climate as it retains airborne dust particles. The carpet traps the particles and keeps them trapped in the fibres until the next time of vacuum cleaning. Therefore, a dust allergy should not form an obstruction to choose carpet. The German asthma foundation has even concluded that carpet retains dust better than any other flooring and as a result the indoor air is cleaner.

Carpet also offers good insulation, allowing energy savings of approximately 4-5% and up to 10% in cold winters. Carpet is also suitable for houses with floor heating. When purchasing carpet, pay attention to the thermal resistance in the technical specifications and the presence of the PRO-DIS symbol underfloor heating to find a suitable carpet.

Carpet is soundabsorbing

Carpet is the floor that absorbs sounds. On stairs, in the living room or in an office. A carpet doesn’t reflect sounds, it absorbs them thus minimizing noise levels. Height and density of the carpet influence the effect of sound insulation.

A carpet improves room acoustics. Environmental noises are minimized by rooms that have been fitted with carpet.

Carpet is safe and warm

On a rug in front of the fireplace, going barefoot in the house or playing a game on the floor: with carpet installed, all such activities are very comfortable. Textile flooring is gentle on feet and joints.

Carpet is also non-slippery. The risk of slipping on a carpet is much lower than with smooth flooring. And if one should fall, the chances of injuries are smaller as carpet is soft and resilient.

Carpet is comfortable and luxurious

Carpet is a textile flooring, providing you with a feeling of comfort and luxury.

For extra comfort and an increased lifespan, use a good quality underlay. Underlay maximizes all positive effects of carpet such as sound and energy insulation and the feeling of comfort and luxury.

Ease of Care

Our carpet suppliers employ a variety of advanced technologies to produce carpeting suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial applications. These products are highly resistant to stains & soiling, designed for optimal wear, and beautifully made. A few minutes of regular vacuuming or spot cleaning with a damp cloth will often restore their appearance to new.

Design Flexibility and Value

Quality carpet is comparatively one of the least costly elements of overall room design, and as a design choice carpet offers maximum flexibility, remarkable durability and excellent value. Five minutes in our showroom is enough to convince almost anyone of the enormous range of style, texture, design, color, patterns and price available in carpet. Given this versatility, carpeting can be selected to fit almost any interior design and décor. We even have carpeting with your kids’ favourite Disney characters (or perhaps yours).

Carpet Can Boost Insulation Inside of Your Residence

Strong insulation is key for households that wish to maintain valuable warm and cool air in the winter and summer seasons respectively. If you’re sick of dealing with the hassles of outrageous heating and cooling costs every year, carpeting could just be a superhero for you. It offers strong insulation perks that are unrivaled. People who want to feel warmer and more comfortable at home can get a lot out of investing in it. It can help you turn your heater down and therefore lessen your energy bills substantially. That’s definitely a wonderful thing for households that want to be more economical.

It Can Give Your Health a Helping Hand

Carpet can hold on to substances that can be detrimental to human health and well-being. These substances include dust, allergens, pet dander and contaminants in general. If you want to breathe better while at home, it can be a strong asset. Since it masterfully and efficiently collects these substances for you, you can easily do away with them at a later time when you vacuum and shampoo. It can make accessing dirt and debris easy, stress-free and quick.

It Doesn’t Have Demanding Upkeep Requirements

Keeping these floor coverings in strong shape isn’t difficult for anyone. If you have concerns regarding regular maintenance requirements, you don’t have to worry in any way. It generally is a lot tougher and more time-consuming to clean hard surface floors. Floors that have hard surfaces usually have more complex maintenance requirements overall as well. If you don’t have a lot to time to put into floor maintenance work, carpet can make an appealing and convenient choice for your lifestyle.

Why Should I Install Carpet?

One important benefit of carpeting is that it is often the one thing that helps bring rooms together.  More than paint or furniture, carpets can have beautiful colors and patterns that can help make any room lighter or darker—depending on your taste and style.  A dark carpet allows you choose paint and furniture that creates the atmosphere and the image that you want.  A lighter carpet offers the same options to bring the space together.

A practical benefit of carpet is the warmth it provides.  Not only does it provide a warm place to play with a baby, a puppy, or a kitty, but it helps keep homes warmer by acting as an insulator.  You also shouldn’t underestimate the feeling of warmth carpet can provide.  Many people will think about laying on the floor while watching a movie or television show with the whole family, or laying down after a big holiday meal.  Carpets often remind us of cozy feelings of family.

People don’t always think about the fact that carpets are actually easier to keep clean than other floors.  People who have wooden floors know what it’s like to sweep the floor, then see a dust bunny under the coffee table. Somehow it is almost impossible to get all of the dirt and cobwebs.  A good vacuuming once or twice a week, and thorough carpet cleaning—and you can even hire a residential carpet cleaning– once a year or as needed, and you know your floor is clean when you have carpets. People with carpets also see fewer dust particles in the air.  That is because those particles stay in the carpet until they can be vacuumed, rather than being stirred up every time someone walks through the room.  This makes carpets especially beneficial for people with asthma.

DISADVANTAGES OF CARPET FLOORING

GERMS

You may not be aware of it, but germs, bacteria and viruses hide in those carpet fibers just waiting to catch you unaware.

All those germs and viruses in your carpet can keep your family members taking turns feeling unwell.

While steam cleaning can kill most of the bacteria and those germs and viruses, it won’t take long before new ones are hiding in your carpet.

ALLERGENS

Carpets are great at collecting dust and pollen and holding it in their fibers. While regular vacuuming can remove much of that dust and pollen, some make their way back into the air where they can be breathed in before they make their way back into your carpet fibers.

If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, then getting rid of the carpet just may help reduce some of those severe allergic reactions.

TOXIC CHEMICALS

Synthetic carpets and carpet pads are made with toxic chemicals that release fumes into your home.

In addition, the glue that is used on some of these carpets also contains toxic chemicals, all of which you and your family end up breathing in on a daily basis.

While these fumes are not good for anyone’s health, they can be particularly problematic for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions.

WEAR AND TEAR

Carpet like anything else is subject to wear and tear and high trafficked areas will show wear faster than the rest of your carpeting.

Sand and small stones also work their way into the carpet. And walking over the carpet provides friction, making the dirt and small stones act like miniature saws cutting off carpet fibers and even leaving bare spots.

The Right Wedding Videographer

What To Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Videographer

Nothing can be more important than preserving the beautiful memories of your wedding ceremony and reception. We make it all happen at Elite Wedding co. with our incredible entertainment packages.

Wedding videos are one of the best ways to preserve your wedding memories, which is why you should choose the right wedding videographers to handle the task. We have arranged a list of things to consider when choosing your wedding videographer. Keep reading!

Know Their Packages

There are a lot of videography packages offered by different wedding videographers. Before choosing a wedding videographer, know their packages and what is included in each package. By so doing, you will be able to select the perfect package depending on your budget, desire, and preferences.

Check Out The Kinds Of Equipment Used For Shooting

The kind of equipment they use while shooting is also a crucial factor to consider. Outdated videography equipment means outdated wedding videos. Go for wedding videographers with the latest technology to get the best of services at your wedding.

Cost

Of course, your wedding videographer must fit into your budget. No one wants to spend more on the video than on the rest of the wedding. That said, you should be prepared to spend more than the bare minimum on your videographer if you want strong results. You tend to get what you pay for with these things.

Wedding videographers are a worthy investment, as this will likely be your best way to go down memory lane in the future. Would you rather sift through an SD card of static photos and try to remember every detail or hit play on a video and feel all of those emotions again? Video captures the whole moment and then some, while photos just capture a fraction of it.

With all of the value that you can get from a wedding video, make sure you fully consider how much you want to invest in this part of the experience.

Don’t forget to pay close attention to the package you purchase, so you know which of your must-haves and your nice-to-haves are covered. You might get more time, more cameramen or longer videos with higher-priced packages.

Many different types of wedding videographers will charge varying prices. A “point-and-shoot” videographer is pretty bare-bones. They might give you a video that looks a little cheesy or plain. Of course, these will be the cheapest. From there, the quality typically goes up.

Here are some of the things you’re paying for when you hire a wedding videographer:

  • Experience: A videographer might have as much experience as your cousin who just got a nice camera for his birthday last year. Preferably, your videographer would have a well-trained and well-educated team of cameramen and editors who know exactly what they’re doing from years of practice. This level of experience will show through in the product with technical skill and a strong artistic vision. Professionals, as expected, charge more than amateurs or hobbyists to make up for their education, expertise and the years spent honing their craft.
  • Materials: Nice cameras aren’t cheap. Footage on a decent camera will have a significantly different look from one shot on an iPhone. Plus, they tend to look better after being edited than low-quality footage does. Videographers vary widely in the tools that they use, but one that opts for top-of-the-line equipment may factor that into their costs. Someone who works with the bare minimum may be cheaper, but you won’t get the same level of quality. Still, quality equipment is not the best indicator of a quality video. Some artists can create stunning results with mid-level equipment. Don’t let tools be an overwhelming factor in your decision.
  • Location: Some regions of the world and country will have higher prices, simply due to the market in that area.
  • Time: Each cameraman and editor will spend hours on a video, and you’ll be paying for that time. If a company or videographer is in high demand, you may have to pay more, simply because of the number of people vying for their time.
  • Skill and style: Skill typically comes from experience, but not always. The best way to judge a videographer’s skill is to look at their portfolio, which will also tell you more about their style.

