Preventing Cockroaches The Safer Way

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How to buy the best pest control for cockroaches

There’s nothing like an unexpected cockroach sighting to turn grown men and women into squealing messes. How did it get in? Does it have an army of cockroach mates back from whence it came (and where is that, exactly)? And let’s not even get started on the joys of a full-scale infestation.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be completely rid of cockroaches in your home, and cockroach killers can be toxic to humans and pets as well as insects. So how do you make sure you keep the roaches under control while keeping your household safe?

Cockroach killer safety

Cockroach killers can be poisonous if ingested, and some of their chemicals can accumulate and remain in our bodies for years. The best way to avoid a child or pet accidentally ingesting cockroach killers is to prevent roaches in the first place: keep your home clean, take out the bins often and store food in sealed containers. If that’s not possible or that particular horse has bolted, pick the safest cockroach killer you can.

Which cockroach killers are safest?

The best way of finding out about the toxicity of a cockroach killer is by paying attention to the signal heading at the top of the product label – it gives you a warning as to how poisonous the product is.

Importance of exclusion zones

Exclusion zones can be a useful way of keeping children and pets safe from cockroach killers. Since cockroaches like closed, dark spaces, you can target the insecticide in areas that have limited access to babies and pets, such as ground-level cupboards, under the sink, and behind the fridge.

When to call an exterminator for cockroaches? (Detailed Guide)

When you see one, you already know that there’s plenty more hiding away under your fridge or beneath your counters!

The mere sight of roaches crawling across your kitchen floor and on your walls is simply unnerving. As much as you want to get rid of them, the idea of crushing one is downright gross and disgusting.

Should You Call for a Cockroach Exterminator?

Of course, you are more than capable of killing a cockroach or two. Moreover, there’s a couple of DIY solutions that you can try to help you get rid of such burdens at home.

Why Make the Call?

Apart from being a nuisance to your day-to-day life, cockroaches are known carriers of some of the deadliest diseases. The health and well-being of your family is too important to be left to chance.

When to Call an Exterminator?

Cockroaches are stealthy yet troublesome pests and simple problems can easily get out of hand in a matter of days. As a responsible homeowner, it’s critical to know the right time to call a professional exterminator—before the situation gets even worse.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Cockroaches’ presence in business environment poses a real threat of food contamination, damage to stored items and business reputation. Additionally, the health hazards associated with this disease-spreading pest are a real concern for homeowners too.

If you have identified a cockroach problem in your home or business, professional cockroach control service can provide an effective solution for this unwanted pest. Professionals know the best control solutions to combat cockroach infestations and help reduce the risk of re-infestation

Identify Your Pest

A distinct, unpleasant smell is probably one of the most obvious giveaway signs of cockroach presence. Cockroaches leave behind a distinctive smell on surfaces they come into contact with. A cockroach infestation has to be quickly identified and ascertained to ensure that it does not get out of control. Cockroaches are considered pests because of the dangers they pose.

Choose Your Method

DIY or Professional?

When it comes to getting rid of cockroaches, you have two basic options: DIY or hire a professional. The DIY option explores ways on what you can do to help prevent a cockroach infestation. There are some easy and good housekeeping tips you can practice at home or at work.

Take Action

Contact Rentokil today to get rid of your cockroach problem and eliminate any stress or pest concerns you have in your home or business.

A Guide to Choosing and Using Roach Bait Gel

Shopping for a roach bait gel? Congratulations! You’ve already caught onto what’s possibly the best, most effective way to kill cockroaches and eliminate infestations. Now, you’re faced with a choice: which bait should you buy? Let’s take a look at how gel baits work and what goes into a good bait to help you choose the best product for your situation.

Cockroach Gel Bait: An Overview

Gel bait (codename: cockroach killer gel, for its deadly potency) is among many professional exterminators’ favorite tools. Half of pest management professionals report using gel baits as their primary treatment products.

How cockroach gel works

Roach gel does more than kill the occasional roach scurrying across the floor; it attracts roaches to find and eat its poisonous ingredients, inviting them to their last meals.

How effective is roach gel?

Gel bait is extremely effective at killing both large and small roaches. It has transformed the pest control industry and brought serious power directly to consumers. It’s even successful against the most notorious small roach invader: the German cockroach.

Choose your gel bait.

Good gel bait isn’t designed to kill on contact like a bug killer spray. Instead, baits have delayed effects to allow one roach to spread the insecticide to others. Common active ingredients in gel baits include hydramenthylnon, fipronil and imidacloprid. Most products work against all of the usual roach suspects. Research has shown imidacloprid to be especially effective against German cockroaches.

How To Get Rid of Roaches

Cockroaches are both unpleasant and unsanitary. Getting rid of roaches can be tricky because the two most common roach types (German or American roaches) are eliminated using different techniques. After determining what kind of cockroach you have, follow the recommended treatment plans. We have tips on how to inspect for roaches, critical sanitation/exclusion procedures, and best treatment options to get rid of roaches.

Roach Identification: The first step to get rid of roaches is to identify which type of roach you have. To determine which type of roach you have, first look at their sizes. Afterward, compare physical features and habitats from the information and links below. You may need a flashlight or glue boards to catch them. When in doubt about their identification

Inspection: Proper inspection is critical to success in a roach control treatment plan. Are the roaches the smaller type of roach (an inch or less)? Do they scurry over your kitchen counter when you turn on the light? These are typically German Roaches. Do you have the larger roach (about 1.5 inches) that lives mostly outside and come inside occasionally? Larger roaches require a different treatment plan.

Sanitation: The third step in getting rid of roaches is to investigate sanitation issues. Since roaches need food, water, and a harbor location, it is important to eliminate these sources as much as possible.

Roach Identification by Adult Size and Habitat

The first question that we ask when someone says that they have roaches is, “Where are they living and how big are they?” Correctly identifying what kind of cockroach you have is vital and a key to successfully treating a roach infestation. Getting rid of smaller-sized adult roaches is different than getting rid of larger-sized adult roaches. Cockroaches are nocturnal and will scatter if disturbed. The young, immature roaches look like adults but do not have wings. Once you have correctly identified the cockroach in your area, you can successfully choose treatment options to get rid of your roach problem. Within these pages, we have provided examples of the most common types of roaches found in the USA.

Choosing A Wedding Videographer

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Wedding Videographers – A Price Evaluation

What impacts a wedding videographer’s prices?

There are a variety of factors that can impact wedding videography prices, some may be obvious and others less so.

  • Time: The amount of time that your videographer is present at your wedding will greatly impact the cost—most wedding videography packages include the amount of time that your video pro will spend at your wedding. The more time he or she is filming, the more you’re likely to pay. And if you would like your videographer to cover other events, like your rehearsal dinner, that will add more to the cost of your wedding videographer.
  • Staffing: Your videographer may bring a second shooter and/or an assistant to your wedding. The more staff members present, the higher your wedding videographer’s price is likely to be.
  • Final Product: What will you receive from your videographer? Most videographers will provide you with edited wedding videos (a highlight reel and an edited wedding film), and some will also provide your raw footage. If you’d like short edited clips for social media or other types of edited clips, that will likely add to your wedding videographer cost.
  • Extras: Some videographers (about 43 percent) offer drone footage, Super 8 film, extra DVDs or USB drives, or other extras and effects at additional cost.
  • Travel: If your wedding videographer will be traveling a long distance to be present at your wedding, you’ll likely have to pay for his or her gas mileage, airfare, hotel or other travel charges.

What Should You Look for in a Wedding Videographer?

You may have already decided you’d like to hire a wedding videographer, but there’s still a lot to think about. First, do you want to have your entire day captured on video, or just the ceremony? Are you hoping for a chronological look at your nuptials, or do you prefer a more cinematic film with different parts of the day all mixed together? With varying video styles, personality types, and working styles, you’ll want to be sure you’ve found a videographer who checks all of your boxes. But what exactly should you look for in the pro you choose? We break it down.

Someone whose style aligns with yours.

Whether they shoot documentary style or more cinematic, you want to be sure the videographer you’re working with has a well-developed look and feel to their work.

A videographer who can work well with your photographer.

Consider asking your photographer for any videographer recommendations. Since these two will have to work in tandem, knowing they already have good chemistry and have previously captured weddings together can make a huge difference. While any professional should be able to work with well with the rest of your vendor team, a pre-existing rapport can’t hurt.

