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Kitchen Remodeling Getting A Home Facelift

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Rely on Natural Lighting to Make Your Kitchen Feel Larger

kitchens, because of their narrow layouts, have a tendency to feel small and cramped. One way to make these kitchens feel larger is through the use of natural lighting. In other words, big windows out into the world enhance your connection to the great outdoors, which makes the space feel more expansive. And, all that natural light pouring in to brighten up the kitchen makes it feel a little bit bigger, too. Definitely opt for large windows over the kitchen sink so that you’ll have a nice view as you work at the sink, and if your galley kitchen has another exterior wall, you may even consider sacrificing a little bit of cabinet space for a couple more windows, just to give the room a bigger, brighter feeling.

Make Upgrades to Your Lighting

Does your galley kitchen lack for lighting, or do you have a couple of large light fixtures that overwhelm the small space? If so, this is a quick upgrade you can make that will not only give you more light to work by, but will also help make the kitchen feel a little larger. For ceiling lights, consider recessed can lighting. This is the ideal way to give the entire room a compact yet even light source—no dark spots in some corners and bright spots in other areas. For a little extra light over the kitchen sink or elsewhere, go with simple pendant lights. These are a stylish alternative to heavier chandelier-style fixtures that can make the room feel cramped or cluttered.

Go with a Lively Backsplash

If you’re looking for inexpensive ways to spice up your kitchen, what about a new backsplash? This is a project that many homeowners can DIY, and compared to a lot of other remodeling ideas, even if you do have to pay a contractor, it won’t be as expensive as some other upgrades that you could do. As far as backsplash ideas go, the sky is the limit. Tile in interesting geometric patterns, bright colors, glossy reflective materials—these are all great ways to add more personality to the room, and in some cases, especially with reflective surfaces, enhance the sense of space, too.

Avoid Dark Colors

We’ve talked about how more light makes a kitchen feel bigger, and along with this, so do lighter colors. Dark shades tend to absorb light whereas lighter shades reflect it. To make the kitchen feel bright, airy and spacious, skip the blacks or the dark wood cabinetry and instead go for shades of white, off-white or gray. The same goes for wall colors—keep it bright to make the kitchen feel bigger.

Find New Places for Countertop Clutter

The need for more space is definitely a recurring theme in galley kitchens, and another great way to give yourself more space is to get the clutter up off the countertops. There are lots of ways to go about this. For instance, instead of chopping blocks and utensil canisters, consider pull-out cabinets or drawers with specialized inserts designed to hold knives and larger utensils. You can also install small shelves between the counters and upper cabinets if you need places to put spices, recipe books, and so on.

Realistic Kitchen Remodeling Timeline

When planning a kitchen remodeling timeline, most homeowners need to know the best time to start in order to be completed before a certain key date (a holiday, a graduation, an upcoming wedding, a new baby on the way, out-of-town guests visiting, etc.). It’s no surprise that I often get asked the question, “How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?”

Though of course it depends on the size and type of kitchen remodel, I can safely say that an average kitchen takes between four to six weeks to remodel, not including the planning and design phase. The good news is that for 99 percent of our clients, they don’t have to move out during the timeline of their kitchen remodel. We offer creative ways for them to remain in their homes safely.

Planning and Design Phase Timeline of a Kitchen Remodel

When thinking about your kitchen remodel timeline, I always suggest to clients that they take as much time as they need during the planning and design phase. You – the client – need to be completely comfortable with what you’re getting in your new kitchen. Don’t ever let anyone rush you. Take the necessary time to think about what you want. The top kitchen designers we work with in the land area literally go through hundreds of questions during this design and planning phase, from the types of cabinets desired to drawer accessories and everything in-between

It is also very important that your design/build team is well equipped to show you design and product options in a way that you can perform a cost-verses-value analysis so you are comfortable with all of your decisions while keeping a close watch on your budget. I always tell clients that it’s very affordable to make changes on paper prior to construction versus knocking down drywall while the new kitchen build-out is in progress.

Materials and Products with Long-Lead Times

Make sure you are especially aware of any products that require long-lead times for ordering, such as custom cabinetry, certain tile and stone products and custom-fabricated furniture (ex: island stools). Custom cabinetry can take three to four months to build and ship to your home from the time you approve the order. Semi-custom cabinets take between four to eight weeks, and ready-made cabinets can be on site within a few days of placing the order.

How to Reduce Costs of Kitchen Remodeling?

The idea of remodeling your kitchen appears on everyone’s list but few go ahead: Why? Well, that is mostly due to its exorbitant cost. But fear not, for we have compiled five mantras for you to remain steadfast to so that no matter what, you will be beaming at the end of the ‘ordeal’ much like your new countertop. Here is how you can reduce your kitchen remodeling cost.

Stick to your budget and DIY when you can

As per data provided by Improvenet, Americans spend between $12,000-$21,000 on average on a kitchen. Of course, this includes substantial labor costs, which according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, can range between 20-35 percent of the total budget

Can you afford to pay all the costs upfront or do you need help?

How you want to pay is more important than how much you want to pay. Due to their tax-deductible components, home equity loans are the most favored options, along with refinancing, taking out a personal loan or taking a loan against a retirement plan. And before you say “cash is better,” would you rather borrow money at a low rate of interest or withdraw money from an account that is currently earning a high rate of return? Think about that. Also, remember that any contractors you hire will take money up front for the materials they buy, so it is best to avoid any last-minute issues. So no matter which route you take, keep the money ready.

Plan your stay in advance while remodeling takes place

If you plan to live somewhere else, factor the costs accordingly in your budget. If this seems expensive, maybe you can get the people to work at times when you are not at home? If you must move, how about asking friends for help? Do not hesitate in asking for help… after all, a dollar saved is a dollar earned.

Be smart with what you discard

Kitchen remodeling, especially when it comes to electricals, may not always mean that your current electricals do not work. If at all you are replacing them, check if you can sell them in second-hand shops. Or simply take pictures of your old but usable equipment like refrigerators, ovens, chimneys, even utensils and upload them on Craigslist or even Facebook Marketplace. If your old oven and refrigerator pay for a new backsplash, that cannot be a bad thing, right?

Built to last: Kitchen remodel

Despite his best intentions, also knew they couldn’t do everything at once. So, they focused first on making improvements to the food which was being served to guests.

“We got rid of the canned vegetables, sauces, gravies and dialed everything back to original family recipes and scratch cooking,” he says, noting that they also focused their energy on projects like repairing the bar, adding a POS system and creating the Beer Garden in collaboration with The Public Table.

The beer garden took off, resulting in business growth of around 10 percent. Meanwhile, overall growth in West Allis created a new market of customers who were excited to explore the city and its offerings.

But despite the overall quality of the equipment, the design of the kitchen also reflected a mode of operation that needed to be upgraded to reflect the current needs of the bar and restaurant.

“The kitchen was built as a banquet kitchen,” he says. “Because for a long time my grandfather had refocused the business to accommodate events and weddings. But now, we really do more consistent business every day. So we needed a kitchen that brought efficiency to those processes.”

SIMPLE KITCHEN RENOVATION IDEAS TO MAKE THE SPACE LOOK EXPENSIVE

START WITH THE RIGHT LAYOUT

When a perfectly laid out kitchen if your number one priority, the rest is easy, says. The work triangle – the distance between the stove, the sink and the refrigerator – should be as small a footprint as possible. And as a rule (though there are exceptions), the refrigerator should be closer to the room’s entrance, since it’s typically the kitchen-goer’s primary destination.

GO FOR HEIGHT

“I cry when I see 36-inch tall upper cabinets in anything but the lowest-ceilinged spaces,” says. “The 42-inch models are a way better option (plus, those six additional inches equal another shelf of storage space). In lofty spaces (9-foot ceilings and up), stacked upper cabinets deliver more storage still.

KNOW WHEN TO SPLURGE

After the cabinetry (and not counting the floor), the backsplash takes up the biggest amount of a kitchen’s visual real estate. so you’re going to want to make it count. When it comes to backsplashes, has a singular piece of advice: “Splurge, splurge, splurge,” she says. “Backsplashes are major opportunities to express your style and personality without breaking the bank, because they’re small enough to not require a ton of material to finish them.” (We’re especially fond of the trendy slab look.)

DON’T NEGLECT THE DETAILS

Hardware is like earrings for your kitchen cabinetry, delivering major bang for your buck. This is especially true in rentals, where changing your kitchen hardware can add more upscale elegance than anything else, according

LIGHT IT UP

When we first walk into a kitchen, we look up at the ceiling and check out the lights. “Almost. Every. Time,” says. For that reason, stunning light fixtures over islands, the breakfast nook and the sink are important. “This isn’t a moment for the utilitarian!” But you’ll want to establish a visual hierarchy of ceiling light fixtures, she says. “One zone will act as the ‘star’ and the others ‘supporting characters,’ to keep your kitchen from looking like a Christmas tree.”

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Setting The Tone In Your Design Through Interior Painting

Clean your walls

Making sure your walls are properly clean will help the paint to stick better. A clean surface also stops stains and marks showing through the new paint. For a good clean you need to use sugar soap. Mix up the sugar soap in a bucket of water according to the instructions on the bottle. Put on your gloves and thoroughly wash the walls using the sugar soap mixture. Once you’ve cleaned the wall, dry the sugar soap off using a rag.

Scrape cracked paint off the walls

After your walls have been cleaned and are dry, put on your safety glasses and dust mask and lay down a drop sheet near the wall. Use a paint scraper to remove any flaky and cracked paint from the wall. Use the ladder to reach spots higher up on the wall.

Apply gap filler to any cracks

Mix the powdered gap filler in a bucket with some water until it is the consistency of toothpaste. Using your paint scraper, apply it to all of the cracks and chips on the wall, making sure to overfill them. When your gap filler is dry, use sandpaper on a hand sander for a smooth finish.