Feeling

How do you feel when you watch a wedding video by a certain videographer? Are you crying even though the couple in the video are strangers to you? Imagine if it were you and your fiancé in the video. Sometimes this is the only item on the checklist that matters!

Audio

Audio quality is even more important than video quality. When you watch sample videos can you hear the vows loud and clear? Are the reception speeches muffled and echoey? Getting great quality audio at a live event such as a wedding requires leg work, proper gear, know how and experience. We always use multiple audio sources for the major events such as the ceremony and reception.

Lighting

It is one thing to capture beautiful imagery outside in the sunshine. How does the video hold up indoors in a lowly lit church or in the dark reception room? This is where a higher quality camera with a larger sensor will shine. Minimal lighting is also necessary to create a good image in a dark environment to avoid a flat, dark look (think grainy cell phone images).

Thinking of hiring a wedding videographer for your event?  Here are some questions you need to ask, if you want to get the best!

Do I really need a wedding video? YES, and here’s why!

Often couples will write-off having video at their wedding, due to the added expense, and the focus on the wedding photographer.  Undoubtedly the pictures are SO IMPORTANT! However, without video, you will never be able to look back and hear your vows, readings, and the toasts given!  Those once-in-a-lifetime moments will be lost to distant memory without video. Not to mention that video proof of the wild party animals in action will be lost as well!  With your wedding video, your wedding will be captured to treasure for years to come!

What experience and strategies do you have that others don’t for getting the best video?

Make sure your videography company is experienced and has been doing weddings for at least 5 years.  Video Memory has been filming weddings since 1980, and knows all of the tricks of the trade to capture your special day and get great footage.  One example for sunny days – for church ceremonies – the videographer will have someone shut the doors after the bride and her father enter the church.  This allows for better lighting (less backlight) for the bride and her father during their processional! Another example is for when we shoot a wedding.  We have a checklist of positioning and particular shots that must be made. This is crucial for the fine details of your wedding, so that everything is captured to treasure for years to come!!!  Those particular moments include guests arriving to the ceremony and reception, and also cocktail hour mingling. This helps set the scene of what happened and who was at your wedding. Again, small parts like this ensure nothing is left out of capturing the biggest day of your life!

What is your backup equipment?

A good videographer will have backup equipment that is the same quality or identical to their primary camera.  Also ask how many cameras the videographer carries with him/her.

How do you ensure quality audio?

This is especially important.  A good videographer must have at least 2 sources of audio for your event!  If any weather, or unforeseen circumstance was to interfere with 1 audio source, there must be at least one backup!  Having 3 Sources of audio is the best!!!

How many hours of coverage is included in the price?

This may seem basic, but be sure to compare services and quotes because some companies may offer more or less hours of coverage.  Videographers range in price vastly, so be sure to check around, and get specifics of exactly what is included in your price. Also how long will the video be that is being produced?  Do you get all, or most of the raw footage? These are all great questions to ask while comparing services and researching options.

How will I get my final video and what quality will it be in?

Will the videographer send it to you via USB, DVD, BLU RAY ?  This is a great question to ask before you are sent a format that is not convenient for you.  For example, if you do not have a Blu-Ray player then you may want it in a streaming format, or USB.

Some Easy Ways To Save Costs On Your Next Local Moving

YOU MOVE ME MOVING CHECKLIST

PRINTABLE MOVING CHECKLIST

Stay organized leading up to your move with our essential moving checklist. It’s filled with helpful tips and timelines to get you organized.

MOVING CHECKLIST COVERING THE BASICS

When you’re moving, you want to plan ahead as much as possible. It’s best to break it down into stages to make it seem less overwhelming. Here’s a preview of the most important tasks to tackle and when to do them:

WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

Get rid of everything you don’t want moved — consider booking junk removal service to make it fast and easy.

Book elevators and make arrangements to save a parking spot for the truck in front of both locations for up to 4 hours.

Make a list of people and businesses to notify about your new address.

Get PACKING SUPPLIES — BOXES, TAPE, PAPER / BUBBLE WRAP for delicate items.

Get insurance for your items. High-value items will need verified values in advance of a move.

Label items right on the box as you pack, including which room they go in.

Check all furniture and note any scratches or dents.

Book a moving company!

1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE

Take down and pack all pictures and hanging items.

Make sure all loose items and electronics are packed.

Remove all fragile items from dressers and desks.

Clean out and pack the bathrooms — you’ll need these items right away at the new place.

Pack a bag with a change of clothes and toiletries to keep with you for the first night.

DAY OF THE MOVE

Remove blankets and linens from beds and pack them up.

Ensure all items are removed from appliances.

After the truck is loaded up, do a final walkthrough to check all rooms, closets, and cabinets for any missed items.

MOVING CHECKLIST & TIPS FOR MOVING

STAY ORGANIZED WITH OUR MOVING CHECKLIST

Whether you’re just moving across the street or across the country, there are lots of things to keep track of when you’re relocating your life. This checklist provides smart moving tips to help you stay focused and in control.

8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Create your “Move File”  in Google Drive to keep track of all quotes, receipts, and other important information.

Schedule your container to arrive on a date that gives you plenty of time to load all your belongings. You may want it a few days, weeks, or even a month before your move date. You can keep your container as long as you need, so you can pack and load at your own pace, on your schedule.

Want help with packing or loading? Start collecting quotes.  We’re happy to refer you to trusted local labor providers.

Shipping a vehicle? Start getting quotes. We can help connect you to a reputable vehicle shipper.

Contact the local Chamber of Commerce if you’re moving to a new city and request a new resident packet.

Begin researching your new hometown or neighborhood online.

Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.

Schedule repairs with carpenters, painters, plumbers, roofers, and others so your new home is ready for you.

Inventory your stuff and clear clutter. Start with the attic, basement, garage, and other storage areas.

Decide what to sell or give away and what to keep. Prepare for the garage sale you’ll hold 3 weeks before your move or start selling items online.

Check on potential tax deductions for your move with your accountant or the IRS.

Gather important documents: Keep personal and family records including medical, dental, vet and school records; legal, financial, and insurance documents, birth certificates, and passports with you instead of packing them away.

Confirm you have enough space for delivery of your container. Allow for a clearance of 12 feet wide, 15 feet high, and 40 feet long. Paved surfaces are preferred. If the surface isn’t paved, discuss your situation with a representative.

Ask your homeowner association, apartment or condo management if there are any restrictions regarding placement of portable containers or rental trucks at or near your residence.

Check laws and permit requirements for street placement if you’re planning to place your container on the street. If a permit is required, our driver won’t be able to drop off the container without it. In most cases

Complete the required Gypsy Moth Form if you’re moving from a gypsy moth quarantine state, especially if you’re moving

Research schools in your new neighborhood.

6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Order supplies to protect your items from damage during transportation. You can get boxes, tape, locks, and other supplies

Change banks if your current bank doesn’t have branches in your new community.

Get referrals from your doctor and other health care providers.

Have valuables appraised such as antiques, pieces of art, musical instruments, and other items.  As we don’t recommend storing valuables in your containers, start making arrangements for their transport to your new home.

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Start organizing and packing your belongings. Label all boxes as you pack to make unpacking easier. If you determine you need additional containers for your move, call us and let us know so we can deliver what you need.

Clean as you pack to help with getting your full deposit back if you’re renting. This will save time as moving day approaches. Don’t forget neglected areas such as vents and behind appliances.

Confirm with your insurance company that your possessions are covered during transit. Sign up for PODS’ Contents Protection Option if needed.

Schedule utility services at your new home, including electricity, water, sewage, cable, Internet, and waste disposal.

Schedule disconnection of utilities at your old home. Don’t forget to disconnect the day after you move and connect the day before you arrive at your new home. If you have any “final month” deposits be sure to request your refund.

File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service and pick up the USPS Mover’s Guide at your local post office.

Purchase locks for your new home or arrange to have them installed upon moving in

Arrange for cleaning and repairs if needed at your old home.

Make travel plans if needed for your move.

Begin using up frozen foods and cleaning supplies that can’t be moved.

Make a list of friends, relatives, and businesses to notify.

3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Hold a garage sale or sell items online through websites such as eBay or Letgo. Donate leftover items to charities.

