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DJs And Their DJ CD Players

What Makes A Great DJ?

Being a competent DJ who puts on a decent live show every now and again is one thing. Being a great DJ who leads the way and inspires others is an entirely different matter. There are several key attributes which separate the great DJs from the good, and the best from the rest. Here’s what makes a great DJ, featuring insights from those in the industry.

Demonstrating a love of DJing (and music in general)

This first point may seem self-explanatory, but a lot of DJs don’t fully appreciate the lucky position they’re in. There are DJs who get into the industry to ‘look cool’, do it for a few years and fall off the radar.

Don’t be this person. Show that you’re a DJ who is passionate about music and loves what they do. Music should be a form of self-expression, rather than simply a means to an end.

Take Carl Cox as an example. He’s been DJing for more than 40 years and is the king of techno music in many people’s eyes. He’s ahead of the trends, pioneers new tracks and continues to break boundaries.

Undoubtedly, one of the main reasons for his success is that DJing is not a job to him. In his own words, it’s a way of ‘celebrating life’ and he’s as passionate about it as the day he started.

In summary, be like Carl. OK, not everybody can reach Carl Cox’s level, but it certainly can’t do you any harm to follow his blueprint. If you have a passion for DJing, this will come through in your music and set you apart.

Not being afraid to adapt and diversify

Inventing and reinventing your style is vital if you want to be a successful DJ in the long run. The last thing you want is to come across as a one-dimensional DJ with limited musical scope. Rather, you want to show that you can adapt your style to reflect the ever-changing musical landscape around you.

Take Armin van Buuren as an example. He started out playing progressive house and vocal trance music, but over time his music has evolved to such a degree that he’s recently headlined top EDM festivals such as Ultra Music Festival in Miami and Tomorrowland in Belgium.

Referring back to Carl Cox – through the years, his music has encompassed a wide range of genres such as funky techno, tech-house and funk soul.

You get the picture. If you want to be a great DJ, it’s important to have enough aces up your sleeve in terms of the range of styles you play. At the same time, you shouldn’t compromise on your identity, and what makes you unique. You should play music which people can identify as ‘you’, that you love and care about.

Proactively building relationships with venues

Taking it upon yourself to approach promoters and club managers could be career-defining. These people could hold the key to an amazing opportunity, and every great DJ will attribute part of their success to building and nurturing relationships with people who gave them their big break.

However, knowing how to approach these people and what information to get across can be an exact science. You may only have a few seconds to talk to someone and promote your work, so it’s important to make every second count.

How to DJ: What sort of DJ are you?

The first step in learning how to DJ is too decide what type of DJ you want to be;

The Club DJ

Each club has a different feel, reputation, and audience… which also means that clubs vary in what they expect from their musical selection. Typically, the job of the resident DJ at a night club is to maintain a moving dance floor. Often, club DJs will perform long blends (transitions) between songs, or some other trickery to keep people’s feet moving.

This DJ must know how to ramp the energy up and down, and maintain a balance between an active dance floor, and a busy bar.

The Performer (Turntablist)

People go to see this DJ because of who they are, their reputation, and what people think they can do behind the decks. Their mixes are displays of raw skill, impressive tricks, and clever transitions.

The “exhibitionist” DJs fit here, such as turntablists (focus on cutting and scratching), “controllerists”, and other types of live performers. DMC DJ’s are performers.

The Mobile DJ

These are the ones who perform at your wedding, set the tone for your corporate event, or provide a memorable prom party.

Often the entrepreneurial type, mobile DJs have a lot of things to keep track of. In some cases, they are solely responsible for the setup and teardown of equipment, planning the show, managing the crowd, and making any announcements.

This kind of DJ often needs to be comfortable with taking requests (and sometimes even entire playlists), speaking into a microphone, and investing in sound equipment.

The Radio DJ

The concept of the DJ owes it’s origins to radio.

The radio DJ’s job varies greatly, from the person who announces the weather between songs to full-on music curation.

While many corporate radio DJs have lost control over the music, the art lives on in podcast format.

Try and gauge how much energy the crowd have

You can usually tell from body language, how frenzied they may be dancing, how many people are on the dance-floor compared to previous tracks. Depending on what type of gig it is you’ll also know whether they’ve just eaten, are sober or tipsy, etc. Use this knowledge to know whether a particular track will make them dance or turn them off.

Don’t be afraid to ditch the track

You put on a tune you thought they’d love but disaster! They start leaving the dance-floor, they’re just not feeling it! What do you do!?

Well whatever you do don’t keep the track playing. Find another track quickly and get the party back on track, There’s no need to let a track no one’s in to playing for 3 or 4 minutes. It’ll kill the mood and ruin the party. Be prepared to ditch it and move on after 30 seconds. No one will mind, in fact many will be glad! It’ll get the party back on track.