Seal the gaps in the corners

Use a multi-purpose gap sealer and a caulking gun to fill the gaps in the corners of the walls. After applying the gap sealer, use a damp cloth to wipe off any excess. This will also make it smooth and push the filler it into the corners. You may need a second layer of gap filler to finish off. Now your walls are now ready to paint.

Tools

Caulking gun

Gloves

Hand sander

Ladder

Paint scraper

Materials

Coveralls

Drop sheet

Gap fillers

Sandpaper

Sugar soap

Water

How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Home Interior Or Room?

Interior Painting Cost Per Square Foot

Painting a home interior or room costs $2 to $6 per square foot with most jobs averaging $3.50 per square foot. Total painting project costs range between $961 and $2,771 with a national average of $1,803. For an entire 2,300 square foot home, expect to pay between $4,000 and $11,000. For a single room, you’ll spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

Painting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your home’s interior a facelift with dramatic results. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that difficult. Home improvement stores offer samples that you can take home. With these samples, you can try a few colors in large swaths on your wall to see the how the paint interacts with the room’s natural light. Compare it against design elements like pillows or furniture to see whether it will work with your overall décor.

Average Cost to Paint the Interior of a House

The average cost to paint a house interior ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot with an average of $3.30 per square foot. Painting trim, baseboards and ceilings will fall on the higher end of the cost range. Prepping the space by repairing drywall or plaster walls will increase project costs.

Home Interior Painting Costs

Painting the interior of an average 2300 square foot home runs anywhere from $1,900 to $7,800. Prices vary for a number of factors, including:

Regional differences. Higher regional wages and overhead means higher prices for you.

Wall height. High walls increase the paintable area.

Designer paints. You can pay up $1,000 more just for a better brand.

Apartment Painting Cost

Painting an apartment costs $1,000 to $2,900 for 950 square feet. If you own the apartment, all the costs fall to you. However, if you’re a renter, the landlord or owner might pick up some, or all, of the tab. Always talk to them first before picking up a brush or hiring a pro.

Your Beginner’s Guide to Wall Paint Colours (Costs & Concept Made Simple!)

absolutely love our colours, don’t we? Our homes are a testimony to that and for good reason, too! Because what colour can do to a space, nothing else can. Brand new wall paint colours, a fresh coat, or even home colour designs, have the power to not only infuse life into our space but to also affect our mood. Therefore, whether you’re moving into a new apartment or renovating your current abode, painting becomes a priority. However, it is more important that you make yourself aware of the know-hows of the painting world too to get the most out of your hired painter.

But we know what you’re thinking. “How do I pick the best paint combination for walls in my living room?” “Also, what kind of a finish should I opt for?” If these and more questions are troubling you, we’ve got your back. We’ve broken down the painting world to help you with all the home paints information you would ever need and to turn you into nothing less than a pro

The following easy-to-navigate mini guides will cover the following:

1. Picking the right wall paint colours.

2. Choosing the relevant type of paint.

3. Selecting the right paint finish.

4. Knowing the costs of wall painting.

5. Preparing your room and getting it painted.

PICKING THE RIGHT WALL PAINT COLOURS

That’s the first thing you and I would think of, right? Heck, one probably isn’t even thinking about the types of paints and finishes at this point. So, we’ll come to that later. Because narrowing down to your choice of colour is not an easy decision. Even if you do have, for instance, bedroom paint ideas in mind, you will always have those doubts clouding your mind.

CHOOSING THE RELEVANT TYPE OF PAINT

Now that you’ve narrowed down your choices to a selection of wall paint colours, it’s time to understand paints a tad bit — this will give you an idea of what works in Indian homes and, more importantly, in your apartment. First up, all paints are divided into two groups: Water-based paints and oil-based paints

THINGS YOUR HOUSE PAINTER WISHES YOU KNEW

Paint can literally transform a house and is usually one of the first projects under consideration by homeowners. Painting your home is not something you want to repeat every few years, so it is important to consider some relevant factors when contemplating the addition of new paint.

Have you ever wished you knew a really good, professional painter so you could ask them some candid questions? What would this trusted friend tell you about the painting process? What would he or she advise you to do or avoid at all costs? Consider this article your trusted friend, and pay close attention to the advice given

Good References Are Your Guide – Always ask prospective painting contractors for the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. You can call these previous clients or you can read their testimonials online! A reputable company will always have some references and testimonials to share with you.

All Bids are Not Alike – Don’t be guilty of confusing price with value. Painting, even house painting, is an art, and cheap work shows. Many homeowners hire a wino-priced painting contractor and then expect a champagne job. You truly get what you pay for, and this is especially true when contracting professional services. Demand a complete estimate that includes everything in writing, including an explanation of preparatory steps, materials to be used, and painting procedures.

Demand a Worthy Warranty – Every painting job should have a signed contract and warranty that specifies what each party has agreed to do, before work begins. A warranty protects you from product failures or oversights and poor quality workmanship.

What Interior Paint Colours Help Sell Houses?

As you may have read in our recent post about things that devalue property, choosing the wrong colour scheme for your home can have a devastating effect on the price you may get when your property goes to market. So, if the wrong choice of colour can affect price and sale time adversely, surely choosing wisely can have a positive effect on how quickly your home will sell and the amount you’ll get for it when it does?

Unsurprisingly, first impressions count, so it’s vitally important for your home to be warm and welcoming to prospective buyers, but in a way that appeals to the masses rather than the few. Sure, you may love the deep earthy tones of terracotta, but many won’t, so bear that in mind when sprucing up your home ready for sale.

Blue is the colour of calm and, when used correctly, it can really make a home feel light and airy. Naturally, blues are often associated with water, but you can really use this colour to great effect in living rooms as well as bathrooms and lavatories.

As one would expect, it’s important to shy away from the deeper hues and stick to lighter pastels when it comes to painting your walls, but that doesn’t mean you have to do away with the darker shades altogether.

Think of your walls as the backdrop to a bigger picture. Doing so will allow you to incorporate more striking colours in soft furnishings, giving you and your property’s viewers a striking contrast without being overwhelming.

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Truck Tires Stops Trick Or Treat

How long should my truck tires last?

Truck tires do wear out eventually. However, that should not be for a long time after you buy them, assuming you drive normally. But what kind of life should you reasonably expect from your truck tires and what can you do to extend that life?

Tire Construction

For most trucks, both pickups and commercial, the tires are usually made of three or four steel belts under a single ply that’s a steel body under the tire itself. The intent is that these tires will manage many thousands of miles on their original treads and then be retreaded (the retread truck tires you can purchase).

Age Limit

There are those who advocate an age limit on truck tires. The date of manufacture is in the sidewall of the truck tires. It’s part of the Department of Transportation number that’s there.

Those who favor the age limit do so regardless of the wear or tread left in the tire. However, many are against this, arguing that with commercial tires in particular, regular inspections will detect any faults that occur and ensure that the tires are legal on tread.

Replacement

Truck tires should be replaced if there are any bulges in the sidewalls as these could be potentially dangerous. In most states, the minimum legal tread of truck tires is 3/32 of an inch. To judge the depth, put a penny into the tread, with Lincoln’s head down. If the tread is at or above the head, you need to replace the tires. Most new tires will have wear bars that will indicate when the tires need to be replaced.

Driving Style

The way you drive will affect how long the tires last. It’s important to keep the tires at the recommended air pressure for the vehicle and the loads. This will extend the life of the truck tires. Accelerating and braking gradually, rather than suddenly, will also help the tires last longer, as well as increase gas mileage.

Rotating the tires regularly so that all the tires wear evenly will help the tires to last longer. Check the tires regularly for wear. If there’s excessive wear on the inside or outside of the tread, the truck might need to be aligned.

Quality

The better the tire, the longer it will last. Good quality can make a difference of between 10,000 and 20,000 miles over the life of a truck tire. Look at the labels; manufacturers will give an estimate of how long the tires should last. Be aware that this is nothing more than an estimate or rough guide. Too many factors come into play for it to be more than that.

Lifespan

As a general rule, truck tires should last between 25,000 miles and 50,000 miles. With regular maintenance and attention, however, that figure could increase by up to 50 percent. That could give you a life on the tire of up to 75,000 miles before the truck tires have to be replaced.

What semi-truck tires are made out of and how long they last:

These heavy-duty tires are made out of many layers ranging from an inner liner composed of a synthetic rubber to the cap ply that is made of polyester, which prevents tires from overheating and maintains their shape. However, the exact composition of tires will vary depending on the application they were designed for. Long story short, these tires are very complex as many of them have up to seven layers of different materials.

Here’s where things get interesting. I found it very difficult to pin down an approximate amount of miles these commercial tires can run before replacement. There are estimates from as low as 25,000 miles to as high as 75,000 miles. Needless to say, that’s a massive difference! At what point does a trucker know when it is time to replace their tires? Is it going to be at 25,000 miles? How about 50,000 miles? Could it even be at 100,000 miles?

Regular maintenance is recommended to make sure your tires are safe for the road. This includes checking pressure, inspecting tires for gouges or cracks, and repairing or replacing when necessary. Even with regular maintenance and inspection, it is still difficult to determine when a tire is unsafe. I’m sure that I’m not the only one confused about when tractor-trailer tires should be replaced. This is certainly one of the difficulties drivers are facing and have faced for a long time.