Properly dispose of items that you can’t move or throw out, such as chemicals, pesticides, flammable liquids, and batteries.

Cancel your newspaper delivery service.

Change the address of your magazine subscriptions.

The Relocation Guide

lots of companies open their office here. It can be different if you are an ex-pat who chooses to reside here. You will have to consider several substantial terms of living here. From the cultures, living costs, people, foods, rules, and legal documents need to be prepared.

You can see it from the people, the varieties of foods, the entertainments, etc. Therefore, you will certainly meet lots of ethnic living in this city from local people

This legal document is highly needed. Choose according to your purpose. There are several types such as tourists, business travelers, and expatriates. Truthfully, it is considered strict to get a work permit or visa

Language

Even if you travel to another country, it is always better to learn their basic language not only as knowledge but also survival skills.

Cultures

Most Asian country still holds its conservative values that are unspoken. For example, when you first meet new people it starts with handshakes. In terms of clothes, make sure you wear something that is not too revealing. Since the weather is hot and humid, cotton-based and comfortable clothes are recommended.

Choose Place to Live

When you move here you don’t want to stay homeless upon arrival. Plan and book first. There are various options for life here. From kost, apartment, or house. The term of co-living is started to quite common here. It helps you so much if you happen to be an ex-pat.

Moving Guides

understand that moving your home can often be a stressful time for you and your family. We have developed our moving process to ensure that your move happens quickly, carefully, and hassle-free. We are also proud to provide customer service that is second to none.

experienced movers know that memories are often tied up in household possessions, and that’s why we make it a priority to be extra cautious when transporting your treasured belongings. We utilize state-of-the-art moving techniques to make sure that your goods are always safely stowed and ready to travel to your new home, no matter the distance that you’re going.

crews are experts at handling your antiques, your china and other fragile items, such as electronics. You can rest assured that we always treat every box and piece of furniture as if it were our own.

belief that moving should be an exciting time full of new opportunities, and that’s why we make it our goal to assure that your experience is pleasant and eliminated of the burdens that a lot of individuals and families face. We have many solutions to fit your specific residential moving needs and will go over the best way to prepare for our arrival on moving day.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIRING LOCAL MOVERS

Moving is an exciting feat- whether you’re moving to a new town or a completely different state. But you shouldn’t take on the process by yourself because this can lead to stress or injury. Hiring local movers will make the actual activity of moving much easier for you and your family! But how do you find a company that you can trust with your items that won’t rip you off? Follow these tips as you decide which local movers to hire.

Find Recommendations

As you begin your search for local movers, the first thing you should do is find a company that you can trust. How do you do this? Ask around! Find out what movers your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors have used in the past. They can tell you pros and cons of the movers they hired, which can help you decide if they’ll be the right fit for you.

Check online reviews whether through Google or on the moving company’s website. This will show you all the good and bad sides of the movers. Consider it a bonus if the company has replied to both negative and positive reviews. This shows that they care about their customers and making sure they’re satisfied, any issues are resolved, or simply to thank customers for leaving a positive comment.

Research

In order for a moving company to help you move all of your belongings, they should be both licensed and insured. They should have the proper state requirements to be able to move everything whether by a truck or a van. They should also provide insurance or liability as this is required by federal law. You can check the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the company you are looking at is legitimate and reliable.

As you research, be sure to keep note of a few different moving companies. Note all of their benefits or red flags and get full estimates from each one. This allows you to then compare costs and what is offered, so that you can make the most informed decision about which one to choose when it’s time for you to move.

When To Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer

Hire the right personal injury lawyer with these top tips and tricks

An accident is the last thing you want to happen in your life, right? The bad news is that accidents can happen. An accident can completely change the course of your life or that of your loved ones. However, the good news is that you can hire a personal injury attorney and get compensation to lead a normal life. With the right compensation, you can purchase comfort equipment to help you lead the best life. However, not all personal injury attorneys can guarantee you success. Plus, there are numerous personal injury lawyers online. Thus, it can be difficult to choose a personal injury jury that fits your needs. But you don’t have to be overwhelmed. You can still hire the right personal lawyer. The following tips and tricks will help you partner with the best lawyer for a successful personal injury lawsuit.

Research

Conduct in-depth research. Sample at least ten options. Then conduct a background research of these lawyers. Don’t choose the first accident lawyer you stumble upon. Remember, there are lots of attorneys online. Thus, you must take due diligence to get the right one. And the best way to go about it is to conduct thorough background research.

Communication is key

When working with a personal injury lawyer, communication is an important aspect. You want to make sure that your attorney is an excellent communicator who’ll be able to clearly communicate your case to a judge or jury while craftily using the law to argue for an outcome that works in your favor.

Hire a lawyer who is willing to spend time understanding your case inside out. This demonstrates his or her dedication, thoroughness, as well as professionalism.

Consider cost

Your first conversation with a personal injury lawyer should address the fees and costs. There should be clarity about what your charges might be and this should be explained in writing.

Experience is key

Serious legal matters need experienced lawyers. And experience can be measured in several ways. Ask the attorney how many years of experience he or she has in the legal industry and what type of cases they’ve handled. But this isn’t enough- you also want to ask about the law firm itself. Inquire about the law firm’s professional reputation, recognition, and experience in handling complex legal matters.

Factors to Consider When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring a personal injury attorney is a necessity if you want to get the most out of your settlement or trial award. Usually, that will be a settlement as only three percent of cases usually make it to trial, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

In the following article, we’ll be discussing the major motivating factors in your decision to hire an attorney for your personal injury case. First, however, let’s examine a few advantages of going this route instead of pushing for a settlement yourself.

Advantages of an Attorney

It’s true that you could forgo an attorney’s expenses if you opted to try a case on your own. That said, very few plaintiffs have the legal knowledge and acumen to be successful in so doing.

When you’re dealing with a personal injury, it can also be an added layer of unnecessary stress that an attorney-led settlement is more than capable of making up for. You could, for instance, be going through any of the following:

Medical trauma due to malpractice

Serious injury as the result of an auto accident or other form of negligence

Wrongful death of a loved one as the result of a defendant’s negligence

It’s difficult to think straight when dealing with the fallout of these incidents. Good luck trying a case on your own! Instead, opt for an attorney for the following advantages.

They Know the Legal Terrain

Attorneys know the language of the legal system. They spend four years of undergraduate work and, typically, three years of law school before passing their states’ bar examinations.

That’s the specialized training they have and you don’t. There always will be exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, they will demonstrate the proper degree of knowledge to make an impact.

They Have the Experience

Having a law degree is one thing. Actually having used that law degree successfully is something different entirely.

You want someone with a Juris Doctorate, yes. But you also want someone who has a proven history of using that JD in actual trial scenarios. Most personal injury attorneys will have that level of experience, and it’s invaluable in getting you the outcome you want.

They Can Get You a Better Settlement

What is the average personal injury award? It’s hard to lock down a number. They run the full gamut from $5,000 to $75,000, depending on which attorney you’re talking to, and they can go much higher for high-profile cases.

What you can be guaranteed is this. The outcome will always be higher with an attorney working your case. That’s because they know how to play hardball when needed, as well as how to tell when it’s necessary to go to trial.

Questions you should always ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer

In the event you suffer a form of injury, you should hire a lawyer to represent you for a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim is a legal action that an injured person brings against the person or persons who are believed to have caused some form of harm.

There is a wide variety of injuries and subsequently, a variety of specializations in the world of litigation.

Due to the complexity of personal injury law, securing compensation for injury and other losses after a serious accident can be difficult without legal assistance. Fortunately, personal injury lawyers are trained in and experienced with the various forms of personal injury litigation and can be critical to achieving a just result. In order to find the right personal injury lawyer, there are important questions you should ask.

Are they a good fit?

Your lawyer is someone you will be working closely with. Therefore, it is important that you feel comfortable with them and feel that you can trust their advice. Interviewing more than one attorney before your decision can help you decide who is best for the job.

Who is handling my case?

Depending on the firm, the partner handling the case may vary from the initial point of contact. Finding out who is responsible for your case is helpful to understand their level of experience and also gives you a point of contact to ask questions about your case.

What is the cost of doing business?

Oftentimes, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning there will be no fee unless you recover money through your personal injury claim. Typically if you recover money damages, the lawyers’ fee ranges between 25 and 40 percent of the gross award.

Asking about their fees before engaging in an attorney-client relationship is important, as is ensuring that the fee agreement is explain, and is in writing. Additionally, make sure you know the quality and the qualifications of the lawyer handling the lawsuit.

What about case-related expenses?

Lawyers charge for case-related costs prior to the settlement. Make sure to ask your prospective lawyer who will be responsible for “out-of-pocket” expenses if your lawsuit does not result in a favorable outcome.

Have they done injury trials recently?  With a jury?