A professional who knows his or her limits.

A six or eight-hour video package makes for a very long day. If your videographer is a pro, they’ll likely bring along a second shooter or assistant to help manage the equipment, schedule, and shot list.

Someone with a calming personality.

Your wedding will be a long, emotional day, so it’s important that the vendors you’re surrounded by are people you feel comfortable with. A videographer with good energy and a sense of calm will be a blessing if you’re starting to feel stressed out.

What was their biggest wedding day regret?  Will you regret not having a wedding video?

1) Regret Not Having a Wedding Video

One of the most common wedding day regrets that married couples cite is that they regret not having a wedding video. In fact, The Huffington Post cites that 98% of brides regret not having a wedding video if they do not hire a wedding videographer. Trust those that have been there, done that. There is something special about watching yourself walk down the aisle and hearing the music that was played, reliving the words spoken during your vows, listening to the pastor finally announce you as  husband and wife…and that is just the beginning of the day.  If you have wiggle room in your budget (or if you could live without the coney dog station), a wedding video is a must.

2) Not Asking My Photographer Enough Questions Before Signing a Contract

Did you know that some wedding photographers charge thousands of dollars for wedding photography and then AFTER the wedding, charge you again for the rights to the photos that they took?  Whaaaatt!? Yes, it is true, as are hundreds of other little things like this that most people would never think about.

Brides, read your contract before signing anything and know the right questions to ask.  Other things to look out for: hiring a wedding photographer that is not insured, hiring a photographer that will not guarantee (in writing) a set date for proofs, edited images and albums, and hiring a photographer that has a cap set for the number of photos that will be taken. 

3) Not Spending Enough Time With Guests

Aside from not getting a wedding video, this is one of the most popular regrets. Your wedding day will go by fast.  And if you are like most, you will be so busy with the day that you don’t get a chance to say hi and thank everyone that came to celebrate with you. Most likely, your guests will be more than understanding but you and your fiance on the other hand, may feel bad.

A simple solution to nip this regret in the bud is to visit each table for a few minutes while dinner is being served, or if you do a first look, you can spend extra time with guests at cocktail hour.

Split Your Remaining Budget in Half

This rule, by and large, works for every wedding: divide your working budget in half (in our example, the €26,400 becomes €13,200) and that’s the figure you have for your venue.

  • Under that you should cover your reception venue hire fee, your food (cocktail hour, main meal, late night snacks), and your wine, cocktails and other drinks.
  • This is the figure to take with you to venues when you start to inquire, along with your per-head price (see below).
  • Once you’ve booked your venue, go back to your budget and re-adjust if necessary, as certain venues will throw up their own expenses or savings; a marquee wedding for example, has lots of extra costs whereas a hotel venue might include some extras included in the package.

4 TIPS TO HELP YOU CREATE A GREAT WEDDING VIDEO

Even if you’re not a wedding photographer or videographer, you may have had proposals to shoot a wedding. If you know how to use a camera, someone’s going to ask you to shoot their wedding sooner or later. And if you decide to accept, Rob Nelson gives you some useful advice how to make a really great wedding video.

MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL

Wedding videos are all about emotions and beauty of the moment, and you’ll need plenty of B-roll shots for this. it’s the easiest to shadow the photographer and shot over their shoulder for most of it. They direct the scenes, and you capture them, as well as “behind the scenes” moments.

Another tip is to shoot in slow motion if it’s possible. It looks nice and mellow and adds more beauty to the moments you capture in the video. Also, add some movement to the shots. Use the slider and/or stabilization to make the best of it.

Finally, shoot into the sun as much as possible. We are learned to shoot with the sun behind our backs, and, many new filmmakers do it. However, sun creates wonderful lens flare, golden backlight at the right time of day, and adds that “dreamy” look to the video.

CONCENTRATE ON GETTING THE CEREMONY

When it comes to the ceremony itself, this is when you need to shift focus. Concentrate on simply getting it without thinking too much of the beauty. Also, include the audio recording with the video. Everyone wants to hear the vows, so getting them recorded them will create a beautiful memory. Remember, you’ll need microphones for this, to get a clear audio.

THINK AHEAD ABOUT THE STORY

Just like for any other shooting task, think ahead. Think of the story you want to create and prepare ahead. Rob wanted funny sound-bites from the wedding, build-up before it and some interesting B-roll for the end. And with that in mind, he prepared for the shooting and focused on the elements he wanted for the final movie.

IT’S ABOUT THE COUPLE

Last, but not least, remember that this is not about you. It’s about the couple. As a filmmaker and director, you have the idea so you call the shots. As a wedding videographer, it’s the couple’s story, not your own. If you direct them too much, they will be tense, and the weddings are stressful enough even without it. So, try to be a “fly on the wall”. Shoot as much as possible without directing the couple. Sure, get them to kiss or get the bride to twirl her dress, but keep in mind – you are making their movie.

When To Call For Emergency Hydro Jetting Service

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Hydro Jetting to Solve Plumbing Issues

What Is Hydro-Jetting?

Conventionally, plumbers have opted to use augers, also known as snakes, to clean the drains. For several clogs, these snakes have seemed to work just fine. Although, for thorough and rapid cleaning, the better option is to go for hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting works like this:

● The first thing to do is video inspect the lines facing issues to see and be prepared for what we are up against and decide what the best way to tackle the issue is.

●After this, a specialized nozzle is attached to the end of a flexible hose, which is then attached to a water tank.

●Then, the nozzle and hose are fed into the pipe, which is having problems through a cleanout. Usually, to keep gravity on our side, it’s better to start downstream from the clog.

●When the hydro-jet is turned on, the nozzle that is self-propelled moves throughout the line, which is spraying water in every direction at very high pressure – normally, it is 2000 PSI to 4000 PSI. The water pressure breaks up whatever is in the path and moves it through the pipe.

When Is It Needed?

Plumbers prefer hydro jetting when the water system is impaired with severe clogs that keep recurring. The interior of pipes often scales up with debris, grease, and mineral buildup, which causes clogging and slow draining. When this issue escalates, it can result in sewer backups. So if the plumbing system blocks up, dirty water may make its way into your home.

Hydro jetting solves such drain issues by pumping high-pressure water in the pipes. The jet works with gravity and forces the pipes to clear up.

An indicator that you may need hydro jetting includes a smelly kitchen sink that repetitively clogs up. A plumber can help eradicate the obstructions in your pipes and allow you to live peacefully. However, you may need to talk to your landlord and discuss the possibility of an inspection, which should tell you if hydro jetting can be a solution.

Why Choose Hydro Jetting?

Choosing Hydro jetting means that you are picking the most effective solution for clearing out clogged drains. There are different sizes of hydro jets that can be used. A skilled professional will be able to determine which size will work the best for you.

This pipe cleaning method is also able to penetrate deeper into built up debris, flush out rocks, roots, minerals, and any other obstruction that can clog up your pipes. It is also a very convenient option, due to the fact that it has a higher ability to clear out major clogs.

Good for Residential and Commercial

For residential places, hydro-jetting can be used to remove silt, sand, other things that have gotten built up such as hair clogs and other residues that have built up onto the wall of the pipes. This is a good choice if you are experiencing slow moving pipes. It is also a good option if you have tried other drain cleaning methods without getting the results that you were hoping to see.

There are some commercial residents that should get their pipes routinely cleaned. For instance, restaurants should do clean their pipes to help remove grease and food particles that have built up.

Top Three Plumbing Issues Hydro Jetting Can Repair

A popular issue a Los Angeles plumber is called for around this time of year is clogged pipes. A clogged plumbing system can possibly cause pipe bursts, water damage and severe destruction to sewage systems. Instead of relying on a liquid drain cleaner purchased from your local grocery store, it is best to have a licensed technician resolve your Los Angeles plumbing emergency. With the latest technological advances in plumbing, our expert plumbers will be able to take care of business without causing costly demolition to your home’s landscape. With hydro jetting treatment, your pipes are cleared out quickly with high-pressure water to vaporize stubborn clogs and debris. The following are the top three plumbing problems that hydro jetting is the perfect solution for.