Factors Affecting Tire Lifespan

Unfortunately, knowing when to replace your semi-truck trailer tires is not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are plenty of other factors that affect your fleet’s tire lifespan, including the following:

  • Mileage: Mileage covered isn’t the only thing managers need to consider when preparing to repair their semi-truck trailer tires. Tires that are exposed to more back country driving or possible stone drilling near construction sites or quarries, should be replaced sooner than those used mainly on highways since these roads tend to increase tire wear and tear.
  • Tire Type: The type of tire you use for your fleets will also affect how soon you’ll need to replace them. Special trailer tires (STs) are highly recommended by experts as their composition is built to support fifth wheel trailers and travel trailers. ST radial tires offer an even longer lifespan with some reportedly reaching up to 40,000 miles before needing replacement.

In short, the best way for fleet managers to anticipate semi-truck tire repair or replacement is to   understand their fleet’s yearly mileage as well as miles per 1/32nd tread depth loss. Luckily, tools exist that allow managers to do just that with little manual effort required.

How long do LT tires last?

When you consider that most factory installed all-season (read: summer) tires never seem to live up to customer expectations in terms of lifespan, what chance is there for softer rubber compound snows embossed with the letter P? And how low will those odds fall when you factor in cargo or trailer weight? LT tires have extra reinforcements built into the sidewalls and are rated by the number of plies, as in six, eight, or 10 ply. There is also a corresponding letter rating — C, D, and E, respectively. Moving up to an LT tire means more options in terms of aggressive treads, harder rubber compounds, and load capabilities.

As for price, a 10-ply LT-rated Goodyear AT Adventure, for instance, only runs about $50 more per tire in a common 17-inch size — and it’ll deliver considerably more distance before wearing out. Furthermore, many LT tires are rated for both all-season (again, summer) and winter use, meaning you can leave them on all year and save on seasonal tire swaps. But even then, there are still more things to keep in mind when moving up.

Are LT tires noisy?

The uber-aggressive treads on LT tires can be noisy, and if previously equipped, drastically change your opinion of the quiet, isolated ride you’re used to from when your truck had highway-slick P-rated tires. Comparison labels are now starting to show up on certain tire brands, rating noise levels, lifespan, and fuel economy for specific models. Now, this won’t let you know how your choices might affect your ears and wallet, but they’ll at least give you a fair basis of comparison against other tires.

What should my tire pressure be?

LT tires run at higher air pressures than P-rated tires. If your truck is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), you may run into problems — unless your particular truck can have its system reconfigured. If it can’t, you’ll simply have to live with the light on your dashboard and rely on monitoring tire pressure manually.

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Criminal Defense Attorney Helps You Sue People For Medical Malpractice

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

You Have the Right to an Attorney, and the Right to Remain Silent

It is never a good thing to be arrested. If you are arrested though, the steps you take during and immediately following the incident are absolutely critical. First of all, don’t resist or protest angrily. Keep your emotions in check. Resisting or arguing with the arresting officer can lead to additional charges being filed on top of the charges you’re already facing.

Having the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney is vital if you are arrested. Your attorney will be able to look into the specifics of your case and tell you whether or not you were lawfully detained during your arrest.

MA who was being charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance. After reviewing the details surrounding the arrest incident, law firm issued a motion to suppress the stop and search of the vehicle the individual had been in at the time of the incident under the grounds of lack of probable cause. As a result, the charges were dropped because the prosecution was unable to enter the search of the vehicle into evidence.

criminal defense attorney will know exactly which details to be mindful of when examining the circumstances of your arrest. In some instances, your attorney may be able to get charges dropped, while in others the attorney may be able to get the charges reduced to a lesser charge

A criminal record can have a serious impact on the rest of your life. If you’re facing criminal charges, a lawyer is the best bet you can make to safeguard your legal rights and provide you with the strongest defense possible.

Criminal Defense Attorney

A common U.S. citizen has little or no information and knowledge about how law enforcement or legal systems work. Hiring a lawyer who understands and has the knowledge of law and how court systems function is very essential if you have been charged with a crime. A criminal defense lawyer will apply their legal skills and years of courtroom experience to the specifics of your case. Every case is different and requires a different approach. Navigating the criminal justice system without a lawyer is not a good idea and can be very confusing, frustrating and risky.

Will aggressively put in all efforts to get the penalties lowered.

Can help you achieve fair settlements or plea deals.

Can protect you from the prosecution.

Can examine the evidence better than you.

Will fight for your rights to help keep your criminal history clean.

SHOULD I GET A LAWYER FOR MY DUI?

your driving privileges, and possibly the lives of others. A first DUI offense is punished less harshly than subsequent offenses, and DUI charges that resulted in the injury or death of another person have the most substantial penalties. Regardless of the severity of the offense, a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can have lasting consequences on your life and happens when you make the choice to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs. If you have been charged with a DUI, you should seek the assistance of an experienced, reliable, and honest defense attorney that will guide you to achieve the most positive outcome possible

Hiring The Defenders to handle your DUI case, whether that be your first offense or not, can lead to a possible minimization of your charges, as well as diminish the damaging effects a DUI charge can possess over your life. Many people automatically assume that because they were arrested for a DUI, that law enforcement already has enough evidence for the defendant to be found guilty of driving under the influence.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE?

drivers are evaluated on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which is the measure of alcohol within someone’s blood. This level must be above the legal limit to count as driving under the influence.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE FOR GOOD PEOPLE.

Being charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime doesn’t have to change the course of your life, but it can. Having the right criminal defense attorney, DUI attorney or drug lawyer working with you to minimize the charges can make all the difference in whether or not your criminal charge plagues you for years to come. For example, receiving your first DUI can be a terrifying ordeal, but there are many options available to you. It helps to have an experienced Pittsburgh defense attorney who knows not only the law, but the prosecutors, law enforcement, and the ins and outs of the courts.

I have a decade of experience successfully defending clients in trial and resolving cases outside of court. My career has been 100% dedicated to defending the rights of people who have been accused of misdemeanor and felony crimes right here

What sets me apart from other defense lawyers? I will never convince you to take a plea or settle if you want a trial. When you’re a client, we’re a team. I help you understand the options so you can make the best decision for your situation. If you want a trial, I will fight for you. Other attorneys might try to discourage trial because it can be anxiety-inducing or costly for them. I care most about the best possible outcome so you can move on with your life.

If you have recently been pulled over, you need experienced counsel to protect your rights.

Even for a first offense DUI charge, you may face hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines, probation or prison time, and other penalties if convicted. You may have heard about restricted driving privileges or Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) as potential alternatives to maintaining your rights

The first thing we do is request police reports and any footage from your traffic stop. This will show us if there are any errors with the evidence that can be thrown out in court. We also use this information to start crafting your DUI defense. We have over 15 years of combined experience in analyzing chemical and physical evidence to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome for their DUI cases. To learn how we have successfully represented individuals with their serious DUI cases, read our successful DUI results.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Some people may feel like they don’t need a criminal attorney due to the charges that they are facing seem minor and don’t carry much of a punishment. Thinking this way is a mistake.

Even if you are just facing a low-level misdemeanor charge, there will be consequences today and in the future – and even the minor-sounding offenses are often worse than you think. Maybe you “escape” with community service and fines or simply having to take a class that is designed to prevent you from repeating the behavior. For many people, these charges are still going to end up impacting their lives in meaningful ways. The most experienced criminal attorneys know how to get the best possible outcome and keep your record clean.

Getting charged criminally is bad enough, and may create a strain on you and your friends, family members, and coworkers. But if you end up being convicted, you’re going to carry a criminal record around with you for the rest of your life. That is something that will make all kinds of things that you take for granted harder, including finding housing, securing a loan, and getting a job.

No matter what type of criminal charge you are facing, you need to work with an experienced criminal attorney to make sure that you receive the best possible outcome.

Only the best criminal defense attorney has the experience and can think as a prosecutor to best anticipate the government’s strategy and formulate the right plan, at the right time to defeat it

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Keep You Out of Jail?

Incarceration Can Be Avoided in Most Cases If the Defendant Receives Superior Legal Representation

When someone is under investigation or charged with a crime, it is normal to be afraid and concerned about many different things. Will I lose my job? Will I lose my children? Is this going to cause a divorce? Am I going to get kicked out of school? Inevitably, you will also be concerned about the possibility of going to jail. Because the stakes are so high, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can spend time answering your questions, hearing your story, and alleviating your fears. The information in this blog is intended to provide you some basic information and answers to general questions.

“How can a criminal defense attorney keep me out of jail?”

One of the main reasons people hire an experienced criminal defense attorney, as opposed to representing themselves or waiting for the court to appoint an attorney, is because they are concerned about jail time. You would want to personally discuss this question and your other concerns with an attorney because the best defense, in any case, is unique and tailored to each client and each case. A good and caring lawyer will take the time to listen to your concerns and talk with you about what strategy might be best to avoid a conviction and jail sentence. The options and strategies at a lawyer’s disposal are only limited by his or her will to fight for the client and that person’s experience or lack of experience.

“What kind of lawyer should I hire for a felony or misdemeanor?”

The first step in finding the best possible lawyer to represent you begins with deciding what type of lawyer you need. The thing you need to consider is whether you need a general practice attorney, a bargain lawyer, or a criminal defense specialist. For instance, imagine for a moment that a person is suffering from a serious heart condition. If that person wants the best medical care, should he seek out a general, family-style doctor or a cardiologist? For anything important in your life, you would want a specialist. Seeking representation on a criminal charge can be viewed similarly. Once you figure out the type of lawyer that is best suited to your situation, you can meet with one or more lawyers and chose the person that is the best fit for you and your circumstances. You would want someone who specializes in defending people on felony and misdemeanor cases and has a track record of winning in court. A criminal defense specialist is an attorney whose legal practice is dedicated entirely to criminal defense and nothing else.

“Can a court-appointed lawyer keep me out of jail just as well as retained counsel?