Song Blending Techniques

There are numerous song-blending techniques which can be overwhelming if you try to digest them all at once. However, the more you get under your belt, the more flexibility you have in creating an effective mix between songs or genres. Written explanations would not do them justice, so I will point you to a two tutorials that outline the basic techniques.

When you’re introducing a new song, you should either be filtering the new song out, or removing one of the songs’ bass until you’ve completed the transition. Both of these techniques help make the transition less jarring.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A DJ?

DJing isn’t just about the set you play and the mix you make; you also need technical and inter-personal skills to succeed in this demanding profession.

The type of DJ you want to be will determine many of the skills that you need, but in general, some skills are essential. These include:

  • Organisation: Knowing how to manage your time, and stay on top of your workload is vital for pretty much any job, but as you’ll probably be working for yourself as a DJ, it’s even more critical.
  • People Skills: Anyone who hosts live sets, for weddings, nightclub events, and other celebrations, needs to be able to interact with guests. You’ll need to speak passionately about music and be able to help them remember the name of the tunes they want to hear.
  • Public Speaking: Playing at a wedding or special event means making toasts, introducing speakers, and much more, so you need to be comfortable speaking publically. As you grow more comfortable in your role, you should feel more confident. If you’re struggling to speak publicly, then consider taking on a more behind-the-scenes role. Become a producer, so that you can continue creating the fantastic music that you enjoy, without having to speak publicly.
  • Networking: If you want to get gigs, then you’ve got to network with nightclub managers, promotors, and your fellow DJs. Collaborating with members of the music community will help you to land gigs, stay on top of the latest developments in the market, and much more.
  • Passion: If you’re not passionate about music, then you’re wasting your time, and this career isn’t for you. DJing requires a lot of love for music, so you need to make sure that you keep the spark alive and keep listening to your favourite tunes. Whether you love hip hop or adore dance music and club tracks, your taste doesn’t matter- you’ll just need to be genuinely passionate about learning about new tunes.
  • Technical Ability: Many disco jockeys use cutting-edge software and equipment, so you need to be tech-savvy if you want to make it as a DJ. If you’re good with technology and adept at learning new systems quickly, then you’ll have a better chance of succeeding in this continually evolving market.
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Domestic Loading Services Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Move Online

It’s widely known in the moving industry that summer is the busiest moving season of the year. With that, there’s an extremely large number of do-it-yourself movers that turn to the Web in an effort to plan or coordinate their relocation project. However, what they often find is that there’s no single online resource that cobbles together all the various components one needs to move from point A to point B. It’s as equally difficult to find an honest breakdown of the options people have that can save them some serious time, effort and expense. That said, here’s an “industry insider’s” perspective on everything you need to know about planning your move online — from the do-it-yourself move, to the full-service door-to-door relocation.

Packing Materials

Cardboard is the industry standard for packing up everything from your dishes to your winter coats, but recently some new, earth-friendly contenders have emerged in the packing material market. Eco-friendly or not, here are our favorite spots to find boxes, tape, sharpies, box cutters and everything else you’ll need to wrap, pack and protect your favorite things

Packing and Loading Help

People almost always underestimate the time it takes to carefully pack up their home, especially if they try to do it themselves. Hiring packing help from a service below can be inexpensive and a huge time-saver. When it comes time to load, hiring moving labor help can be an inexpensive, time-saving option, whether you use the help just to lift the heavy pieces or to load everything.

Prices and reviews on local moving services like packing, loading, unloading and unpacking help. The best local movers can be compared and booked

These ladies take the worry and stress of packing precious valuables off your shoulders. They have gone through extensive training and have experience with packing even the most fragile of possessions.

Complete Guide

The moving industry today has become one large family where you have a variety of options to select from, in a bid to make your move much more affordable and stress-free.

This emergence of different moving options is due to the various needs of the consumers and increasing demands for moving services in diverse categories. According to studies, about 15 percent of Americans move or relocate every year, and this is a significant increase compared to the last two decades.

Whichever move it is, whether the long-distance or local move, there are options available for your need. The major two moving options a consumer can choose from are either full-service moves or do-it-yourself (DIY) moves.

In full-service moves, moving companies take control of your entire moves ranging from packing, disassembling of your sofa and other pieces of furniture, loading and unloading the moving truck, to driving the truck to your new home.

A reputable full-service company includes all these services in its quote with insurance package and required liability protection for your household items during moving based on your need.

TIP or Not to TIP – And How Much?

It has become habitual to tip movers as in most service industries today. Tipping a crew for a job well done supplements their average wages and it is always appreciated. And if you finally decide to give a tip, figuring out how much to tip is not that easy.

Depending on the kind of your relocation and the services you availed there might be a number of personnel involved in your relocation like the packing staff, loading and unloading personnel, and the unpacking crew and not to forget the supervisor or the driver. It can be very confusing tipping this large number of people. You may want to device a systematic order how to give your tip.

When to give your tip?