  • Garbage Disposal Clogs

As referenced before, the greatest plumbing issue the vast majority experience this season is difficult food clogs from their festive dinner parties at home. For these cases, hydro jetting is the best solution to dispose of developed food debris that are difficult to clear for a liquid drain cleaner. Hydro jetting can even clear away any pre-created debris before major clogging causes a problem.

  • Scaling

Scaling is an issue in various homes that are much older, which may not be experiencing any current clogging issues. This issue is obscure to most homeowners, since most people are not aware that minerals and other deposits develop overtime along the inner parts of pipe channels. Hydro jetting is the ideal solution when this issue is realized before minerals have an opportunity to develop vigorously.

  • Tree Roots

Tree roots are a standout amongst the silliest pipe clogging problems we treat with hydro jetting, particularly in sewer channels. This is an issue for your plumbing system since trees are constantly searching for water sources underground to enable them to flourish. The tiniest opening in your pipes is a gold mine for tree roots to benefit from, so they sneak in and develop a clog in your pipes overtime and eventually may lead to causing pipe bursts. Luckily, we don’t need to burrow gigantic trenches to determine this issue. Hydro jetting gets out the difficult infiltrations underground swiftly.

Is a drain snake a better choice than a hydro or water jet cleaning?

Your plumber will help you determine which of these is a better choice in your circumstances. But, keep a couple things in mind:

  • The age and fragility of your pipes is the first factor. While a hydro jet will flush more waste and debris out of the system than a drain snake, it may cause further damage to fragile pipes.
  • The drain snake, also known as an auger, is only as good as the width of the auger tip. So as the tip meets the main drain and then flushes out to the sewer pipe, the auger won’t get any wider, even though the pipes do. Thus, it isn’t always a complete fix.
  • If you have a newer pipe or aren’t concerned with root penetration, then a hydro jet maintenance is more a comprehensive drain service for a lower level plumbing problem.

Do You Need a Plumber for Hydro Jetting Services?

Absolutely. Don’t be surprised if store-bought drain cleaner doesn’t resolve the issue. While you could buy or rent drain pipe auger tools at your local hardware store and give it a shot yourself, it may not be as effective or long-lasting as a professional hydro jetting service. Keep in mind, a professional plumber not only has the right tools to get deep into the main sewer line if necessary, he is also trained to locate the clogs and work the snake for a more effective cleaning.

So, while the drain snaking may not completely clear every bit of sludge and muck in from a main drain, a skilled plumber can take the snake from the toilet or kitchen sink and work through the most difficult areas where a DIY homeowner might get stuck and force the issue.

The last thing you want is to break the snake in a clogged section or put a hole in the fragile sewer drain, because you were frustrated and tried to force it.

The Ultimate Seasonal Gift Packing And Toiletry Packing Services

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WAREHOUSE PICKING?

Many industries stand to benefit from a bonded warehousing pick and pack service, including retailers, manufacturers and eCommerce stores. Just some of these benefits include…

• Fast delivery: Being able to offer customers and clients fast and efficient delivery services will make them more likely to place an order with a business.
• Positive reputation: If a customer has a positive delivery experience they are not only more likely to become a repeat customer but they will begin to further associate the company with reliability and dependability.
• Stock management: Having a dedicated pick and pack service ensures inventory data is constantly updated. This ensures any bulk orders made can be fulfilled, as the company will have a clear idea of the stock they have available.
• Stock protection: Storing your stock in a bonded warehouse ensures it can be stored safely. During a pick and pack service, the warehouse team will be able to identify any anomalies in stock, should they occur, preventing customers from receiving sub-par products.

The Process: Picking and Packing

Modern warehouses offering pick and pack services use warehouse fulfillment software to integrate the entire fulfillment process, from the customer’s initial order to the moment of delivery. When a customer completes an order using a business’s online store, the order information is immediately received at the warehouse. The order information includes details such as the list of items ordered, date and time of order and shipping labels. The warehouse associate receives these order details along with information about where the ordered items can be found in the warehouse. Once provided with these details, the warehouse employee completes the “pick” part of the process. After being “picked,” the item is scanned to update the seller’s inventory.

The next step is to package the order using a container, such as an envelope or box, and any packing materials needed to ensure the items’ safety. The order fulfillment technology used by pick and pack services can automatically determine the type and size of packaging to be used for the ordered items, thus removing any time-consuming guesswork from the equation. Delicate items are packaged with materials to protect against any potential damage. The warehouse associate also utilizes any branding guidelines, custom packaging and other specifications requested by the seller. This way, the package appears to have been shipped directly from the seller.

Finally, the packaged order is processed for shipping and affixed with the appropriate shipping labels. The package is then handed off to the cost-effective shipping service of the seller’s choice. At this stage of the process, the warehouse sends an automated shipment notice email to the customer and the seller along with a link that provides tracking information.

Types of Picking and Packing Methods in a Warehouse

There is a range of different picking methods utilised by order fulfilment hubs, which depending on the size and type of your business may work for you. Take a look at these different methods which may improve the quality and productivity of your supply chain.

Discrete Order Picking

The simplest method of picking and probably the most common. It requires an individual to pick a single order, one at a time as and when they receive it. However, though this method is uncomplicated and easy to employ it is not time efficient and so would be best suited to smaller warehouses.

Batch Picking

As the name suggests, this requires the order fulfiller to pick multiple orders at one time. While it still requires workers to choose items for an individual mandate, it is more efficient than discrete order picking as it reduces travelling time, especially if the orders required share the same or similar SKUs.

This method is often employed in warehouses with larger e-commerce activity. However, unless the order-picker has access to automated picking services such as a conveyor belt or a forklift, this method can be ineffective if the customer orders are physically large or heavy.

Zone Picking

This method requires the warehouse to be divided into several zones, of which order-pickers are then explicitly assigned. Order-pickers are then responsible for picking and packing SKUs within these designated zones. If there is an order with multiple items, employees in each zone will pass packages to one another until the final product has been packed.

This method is more efficient than both discrete order picking and batch picking but only allows for one scheduling period per shift. Meaning that if the worker finishes their turn and there is no-one on shift after them, orders are placed into the queue until the following change.

Wave Picking

This is another commonly used method in order fulfilment warehouses. It is similar to discrete order picking in the sense that one order is being pulled at a time by the order-picker, but unlike discrete order picking, wave picking has a scheduling window.

This method helps to increase time efficiency and maximise productivity within the pick and pack company by scheduling picking at the most appropriate times of the day.

There are other methods used in warehouses which have also proved to be successful, such as multi-batch picking, or zone-batch-wave picking, but those mentioned above are the most commonly used.

Why would a company take advantage of pick and pack services?

Unless you’re a retail behemoth like Amazon, operating your own pick and pack operation can be very costly and time consuming. Outsourcing to a warehouse eliminates the need for individual businesses to invest in or maintain their own warehouse space (and the workforce to manage it). With the help of an outside logistics specialist, you can focus on your core competencies without the additional stress of managing every moving part of your own supply chain. Using sophisticated inventory management software, a company like Commercial Warehousing can keep a constant eye on stock levels and guarantee prompt delivery to your customers.

Pick and pack services are especially advantageous for smaller companies. Large warehouses receive more comfortable shipping rates because of their high volume of orders. They also have their own customer service teams who specialize in shipping. So if you’re running a small business, a third party pick and pack service can allow you to offer the same level of service, security and shipping speed as a larger competitor.

Ultimately, pick and pack services help ensure that customers receive their orders intact and on time. And since how your product arrives can determine how much trust your customers place in your company, choosing a responsible, hardworking warehousing company can be one of the most important business decisions you make.

Benefits of pick and pack

International Forwarding (IFL) has many customers who take advantage of our experienced pick and pack fulfilment services. Goods are stored in our secure warehouse facilities at competitive rates and individual orders can be shipped directly to your customers from there. Tailored inventory reports are available and all consignments benefit from our online track-and-trace systems. We can also supply pallets and other types of packaging to suit individual requirements.

If you’re thinking of using a pick and pack service, here are some of the main advantages:

1. Saves time

Turning your consignments into orders that are ready for shipping to customers takes time and care. Outsourcing order fulfilment to trained experts in picking and packing means you can get on with your business and let them get on with the work.

2. Saves on storage costs

At IFL, items can easily and securely be stored at our warehouse, ready for pick, pack and dispatch at the right time to suit you.