In many cases, the secret to keeping a client out of jail and obtaining the best possible result is preparation, organization, and proactivity. A retained lawyer can start the process of collecting favorable evidence, preparing a defense, advising the client to take mitigating measures (like therapy, AA, polygraph tests, forensic evaluations, and more), and a retained attorney can begin this process either before charges are filed or early on in the case. You will not be given a court-appointed lawyer during an investigation. The lack of counsel can result in police officers collecting evidence against you that could have been avoided. Additionally, lack of counsel can result in a missed opportunity to prevent the charge from ever going to court. A seasoned, successful attorney will know how to collect favorable evidence that can be used to defend you before it is altered or destroyed.

Additionally, only retained counsel can negotiate with the police before a charge to avoid or reduce impending charges. Finally, a retained attorney can obtain an agreement from the police not to make an arrest and permit the defendant to self-surrender and get a personal or lower bond. Failure to hire experienced and effective retained counsel at the beginning of a case can result in an unnecessarily high bond and your incarceration through the pendency of the case.

“What information is important when a judge is deciding whether to order jail time?”

A great many factors go into a judge’s decision regarding the possibility of jail or prison. Things like criminal history, the facts of the crime, damage caused, or injuries that resulted from the offense, whether the defendant is remorseful, and the chances of rehabilitation are all important. A long criminal history increases the chances of incarceration, for example. Conversely, a defendant that has taken proactive measures to get mental health therapy or substance abuse treatment stands a better chance of being placed on probation without jail.

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Pros And Cons Of Doing Your Own Bathroom Remodeling

What should you not do when remodeling a bathroom?

Whether you are just replacing an outdated vanity or renovating the entire space, bathroom remodeling can be an expensive proposition. Read on to find out the most common mistakes made during a bathroom renovation and how you can avoid them in your own home.

Ignoring the Bathroom Fan

Don’t forget about this often-overlooked feature: an appropriately sized bathroom exhaust fan. Without proper ventilation, humidity gets trapped in the enclosed space. Over time, this moist environment becomes the perfect home for mold and mildew, and allows paint, grout, and metal to deteriorate. Whether you already have a fan or add one in your renovation, make sure to vacuum the vent clean of construction dust and debris before switching the fan on in your updated space.

Lacking a Clear Plan

Planning is everything! Instead of discovering your bathroom’s specific needs after you’ve already ripped out the toilet, make a plan that takes into account precise measurements, anticipated cost, all materials, and your own personal taste. Map out your plan for any family members or contractors who will be helping you with the remodel.

Improper Spacing

If your plan for your bathroom renovation focuses on looks rather than function, that’s a big problem. Leave the decorating for later and think about the layout and spacing first. If you’re breaking down walls and moving plumbing fixtures, you’ll not only want to make sure the new layout satisfies building codes for minimal spacing guidelines, but also be certain that the placement of fixtures and furnishings allows for comfortable everyday use.

Choosing the Wrong Materials

Bathrooms undergo some serious stress—from high moisture levels to quick temperature shifts. To prevent warped or mildewed floors, walls, or vanities, you’ll want to choose materials designed specifically for the bathroom. When you’re spending lots of money to redo your space, it’s important to know that your wallpaper can survive high humidity and your wood vanity will stand the test of time.

Ignoring Bathroom Ventilation

A bathroom fan is often the last on the list of priorities when remodeling a bathroom. But poor ventilation has a domino effect. Moisture-laden air in the bathroom can cause pervasive mold or mildew that can ruin other remodeling work. Newer bathroom ventilation fans are a vast improvement over old ones. They are quieter, more powerful, and more effective. Heat lamps are another way to reduce moisture in your bathroom.

Entirely Doing the Bathroom Remodel Yourself

If you are handy with common household tools, you can probably take on projects like installing bathroom flooring, laying ceramic tile, painting walls, installing a bathroom vanity, adding a GFCI outlet, and even running branch circuits.

But when it comes to advanced activities such as building an entirely new shower stall, installing whole-bathroom wiring, or doing a premium-quality tile surround job, consider whether you are truly up to the job. Many bathroom remodeling projects will, in the end, be less expensive and less frustrating if you call in the professionals from the start.

The Dos and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel

Undertaking a bathroom remodel is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. For many homeowners, it’s a status symbol and one of the first times they can bring a substantial personal touch to their home. However, it’s a sizable investment, one big enough to make most people think twice before diving in unprepared.If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, but need some help figuring out how to do it right, we’re here to help. Use the tips in this post as a guide for pulling off a successful remodel and you’ll have all the tools you need to bring your vision to life.

Do

  • Do choose the right surfaces for a bathroom. The surfaces you choose for your bathroom remodel should not only contribute to the overall aesthetic, they should be able to handle plenty of moisture. Porcelain tile is a favorite among bathroom designers when it comes to not only flooring, but walls and sinks because it resists staining, bacteria and odors, according to Build Direct. A tip: Opt for larger tiles to minimize grout lines and make upkeep easier.
  • Do remember to follow all local building codes and have inspections done. If your bathroom remodel is a DIY project, you may be tempted to skip the often-pricey permits and inspections. However, this may result in some costly mishaps down the road (faulty wiring that results in a fire or leaking plumbing leaking through your ceiling). If you hire a contractor, they generally handle permits and inspections.
  • Do remember to add storage. While you may be tempted to cut out storage to go for a larger walk-in shower or a longer vanity, you may regret this decision later. When planning your bathroom remodel, consider where you’ll keep bathroom essentials, linens and first-aid items.

DON’T: Forget to consider your budget

Once you have your inspiration in mind, it’s incredibly important to be realistic about your budget. Consider how much money you have to spend, as well as how much your ideal project would cost. Though it may not be the most pleasant task to undertake, looking at your finances will help you get a sense of which aspects of a renovation are most feasible for you.

That said, there are a few things you can do to help keep your project affordable. Get quotes from a variety of contractors before deciding who to hire, consider doing some of the work yourself to save on labor costs, and look for wholesale stores in your community that will let you buy the materials at a discount.

DON’T: Go without storage

If there’s one feature of a bathroom remodel that doesn’t get much attention, yet is still appreciated, it’s storage. Whether you want to store extra toiletries or a few sets of guest towels, having them on hand whenever they’re needed is an incredible benefit.

If you have the room, consider bumping out a wall to include an extra storage closet and built-in shelving. Even if moving walls is outside your budget, find an organization unit that fits in with your aesthetic. Doing so will give your space a polished quality that’s well worth the added effort and expense.

DON’T: Skimp on the vanity

The bathroom vanity is another feature where you can make a big statement. Options that feature double sinks, large mirrors and plenty of storage are on-trend. If possible, opt for one with a luxe top in a material such as granite or marble to add even more visual interest to the space.

Keep in mind that you can always change up the look of your existing vanity, if needed. Giving it a new coat of paint is a relatively simple DIY project that will change the room’s look. You could also switch out the drawer pulls or even buy a new topper from a home improvement store to freshen up the bathroom’s aesthetic.

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Professional Long Distance Moving Or DIY

Long Distance Movers

Choose Your Long Distance Movers Carefully

Many moving companies cut corners to come up with ridiculous rock bottom prices. They will load your precious cargo by one team and it might get loaded and unloaded many times on the way to its final destination (hopefully it will actually make it there). Your furniture will be handled by many different movers whom you have never seen.

Other companies will quote you on weight. How can anyone really know how much everything weighs? Still other companies may quote you by feet. Again, how can anyone really be sure how many feet it will take to get your move done? These pricing systems leave too much room for error and you can bet that the error won’t be in your favor!

Best Long Distance Movers

are reputable movers (and local movers) with a very simple system. will give you a guaranteed binding flat rate.

What you get with:

have a large fleet of well maintained trucks.

You are the only customer we have on the truck.

The same foreman will be with your furniture for the entire move.

will drive your furniture directly to the destination when you want it there.

Professional and experienced movers that deliver on time.

Up to 100% off all packing materials (with full packing services).

No extra fees or hidden charges.

will disassemble and reassemble all of your furniture.

flat rate binding price includes:

16 or 26 foot moving truck

Fuel

Labor

Blankets

Tools

Sixty cents per pound insurance

Shrink wrap

Tape

All taxes

DRIVING TIPS FOR LONG DISTANCE MOVING

As you get ready for your long distance move, it’s important to think about the travel that’s ahead! With all that’s going on, it’s easy to forget to some things that will help you prepare for the drive to your new home.

Snack Smart

Grab snacks and food for meals from the grocery before starting your trip, as well as during it. If you commit to shopping at a grocery, as opposed to a gas station, you’ll most likely eat healthier and feel better as a result during the trip. Try to pre-make some sandwiches and portion out snacks in bags, and avoid purchasing foods that require utensils or could cause a mess. Make sure to have plenty of water in the car to stay hydrated!

Map It

These days everyone uses a smartphone map app to guide them, but for safety consider investing in a dashboard GPS to avoid using a handheld device. Also remember that GPS is not infallible (especially in remote areas!), so we recommend having a road atlas with you, just in case. Try to plan how far you’ll drive each day, and think about where you will stop overnight.

Safety First

Lock all of your valuables in the trunk or glove compartment, and stow wrapped packages, bags and other luggage in the trunk. Consider becoming a AAA member or adding extra roadside assistance to your car insurance. Stock a first aid kit, and include a CPR barrier and metallic blanket. If you do have to pull over, move your vehicle off the road. Never park on the shoulder or in the breakdown lane except for an emergency.

Be Prepared

Make sure to pack a spare phone charger, spare change for tolls, that first-aid kit, flashlight, small pillows, blankets, napkins, plasticware, plastic bags, and a small cooler are all good things to have handy on a longer car ride. Also make sure you vehicle is ready to go by scheduling a maintenance check, or do one yourself. Top off fluids, check wiper blades, tire pressure (including the spare!), and have jumper cables in the truck!