This actually may or may not matter, depending on the size of your matter.  If you have a minor case, you can’t expect a senior, experienced top-notch litigator to take on your case.  They focus on big cases.

It’s perfectly okay to hire a more junior lawyer to handle your matter if it’s not terribly serious.

On the flip side, if you have serious injuries, you need to know that the lawyer you hire has extensive trial experience, including trials with a jury with good outcomes.  Personal injury lawyers who succeed with juries have the most leverage with insurers.  Insurers know which lawyers will go to trial and those who settle everything.

I’m not saying you should expect your matter to go to trial.  Chances are it won’t, but you still want a lawyer who insurers know can and will go to trial if necessary.to get you the damages you deserve.

What will my role in the case be?

This question can help a victim understand what type of client-lawyer relationship there will be in a case. A personal injury lawyer should learn everything about your injury and prep you on what to expect during your case and how you’ll be participating. If you want to be heavily involved or would prefer to be hands-off, make sure the lawyer you’re interviewing aligns with your goals.

Why should I work with you?

Use this question to gauge a lawyer’s interest in and confidence in your case and how they can contribute to get you the compensation you deserve. Your personal injury lawyer should have the time, energy and dedication to make your case a success. This open-ended question can provide the insight you need to make a decision.

How Can You Become An Electrician

Electrician Career Paths: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever thought about how essential electricity is to your everyday life? Without it, cities would go dark and everyday tasks like charging cell phones and making coffee wouldn’t be possible. Electricity is crucial to modern life. And, just as important are the men and women who make sure it reaches our homes and offices: electricians

What Does an Electrician Do?

Nearly every building has electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems. Electricians are responsible for installing this equipment during construction and maintaining and repairing it afterward. They apply their trade in an array of settings, including homes, businesses and factories.

Electrician Job Duties

Interpret blueprints of electrical systems.

Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems.

Test and troubleshoot electrical equipment.

Repair and replace faulty parts.

Train and manage the work of other employees.

Adhere to the National Electrical Code and local and state rules

Electrician Work Schedules & Conditions

Many electricians travel for work.

It’s common for electricians to work full-time.

Working on evenings and weekends is necessary for some electricians.

Work schedules may vary during times of inclement weather.

Overtime can be expected during scheduled maintenance or on construction sites

Are There Different Types of Electricians?

There are different types of electricians servicing the various fields where electrical wiring is needed. An electrician’s expertise and specialization can depend on the industry in which he or she works

Residential Electrician

Common Responsibilities: Installing the electrical equipment found in homes and apartments, as well as the outdoor lighting around their landscaping. Residential electricians also perform maintenance and system upgrades.

Work Environments: Homes, apartment buildings, condos and hotels, motels and vacation homes.

Career Requirements: A combination of formal electrician training in the classroom and an apprenticeship of at least 4 years. Passage of rigorous state testing

Electrician’s Guide to Emergency Lighting

The Code of Practice has undergone extensive changes to keep the document aligned with associated national legislation and national and European Standards. The standard responds to the increasing recognition of the application of emergency lighting to assist the safety of occupants who may stay in a building during a mains supply failure.

This guide is essential for all designers of emergency lighting systems, electricians, electrical contractors and their managers, general electrical installation designers, and students in further education and professional training.

The Complete Guide to Hiring an Electrician Service

If you’re a homeowner, it’s safe to assume that you take pride in your home. Your lawn is immaculate, the decor scheme has been carefully crafted, and you take home maintenance very seriously. You spend a lot of time caring for your home, but when was the last time you paid close attention to one of the home’s most important systems: the electrical system? An electrician service can do a lot to make your home safer and more energy-efficient.

If you haven’t worked with an electrician before, you may not know how to find one or even when you need to bring one in. Luckily for you, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to find the right electrician service.

Signs It’s Time to Bring in an Electrician

Before we get into how you find an electrician, we’re going to spend some time focusing on situations where you absolutely need to bring in professional help. Most people will bring in an electrician when they’re doing serious home improvement projects, but they may not utilize their services when it’s the most important.

It’s important to keep in mind that electrical work can get complicated, and could possibly get dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Even if you think you can handle some problems on your own, it may be better to bring in a professional.

Fuses Keep Breaking

A tripped circuit breaker and a blown fuse are bound to occur every once in a while. However, if you find yourself constantly having to deal with another trip or break, it’s time to bring in a professional.

Ultimate Guide to Electrician Careers

Ask an electrician what they do for a living and they will probably take pride in their answer. It’s widely regarded as one of the most rewarding of the trades, with great potential for progression. ultimate guide to electrician careers is designed to give you as much detail as possible about the routes into becoming a professional electrician

Whether you’re leaving school, or looking to change careers, Ultimate Guide to Electrician Careers aims to give you the right answers in a step-by-step fashion. The guide covers

What to expect from the job

The risks involved

Where to start

The qualifications you need to become an electrician and how to get them

Electrical Apprenticeships

Progressing your career and further training

How to Hire an Electrician

While the demand for qualified tradespeople, including electricians, is projected to increase at a steady pace to keep up with the needs of a growing population and economy, the talent pool of skilled laborers has, over the years, seen a steady decline. This has made finding electricians with the necessary skills and experience an increasingly challenging task.

Create a job post.

Define the skills you need and the minimum qualifications you expect of candidates, as well as the qualities you want your new team member to possess. Essentially, you want to find a licensed electrician who has the technical skills to deliver high-quality work, but who is also a pleasure to work with, interacts well with customers, and will fit in well with your company culture. They should know the local building and electrical codes.

It might take some time to find an electrician who meets your specific needs, especially if you are looking for someone with several years of experience working on commercial buildings and large-scale electrical projects. In general, employers struggle to find qualified electricians with more than ten years of experience.

Once you know what you are looking for in your new employee, ask yourself what the ideal candidate looks for in a job and employer. As the demand for qualified and experienced electricians increases, potential candidates will look for job offers with attractive benefits, including potentially high wages.

The nature of the job exposes electricians to many risks and demands great physical stamina as they are often required to work outdoors, exposing them to extreme temperatures, at great heights, or in cramped spaces. In addition, full-time schedules often require them to work in the evening or on weekends, with overtime being common across the industry. Be sure to clearly define what working conditions applicants can expect and what you offer to make this worth their while, such as comprehensive benefits, paid overtime, a signing bonus, and generous vacation days.

Home Inspection Concerns With Firewalls

Faced With Uncertainty, Home Buyers Seek Coronavirus Clauses in Contracts

Real estate agents, racing to keep home sales from falling through, are writing special coronavirus clauses into offers and extending contracts as more than 100 million Americans

encompassing the three biggest cities in the U.S. and many of the country’s luxury housing hubs. The rules have seriously disrupted home sales, which often include face time among multiple parties and stakeholders, including buyers, sellers, agents and lawyers.

Many deals are in a state of limbo if appraisers can’t appraise or inspectors can’t inspect ahead of a scheduled closing, or worse, if one of the parties involved in the sale gets sick. To mitigate the overwhelming uncertainty, buyers are now adding clauses that allow them to postpone closings or even back out entirely from deals without penalty should Covid-19 derail the process.

But that presents a dilemma for someone who buys a home they cannot access. “You don’t want to be in a position where you have to pay the carrying costs on a new home, but you can’t move in until this is all sorted,”

Contract law in many states offers some sort of provision for so-called “acts of God” or other unforeseen and totally unpreventable circumstances.

Inspector Not Liable for Later Injuries

An individual (“Owner”) hired a home inspector (“Inspector”) to inspect a house prior to his purchase. The Inspector noted that the flooring on the second story deck (“Deck”) needed to be replaced and so the seller replaced the flooring prior to the sale. The Inspector did not identify any problems with the Deck’s railing. Following his purchase, the Owner had a social gathering at the house and the Deck’s railing collapsed, causing one of the guests (“Guest”) to fall off the Deck and suffer severe injuries. The Guest brought a lawsuit against the Owner, prior owner, contractor, and the Inspector. The trial court entered judgment in favor of the Inspector and the appellate court affirmed. The Guest appealed to the state’s highest court.

The Supreme Court of Tennessee affirmed the lower court, finding that the Inspector did not provide false information to the Owner nor did he assume a duty of care to property visitors. The court first considered the negligence allegations against the Inspector, which was an issue of first impression for the court. The Inspector testified that he had not seen any visual damage to the railing and the railing had seemed secure during his property inspection. However, later testing revealed that improper screws had been used to secure the railing and the screws had rusted, causing the railing’s collapse.

The court found that the Inspector had not assumed a duty of care for later visitors to the property and thus was not negligent. In order to allege negligence, a party must establish that the other party owed a duty of care to them and the other party breached that duty, causing injury. The court found that the Inspector had only agreed in the home inspection agreement to perform a visual inspection of the property and did not ascertain whether the property met building code requirements. He also had not assumed a duty to protect later visitors to the property. Since the Inspector had not assumed these duties, the court ruled that the Inspector was not liable for negligence.