3. Personalisation

We work with many brands who have been pleasantly surprised at how our expert picker packers can work to often quite specific requirements for fulfilment and onward distribution. We can often integrate their system into our warehouse systems.

4. Flexibility

If you’re using one company for freight forwarding, it’s much easier to use the same company for logistics and cargo handling. Look for a company that offers such flexibility and is willing to work with you to get this part of your supply chain right – and it means you’ll only have to deal with one supplier.

5. Takes the pain out of the supply chain

A more efficient supply chain is in everyone’s interest and can help you manage your resources better. It particularly suits small and medium-sized enterprises. Pick and pack is just part of our suite of cargo handling and supply chain solutions.

Determining A Kitchen Remodeling Budget

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Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

cabinets form the backbone of the kitchen. Configure the cabinetry to make the most use of your kitchen’s size and floor plan. Consider different layouts and looks.

Base cabinets get the most attention, whereas hanging wall cabinets are sacrificed for aesthetic features—windows, dramatic backsplashes—to create atmosphere and a living room appeal in the kitchen. That said, base cabinets are moving away from doors and toward drawers. Drawers make storage more accessible for more people.

Kitchen Cabinet Styles and Trends

Wall cabinets today extend to the ceiling, making use of high-up space for storing infrequently used specialty serving-ware and cookware. Or, wall cabinets are blown to full-length proportions, stretching from floor to ceiling to create an accent wall that can house everything from cookbooks to appliances

Style. Cherry wood is big for cabinets with rich, dark finishes. For a more exotic look, go for alternative woods such as mahogany, bamboo, sapele and anaglade. These can be stained or even lacquered to provide a sleek finish (show image). The glazed cabinet treatment is phasing out with the rise of textured looks: wood grain peeking through brushed finishes—a more natural look.

Function. European-style frameless cabinets afford more storage than traditional rail-style cabinets that are typically found in U.S. kitchens. Soft-close on drawers and doors is a must. Some hinges have this feature built-in, but it’s an add-on cost for other models—about $5 retail, according to Burgin, adding up to $350 to $500 for an entire kitchen, depending on size. Touchless cabinets are a luxury add-on that Poteat thinks will move into the mainstream before long. This application is especially convenient for waste/recycling drawers

Choosing Kitchen Materials

before you shop for appliances and choose the material for your countertops, make sure you have a well-thought-out plan for your kitchen renovation. You should identify goals and priorities, with the help of your completed Day in the Life of Your Kitchen Questionnaire and Kitchen Goals Worksheet. You also should have a clear vision of what your new kitchen will look like, after exploring various kitchen designs and layouts. Finally, you should carefully plan out space and storage

Now it’s time to drill down to the details of your kitchen remodel. It’s best to choose all of the appliances, materials and finishes down to the hardware before the project begins. That way, you will have a truly realistic idea of how much the project will cost. (Allowances can quickly get out of hand.)

As you choose among fixtures and materials, visit specialty design showrooms for appliances, lighting, flooring, cabinets, etc. You’ll get a real feel for what’s available in the market, and you can talk to the professionals who work there about your ideas and what products will achieve your goals.

With your goals, floor plan and budget in mind, consider all of the possibilities you can include in your kitchen and focus on choices that meet your needs.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Cabinets!

How to choose the perfect kitchen cabinets!

Dreaming of an upgrade to your kitchen? After living in my home for 16 years, my dream finally came true! I’m so excited to be giving my kitchen a FULL makeover this summer! If you follow me on Pinterest, you have probably seen me pinning kitchens like crazy. ha!

Choosing new kitchen cabinets can be such a hard decision to make. I’m thrilled to be partnering with The Home Depot and Thomasville Cabinetry! They are The Women’s Choice Award winner for the most recommended kitchen cabinets. Knowing that other women have voted Thomasville the top rated company has made choosing which brand to go with a no brainer. Plus, they are exclusive to The Home Depot which makes it easy to shop their amazing solutions that can easily transform any room!  Be sure to follow along my kitchen remodel on Instagram. I’ll be doing some LIVE Facebook updates as well.

Cabinets are one of the most important decisions you can make when remodeling your kitchen. If you go with a company recommended by The Women’s Choice Award, like Thomasville Cabinetry, you will have no worries about getting high quality products along with beautiful designs.

Choose a Cabinet Door Profile First

Cabinet doors are the most visible design elements in your kitchen, so your door style is one of the most important decisions you will make. A great way to narrow down your choices of cabinet doors is to decide on a door profile. Here are samples of some I got to choose from with Thomasville

Narrow Down Your Favorite Cabinet Door Styles

Next decide on the style. A lot of times, this is easily narrowed down by budget. So with your budget and door profile in mind, the choices get easier. Thomasville carries many gorgeous styles. I recommend going to the store to see samples and taking photos of your top 3 or 4 styles on your phone. Just take four photos max and don’t go back to the cabinet samples! Look through your photos and delete the ones you don’t love. This should lead you to your top choice for a cabinet door style.

steps to choosing the right kitchen cabinets

Cabinets can be the biggest expense in a full kitchen remodel, accounting for up to 40 percent of the overall budget. They also set the visual tone for the kitchen, and they’re a huge part of how well it functions. Bottom line: Get the cabinets right and your chance of loving your new kitchen will go way up

Set the budget

Cabinets fall into three categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Stock cabinets start around $70 per linear foot (a typical kitchen has 25 to 30 linear feet of cabinets). Home centers sell them fully assembled or stores such as Ikea offer flat-pack versions that will need to be put together onsite; styles and sizes tend to be fairly limited. Semi-custom cabinets, which range from $150 to $250 per linear foot, come in more configurations, so they’ll fit your kitchen more precisely, if not perfectly. Custom cabinets can easily cost $500 or more per linear foot; they’re crafted to your exact specs and can include many personalized features

Choose a style

The big decision is between framed and frameless. Framed cabinets consist of a box and face frame, to which doors and drawers are attached. Frameless cabinets, often referred to as European-style, eliminate the face frame; doors and drawers attach directly to the cabinet box. That provides great accessibility and a more contemporary look. On the downside, the absence of a face frame can compromise rigidity; better manufacturers compensate by using a thicker box—say, ¾-inch plywood instead of ½-inch particleboard. For the European look in a framed cabinet, opt for a full-overlay door, which covers all or most of the face frame.

Pick the features

Accessories can improve cabinet functionality, but they’ll also increase the cost by 20 percent or more. A pull-out trash can is a worthwhile addition. Built-in charging stations are helpful, too, because they keep the countertop clear of electronic devices. Appliance garages, those countertop compartments designed to conceal small appliances, don’t always offer the best organization. Instead, consider a lift cabinet with a spring-loaded shelf that swings up and out, providing easy access to a mixer, food processor, or other hefty device

Lighting

“Integrated lighting has become very popular. As soon as you open the drawer, the light comes on. We also do a lot of undercabinet lighting, including LED fixtures with a built-in plug for countertop appliances and a USB port to charge your smartphone and other electronics.”—Kathleen Wilber, Ikea, U.S. sales leader for kitchens

Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

The right kitchen cabinetry can make or break your kitchen’s functionality and style — not to mention your budget. No pressure, right? Don’t stress yet — Houzz’s kitchen cabinet guides can walk you through the process, from start to finish. Resource guides covering everything from Shaker to flat panel, from corbels to aprons, from glass knobs to recessed pulls, are all listed here in easy-to-access fashion.

Door Styles

Shaker, flat or inset? Your cabinet door style is important — it may be your biggest kitchen expense, after all — but choosing it doesn’t have to be stressful. See which of these popular cabinet doors fit with your home’s style.

Hardware Styles

Of course, once you have your cabinets chosen, you have a whole other task ahead of you: choosing hardware. Even if you’ve got simple Shaker cabinets like these, your choice of drawer pulls and knobs makes a big difference in your finished look.

Flat-panel cabinets tend to work best in modern kitchens; make sure you choose hardware to match. Clean, simple and contemporary pulls work well with this cabinetry style.

Raised-panel cabinetry tends to suit traditional kitchens. Look for classic, old-world fixtures to fit this beautiful style.

How To Become A Successful Wedding Dj With Inexpensive Weddings

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How to Choose a Wedding DJ

You’ve already decided on a DJ over a band. The question is how to choose a wedding DJ that will enhance your event (not his own image). For most engaged couples, entertainment is the #1 factor in determining the success of their event, so this is not a decision that should be taken lightly. And choosing the right DJ for your wedding is about far more than price.