Talented Local Movers

The local movers at Moving & Storage in Indianapolis are able to help you out with hauling your stuff over a relatively short distance. Local moves are generally defined as being less than 100 miles, and if you require moving services to make the process simpler, are more than capable of helping.

Help With Tricky Long Distance Moves

Whether your long distance move is taking place intrastate or interstate, will provide you with high-quality packing materials and equipment to ensure that everything is transported safely. understand that a big move can be a stressful time, so will communicate every step of the process to you so you know exactly what is happening. You should feel free to talk with professionals about a certain schedule that needs to be maintained, what your budget is and anything that needs special packaging, and will perform it to your exact liking

Help You Get Where You Are Going

Whether you are moving a short distance or long distance, the professionals at Moving & Storage will give you the assistance you require.

Ways to Save on a Long-Distance Move

Consider Hiring a Driver Directly

Did you know that moving companies typically subcontract long-distance jobs to drivers, who in turn hire their own moving crew? You can save a chunk of the usual moving cost if you can directly hire a driver who has his (or her) own truck. You won’t have the customer service agent from the moving company office, and your driver may not offer to insure your belongings like the moving company would, but you should save money.

Drive Yourself

With three kids and two cats to transport — plus all their stuff — we couldn’t pull off driving a huge moving truck across the country. But lots of people do it. Choose a company that rents trucks for one-way trips, such as Penske, and make sure you take into consideration the time lost from your regular job while working as a temporary truck driver. If you have to use four vacation days, how much are those worth to you? Or if you are moving to take a new job and self-moving delays your start date, take that into account too.

Get Free Moving Boxes

People always say you should collect cardboard boxes from stores, but personally I prefer to use boxes designed for moving. And they can usually be acquired for free. We got our boxes at no extra charge by stopping by the office of the moving company we were using — new boxes cost money, but used boxes were free to customers. You can also pick up free moving boxes from people who have just moved.

Get Rid of Stuff

Between our movers’ first estimate and our final weigh-in, we cut a whopping $1,000 off the price of our move. How did we do this? By driving six carloads of stuff to the thrift store and Freecycling and selling a bunch of other items.

But Don’t Get Rid of Too Much Stuff

You really need to know how much, per pound, your movers are charging you. A good mover can help you estimate how much any given item would cost to move. For instance, we thought of getting rid of our chest freezer because of its size, but the mover helped us figure out that it would cost more to buy a new one than it would to move it.

Finding Cheap Long Distance Moving Companies

Finding a cheap moving company to help you move cross country, doesn’t always need to be that stressful. Making sure you find not only cheap long distance moving companies that you can rely on, but ones you can also trust is extremely important. Making sure your items get from your current home to your new home, is extremely important

company is dedicated to helping consumers move long distance at a cheap rate. If our company is unable to assist in your move, goal is to help you find reliable moving companies to help you relocate at the cheapest rate possible. When it comes to moving cross country, getting not only a cheap rate but a reliable moving company is very important. hope that the tips about to break down will help you relocate without any possible problems arising.

When looking for moving help, it’s important to always check the license status of the cheap moving company you decide to hire. Hiring just anyone could result in problems later down the road. Many of the movers encounter are notorious for theft, misplacing items and damaging your personal belongings. It’s important to make sure that the moving companies you consider to help you on moving day, have a valid license, and carry insurance.

strongly recommend staying away from classified ad sites, as they often give you the cheapest rates possible just to lock you in. Once the move has started, it’s very common for the moving companies to increase the cost and use your property as ransom. Again, stay away from classified ad websites when wanting a cheap moving company to help you on the day you move

Cheap Ways to Long Distance Moving

Check online reviews

Online reviews have become extremely important in recent years and for a good reason. It gives consumers a peek of how a business may operate. If the business is popular, it will show both the positive and negative experiences previous customers might have had. The online reviews you would read for a moving company would give you a general idea on what to expect should you decide to hire them. When trying to find cheap long distance movers in your area, it’s always a good idea to start by reading their online reviews.

Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?

Individual movers and overnight type companies won’t have this. Make sure the moving company has its business license, bonded, and is insured. Being licensed means the business is legally allowed to conduct business and provide moving services. Being insured is equally important because should something happen to your personal property, you’d want to make sure that the company insures the damaged items. Do not hire any long distance moving companies without first making sure all this is in order. It’s also a good idea to ask what type of insurance the company may have, most cheap movers will insure on a per pound basis. To give you insight on this, a box of rocks would be valued more than say a diamond ring. Make sure that the insurance the movers have, cover the type of property you have.

Do they have a reliable website and customer service?

Having a nice website is a must. Individual providers and smaller companies will not have this, and you should avoid companies that don’t have a website. The site should provide the phone number of the moving company, along with photos of their business and trucks. Sometimes cheap movers you might find online won’t have a website and it’s important to stay away from these companies. It would also be a good idea to make sure they answer their customer support phone numbers and respond to emails before hiring them.

Do they have a real location?

Having a real location shows that the companies are both successful and reliable. If something happens, you can also go down to their location to get answers. The last thing you want to do is hire something from a classified ad type website, only to hand over all your belongings only to not hear from them again. Before you consider hiring one of these cheap long distance moving companies to help you with your move, make sure that they have a real location through Google Maps.

Do they have reliable trucks?

It’s also important to see if they have their fleet of trucks, newer ones too! The last thing you want to do is prepare for long distance moving only to have a problem happen halfway across the country because of outdated trucks used by the moving company. Worse, we’ve seen some trucks catch on fire resulting in people’s personal belongings go up in flames. Long story short, make sure the company you use has reliable trucks for that long-distance move.

Rent your own truck?

If you’re up for the hard labor, the best thing you can do to keep your long distance move as cheap as possible is by renting your own truck. There’s a lot of cheap companies that provide rental trucks at a very low rate. This would require that you do all the hard labor on your own and could easily save you several thousand dollars. If you have a significant other, family or friends that you feel could help you on moving day, going the rental truck option might be your best bet.

Find free moving boxes and supplies

All long distance movers need supplies, whether it’s boxes or tape. Making sure you have these supplies before you start packing is very important. If you go to a moving company or a big box store, most of these places easily charge a few dollars per box. Tape can easily run upwards of ten dollars depending on the type. If you’re moving an average-sized house, you could easily spend a great deal of money on just supplies. We always recommend consumers to go to local retailers or grocery stores and ask if they have any boxes available that they could part with. By doing this, you would get boxes for free and this would give you the cheapest option when it came to supplies.

Choose a better moving date

Whether you decide to hire long distance moving companies or decide to do this on your own, the best way to ensure a cheap move is to pick a better date. Moving on say a weekend or holiday, would result in more traffic and longer moving time. If you decide to go the route of hiring a company, expect increased costs when they drop off your belongings. To get the cheapest rate when hiring a mover, try to move in the colder months, during weekdays and away from holidays. By moving on these dates it will provide the cheapest rate possible when compared to days that might not be so busy.

Reduce how much stuff you have

Most people don’t need most of the things they have. We always recommend that people have yard sales before they move. By doing this, the person will be able to go through all the things they own and get rid of the things they no longer need. You’d be quite shocked at the amount of things you could get rid of by having a yard sale. It’s always recommended to have a sale to make your long distance move as cheap as possible.

Enlist family and friends

Whether you decide to do the move on your own or you decide to hire a moving company, it’s always a good idea to have family and friends help you. This will ensure that the moving companies you hire give you a cheap rate for the long distance move. Most companies will try and upsell you and increase your overall cost if they have to bring in more labor to move your belongings. Having yourself, family or friends help load the truck would significantly reduce the cost.

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Common Types Of Home Inspection

The Importance of Home Inspections: What to Look for & How it Works

Home inspections are a visual evaluation of a home from roof to basement. It’s an important step in the home purchase process that alerts buyers of what may need attention before finalizing a contract. Though not required by your mortgage lender or realtor, it is often a highly recommended step to ensure you’re investing in the right property.

What does an inspection cover?

A licensed inspector checks the performance of the home’s roof, driveway, foundation, framing, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

Some of the specific things they will inspect include:

Electrical outlets

Window alignment

Septic tank and pipe leaks

The condition of roof shingles

Sufficient insulation

Basement and garage foundations

Proper functioning of appliances

Proper ventilation

Up-to-code wiring

Proper functioning of circuit breakers

Operational fire and carbon monoxide alarms

The general condition of windows, doors, floors, ceilings, and walls

Home inspections aren’t just for your home purchase; they’re important for future planning, too. Some of the information you learn can help you predict future expenses like replacing your roof or water heater. It’s a thorough process that often lasts anywhere from two to three hours.

What is not covered by a home inspection?

Home inspections can only consider visual cues. It’s not an in-depth exam, so it’s important to know that inspectors cannot check:

Inside walls

Inside pipes or sewer lines

Inside chimneys

Behind electrical panels

Septic tank systems

Floor creaks and warps

Swimming pools

Toxic mold

Asbestos

Pest control

How To Prepare For A Home Inspection When Selling A Home

One of the most important steps in a real estate transaction is the inspection period.  There are many real estate transactions that don’t make it past the home inspection period.

Findings from the home inspection is one of the most common reasons why home buyers get scared when buying a home.  Some buyers are scared by the smallest deficiencies in a home while others are not.  Also the interaction between an inspector and buyer as well as the buyer and their agent can make or break a transaction when issues are discovered during an inspection.

Many of the things that scare away a buyer are things that could be avoided if you prepare for a home inspection properly.  Working as a Webster NY real estate agent, I always mention to my sellers that it’s better to be proactive when selling a home since it can eliminate issues in the future.