Next, the court considered the negligent misrepresentation allegations. As part of a negligent misrepresentation claim, a party must show that the other party negligently provided false information. Here, the Guest failed to plead this, as the Inspector never represented that the Deck’s railing was safe; instead, the Inspector simply failed to visually notice any problems with the railing. Because the Guest had failed to allege a negligent misrepresentation by the Inspector, the court affirmed judgment in favor of the Inspector.

Lawsuit over Disclosure of Bats in Attic Proceeds

appellate court has considered whether a trial court had properly allowed to proceed to the jury a buyer’s lawsuit involving the presence of a seasonal bat colony in the attic.

During this visit, he inspected the attic of the house due to a stain he noticed on the outside of the house. While in the attic, he noticed the smell of animal excrement and urine. When he asked about these smells, he was allegedly told that the smell was from the Sellers’ pets. The next time he visited the house, he noticed animal droppings in the attic as well as evidence of “sweeping” around the droppings; he was allegedly told that these droppings were bird droppings. Photographs were taken of the droppings.

Following these visits to the property, the Buyer then submitted a list of 23 questions to the Sellers about the property. None of the Buyer’s questions addressed the condition of the attic. The Sellers answered the Buyer’s questions, and the Buyer made an offer to purchase the property, contingent upon an engineer’s inspection of the property. The Buyer and the inspector (“Inspector”) visited the property, and the Buyer once again noticed a mothball smell in the attic. The Buyer asked the Broker for an explanation of the earlier presence of animal feces in the attic, and the Broker allegedly told the Buyer that a bird was entering the attic through a broken pipe and that this would be repaired prior to the closing

The Buyer moved onto the property two months before the closing. He claims he was told not to store anything in the attic prior to the closing, but he claimed that the smell of urine returned to the attic prior to closing. The closing took place in January 1994. Following his purchase, the Buyer discovered that the attic was home to a seasonal bat colony

The Buyer eventually filed a lawsuit against the Sellers, the Broker, the Brokerage, and the Inspector, claiming that they had failed to disclose the presence of a seasonal bat colony on the premises and fraudulently tried to conceal the evidence of infestation by claiming that it was birds in the attic. All of the defendants filed a motion with the trial court seeking judgment in their favor and the trial court denied this motion, sending the case to a jury for resolution. The defendants appealed.

Salesperson Liable for Incomplete Well Testing

One of the contingencies in the purchase contract was a “satisfactory test of the well system to be performed by a competent well inspector”. An unsatisfactory report would allow the Buyers to cancel the purchase agreement. During a visit to the property, the Salesperson observed the dug well on the property but did not examine the well in any other way.

the Salesperson hired a home inspector who tested the potability of the well water but did not physically inspect the well. The potability test did not reveal any problems with the well water, and no other inspections of the well and its water were performed.

The transaction closed. Following the closing, the Buyers learned that animals were able to access the well and contaminate the water. As a result, the Buyers had to drill a new well on the property. The Buyers brought a lawsuit against the Salesperson and the Brokerage

alleging negligence, breach of the state’s consumer protection act, and breach of contract. A jury returned a verdict in favor of the Buyers on all allegations, and the Salesperson and Brokerage filed a motion with the court asking the judge to set aside the verdict.

rejected the challenge to the jury’s verdict. First, the court considered whether the Salesperson had a duty to contract for a physical inspection of the well, rather than a simple water test. A negligence claim requires a showing that one party owed the other a duty. The court found that the Buyers had relied upon the Salesperson to contract for a complete and competent inspection of the well.

How Home Inspectors Can Protect Themselves from Viruses

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the coronavirus (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. For more information about the coronavirus

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person:

between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet); and

through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or possibly inhaled into the lungs. Ideally, a home inspection would be performed at an unoccupied or vacant house. Usually, home inspectors are doing their work along with their clients, real estate agents, and occupants.

Wash your hands often.

Wash your hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick, such as the elderly, and people with underlying health issues. Ask your clients if they’re willing to consider not showing up at the inspection.

There are many home inspectors who will video-record the inspection for absent clients. Their clients can then play the inspection video from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Home inspectors can use live video chat or FaceTime with their absent clients during the inspection. Facebook Messenger, iPhone FaceTime, and Google Duo are options.

The Selling Price Of Your Accountant Practice

How to Increase Accountability in the Workplace

What is Workplace Accountability?

Workplace accountability refers to the employees’ willingness to accept responsibility for their actions. It is all about making clear commitments to perform the job and deliver. With a culture of accountability in place, employees do their work well and managers lead their teams toward success.

Workplace accountability is crucial in the day-to-day operations of the company. It’s a business ideology that builds a desirable culture in the workplace. Managers should recognise the importance of this ideology and integrate it into their direct report’s everyday work.

As managers build a culture of workplace accountability, they should align their direct reports around their team goals, while encouraging open feedback and transparent problem-solving. Managers who can boost workplace accountability help set their team (and company) up for success.

Importance of Workplace Accountability

Managers need to promote workplace accountability to sustain the success of the business. Once an employee embraces accountability, his or her output can go from good to great. Such an employee starts to recognise his or her aptitude and seek personal motivation to finish whatever task he or she has.

Unfortunately, managers can’t require or force accountability on their direct reports. All they can do is foster and support a culture of promoting accountability in the workplace. Managers should encourage employees to take responsibility for their actions and decisions and always act in a manner that benefits the organisation.

When workplace accountability is consistently practised in the workplace, everyone benefits. Here are some of the few things that can be observed.

Quick delivery of results

Workplace accountability helps deliver the results that the organisation requires, which are crucial in sustaining the company’s strength, growth, viability, success, health and well-being. Managers should make every employee understand what kind of results they need to deliver and make them accountable.

Managers should expect every team and individual to deliver results, and they must ensure that each member of the team is aligned and accountable to their goals. They must direct the team’s focus and energy to achieving these goals to promote workplace accountability.

Better employee engagement

Employee engagement is critical to a company’s performance. Gallup research states that a company with engaged employees can outperform their competitors by more than 145%. Employees who embrace accountability will naturally seek out solutions for the company, which is one of the best ways to promote employee engagement.

Accountability can empower employees to take ownership and encourage them to close the gaps between goals and performances. To do that, they seek and enforce innovative solutions in the workplace. It follows that the absence of workplace accountability suggests the lack of innovation and low productivity.

Creation of high-performance teams

To embed accountability into the workplace, managers must establish goals that motivate the team. It also means building trust among team members through encouragement and support, thus empowering the team to celebrate success as one.

When employees embrace accountability and collaborate, there will be more creative solutions to existing problems. Employees who are working towards the same goal actively seek feedback from their managers and peers to determine the gaps in their performance.

Such employees take ownership to close those gaps. They also follow through to achieve the results that the organisation requires. That is how the performance of teams elevates with the integration of accountability in the company’s culture.

Tips to Increase Accountability in the Workplace

Accountability on your team is important. But, navigating around those common roadblocks isn’t always easy.

The good news is that there are a few strategies you can put into play to encourage your team to take responsibility for their own positions, decisions, and mistakes.

1. Recognize Your Own Mistakes (and Openly Discuss Them)

It’s one of the golden rules of leadership: You can’t hold your team to a standard that you don’t abide by yourself. That means one of the most straightforward ways to increase accountability on your team is to lead by example and openly hold yourself accountable.

If you make a decision that ends up being misguided, share that with your team and mention what you’ll do differently next time. If you fall short on a goal, talk about what happened and where you think you personally would have improved.

When 63% of employees reportedly don’t trust their leader, being vocal about your wins and your disappointments (and what you learned from them!) will increase transparency, foster greater trust, and show your team the importance of accepting their own responsibility—and that they’ll be appreciated (rather than punished) for doing so.

2. Involve Employees in the Goal-Setting Process

Imagine that somebody told you to train for a marathon. They didn’t provide any background information about why this goal was important or why it was being assigned to you.

How committed would you be to the training process? And, how likely would be to accept responsibility if marathon day didn’t go well? You’d probably shrug it off and say, “Well, I never understood why I was doing that in the first place.”

It’s a seemingly silly example (after all, hopefully nobody is randomly asking you to run a marathon), but it illustrates an important point. Your team can’t very well be held accountable for visions they don’t understand in the first place. Yet, a whopping 95% of employees admit that they don’t understand the company’s strategy.

As the leader, you need to involve your team members in the goal-setting process—for both personal and team-wide objectives—rather than just handing them down from on high. Doing so boosts their engagement and buy-in, but also gives them the necessary context they need to understand why you’re working toward that finish line at all.

Having that understanding of the bigger picture will help them grasp where they fit in, and as a result, take accountability for their pieces of the puzzle.