Personality

If we could only give you one tip, it would be this! Your DJ is going to be responsible for setting the tone of the evening. If you have a boring DJ…that means a boring wedding.

Communication

You’ve probably been hearing how important communication is during all those premarital classes. Well, working a DJ is no different. Playing music is only part of what a DJ does. The other half is talking. From making sure you’re on the same page regarding the “do not play” list to making sure the photographer captures the cake cutting, wedding DJs need to communicate and they need to do it well.

Flexibility

Any DJ who specializes in weddings will end up working a lot of them, so they need to be organized. But when those plans go awry, they also need to be flexible.

How to Choose a Wedding DJ

If you’re meeting with multiple wedding DJs, it can be hard to choose just one. Here are 13 questions you can ask to help you choose the perfect DJ.

1. Do you DJ full-time?

It’s not always easy to tell from a website whether a DJ is working weddings on the side or as a full-time gig. All things being equal, you want someone who’s fully dedicated to making your day amazing.

2. Are you insured?

DJ-ing doesn’t sound like a terribly risky job, but accidents can happen anywhere. Make sure your wedding DJ is licensed and insured.

3. How many DJs do you have?

If a DJ company has a team of DJs, find out which one will be working your wedding. You don’t want to do all of your meetings with the company owner, only to find out that you don’t vibe with the person actually at your wedding.

Tips for Hiring an Awesome Wedding DJ

Your wedding entertainment is one way you can make sure your guests have a blast. It can also be another way of adding your own personal touch to the event. Your wedding is a party, after all! You want to make it a kick-ass party that your guests won’t soon forget. Whether your goal is to get people moving on the dance floor or to just have some great music accompanying the reception, hiring a wedding DJ can be a great option.

Know what to look for and where

The most common option is to go with a DJ whose primary business is weddings. These wedding DJs know the ins and outs of wedding receptions and may even be great at serving as an emcee to make announcements. To find one of these, do the usual web searching and asking for referrals from other vendors.

Ask to hear samples of the wedding DJ’s work

Once you’ve found a DJ or two that seems right for your wedding, ask to see examples of their work. This could be a video of a live performance, a mixtape, or sample playlists. The more important to you the quality of the music is, the more you should see and hear before hiring.

Give the DJ your playlist and your “do not play” list

If you’re already set on a playlist, discuss it with DJs and make sure they are willing to follow it. You may also want to create a “do not play” list and share it to avoid any unpleasant surprises

Ask how they get the crowd going

If you want your DJ to be really involved in making your reception fun, make sure to ask about how they engage a crowd.

TIPS TO FINDING THE RIGHT WEDDING DJ

Once you have decided that you want a DJ to provide the music for your wedding reception, you have to pick the DJ. Picking the right DJ for your wedding can seem like a daunting task, because you know that the DJ sets the tone for the reception. Pick a great DJ, and it is going to be hard for your reception to be anything less than spectacular. Pick a so-so DJ, and even with the best food and venue, you are still probably only going to have a so-so reception. However, there are so many choices in DJs that you may be overwhelmed. Even if Limelight Entertainment is not your choice, we want you to be confident and knowledgeable when selecting your DJ

Don’t automatically go with someone you know. You may have a cousin, friend, or acquaintance who is a DJ, so you feel like you should choose them for your wedding. Maybe you should and maybe you should not; let their qualifications, not your relationship, be the determining factor. If you do choose to go with someone you know, don’t keep things casual- make sure that you are in a contract that specifically spells out your obligations and theirs!

Check with the venue. Does your venue have a preferred DJ? If so, that DJ probably knows the venues acoustics and any special concerns. You might not decide to go with that DJ, but their preferred DJ should be on your interview list.

Ask for referrals. That friend whose reception was awesome? Ask her for her DJ’s name

Look at wedding forums for your area. Who do people recommend? Dig deeper than the star rating and actually read reviews to find out why people recommend a particular DJ.

Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ

Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there’s chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new “10 Questions to Ask…” blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. I’ll share hard-earned real bride advice along the way, so you know how to spot the best vendor for your needs. This week, contributors DJ Kev Sakoda from Scratch Weddings and Vito Namio at Dash of Class Entertainment show you how to scout an amazing DJ.

Is this your full-time business? Are weddings your primary focus? What clubs, lounges, and corporate clients have you performed for in addition to weddings?

Determine whether they are a well-rounded, successful entertainer who can bring a level of expertise and versatility to your event. “You want to ensure that your DJ isn’t a one-dimensional part-timer, but a true performer whose had varied and extensive experience performing in front of different (and tough) audiences,” said DJ Kev Sakoda. It’s fine if your prospective DJ mainly focuses on weddings—DJ Vito Namio performs at well over 100 per year—as long as they squeeze in some time for other types of parties as well.

How do you customize the music experience for each couple? Can you help with song lists and providing suggestions?

Find a DJ who will create a soundtrack for your wedding that is based on your style, taste, and vision for that day. “One size does not fit all—if your desire is to have a mosh pit at your wedding, then you will need to deliver that and anything else you want, for that matter,” said Sakoda.

How do you get the crowd pumped?

There are all kinds of incentives that DJs use to encourage guests to storm the dance floor, whether it’s asking couples to join the newlyweds for a good-luck dance or playing a meaningful throwback song from the bridesmaids’ college days

How do you handle song requests?

“There could be instances where the client directives are diametrically opposed to the guest requests. How a DJ strikes a balance to deliver on the couple’s desires—while still satisfying the guests’ requests—determines the skill and experience of the DJ,” said Sakoda.

How to choose the right DJ for your wedding party

For a wedding party to be remembered by your guests, it is imperative that you find a DJ who can create an extra special atmosphere. Here’s how to find the perfect match

Once the vows have been made, the wedding breakfast has been eaten and the speeches have received rapturous applause, all that remains to do on your big day is to take your first dance and celebrate with an amazing wedding after party. As with all aspects of your wedding day, the best way to ensure your wedding party goes without a hitch is to leave it to the professionals. If you’re choosing a professional DJ service to keep your wedding dance floor filled until the early hours, there are many considerations to make… it’s not just about the music.

To better understand how to choose the right DJ for your wedding party, Danny Costello, managing director of award-winning DJ hire company, is perfectly placed to advise on the winning formula. With more than 20 years’ experience as a wedding DJ, Danny leads a team of hand-picked DJs who strive to deliver unforgettable wedding parties across Surrey, London and the Home Counties.

Experience and pricing

Don’t be fooled by start-up companies with little to no experience who are offering cheap deals on wedding entertainment and discos. Take note of how long a wedding DJ has been in the business; experienced DJs will have extensive knowledge about timings, equipment and logistics and clients should feel that they are in safe hands.

The Time I Had A Pet Blue Wasps

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What Are The Effects Of Stings Of Wasps

There are roughly 20,000 species of wasps, but not all of them sting humans. As with bees, only female wasps have stingers. And unlike honeybees, wasps don’t lose their stingers. This means it’s possible to be stung multiple times by the same wasp.

Four common types of stinging wasps include:

Hornet

Bald-faced hornets are black and white and about three-quarters of an inch long. They are known to be especially aggressive in protecting their distinctive roundish papery nests, which often hang from trees. The European hornet is bigger, measuring closer to 1 inch long. (1) You can identify the European hornet by its reddish-brown head and legs and yellow-and-black striped abdomen (rear end). They nest in the ground, in the hollows of trees, and in spaces inside inside walls. (1) They’re found in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. (4)

Yellow Jacket

Host an outdoor barbecue and you’ll likely have a few of these unwanted visitors. Yellow jackets are sometimes confused with hornets and bees, but you can easily identify them by their black-and-yellow-striped abdomen and short legs. These wasps are extremely aggressive and sting more often than other types of wasps. Yellow jackets are active from the spring through late summer, and you can find them around the globe. If you live in the southeastern United States, you may see them in large numbers.

Paper Wasp

You’ll find these wasps throughout the U.S., usually flying around structures. Paper wasps are about a half inch to 1 inch long and identified by their reddish-brown to black body and long legs that hang down when they fly.Some paper wasps have yellow rings around their abdomen, making them resemble a yellow jacket. All paper wasps are active during the spring, summer, and fall.