Why The Home Inspection Is Important

There are tons of reasons why having a home inspection is suggested when buying a home.  Whether your selling your home to a first time home buyer or a buyer who is purchasing their tenth home, it is a huge life event.  Most home buyers are seeking peace of mind when buying a home.  One of the most important reasons why home inspections are important is because it improves peace of mind for a buyer.

Home inspections are important in real estate also because they are a relatively cheap way to help forecast future costs.  A home inspection is almost a blueprint to help a home buyer predict what future expenses they will have.

What Buyers Need to Know about a Home Inspection

A home inspection is a critical part of any home sale. It assesses the house based on functionality. Do the major components such as the roof, appliances and plumbing perform properly? Home inspectors are trained professionals who visually inspect everything and provide a detailed, written log of every aspect of the home that is deficient, hazardous, or nearing the end of its life.

Unless you are buying a brand new home, your home inspector will likely find problem areas. Don’t stress. This doesn’t mean the house of your dreams is unlivable. It means you need to be aware of key areas. Maybe the roof is good for now, but old enough that it will likely need to be replaced within a few years. Or perhaps the water heater is broken. Think how important this information is to you and the people funding your purchase—your bank. The home needs to be kept in good shape so that it maintains the value your bank loaned you.

If the inspection finds that significant money will be required for home maintenance immediately or in the near future, one of two things happen.

Most frequently, you will renegotiate the details of the home purchase. For example, imagine you bid $200,000 on a home and your offer is accepted. A few days later, the home inspection reveals an electrical problem in the kitchen that would cost $500 to fix. A logical next step is to ask the seller to fix the electrical problem before closing. A second option is to require the seller to knock $500 off the sale price, making it $199,500, and then you would be responsible to fix the electrical problem. If the seller doesn’t agree to fix the issues discovered during the inspection or renegotiate the price, you can get your earnest money back and no longer have to buy the home.

A less common option is that you, along with your bank, ensure that you are able and willing to take on the financial burden of all repairs. This allows you to purchase the home as-is.

The home inspection is likely to introduce a list of items that need to be negotiated you will have the assistance of a Homie attorney who draws up all paperwork for you as you negotiate.

When you sign a sales agreement, that’s a great start on buying a home. But what really “seals the deal” is keeping a calm, reasonable approach during the negotiation over repairs. Be willing to listen to what the sellers want. State clearly what you want. Listen to the advice of your real estate attorney. Think outside the box to come up with possible solutions. Remember that both parties want the deal to go through. Once you’ve gathered all your data, make your decisions based on what is best for you and be firm with that decision. If a seller refuses to pay for a repair, feel free to shop elsewhere for a house. A sale that falls through is often better than a sale that isn’t right for you. You can always make a different decision the next time around.

What does a home inspection cover?

While a home inspection can’t detect every possible flaw, it provides valuable info to help you decide whether to buy a home.

Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. It can also often be one of the most exciting. But before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on that house of your dreams, it makes sense to carefully check out exactly what you’re getting yourself into. The best place to start is by hiring a professional home inspector to conduct an objective evaluation. You can then make your offer conditional upon being satisfied with the results of the inspection.

What can you expect to learn?

According to The Home Inspection Network, a division of Brookfield RPS that provides a service connecting buyers and sellers with home inspection services across the country, a home inspection is an in-depth, visual examination and evaluation of the accessible structure (inside and out) and all major systems of the house. It also identifies structural problems or other defects, and notes any repairs that may be needed and what the associated costs will most likely be.

The main items examined in a home inspection are: 

Exterior of the home’s site/lot

Building’s foundation

Exterior walls of the home

Roof coverings, flashings and gutters

Roof support structure

Attic

Basement

Insulation

Garage

Electrical system

Plumbing system

Central air and heating system

Items normally not included in a home inspection include:

The cosmetic or aesthetic features of a home

Swimming pools and spas

Fireplaces and other wood burning devices

Outbuildings

Systems such as the telephone, cable TV, alarm systems and lawn sprinklers

Things Homeowners Should Do to Prepare for Their Home Inspection

Preparing for Your Home Inspection Makes it Easier for You and Your Inspector

Preparing your home in advance allows the homeowner to ensure that there are no surprises or inconveniences on the big day.

The following are essential tips on how and why you should prepare for a home inspection:

Make Sure the House is Clean

This might sound like a simple task, but there are homeowners who tend to overlook it. A clean property is validation to the inspector and others viewing your home that you take proper care of the house and helps to create a good impression. While a trained inspector won’t let their first reaction guide their inspection, it’s best for all parties to work together without the clutter.

Be Punctual

Whether running to a Doctor appointment in between work hours or soccer practice in the evening it gets tough to keep all the balls in the air. Trust me; we understand how much time it takes to run a household which is why it is important for the Home inspector to be on time for you. Home inspectors also have many appointments throughout the day, and often try to arrive early to the homes they are to inspect. If a homeowner isn’t home or isn’t prepared for the inspector at the scheduled time it will cause the inspector to be tardy for other homeowners; being mindful of the time will help everyone’s day run smoothly.

Make Sure the Utilities Stay Connected

The home inspector will have to run the dishwasher, turn on the stove, test the furnace, and switch on the air conditioning to see if they are all in working order so make sure you leave all utilities connected, particularly if the house is vacant. It would be a major inconvenience to have to schedule a further inspection because one or all of the utilities are shut off.

Provide Workspace Near the Furnace, Air Conditioner and Water Heater

You should remove any furniture and other large items that might block easy access to your air conditioner, furnace, and water heater. The inspector will require at least 3 to 4 feet of working space to properly inspect these items. In most cases, they will not move any obstacles denying them access, which will result in further delays.

Leave the Keys for Electrical Boxes and Outbuildings

When you have a detached garage or an exterior building, make sure you have left the remote control and keys for the inspector. In addition, unlock the sprinkler system cover and all electrical boxes. Providing easy access to all these items will make the inspection go quickly and free of preventable issues.

Leave a Note

In most cases, leaving a note is not necessary. However, if some aspect of your property is damaged or broken and you are in the process of fixing the issue, it can be helpful to leave a note for both the inspector and for your potential buyers who may accompany the inspector. When leaving a note, it shows that you are not attempting to hide anything and also lets the interested parties know that you are aware of, and are intending to fix an issue.

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Are Scorpion Infesting Your Home

What is the best way to get rid of scorpions?

Eliminate excess moisture. Scorpions enter homes looking for water. Keep floors, corners, closets and crawl spaces dry and free of leaks. Refrain from allowing water to stand in puddles or containers near the exterior of your home.

Get rid of bugs in your house.

Scorpions feed on insects, so if you have an issue with roaches, ants, or other bugs in the house, you’ll need to solve that problem before the scorpions will go away. Here are a few good ways to keep the insect population down in your home:

  • Clean up crumbs and do dishes promptly so bugs don’t have a food source.
  • Sprinkle borax or diatomaceous earth around the baseboards and under the sinks in your home; these natural substances kill insects.
  • Consider spraying insecticides around your home to kill insects. Do research and approach this method with caution, since some insecticides are poisonous to humans and pets.
  • Keep the population down outdoors as well, since scorpions prefer to live outside.

Remove scorpion shelters.

Scorpions like to hide in dark places, especially during the day. Get rid of structures in and around your home that could be used as a convenient hiding place by a scorpion. Take the following measures to keep scorpions from hanging around:

  • Store cardboard boxes on shelves instead of the floor.
  • Don’t keep clutter around your home or under the beds.
  • Keep your closets and bedrooms neatly organized. Scorpions like to hide in shoes and piles of clothes on the floor.
  • Outdoors, trim back bushes and foliage that scorpions can hide under. Get rid of piles of wood, rocks or yard clippings.Trim back vines and other potential hiding spots.

Seal your home.

Scorpions can slip through an opening the size of a credit card. Sealing your home is an important method for keeping them from invading. In order to make sure your home is secure, take the following measures to seal the doors, windows and foundation:

  • Use caulk to fill in holes and cracks in your walls, baseboards or the foundation of your home.
  • Make sure your windows close tightly and the screens are sealed so scorpions can’t climb in.
  • Get door seals to prevent scorpions from coming in under the doors.

Hunting Scorpions,

Get the right equipment. The best way to get rid of scorpions as fast as possible is to hunt for them at night, when they’re most active. It’s not for the faint of heart, but killing them one at a time is a good way to reduce the scorpion population around your home, fast. To hunt scorpions, you need the following equipment: A black (ultraviolet) light. They glow in the dark, so you’ll be able to see them clearly by using a black light to search them out. Get a flashlight or headlamp with a black light bulb. A tool you can use to kill them. In parts of Arizona, long-handled tweezers used to break the scorpions’ exoskeletons are the weapons of choice. You can also use a long knife or wear a pair of heavy boots to step on them.

How Do I Know If I Have A Scorpion Infestation?

If you live in a warm, dry climate and notice more than one scorpion in your house per month, or see both an adult and juvenile scorpion, then you could very well have an infestation. If there is a scorpion inside the house, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s nesting there or, or you may have a scorpion problem; it may be nesting outside and coming inside for water or shelter.

Scorpions can also be more common in newer homes built on the outskirts of metropolitan areas. Because they’re able to go long periods without eating, you may not notice them for several months yet could still have an infestation.