3. Make Expectations Clear

Remember when we talked about the fact that it’s hard for employees to hold themselves accountable if they don’t understand what’s expected of them?

That’s why it’s important that you make expectations blatantly clear for everybody on your team. There are tons of different ways that you can accomplish this, but here are a few ideas:

When onboarding new employees, give them a guide that details the responsibilities and requirements of their new roles.

During project kickoffs, share a plan that includes action items, deadlines, and who is responsible for each.

Host frequent team meetings and one-on-ones when you can discuss expectations and progress.

Your team will have a much easier time accepting responsibility for themselves when they clearly understand what benchmarks they need to be achieving.

4. Ensure Necessary Resources

Your employees don’t always shirk accountability just because they’re trying to pass the buck. Sometimes they truly believe that they really aren’t the reason that things didn’t pan out the way they should have.

An accountable team needs to be well supported. That means that all other external requirements should be met. When that’s done, all that’s left is personal accountability.

Does your team have the necessary tools and software to complete this task? Is the timeline actually realistic with their current bandwidth? Do they have access to the expertise and supplemental materials they need?

If those boxes aren’t checked, you’re significantly hindering your team’s ability to accept responsibility—because there’s a slew of barriers that weren’t within their personal control.

Invite commitment

Once the task or objective is clear and understood, you need to make sure that the team member is committed to the standards and expectations. Also, it will help if they understand how doing so will be of benefit to them and the team. As Rick says, “Just because your employees know what to do doesn’t mean they’ll do it. After goals and expectations are set, employees need to commit to achieving them.”

Also remember that, from a motivational perspective, your team member is more likely to commit when they ‘buy-in’ to the goal; when they have context for each assigned task. Team members are more likely to connect to a goal when they understand how this goal fits into the ‘bigger picture’ and why achieving it really matters.

Provide opportunities for skill improvement

Employee development and accountability go hand in hand. Giving team members opportunities to learn, grow, and expand their skills means you’re setting them up to be more productive, engaged team members when it comes to projects. Make sure you have a program in place that encourages training, education, and hands-on work so your team members are always sharpening their skills.

Finding The Right Veterinarian For Your Labrador Retrievers

What Is a Holistic Veterinarian?

Unlike a conventional veterinarian, holistic veterinarians utilize treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic practice, and homeopathy in their treatment plans. Holistic veterinarians have traditionally been thought of as only using treatment plans that avoid drugs, surgery, and other conventional therapies. Holistic veterinarians typically have the same training as conventional veterinarians but have sought to learn other modes of treatment that may not be considered main stream. They typically incorporate multi-modal, whole body approaches to treatment and may utilize more alternative methods to help a pet than a conventional veterinarian might pursue.

Many holistic veterinarians avoid vaccines and medications, but a holistic approach to veterinary medicine is gradually being incorporated into many conventional treatments sometimes making the line between conventional and holistic medicine blurry.

Why Choose a Holistic Veterinarian?

Holistic veterinarians are different from conventional veterinarians. Animal health care in general is split. There are conventional vets, holistic vets and, more recently, integrative vets. While many principles are shared among practices, methodologies are often quite different.

Traditional veterinary practice (conventional) is much like what Western medicine is for humans. The focus is aimed at determining what the problem is and then trying to solve it.

While a traditional veterinarian is a professional with your pet’s best interest at heart, he or she is sometimes at a loss as to how to best solve a chronic or undetermined condition. Western medicine is based primarily in pharmacological medicine. Many times a conventional veterinarian will look to prescribe medication that may silence symptoms but not resolve the underlying problem.

Conventional veterinary medicine has become increasingly advanced and a wide array of techniques and options are now available to the average pet owner. Ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, chemotherapy, blood transfusion, and physical therapy are commonly used and, as many of us know, tend to run up the bill.

Take a look at why you should consider a holistic veterinarian for your pet.

Lots of pet owners fall back on traditional veterinarians and chemical treatments for their furry friends, despite the fact that they’ve long abandoned these things for themselves. So, why this disparity?

Perhaps many animal lovers don’t even know about all of the options available to them when it comes to alternative medicine and health. If you’re interested in changing the way you view your pet’s care, a great place to start is by consulting a holistic veterinarian, whose care can offer your animals several health benefits.

1. Preventative care

If you’re like a lot of pet owners, your animal only sees his doctor when he’s hurt or sick. By that point, however, the only thing the vet can do is treat the resulting effect of underlying health issues that cause problems. Integrative care challenges this practice and asks, “Why repair what’s broken again and again if you can prevent it from breaking in the first place?”

Just like practitioners of alternative human medicine, holistic vets seek to help you maintain your pet’s health through daily lifestyle choices. The guiding philosophy of integrative care, both animal and human, is that the body knows how to care for and heal itself. It’s the holistic veterinarian’s role is to help animals do just that. Essentially, your holistic vet would love it if you rarely had to bring your pet in at all.

2. Bedside manner

For human health care workers of any kind, bedside manner is a big deal. If you were to visit a new dentist or optometrist or acupuncturist who didn’t make eye contact, treated you roughly or didn’t respond to your expressions of pain, you almost certainly would never return to that person again. Personal rapport is often a significant part of how we assess medical professionals. Yet, we may not think of that aspect of care as much when it comes to our pets.

What sets holistic vets apart is that they prioritize empathy in both exams and treatments. They aim to give care in a way that results in the least possible stress for your animals. For example, they may sometimes employ methods such as Reiki and massage to calm animals that are stressed. You can appreciate how important this is if you’ve ever seen your dog or cat have an extremely adverse reaction immediately upon entering a traditional vet’s office.

3. Whole health

Get ready to spend a bit more time in your holistic vet’s office than you would normally spend in a traditional vet’s office. This is due to the fact that integrative pet care capitalizes on a much more complete picture of health. A mere physical exam is not early enough to understand your animal’s unique needs – the doctor or practitioner will also need information about your pet’s behavior, lifestyle, diet, social habits and observed irregularities in any of these aspects.

If you think about how in-depth your conversations often are with your own healthcare practitioners, this makes perfect sense. Imagine how strange it would be for a doctor to perform a physical exam without asking you about your lifestyle. An incomplete picture would result in an incomplete diagnosis. Holistic vets know this and make sure to get all the facts before recommending treatments.

4. Treatment variety

Holistic veterinarians have a diverse arsenal of treatment options available to them. Though the idea may seem foreign to you, pet health can be significantly improved through treatments like acupuncture, herbal remedies, chiropractic, massage, and nutritional therapy.

This should come as happy news to owners of pets with chronic issues that leave them in a never-ending cycle of surgeries and pharmaceuticals. Holistic vets do not treat every animal with a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, they assess each case deeply in order to recommend a unique course of non-invasive treatments that seek to cure the underlying causes of illness.

What is Holistic Veterinary Medicine?

Holistic medicine, by its very nature, is humane to the core. The techniques used in holistic medicine are gentle, minimally invasive, and incorporate patient well-being and stress reduction. Holistic thinking is centered on love, empathy, and respect.

In treating an animal, a holistic veterinarian will determine the best combination of both conventional and alternative (or complementary) therapies for a given individual. This mixture of healing arts and skills is as natural as life itself. Therein lies the very essence of the word “(w)holistic.” It means taking in the whole picture of the patient—the environment, the disease pattern, the relationship of pet with owner—and developing a treatment protocol using a wide range of therapies for healing the patient. The holistic practitioner is interested not only in a medical history, but also genetics, nutrition, environment, family relationships, stress levels, and other factors.

Many patients present in a state of “disease.” At this point the holistic challenge lies in the question “why?” A simple-appearing symptom may have several layers of causation. When one area of the body is ill, it can manifest in many different ways. Only when the true cause of the ailment has been found is there the possibility for a lasting recovery.

Through a series of analytic observations and appropriate testing, the goal becomes finding the true root source of the pathology. It is at this point that the most efficacious, least invasive, least expensive, and least harmful path to cure is selected.

Potential Dangers of Holistic Treatment Options

Ignoring science-backed options can be very dangerous to pet owners and their pets if a pet owner chooses to seek holistic treatment options for their pets. For example, vaccinations are proven to be effective means of disease control and prevention and should not be ignored despite the fact that many strictly-holistic veterinarians may not offer them. Completely avoiding the use of necessary medications to treat pain and infection, not having necessary surgery performed in order to avoid anesthesia, and other types of avoidance of necessary traditional veterinary medicine can be very harmful to a pet. Science has produced a variety of options to help us care for our pets and it should not be ignored or avoided. Some holistic options are backed by science but, once again, should be utilized as adjunctive treatments and not the only treatments.

A Great Overview Of Scorpion Problems And Pest Control Service Solutions

Scorpions

What are scorpions?

Scorpions are venomous pests that belong to the class Arachnida along with spiders, ticks, and mites. There are over 1,000 species of scorpions found living worldwide. In our area, two of the most common species are the brown bark scorpion and the desert hairy scorpion.