Cicada Killer Wasp

This is one of the largest species of wasp in North America — growing up to 1½ inches — and they’re found throughout the U.S. You can distinguish these from other wasps by their mostly black abdomen with whitish markings. Cicada killer wasps feed on cicadas, another fairly large insect. They rarely sting humans, but will if they feel threatened.

Symptoms of a wasp sting

The majority of people without sting allergies will show only minor symptoms during and after a wasp sting. The initial sensations can include sharp pain or burning at the sting site. Redness, swelling, and itching can occur as well.

Normal local reactions

You’re likely to develop a raised welt around the sting site. A tiny white mark may be visible in the middle of the welt where the stinger punctured your skin. Usually, the pain and swelling recedes within several hours of being stung.

Large local reactions

“Large local reactions” is a term used to describe more pronounced symptoms associated with a wasp or bee sting. People who have large local reactions may be allergic to wasp stings, but they don’t experience life-threatening symptoms, such as anaphylactic shock. Large local reactions to wasp stings include extreme redness and swelling that increases for two or three days after the sting. Nausea and vomiting can also occur. Find out what’s happening in your body during an allergic reaction.

Most of the time, large local reactions subside on their own over the course of a week or so.

Home remedies

First aid for someone who has been stung by a bee or wasp includes a number of dos and don’ts.

Do:

  • Stay with the person to watch out for any severe reaction that could develop.
  • Call for urgent medical help if there are signs of an allergic reaction.
  • Remove the stinger promptly if it remains. Honey bee stingers usually stay in the skin, continuing to inject venom.
  • To remove the stinger, wipe over it with a piece of gauze, or scrape a finger nail, piece of card, or a bank card over it.
  • Remain calm and walk away, as wasps and hornets can sting again. They do not usually leave a stinger.
  • Wash the site of the sting with plain soap and water.
  • Apply a cold compress, for example, ice wrapped in a cloth, frozen peas, or a cold cloth to reduce swelling.

Don’t:

  • Squeeze the stinger or use tweezers in an attempt to remove it, as this can cause more venom to be injected.
  • Scratch the sting, as this could aggravate the problem and lead to an infection.
  • Use calamine lotion, vinegar, or bicarbonate of soda. They will not neutralize the venom because it will be deep within the tissues.
  • Burst any blisters that develop, since this can lead to infection.

How can I prevent a bee or wasp sting?

You can take preventive measures to decrease your chance of being stung by an insect. Effective prevention tips include the following:

  • Avoid, and do not disturb, hives and nests
  • When participating in outdoor activities, avoid fragranced body products, bright colors, and sugary drinks
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors
  • Do not walk barefoot outdoors
  • Do not swat at swarming bees or wasps
  • Exercise caution around fruit trees and blooming flowers
  • Keep garbage away from outdoor activity areas

Handling Bee and Wasp Stings

  • A bee will usually leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Try to remove it as quickly as possible using a scraping motion, without pinching the venom sac at the end. (Wasps don’t leave their stingers in the skin after stinging, which means they can sting more than once.)
  • Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two to three times a day until the skin is healed.
  • Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a cold, wet washcloth for a few minutes.
  • Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
  • For pain and itching, give an over-the-counter oral antihistamine if your child’s health care provider says it’s OK; follow dosage instructions for your child’s age and weight. You could also apply a corticosteroid cream or calamine lotion to the sting area.
  • A sting anywhere in the mouth needs immediate medical attention because this can quickly cause severe swelling that may block airways.
  • Get medical care if you notice a large skin rash or swelling around the sting site, or if swelling or pain lasts for more than 3 days, which could be signs of an infection.
  • The following signs may indicate a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if it’s available, and call 911 right away if you notice:
    • wheezing or trouble breathing
    • tightness in throat or chest
    • swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
    • dizziness or fainting
    • nausea or vomiting

The Differentiates Between Commercial Roofing Companies And Residential Roofing Companies

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How to choose a good commercial roofing contractor

With so many commercial roofing contractors (also known as ‘flat roofing contractors’) out there, how do you choose a good one? What do you ask them, or look for, to find out if they are trustworthy, reliable, and do quality work? When on-line reviews can be faked, and when the company can say anything they want on their own website, how can you research the company yourself?

Is the commercial or flat roofing contractor licensed?

If a commercial roofing contractor is licensed, it means they have been granted a trade license as required by local laws. In Colorado, roofers are not licensed at the state level. To become licensed, the roofing company must pass business practice and trade skill tests, pay a fee, and prove they are insured and/or bonded.

Do they have experience?

If the commercial roofing contractor doesn’t have experience, you don’t want them to ‘cut their teeth’ on your roof. When a roofer is just starting-out, if they use your roof as their training grounds, you can bet mistakes will be made, and you will pay the price. Save yourself the headache and keep looking for someone with more experience.

Are they a member of a roofing association?

It’s not easy to be a member of a reputable roofing organization or association. If a commercial roofing contractor is a member, that means they’ve met certain criteria. For example, when applying to the Colorado Roofing Association

Is the contractor certified or qualified?

Just like becoming a member of a roofing association, it takes a lot to become certified or qualified or ‘preferred’. Take Owens Corning, for example. In addition to the above items, to become a Preferred Contractor with them, the company must also have no legal actions or judgements during the past 5 years, and no personal or business bankruptcies during the past 7 years. To find out if a commercial roofing contractor is a Preferred Contractor of Owens Corning, use their “Find a Roofing Contractor” page.

Tips to Follow When Selecting Your Commercial Roofer

Choosing the right person for the job isn’t an easy task. There are many offers and contractors out there and homeowners might get lost during the whole process.

License and  Insurance

The two most important things you should ask for when selecting your commercial roofer are license and insurance. The former is more crucial than the latter since there are many cases where non-licensed roofers still manage to get the job done.

Do Some Research

The Internet makes research extremely easy. To check someone’s work, you just need to follow up on their social media accounts. LinkedIn and Facebook would be great places to start, but you can also check reviews on sites like Angie’s List, Homestars and Yelp.

Warranties

Your roof is as good as the warranty. Hiring somebody that doesn’t offer warranties isn’t a smart move. Additionally, you should read them in detail in case something isn’t mentioned or just doesn’t seem right

Offers & Services

Of course, hiring an up-to-date firm is very important. Roofs dictate curb appeal and energy efficiency thus directly influencing your home’s value. You wouldn’t want a roofing company that is outdated and that offers “old school” solutions to modern contracting problems

Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Roofers

If you are in the market for a commercial roofing company, it’s important to take your time and ensure that you choose someone who brings experience and professionalism to their jobs. Your commercial roof is a representation of your business and also protects you and your employees from the elements. Problems with a commercial roof can get expensive quickly and even cause your power bills to skyrocket, which is why you should hire a great commercial roofing company sooner rather than later. Keep reading on to learn some valuable tips for choosing the right commercial roofers. After this article, you will feel a lot more comfortable when deciding on the right commercial roofers for your business.

Do your Homework

If you are interested in hiring a certain commercial roofing company, make sure you take some time to research the company. It’s easy to find customer reviews and any feedback about a company online. A simple search on the internet will help you access tons of information about a company. You can also ask past customers how their experience was with a certain company too. The more you can find out about a commercial roofing company ahead of time, the better suited you will be to make a good decision.

Search Local Businesses

Another great tip for choosing the right commercial roofing company is to search for local businesses first. If you go local, you will find commercial roofing businesses that want to build a good reputation in your area. That means they will work hard to grow their business and create a relationship with you since you are local. You can typically expect better results if you go local with your commercial roofing company needs.

Interview the Roofing Company

One of the best ways to make an honest assessment of a commercial roofing company is to interview them in person. That way, you can ask questions and determine their level of professionalism before you hire them. Talk to the commercial roofing company about your specific project, pricing, and how long the project will take. The more questions you ask the better idea you will have about a roofing company. Listen to your intuition, especially if you notice some red flags during the interview. A great roofing company will have answers to almost all of your questions.

Figure Out How Insurance Works for Them

The last tip for finding the right commercial roofers is to ask them what type of insurance coverage they have. There’s always the possibility for an accident or damage to your commercial roof, and the last thing you want is to get stuck paying for it because the roofing company isn’t covered. Commercial roofing companies should have an insurance policy or certification that protects you from accidents.