What to Do If You See a Scorpion at Home

Never catch a scorpion with your bare hands unless you know exactly what you are doing. Here are helpful tips on what you can do if you see a scorpion in your house:

  • Use a broom and duct tape: If the scorpion is on the ceiling, the best way to catch it is by using a broom and duct tape. Stick a long piece of duct tape at the end of the broom. Let the sticky side face out to catch the scorpion. Poke the scorpion with the broom until it falls on the sticky side. Then, place an empty jar or can over the handle to cover the scorpion. Tip the can side up and carefully put the lid on. You can free the scorpion far from your home.
  • Use a sticky trap: You can use sticky traps to catch scorpions. Place these traps near entryways, water sources, or in dark and cool places around the house. Anywhere you suspect a possible scorpion hiding spot is an excellent place to put those traps. Also, for your family’s safety, opt to purchase the non-toxic versions.
  • Use a DIY burlap trap: A DIY trap that’s effective in catching scorpions is a moistened burlap sack. Wet the sack and place it in areas where you think scorpions might be hiding. These include the basement, attic, near the entryways, or in the garage. Leave the sack open overnight. Be extra careful when checking the sack in the morning. Make sure that you’re wearing gloves, too. Keep in mind that scorpions pack a nasty sting. You may repeat the process until you catch the scorpion.
  • Use essential oils: Certain essential oils deter scorpions. These include lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, and cedar. Simply dilute any of these oils in water and spray it generously in scorpion-troubled areas. These are the windowsills, doorways, sinks, baseboards, attic, basement, and around the perimeter of your house. Aside from keeping them out, these essential oils can also flush them out from their hiding spots. Fumigating is also another effective method used for more significant scorpion problems. We recommend contacting a professional to do this as it is more advanced.

Tips and Tricks for Riding Your Home of scorpions All Together:

Fix holes and cracks to make entering the home less inviting

Caulk around all holes and other entrance possibilities where your pipes and other plumbing enters rooms in your home. Start from the main floor and go upward, and seal all the areas around pipes,drains, fittings, walls, vents, etc., where a scorpion might gain access to the house. This includes ceiling fixtures because scorpions can climb.  REMOVE YOUR DOG DOOR.

Look outside too. Check the mesh over the dryer vent and any holes around it. Check everywhere that cables, wires, and pipes enter the house, as well as for any holes in the walls, doors, and windows. Your heating and air-conditioning outlets should also be checked.

Install weather-stripping around loose-fitting windows and doors. Be sure that all window and door screens are in good conditions, free of holes or tears.

Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and any other dripping sources of water.

Plant lavender or cedar near doors

Don’t want to plant anything?  You can buy dried plants, or use lavender essentials oils  when cleaning  your home.  I have herd that the live plants do a better job at deterring the scorpions though.

Clear up your yard of any debris

Get rid of scorpion hiding places. They love hiding in piles of wood, rocks, and dead leaves, and can also be found in compost heaps. Keep the lawn mowed at all times, and prune bushes and overhanging branches to keep these away from your house, garage, and shed walls.

When Will Scorpions Sting?

The typical scorpion will not go out of their way to sting humans since their natural inclination is to flee or give a threat display when disturbed. But if stepped on or otherwise crushed, scorpions will sting. Again, the majority of scorpions aren’t dangerous despite their reputation. Those who are more susceptible to their venom are people who are very old, very young, or allergic to them. Bark scorpions are the exception to this rule, and being stung by one of them will require a quick hospital visit. Scorpions can even be seen as beneficial in that they can help eliminate bugs and spiders. Some have yet been known to eat mice.

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Types Of Tax Haven Arrangements And Offshore Tax Planning Misconceptions

How to reduce your tax bill

Many of the business expenses you face can be deducted from your income when calculating your tax bill. Here are steps you might be able to take to reduce the amount of tax you need to pay.

The steps below expand on what’s in our visual guide above.

Your tax bill is calculated on your net profit. You can reduce your tax bill by claiming as many valid business expenses as you can. You’ll need to keep good records, eg receipts and log books, and hold onto them for seven years — Inland Revenue will need to see these records if you’re audited.

What to do

Paying by online banking is quickest and easiest.

In your first year of business, you might get a discount if you voluntarily pay tax before the end of the tax year.

If paying by cheque, send it at least a week before the due date to avoid the risk of late penalties

At tax time, your total profit (the amount you need to pay tax on) is your income minus the expenses you can claim — so the more you can claim, the less tax you have to pay. Many of the costs involved in running a business can be claimed. You might be able to claim some household expenses if you work from home.

What to do

Keep all expense receipts and invoices you receive.

Try to pay for anything that could be a claimable business expense through your business account, so you’ve got a paper (and electronic) trail.

Keep records of all your expenses — you have to keep these records for seven years.

Entertainment expenses can be 50% or 100% deductible, so check with Inland Revenue.

You’ll claim your expenses as part of your tax return by entering totals into the relevant boxes. You don’t need to provide the receipts with your return, but you need them on hand if Inland Revenue wants to see them.

Year-end tax planning for expats

The year has been flying by. Maybe you just finished your expat taxes with the extended deadline, or you already filed earlier in the year. Chances are that you paid more tax than what you wanted. Now is the time for year-end tax planning, especially for expats!

With the right tax planning, expats can maximize tax deductions and exclusions and improve their retirement savings

Ensure you qualify for the FEIE – A big tax benefit for expats!

Review your travel dates or residency status abroad to make sure you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which is up to $105,900 for 2019. To meet the physical presence test, you must spend at least 330 full days in foreign countries within a 12 month period. Review your travel dates and plans to ensure you have a 12 month period for the 2018 tax year that meets the requirement.

Bundle deductions for maximum impact

Most expats don’t itemize deductions but use the standard deduction instead. With the increase of the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly, even fewer will benefit from itemizing.

Avoid penalties for 2019 if you owed 2018 tax or are self-employed

If your tax withholdings are not sufficient or you are self-employed and don’t have withholdings, you must pay quarterly estimated taxes. Failure to pay enough tax by each due date may result in penalties.

things about home loan tax incentives you didn’t know

looking to be one of the best years for home buyers. More tax benefits, rate cuts on loans, stagnant property prices, new launches in the ‘affordable’ segment with freebies and attractive payment schemes. Many of you will be looking to take advantage of these benefits and buy a house.While hunting for a house at the right price, you’ll be haggling with the bank to cut a loan deal too. Even if you get a discount on both, your tax bill can burn a hole unless you know the rules well.

You can claim tax benefit on interest paid even if you missed an EMI.

Unlike the deduction on property taxes or principal repayment of home loan, which are available on ‘paid’ basis, the deduction on interest is available on accrual basis. Meaning, even if you have missed a few EMIs during a financial year, you would still be eligible to claim deduction on the interest part of the EMI for the entire year.“Section 24 clearly mentions the words “paid or payable” in respect of  ..

Processing fee is tax deductible.

Most taxpayers are unaware that charges related to their loan qualify for tax deduction. As per law, these charges are considered as interest and therefore deduction on the same can be claimed.”Under the Income Tax Act, Section 2(28a) defines the term interest as ‘interest payable in any manner in respect of any money borrowed or debt incurred (including a deposit, claim or other similar right or obligation)’. This includes any service fee o ..

Principal repayment tax benefit is reversed if you sell before 5 years.

You score negative tax points if you sell a house within five years from the date of purchase, or, five years from the date of taking the home loan. ” As per rules, any deduction claimed under Section 80C in respect to principal repayment of housing loan, would get reversed and added to your annual taxable income in the year in which the property is sold and you will be taxed at current rates,” says Arch ..

Loans from relatives and friends is eligible for tax deduction.

You can claim a deduction under Section 24 for interest repayment on loans taken from from anyone provided the purpose of the loan is purchase or construction of a property . You can also claim deduction for money borrowed from individuals for reconstruction and repairs of property . It does not have to be from a bank. “”For tax purposes, the loan is not relevant, the usage is. The taxpayer should be able to sat ..

TAKE YOUR TAX SKILLS & VALUE PROP TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

Taxes are often a make-or-break factor when it comes to business deals, investments, and retirement decisions. They are also a searing pain point for high net worth clients who have the kind of income and assets that invite complicated tax situations.

where you’ll discover the skills, concepts, and strategies to assist these clients and position yourself as the go-to tax-smart advisor in your markets.

How Does a Virtual Workshop Work?

The workshop will be live-streamed and accessible from your computer/tablet

Attendees will be able to ask questions and interact throughout the presentation

Sessions will be recorded and replays will be available for 30 days

Workshop materials will be shipped to you

Holders of the CFP designation will qualify for CE credits (Note: To obtain credit you must either attend all the sessions live or take an assessment after viewing the replays.)

HOW TO LEVERAGE THE NEW TAX ACT TO GET IN FRONT OF PROSPECTS AND BRING PEACE OF MIND TO CLIENTS

How changes in tax brackets and withholding amounts impact your clients

4 tax themes in the TCJA

Which clients still need to worry about the AMT and how you can help

How to compensate for reduced SALT deductions

Spotting opportunities for charitable contributions

Clients’ options for paying investment fees tax-efficiently

How to exercise stock options without triggering the AMT

How to compensate for “bracket creep” by timing certain credits and deductions

Why you should “bunch” charitable contributions, real estate taxes, mortgage payments, and other expenses every other year

FAMILY ISSUES AND TAXES: THE BIG CHANGES THAT IMPACT YOUR CLIENTS THE MOST

Who benefits most from the doubling of the child tax credit and what it means for high-earning families

How you can help families with kids manage the kiddie tax and expanded 529s

Why alimony just got a lot trickier and what that means for clients, especially those going through a gray divorce

How advisors should think about “the full cost” of divorce for clients and working with divorce attorneys and mediators

New rules on how to handle loans from 401(k)s

What the loss of recharacterization affects Roth planning

Why you still need to do estate planning even with the expanded exemption amount

Why it may be smarter for the low-income spouse to receive an IRA transfer or property settlement instead of child support

Tax Planning

Minimizing Taxes Now & in the Future

Effectively managing wealth requires a thorough understanding of how taxes can impact a portfolio. Tax efficiency requires a detailed and focused plan. Together, in coordination with your tax professional and our external network of CPAs, we aim to provide strategies to lower your tax liability and increase the tax efficiency of your overall financial plan.