Scorpions have a segmented body and a long segmented tail that curls up over its body. At the end of their tail is a curved stinger used to inject venom into their prey to subdue them after catching them with their large pincers. Scorpions are excellent hunters, although they rely on touch and vibrations to hunt because, despite having many eyes, these arachnids have poor vision.

Brown bark scorpions are small with adults only growing to about 2 ½ – 3 inches in length. Their body is a brownish-yellow or tan color and their tails are thinner than other scorpion species.

These scorpions are a larger species than the bark scorpion with adults growing to between 5 and 7 inches long. Their bodies are yellow with darker colored markings on their backs. Both their bodies and their tails are covered in small brown hairs.

Are scorpions dangerous?

Scorpions can deliver excruciating stings and the venom most scorpions produce is as potent as bee or wasp venom. In children and people with compromised immune systems, their venom could trigger a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. It is also critical to understand that their venom is potent enough that their stings can be fatal to smaller pets. If scorpions are living on your property, call a professional immediately to remove them safely.

Why do I have a scorpion problem?

Scorpions may take up residence in any yard that provides them with suitable sources of shelter and plenty of food and water. Scorpions feed on a wide variety of prey, including insects, spiders, other scorpions, mice, and even small lizards. Properties with high populations of their preferred food sources will most likely have problems with scorpions.

Where will I find scorpions?

Scorpions are nocturnal hunters and hide during the day in dark, cool, quiet places. Outside, scorpions hide behind tree bark, and under things like rocks, logs, fallen trees, woodpiles, and mulch in garden areas. Moving inside through the spaces under doors, torn windows, cracks in the foundation, or openings in exterior walls, scorpions hide in places that mimic their outdoor environments such as basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms (sinks and tubs), and laundry rooms. It is also important to know that scorpions tend to travel in groups. If you find one scorpion in your home or yard, know that there are likely several more lurking around just out of sight.

Occasional Invaders

What are occasional invaders?

The term “occasional invaders” applies to any insect or arthropod that enter properties sporadically throughout the year. These annoying pests invade Spring, homes and businesses whenever the conditions indoors are more favorable than the living conditions of their natural environments.The most common occasional invaders known to be living throughout our area of eastern are centipedes, crickets, earwigs, millipedes, powder post beetles, and scorpions.

Are occasional invaders dangerous?

In most cases, occasional invaders are simply searching for somewhere that provides more favorable living conditions. They aren’t trying to bite, sting, or hurt you in any way. However, some occasional invaders can be dangerous to your health or cause damage to your property. Powder post beetles bore into the hardwood of properties to lay their eggs, which can damage the structure of your home. These small, wood-boring insects are usually found only once their holes are discovered in decks, rafters, and wooden furniture. Scorpions are capable of inflicting painful stings and, while most scorpion stings aren’t fatal, their venom can still cause disturbing side effects. Some symptoms of typical scorpion stings include itching, redness, swelling, and pain around the affected area.

Why do I have an occasional invader problem?

Occasional invaders are so called because they only invade occasionally. These pests move away from their original homes if the living conditions of their natural environments become unfavorable. Centipedes and millipedes often invade properties where they can find excess moisture. Earwigs prefer environments that are damp and dark. Scorpions are known to invade properties close to construction sites, as the loud noises and movements scare scorpions away from their normal habitats and into your lawn. From there, pests will invade through cracks, gaps, and other easy entry points around your foundation.

Where will I find occasional invaders?

There are many places occasional invaders will hide; however, there are a few factors that may encourage certain pests to live in separate areas of your property. Powder post beetles bore into hardwood structures. Scorpions prefer areas with high insect activity. Millipedes and centipedes are attracted to moisture and darkness. Earwigs and crickets thrive in cool, damp, and dark locations. All of these occasional invaders are likely to infest dark, moist areas such as basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, and wall voids.

Centipedes live outside in very moist locations like behind tree bark, in piles of leaves, in trash cans, under mulch, or under rotting logs. Inside, they take up residence in places that mimic their outdoor locations such as basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces.

Earwigs live outside in damp, dark areas. They are commonly seen in garden areas, in tree stumps, under landscaping ties, and under mulch. Earwigs that make their way inside to escape extremely hot and dry weather conditions are usually found in basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Millipedes have high moisture needs and prefer to live in and around areas of decaying vegetation. Millipedes don’t usually survive for very long inside because of their high moisture needs, but when indoors they are usually found in basements and crawlspaces.

Crickets live around trash cans, in garden areas, in rock or woodpiles, under fallen trees, and under mulch. Inside, they take up residence in basements, crawlspaces, and laundry rooms. Crickets are often attracted to homes by outdoor lights and areas of moisture. They commonly move inside through gaps under doors, especially walk-out basement doors.

Powder post beetles are wood-boring insects. These wood-destroying insects attack hardwoods and are common invaders of antique furniture, barn wood, building timbers, and hardwood floors. They are often introduced into homes accidentally in infested pieces of wood and wooden structures.

Scorpions live in landscaping timbers, in rocks or woodpiles, in trashcans, under fallen trees, and under logs. They may move inside when the weather becomes too hot, seeking cool, moist shelter. Attics, basements, bathtubs, and sinks are all places that scorpions commonly call home.

scorpion facts to make your skin crawl

Scorpions become more active in Arizona once the temperature rises above 70 degrees. So you’ll see more scorpions from March through October Outside your home, or inside the house, these creepy-crawly creatures can be found anywhere.

Scorpions are as old as dirt.

Scorpions have been giving people the heebie-jeebies for a very, very, very long time. They have been on earth for more than 400 million years. That’s longer than humans and dinosaurs. And in that time, they haven’t changed a whole lot. Scientists know of about 1,500 species of scorpions, but there could be another 1,000 undiscovered types

Scorpions are tough

This tiny arachnid can go an entire year without food! How is this possible? They have fat layers on their exoskeleton that make them resistant to water loss. They can also slow down their metabolism when food is scarce. If that isn’t impressive, they can also live underwater for up to two days.

Their venom is very potent and can, in some rare cases, kill you. Most healthy adults will survive a scorpion sting, though it is very unpleasant. Expect intense, radiating pain near the sting site. Some people have described it as burning like fire. Numbness and tingling are common symptoms, too.

Scorpions are fierce and ruthless hunters

Scorpions have allegiance to no one! They’ll attack insects, other scorpions and even family members. They are very patient hunters, sitting for hours in one spot, still as water, waiting for victims to come too close. A scorpion will then snatch it’s prey with lightning speed as its tail hammers down with paralyzing blows. Once the scorpion’s meal is motionless, it will be torn apart by the pincers.

The  Beginner’s Guide to Scorpion Control

There are many pests that homeowners and business owners have to deal with, but one that makes people stressed out is the scorpion. Because of the fact that these pests look terrifying and the fact that they can sting, most people find them frightening. They definitely aren’t a pest that you want to find in your home or business!

there are many different species of scorpions, there’s really only one species that is common to the area. This is the striped bark scorpion. While scorpions are sometimes thought of as desert animals that only live in hot dry environments, the striped bark scorpion is actually attracted to cool, damp, and dark areas.

Here is a brief overview of the striped bark scorpion:

This scorpion usually is around 2 inches long.

Like most other scorpions, they have a stinger at the end of their tails.

They also have two claw-like pincers.

They are a cloudy, yellow color, and they have dark stripes running down their backs.

They are venomous.

They are nocturnal.

How Dangerous Are Scorpions?

Many species of scorpion are venomous and their stings can be a cause for medical concern. However, how dangerous and deadly a scorpion is depends on the species. As far as the striped bark scorpion is concerned, they are venomous, and their bites are enough of a concern that you should get medical help if you are stung. However, their stings are rarely fatal. The only time these scorpions can cause medical issues severe enough to cause fatalities are when a person is severely allergic.

Where Do Scorpions Hide?

Because of the fact that scorpions are dangerous, and because they can be so unpleasant to encounter, knowing where they hide is important. By knowing where they hide, you can try to avoid them as much as possible.

Signs Of And How To Tell If A House Has Scorpions

Here are some things to evaluate that may indicate a scorpion problem:

External features such as washes, alleys, golf courses

Poorly maintained landscaping

Vacant or poorly maintained home

Other pest infestations

Excessive spider webs

The most important thing to know is that there are tons of properties for sale that don’t have scorpions. Scorpions are common, but not everywhere. Think of them like solitary wasps from your area. They are present and may get into the house but they mostly mind their own business.

No, scorpions are not found everywhere. They are found in pockets throughout and the surrounding area. Many things contribute to scorpion activity, including factors on and adjacent to the property. We have found extreme scorpion infestations at properties and found no scorpions at locations across the street.