How to Find the Perfect Material for Your Commercial Roof

When you work on designing a commercial building, it can be difficult to tell what the best material is for a given situation. Commercial roofs have a unique design and they require more consideration than a regular residential roof.

Top Considerations for a Commercial Roof

When you’re installing a commercial roof, there are a number of things that you need to take into consideration. These are the most important things you need to think about

Building Usage

What is the building going to be used for? Is it a warehouse where inventory will be stored? Is it going to be a public space?

Weather Considerations

The location of the building will have a big impact on the commercial roof that’s best for your project. You could be in a location that’s exposed to extreme weather conditions. There may be building codes in your location to make sure that the structure is sound.

Will the Business Grow?

Are you working with a business that plans to grow in the next few years? You want to make sure that you have a roof that will grow with it. You don’t want to put the business in a position where it has to replace the entire roof again for a building expansion

How to Choose the Right Commercial Roofing Contractor

As a commercial property owner, maintaining your commercial roofs is essential to the soundness of your portfolio. Nothing can compromise the integrity of your commercial buildings or multi-family housing properties faster than roof leaks and water running amuck through critical interior building systems. With this in mind, consider the following criteria for choosing the right commercial roofing contractor for your peace of mind and investment.

Check Credentials

The first items on your list to vet potential commercial roofing contractors are ensuring they follow best business practices, have a well-established history and maintain superb customer-oriented focus — up to code, so to speak.

License: Your commercial contractor should be legally licensed to work in your area.

Bonded and insured: If your contractor isn’t bonded and up to date with insurance — liability and worker’s comp — you may be financially responsible for damages to property and body during roofing service, repair and installation.

Testimonials: The clients your contractor services are some of your best resources for vetting companies. Check references of recent work similar in scope to your needs.

History: Choose a company that has been in business many years or even decades. This is not to say that newer companies aren’t talented. However, to best ensure your property, go with a company with a proven track record.

Centrally Managed Contractor

Whether you are hiring a commercial contractor for one project, such as an commercial roof installation, or you’re looking for a maintenance contract and long-term relationship, look for a company with the resources, service consistency and communication assets.

Resource management: A centrally managed contractor ensures the roofers working on your project are permanent employees (no sub contractors), trained in the same manner and deliver superior services and results. This should hold true no matter if your commercial properties are in Blaine, MN, or span from Arkansas to Nebraska and back to Iowa.

Commercial Relocation Network Office Movers Deliver The Goods

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How To Choose The Best Office Moving Company?

If you are planning to shift your IT firm, then you will agree that office relocation can be a challenging process, as it can be time-consuming and would require you to handle several tasks at once. Apart from the hassles of packing and unpacking, it can be hard to lift or move office stuff from one building to another.

This is why it is important to select the services of a best office moving company when you don’t have the means and workforce to move your office.

Selecting The Right Office Moving Company

The perfect moving company will help you to relocate your office in an effective and seamless manner without affecting your office productivity. The experts at the moving company are efficient and experienced to handle office moving process without any hassles to ensure that office relocation does not impact your workforce and departments. Before selecting an office moving company, it is important to consider a few pointers to choose the services of an IT relocation company.

Consider Their Years Of Experience

Always check how long an office moving company has been in this business. Only those companies that offer best services can survive in the competitive industry. Choose the company that has a long history of being a well-established business mover, which indicates that they are a trusted choice. Make sure that they have been relocating offices in and around a specific location that you are planning to move, as it will help you stay assured that they are well versed in relocating offices in that region.

Check Their Reputation

Check the website of the office relocation company and check the testimonials sections to find what their customers wish to say about their services. The real users are from real users who have chosen the moving services to shift their business establishment from one place to another.

How to choose an office moving company?

If you are moving to the same city, or just a few blocks away, moving can be a very tiring exercise. If you choose to do this hectic task yourself, it might take you weeks or even a month. Once you select your area for relocation, you need to pick the company who will help you move. A good office moving company will make this experience seamless and hassle free for you. But how do you decide if the company you selected in the best one for you?

Quotation

Yes money matters the most. Make sure to understand your moving requirements and then request for a quote. It is better to discuss the services provided in that cost. Does the moving company charges on hourly basis, or do they charge by packing as per the square footage. Moving requires a lot of work. Will the moving company help you for assembling and reassembling the office furniture in the same price? And will the reinstallation of the equipment be an extra charge. Collect quotes from different service providers before you make a decision.

Research an authentic service provider

Trust and confidence is one of the major concerns of any employer when moving their office. You just don’t want to lose your equipment. Losing equipment means losing data which can be the biggest loss for any company. Do your proper homework before you choose a moving company? Read the customers reviews, any testimonials, and companies they have previously worked with. Moving companies are mostly listed in yellow pages, magazines and catalogues making them appear legit and authentic. If you hear about the company breaking things or losing them before moving, better look for other options.

Experience

Work experience in any field matters a lot. If your selected moving company is in the business for around 10 years, this means they are a great service provider, people are liking them and they are successful in what they are doing. Make sure to read through the history of the moving company. Just do not focus on their years in service, also look for their experience in moving offices. Packing, assembling, dissembling and transporting would require different knowledge, skill set and tools when relocating an office. It is not as easy as moving a home.

Customer experience

Service industries work on the level service and quality you get. Moving an office requires a lot of efficiency, communication and planning. You want to shift as soon as possible to resume your work again. Make sure to select a mover who is very serious about meeting their deadlines.

Tips on Choosing an Office Moving Company

Relocating to a different office building is an important milestone for any business. However, the task of actually moving can be particularly stressful. While moving an office is quite challenging, one of the best ways to alleviate some of the stress is to hire the right professional office moving company

Find Experienced Office Movers

When moving your business, it’s important to find professionals that are experienced with office moves. While all professional movers should know the best practices of moving, it is best to trust your office relocation with commercial movers. Since moving an office requires a specific set of skills, professional movers need to have the knowledge of potential logistical issues, the best way to ensure minimal downtime for business operations, and how to better operate within moving hours put forth by building managers

Run Background Checks on All Movers

Part of finding the right moving company for your upcoming relocation should involve background checks. While many moving companies may appear to be professionals, you’ll only be able to determine this by reviewing their history and background. Search through Google reviews and comments from past clients to determine whether or not the moving company you are considering is the right option for you

Ask Friends and Family for References

Word-of-mouth is another great way to get connected with the right moving company. Ask around in your social circle for any professional office moving companies. Oftentimes, friends and family members have worked with or know someone that has hired a professional office moving company. By choosing a moving company that has rave reviews from people in your network, you are more likely to have a similarly positive experience when using the same company to help facilitate your move.

Ask for a Site Visit

One of the tell-tale signs of a good moving company is their willingness to do a site visit. Moving companies should always do a preliminary site visit before agreeing to work with you for your office move. This site visit allows professional movers to gain the best understanding of what requirements are necessary for your move. During the visit, the moving company will be able to see the building layout, look at the items being moved, and identify what resources will be required for the moving day.

Plan for your Office Move

An office move, whether small or large, is no walk in the park; it is often hectic and time-consuming for both the business owner and his or her employees. Between choosing a new location, protecting private corporate or customer information and physically packing, a corporate move can bog down personnel and impact a business’ productivity for weeks

Research. Proper research is always the most crucial step in selecting a commercial moving company But, they are not equal.  Many aspects of a moving company should be investigated before making a final decision.

Consult. Even if you believe that you found the perfect commercial moving company on paper, it is important to consult with the company for many reasons. First impressions matter

There are always move-specific questions that you should ask during the consultation: Is the commercial moving company available for the day(s) you anticipate your relocation to take place? Is your business or the moving company responsible for the packing and unpacking of your office supplies, furniture and equipment? What is the cost and what services do you receive for that cost? What is the company’s moving process? How long will the work required take?

Plan. Once you have selected a commercial moving company to relocate your office, it is important to stay in contact with your movers and discuss any company-specific concerns you may have. These concerns may include plans for documents that require confidentiality; furniture, equipment or items that must be handled with care; or items that are not to be moved.

HOW TO PICK A REMOVAL COMPANY FOR YOUR OFFICE MOVE

How do I choose a reputable office moving company?