The COVID-19 Crisis has had the most profound impact on every member of society, perhaps ever. Investors have been forced to decide what financial moves to make, if any. If you have reasoned in your mind that staying invested and taking no action is the best thing to do in this environment, you could be missing out on the benefits of what is known as tax-loss harvesting.

What is Tax-Loss Harvesting and What Accounts Are Applicable?

Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy that attempts to lock in the tax benefit of selling the security at a loss, but avoid the investment ramifications of selling a security at a loss.

Why is Tax-Loss Harvesting Beneficial?

Capital gains (or losses) usually occur at the sale of the security, depending on whether you sold the asset for more or less than what you bought it for. If you sell a security for more than your cost basis, a capital gain occurs. Long-term capital gains are taxed anywhere between 0% – 20%, based on your income. Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income rates. On the flip side, capital losses can either offset capital gains or offset income (up to $3,000/year).

Why Tax-Loss Harvest Now?

During this current environment, and in every bear market, it’s common to see “unrealized capital losses” in taxable accounts. An unrealized loss is simply one that hasn’t officially occurred but shows the amount of losses that would occur if the security was sold at that point in time. That is what makes bear markets an opportune time to evaluate whether a tax-loss harvesting strategy could be beneficial.

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Selecting Cheap Outdoor Electrical Lighting For Fun And Function

Outdoor Lighting

Transform the exterior spaces of your home with outdoor lighting that creates a welcoming ambience as well as adds a sense of security to your home.

When planning your outdoor lighting, think about how you want to use your outdoor space and identify all the areas you’d like to illuminate. Do you entertain a lot and need to light up your pool, BBQ and alfresco dining area? Or perhaps, you’d like to showcase your landscape design and highlight sculptures, trees, fountains, or an architectural feature in your garden. Or are you just after essentials for security lighting?

Whatever you decide, you have plenty of outdoor light fittings to choose from – wall sconces, hanging lights, strip lighting, deck lights, downlights, spike spots, bollards, step lights and much more. Just make sure that they’re rated for weather exposure and if you live in a particularly wet environment like the coast, consider marine-grade stainless steel finishes that can tolerate heavy moisture and salt sprays.

Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights are some of the best items you can buy for the outside of your home and the reasons for that are numerous. This type of lighting manages to beautifully combine practicality with visual appeal, meaning that any outside lights you choose are guaranteed to not only be functional but also look amazing

Solar powered exterior lighting buying guide

When it comes to outdoor lights, based customers love solar power. Unlike interior illumination, which doesn’t get enough exposure to the sun, outside lighting can immediately benefit from this extraordinary renewable source of energy. Thus, you can easily save money with outdoor solar lights whilst never having to worry about hiding away annoying cables or connecting your lights to a power outlet. What’s more, solar outdoor lights look contemporary and chic. Thanks to functioning independently from any outside power sources, the design options are limitless. With a little help from the syb, posts and bollards are so much easier to spread around the garden – some solar powered garden lights can even be stuck in the ground – and decking lights can be placed independently from each other, since no connection cables are needed. What you might not already know is that they are in fact battery operated outdoor lights. That’s because batteries are vital in order to actually store the sun energy accumulated throughout the day. This will have some further implications that you’ll need to bear in mind, such as having to change the batteries once in a while. Thus, if at some point your solar outside lights stop performing well, you might need to have a look at the batteries and replace them. Another fun fact about these lights is that they type of bulb they usually have is LED. The reason is quite simple: LEDs are incredibly energy-efficient, meaning that they only require a small amount of electricity to function. That, of course, makes solar outdoor lighting way more efficient.

Different categories of outdoor lights

If you have a close look at this page you’ll notice that we have carefully selected some featured categories to display on the left. They represent more refined classifications within the broad category of outdoor lighting, as well as being some of the most popular and searched for types of exterior lighting, such as outdoor wall lights or LED outdoor lighting

Value value

We know that when you shop for your home it’s not just design and functionality that you’re after, but also good value for your money.With this in mind we’ve prepared some carefully budgeted lists of your favourite products in terms of outside lights. If you look above and on the left, you’ll be able to see a section called Everyday Values, containing a few of the best products we offer at great prices. Speaking of budgets, if you need a limit when you’re shopping for outdoor lights, be it a minimum or a maximum, we have price filters on every results page.

Get inspired and seek advice

be a great resource when it comes to simply getting some inspiration. Whether you’re ready to shop for some outside lights or not, ideas are free and we offer plenty of those too. That’s why we’re always updating our Inspiration pages with fresh content every day on a variety of topics, including outdoor lighting. You can also find some of our most useful articles and guides listed under Ideas & Advice right here, on the left side above. Whether you need tips on how to choose the perfect exterior lighting for your home or you’re planning a party and want to quickly see some recommendations in terms of garden lights, we can light the way!

Outdoor and Motion Lighting

Home Electrical Repair

Electricity is arguably the most valuable resource we have in our modern society. Without electricity, most of the things we do and rely on on a daily basis wouldn’t be there. So while electricity is so ingrained into our lives that we can take it for granted and hardly notice it’s there, if there’s an electrical problem, it can be difficult to notice anything else.

electrical repair technicians know what a hassle any electrical problems can be, which is why we’ll always respond to any requests for service as quickly as possible. And because all of our technicians are licensed, background checked, and professionally trained

Always Hire a Professional Electrical Repair Technician

No matter urgent any electrical repairs seem, it’s never okay to attempt to handle them on your own. Trying to take care of electrical problems without professional training is extremely dangerous. If you or someone else aren’t hurt during your attempt, there’s still a chance that you’ve left something undone that poses a huge risk to you, your home, or your family

Electrical Troubleshooting

Circuit breakers that keep tripping, a flickering light on the back porch, or an exhaust fan that just won’t work properly—all of these are common problems homeowners face that have something to do with their electrical systems. But figuring out where the problems is stemming from can take a lot of work

What’s the Best Way to Run Power Outside?

Short-Term Power Supply (AKA: Extension Cords)

For those in need of power outdoors for a short time, such as to trim your bushes, power a bounce house for your kid’s birthday, or provide lighting for a party, an extension cord will get the job done for a day or two. Be certain to only use extension cords marked for outdoor use, which are designed to withstand moisture, temperature changes, the sun, and a bit of foot traffic. Never use indoor extension cords outside, they are not built for such rugged use. Do NOT leave even your outdoor extension cord outside more than a day or two. Left outside over extended periods, cord materials can breakdown, potentially resulting in sparking, fire, and shock. Always follow outdoor electrical precautions.

Essential Outdoor Extension Cord Safety

Pick the right cord for the job. Cords are NOT one-size-fits-all. Choose a cord rated to handle the wattage of all connected devices. The larger the wire, the more current it can safely handle.

Always plug outdoor extension cords into a GFCI outlet. These can be identified by TEST/RESET buttons, and are typically found in the kitchen, bath and garage. These devices protect your family from shock in the event the cord is exposed to water.

To ensure safety and prevent tripping hazards, be sure to select a cord that is the correct length, neither too short nor too long.

Always unplug your cord, storing it properly indoors when not in-use.

Safely Installing Long-Term Power Solutions

For lighting, lawn tools used on the regular, or outbuilding power needs, you need a permanent power solution for safety, whether that involve an outdoor outlet addition to your home’s main structure, or wiring run remotely to an outbuilding. For lines not off the house, cable must be wired to a separate GFCI indoors. It must also be buried quite deep (18” below patios/paths; 30” below lawns) and encased in PVC conduit that has been solvent-welded to ensure a continuous run (no leaks), a solution that is not DIY-friendly for most and requires an electrician

Installing a GFCI Outlet Outside

When running power outside, a GFCI-equipped outlet ensures safety, and is required by code in all areas exposed to moisture, like the outdoors. When adding an outdoor outlet, be sure to choose an outdoor-rated, weatherproof model with built-in, high-sensitivity GFCI. Whether single or duplex, all exterior outlets should have spring-loaded covers to protect them from weather, pests, dirt, and most importantly moisture. GFCI protection is a smart addition, and inexpensively and easily added in moisture-prone areas where electrocution is a higher risk.

Placing the Outlet

When adding an outdoor outlet, look for a conveniently located indoor outlet to connect to with the wiring. Drill a hole through the house wall and feed the wiring in close to the indoor outlet. Fit the mounting box for the outdoor outlet over that hole. Draw in the wiring and connect it to the outlet terminals, then put the faceplate on the box, ensuring all waterproof seals are correctly positioned. Run the wiring indoors to its connection point, adding a separate GFCI if none exists.

Garden Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Outdoor Space

Solar Garden Lighting

Want to light up your garden or other outdoor area without using more electricity? Solar garden lighting can help. Solar lighting is available in quite a few different styles, from stake lights that stand alone to illuminated stepping stones. There are even solar string lights available from some manufacturers.

They all use solar collectors to absorb sunlight during the daylight hours. That energy is stored in an internal battery, which kicks in when the ambient light drops below a certain level, or you turn them on.

LED Garden Lighting

LEDs offer lower power consumption than incandescent bulbs, and substantially higher light emission. However, because individual LEDs are very small, you need quite a few of them to equal the amount of light emitted from conventional lights. With that being said, there are many different styles of outdoor lighting that use LEDs.

They’re an ideal option for pairing with solar technology due to their low power consumption, which can add hours of use time. These lights also last far longer than conventional incandescent or halogen bulbs, allowing you to get the most out of your investment. LED garden lighting can be found in many formats, as well, ranging from string lights and rope lights to spot lights and stake lights.

Plug and Play Garden Lighting

Long to add a bit of light and colour to your garden or deck, but don’t want to go through the hassle of hiring an electrician to wire it all up for you? Plug and play garden lighting is the answer.