Scorpions are not drawn to your home more than any other place in your yard. In most places, it is rare to get scorpions in your home. Scorpions have poor eyesight and use touch as the main guide to finding habitats. They look for small cracks to crawl in. Usually, they are found in the home by accident unless you have another pest problem that is supplying food for the scorpions. If you are purchasing a vacant home there is a higher probability that scorpions are inside the home

No, scorpions do not nest. Scorpions are not a social species that work together and have a queen, like a bee or an ant. They are individuals fighting for survival. If there are ample food and shelter, scorpions may exist in high densities which can appear to be a nest.

What Can You Do To Customize Your Engine Rebuilding

How do you know if your car needs a new engine?

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ENGINE DAMAGE

The engine is the heart of your vehicle, giving your car the necessary power it needs to operate correctly. When the engine is damaged, it will significantly affect your car’s performance. Fortunately, you can save yourself time and money by quickly diagnosing engine problems before they cause more harm to your vehicle.

1. The Check Engine light turns on.

Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of alerting you about problems it detects via its On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. If your Check Engine Light (CEL) turns on, you should not dismiss it, as ignoring the problem could cause more damage to your engine (and other parts) over time. There are many different things that can trigger a check engine warning light. Some common reasons for a check engine light appearing include:

  • The Oxygen Sensor needs replacing.
  • The Mass-Airflow Sensor is in need of replacement.
  • The catalytic converter is damaged and in need of replacement.
  • The spark plugs are damaged or worn (causing engine misfires).
  • The fuel cap isn’t on tight enough (a very common, easy to fix issue).
  • many other electronic sensor and actuator related issues
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2. Your car is making strange noises.

A knocking noise coming from your bonnet is a classic sign of a dying engine. This noise could be caused by wear of damage to your engine’s mechanical parts such as pistons, bearings or other moving parts. If you hear this type of noise, you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Ignoring this problem could result in your car breaking down on the side of the road and a much greater repair bill (than catching the problem early).

Other noises you should look out for include popping, spitting and backfiring from your exhaust.

3. The engine is running roughly or inconsistently.

Listen to the sound your engine produces while you are driving. Is it consistent? A struggling engine will often stutter, shake or lose power as the revs increase. A few common solutions for this may be to replace the spark plugs, test / replace your ignition coils, check your fuel pressure, clean your Air Flow Meter or give your engine a tune-up.

4. Your car produces oil patches.

If you notice puddles of oil under your vehicle, this is probably a result of a leak in your engine. As the oil depletes, more friction and will occur in your engine, generating excess heat. Oil leaks are common from engine oil seals, and sump plugs / sump plug washers. This can cause damage to engine components over time. We recommend that you get engine leaks sealed as soon as possible.

5. You can smell odours from inside the car.

The smell of a car’s emissions should never be noticeable from inside the vehicle. If you have a strong exhaust smell, of engine fumes or any other strange odours, this could be a sign of engine damage. Don’t ignore strange engine smells and expect them to go away. Get your vehicle checked so that the problem can be diagnosed.

Signs Your Engine Needs to be Replaced

Without proper care and maintenance, your car’s engine will deteriorate quickly. If you add a lot of miles to your car throughout the week, the engine will die even faster. All of that wear and tire will add up over time and bring the engine to a quick death. When the engine reaches this point,  we may need to replace it with a new engine. A dying engine will often give you signs that it’s on its way out. Below are some of the most common symptoms.

1. Large Amounts of Exhaust Smoke

You know how frustrating it can be driving behind someone whose car’s tailpipe has a never-ending supply of smoke coming out. That smoke is a warning sign that the engine is headed toward failure. You can often tell what is wrong with the engine by the color of the smoke. For instance:

●        Blue Smoke: The engine is burning oil.

●        White Smoke: A cooling system is leaking.

●        Black Smoke: The engine is burning too much fuel.

2. Knocking Noises

Although a noisy engine could signify a range of problems, knocking noises usually indicate that the engine bearings are worn out. When the bearings go out, it’s only a matter of time (and not much time) before the engine stops running entirely. If you bring your vehicle to AA Auto Technicians before the bearings go completely bad, you could save your car. We can replace the bearings and look at areas where you may need some further engine repair.

3. Metal Shavings Emerge During Oil Changes

The reason fluids exist in your engine is too keep a dry, hot metal part from scraping when it comes into contact with another dry, hot metal part. Without fluid, a running engine wouldn’t last more than a few hours. When the fluids are missing, grinding metal will create shavings that are scraped off during contact. Metal shavings are telling you that your car only has a few hours or days left to live if you don’t bring your car in so that we find the problem.

4. The Engine Has No Power

When an engine is failing to produce sufficient power, it could be the result of a combination of problems that are occurring at the same time. In essence, the engine is weak and needs significant repair to produce sufficient power. When the engine is that weak, we recommend that you give your car an engine replacement instead of repair. You’re likely to spend less money in the long run.

Ways To Tell If Your Car’s Engine Is Failing

Car’s engine – unsurprisingly – is the most important part of your car, and total engine failure can often mean a catastrophic cost of repair, or can even force you to “total” the car, and buy a new one.

Because of this, most engines are extremely durable, and can easily last hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Engines are usually one of the last components that will fail on a car, so you don’t usually have to be concerned about critical engine failure.

Still, critical engine failure does happen – but there are ways that you can mitigate the damage caused by a failing engine. If you catch engine failure early, you’ll be in a much better position to prevent further damage, and may be able to repair your engine easily, avoiding a costly engine rebuild or a totalling of your vehicle.

Read on to learn about most common signs of engine failure – and what you can do to prevent your engine from breaking down.

Car’s engine – unsurprisingly – is the most important part of your car, and total engine failure can often mean a catastrophic cost of repair, or can even force you to “total” the car, and buy a new one.

Because of this, most engines are extremely durable, and can easily last hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Engines are usually one of the last components that will fail on a car, so you don’t usually have to be concerned about critical engine failure.

Still, critical engine failure does happen – but there are ways that you can mitigate the damage caused by a failing engine. If you catch engine failure early, you’ll be in a much better position to prevent further damage, and may be able to repair your engine easily, avoiding a costly engine rebuild or a totalling of your vehicle.

Your “Check Engine” Light Is On

Despite what some people may tell you, this light doesn’t just come on for no reason. If your “check engine” light is on, you need to check your engine – or have it scoped out by a professional.

Now, your “check engine” light being lit doesn’t necessarily mean your car is in serious danger – it could be a problem as simple as a loose gas cap – but it should be taken into account when assessing the overall health of your car.

And if other lights such as low oil pressure, brake lights, and low oil level lights are on, you should be seriously concerned – and have your car looked at by a professional as soon as possible.

Jerking, Inconsistent Acceleration And Performance

A smoothly-running internal combustion engine delivers just that – smooth performance. You should be able to accelerate ably. Your car should not jerk around, surge forward, or stall when you apply the gas, and if it does, chances are that your engine is well on the way to failure.

Performance issues always signal a deeper problem, and in this case, that problem can be worn out spark plugs, clogged fuel lines, or even failing pistons. You should take your car in for a professional assessment if you are experiencing performance issues.

Poor performance also poses a driving risk – the last thing you want is for it to stall out on the left lane of the highway while running at 120KM/h. So don’t risk your life. If your car isn’t performing well, there’s a reason. If you ignore that reason, you risk a damaged engine and poor driving performance that could lead you into dangerous situations.

Hearing Noises That Shouldn’t Be There

A little bit of extraneous noise from your car is common, especially as it ages. But be on the lookout for noises that are out-of-place and sound dangerous. This can include loud clacking and popping noises, as well as grinding noises. Any unusual noise should be noted, and you should mention it to a mechanic.

Popping and clacking noises can indicate serious issues like premature detonation in your car’s engine block, which can destroy pistons and cause your engine to explode, in rare cases. Grinding noises when shifting gears could signal a damaged or worn-out transmission, and grinding noises upon startup could indicate a damaged starter motor.

So keep an ear out for strange noises. Though they could be as innocuous as a loose fan-belt, they could also signal that you’re on track for catastrophic engine failure. Mention these noises to your mechanic, so that they can check them out and ensure that your car is in good shape.

The Nose Knows – Identify Strange Smells

Cars often smell a bit funky – given the vast amount of complex fluids and emissions they produce – but you should be familiar with how your car smells in daily operation.

Smells like excessively hot oil, burning rubber, exhaust smells in or near the cabin, and so on are hints toward the health of your car.

These smells don’t happen without a reason. That reason could be a melting fuel hose, a damaged drive belt, or a complete failure of the exhaust system that’s causing a catastrophic engine meltdown.

If you start to smell strange scents, pay close attention to your dash and look for “check engine” lights. Check the heat level of your car, and make your way to a mechanic. Don’t risk continuing to drive a car that gives off strange scents – these are sure signs of component failure.