When the time comes to move office there are many factors to consider. It is likely you have already found new premises but how do you go about moving all your staff and kit without considerable disruption to your business?

Always use an accredited mover

Sounds obvious right? You’ve either spent ages building up your business or you’ve been tasked with managing your company relocation so why would you trust any old man & van to carry it out?  You’d be surprised how many companies fall at the first hurdle and entrust their move to moving companies who simply are not qualified to handle the job or worse, disappear when the going gets tough. We’ve lost count of the number of businesses who have turned to us to pick up the pieces of a failed and expensive office move

Get a few quotes

When you begin gathering the information it helps to compare a few quotes.  Whilst price is an important factor it is crucial that you compare like-for-like services. A low price can be enticing but are you getting a top-quality service and does the quote cover everything you need?

Ask to see recent testimonials and case studies

Office removals can vary greatly from a small two-person office move to full-scale corporate relocations involving hundreds of employees, IT equipment and other furniture.

Check whether you have a dedicated commercial move manager

Check that you have an experienced commercial move manager running your office move.

Most Frequent Electrical Home Inspections Problems

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Electrical Inspection: Why It Is Important Before Buying a Home

A proper home inspection is incomplete without having the electrical inspected thoroughly. That’s because an electrical inspection not only clearly reports the health of your electrical system, but it also makes sure that the home is up to safety standards, as required by the National Electrical Code. Therefore, you should never ignore the importance of getting an electrical inspection done when purchasing a home.

What is involved in an electrical inspection?

The comprehensive electrical inspection for a house involves looking for uncovered or exposed wires, outdated wiring, and electrical equipment, testing safety switches, power box, smoke alarm testing, and determining any electrical hazard. These are some standard electrical inspection checklist components that should be taken into account.

Why You May Need a Home Electrical Inspection?

There are many reasons for getting an electrical inspection. Old wirings cannot withstand modern-day living needs, so electrical inspection services aid you in your decision to buy an older home. Besides, when purchasing a resale home, you should always have a comprehensive electrical inspection. Owners renovate, add equipment that is often unlicensed and not up to today’s standards.

You should even consider electrical inspection before starting a major renovation of your house. This will provide you an idea of whether your current electrical system will withstand the latest equipment that you are planning to install in the new construction.

Helps You Identify Common Electrical Mistakes

An electrical inspection should be included in the overall home inspection report. Before hiring your home inspector make sure that they will thoroughly inspect the electrical of the house, so ensure any dangerous electrical situations are found. These can be very expensive to repair once the property has been purchased. The inspector should identify any common electrical mistakes that were made by contractors and previous DIY homeowners. The inspector should also check for electrical wiring and components that may have degraded over time

How to Choose a Home Inspector

What Really Matters in a Home Inspection

Home inspections can help prevent stress and wasted time for both buyers and sellers. However for those receiving a home inspection, you will be absorbing a lot of information in a short amount of time. This will likely include a written report, checklist, photos, environmental reports, and what the inspector communicates with you. Choosing the right home inspector is a very important first step.

As a home buyer, it is important to remember that no home is absolutely perfect. Even an inspection on a newly constructed home will likely include some noted defects on the inspection report. Most of your inspection will be related to maintenance details and minor imperfections with the property. However, an inspection can help bring attention to possible areas that should be addressed with the seller before you buy the home.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Inspection

On the day of the inspection, the inspector performs an initial site evaluation. If you are on-site for the inspection, the inspector should take you on a tour. The inspector should point out the assets as well as any potential problems. Pay attention, ask plenty of questions and learn. A thorough inspection can find problems related to water entry, roof leaks, unsafe wiring, failed septic systems, poor plumbing, and safety hazards

How to Choose a Home Inspector

So how can an inspector have expertise in so many different things? The simple answer is: Some don’t. That’s why it’s important to check an inspector’s background and references.

Most home inspections are thorough, but even the best inspectors might not catch everything. “The inspector is performing a visual inspection on the condition of the home on that day,” says Micah Stephens of SafeShield Inspections. “He or she cannot visualize what is behind walls or concrete. But my goal is always to provide a top-quality inspection and information to help my clients make an informed decision.”

Common Electrical Problems Found During Home Inspections

Whenever a home is being sold, it’s a common (and smart) practice for a prospective buyer to hire a qualified home inspector. Home inspectors can not only help assess a home or buildings condition but identify potential problems that may be factored into the terms of a sale or purchase price. In some cases buyers also engage the services of a licensed electrician to check and identify any electrical problems that a regular home inspector might miss

Extension Cords in Permanent Use

Extension cords are to be used on a temporary basis for an external or remote power supply. If somebody is using extension cords on an everyday basis, that can only mean one thing: There aren’t enough outlets to handle all of the electrical devices the home or building uses today. This is more common in older homes, but it is a safety concern and it should always be corrected prior to a sale.

Improperly Wired Switches

This is a common problem electricians find when doing an inspection. People who try to do their own wiring or hire somebody who has only rudimentary electrical skills will often use reverse polarity when wiring a switch or an outlet. This happens when hot and neutral wires get “flipped” around, and doing this creates a shock hazard.

Missing or Faulty GFI Outlets

Faulty GFIs are a major issue even in newer homes in the Las Vegas / Henderson area due to the common use of cheap > lower quality materials. GFI (short for ground fault interrupter) outlets are what’s required wherever an electrical outlet is close to a source of water (like in a bathroom). The indicator of GFI failure is when they prematurely or frequently ‘trip’ resulting in the loss of power to localized electrical components (lights or other power supplies on the same circuit). GFI replacement is a relatively quick fix for a licensed electrician, and with higher quality components will result in several years of reliable use. It’s essential that GFIs are kept in good working order as their function is to protect you from the possibility of electrocution

Double-Tapped / Lugged Breakers

This is when multiple wires are attached to a single breaker – a dangerous practice. As most circuit breakers are designed for single wires, this can cause loose connections, arcing, and potentially a fire. This is typically corrected by either the addition of additional breakers or in some cases where there are not load concerns, by wire nutting the connections together prior to the breaker panel.

Tips to picking your home inspector

Blundy Home Inspections is a locally owned and family operated home inspection company located in Portland, Michigan. We have been providing clients in the Mid-Michigan area with reliable home inspection services for over 5 years. We can help you determine if your future investment is going to be a good one. Before you make your final decision on a home, you should know what needs to be repaired upfront. It is important to learn about undisclosed structural or functional issues before you buy a home instead of after – that’s what we’re here for. During an inspection, we look at the roof, electrical, HVAC system, plumbing, insulation, foundation, well and septic, Radon and Carbon Monoxide, pests, and much more.

Know the Value of Your Potential Property

When you have your future home inspected, you will get a detailed report including pictures of anything that is wrong with it. This will help you to know what you are getting into beforehand so that you do not end up spending more money on repairs than you intended. Many properties that look like good investments have hidden problems that only professionals know how to find. We will look in specific places and use a technological analysis from products such as Home Gauge Software. Our clients will appreciate receiving an extensive inspection that will let them know if their potential home is going to be of good value or not worth the price being asked.

Get Answers to Your Questions

You can have confidence when Blundy Home Inspections goes over your home and provides a detailed analysis. Working with a trusted and experienced home inspector is critical to better understand the state of your potential investment. Home buyers and sellers are sometimes caught off guard at the last minute when they find an inspector missed a critical item causing delays in the buying or selling process. We can’t express enough how important it is to work with an inspector that can provide an accurate and reliable analysis. Blundy Home Inspections guarantees to answer all your questions and our goal is to provide you with peace of mind during the inspection process.

How to Get the Most From a Home Inspection

Your bid just got accepted on the home you want, and suddenly there’s so much to think about—the mortgage, the homeowners insurance, your move.

As the clock ticks toward closing, your real estate agent hurries you along. In such a high-stakes rush, braking for a slo-mo walk through your future home as an inspector peers over rooftops, pokes at basement walls, and peeks into crawl spaces may seem like a luxury you can ill afford.

But of all the things you need to get done, a home inspection should be at the top of the list. It’s your one opportunity to have a trained professional diagnose the health of a home’s mechanicals, structure, plumbing, roof, and all sorts of other components.

It’s a chance to get to know the house a little better before you fully commit. And the report the inspector produces gives you leverage to negotiate a lower price, especially if costly issues turn up.