Giving your tip before or after the move is acceptable. Or you may want to device your own manner of tipping. You may want to tip each of the crew after they have excellently accomplished their tasks. For instance, you may want to tip the packing and loading crew at the origin after they have completed their job efficiently. And take care of the rest of the crew (the unloading personnel and the driver or supervisor) at the destination.

How much to tip?

The amount of your tip is voluntary and personal. So there is no really a fix amount on how much you should give. It will generally depend on the circumstances of the move, like the size of your move, the distance, the weather, and the quality of service you have received. However, some moving experts suggests that you tip from $20 per crew and as much as $150 or more if your relocation is reasonably large and if there is one set of personnel for both the starting point and destination. You may want to compensate the supervisor or the driver with a higher tip because he will be occupied all throughout the move and will be responsible in securing that success of your relocation.

Other ways to tip the movers.

Your tip doesn’t always have to be in monetary form. You may want to provide cold drinks during summer relocation, or a warm cup of chocolate if you’re moving on winter will be a good gesture of appreciation. You may want to arrange lunch for the whole crew, but before you do this, make sure that you coordinate it with the supervisor or the person-in-charge.

LOAD A MOVING TRUCK LIKE THE PROS

Want to know how to load a moving truck the professional way? Yes, there are an infinite number of ways to pack a moving truck. Much of it is common sense. But the purpose of this blog post is to provide some serious step-by-step guidelines to load a moving truck properly. The information you need to know is segmented into three parts: general guidelines for packing furniture and the equipment you’ll need; packing specific furniture pieces; and step-by-step packing the truck.

Safety first! Any moving truck you rent will have a ramp and you need to make sure it’s fully engaged, clean of debris and dry, and covered with non-stick matting if necessary

During the loading process, ensure the weight of all items is distributed evenly from front to back and side to side

The truck should be loaded in layers, each self-contained and independently secured. The goal of any layer is to avoid hitting or rubbing into an adjacent layer

All furniture should have blanket pads draped over exposed surfaces. The majority of damage done to items is by them rubbing against each other during transport. For added protection, use Plastic wrap in addition to blankets for fragile or hard to move items

If your truck is too big for your items, ensure each piece of furniture is strapped independently to the back or side wall of the truck with blanket pads protecting exposed surface areas.

The following items have been singled out as the common household pieces that require special attention.

Aquariums should be emptied with pads placed inside and out and then stretch wrapped. Place them on top of a box

Bed frames should be strapped toward the back of the truck

Chairs should have legs individually wrapped or bubble taped before wrapping the entire chair

Couches should be loaded on top of a blanket pad, on the floor of a truck, with the feet faced toward the side wall and the back faces out to protect incoming items

Drawers should be loaded faced toward the side wall to ensure they do not fall out during transport. All loose drawers should be secured with rubber bands

Grandfather clocks. Remove weights from inside the clock. Wrap and label pendulums. Wrap the clock in plastic or blanket pads

Hide-A-Beds should be secured using a strap so the metal insert doesn’t prop open during transport

Metal should not be loaded close to furniture as it has the potential to tear through plastic wrap during transport

Mirrors and glass should be wrapped and put between the mattress and box spring and strapped in

Wooden furniture should be wrapped well with plastic wrap, paying close attention to the edges and sides. This is especially important for cherry oak wood!

Rugs should be rolled up and taped

TV’s should be wrapped and faced against a box and strapped. Flat screen TVs should never sit sideways or on their backs.

Your boxes will be your first layer, stacked high against the back wall of the truck to maximize space. Load the heaviest boxes on the bottom. Stack vertically with the lightest, most fragile on top

Lay a blanket pad on the floor and load mattresses and box springs next. Stand them vertically. Loose glass pieces should be placed in between (as per above). Strap to the side wall. This, with your boxes is the first layer

Next, lay another blanket pad on the floor and load couches vertically with feet toward the side wall, pillows removed. Secure each couch by straps to the side wall. Pillows can fill the empty space. Furniture pieces, such as dressers can be placed in between with blanket pads draped over.

The next layer is more furniture, covered in pads and/or plastic and secured to the side wall when complete

Appliances and wardrobe boxes are loaded last and will be the first items off the truck.

Domestic Moving Guide

This person is responsible for:

Determining you and your family’s moving needs

Explaining the many services and service options available

Performing a survey of the contents of your home that will be moved

Referencing items that will require special packing/handling and describing the method

Discuss your schedule to pre-book pack and move dates

Describe the complete move process from beginning to end

Packing and Loading

Pack-and-Load Professionals are key members of our moving team, responsible for:

Preparing the residence for moving. Protecting the floors and walls

Packing, wrapping, crating of the complete contents of the home

Preparing a detailed inventory of items to be moved

Tagging each carton/item with numbered and color-coded labels

Loading your goods onto the interstate vehicle

Moving interstate, a local Destination Agent will handle the following:

Delivery of the shipment to the residence

The complete off-loading and placement of all items, room by room

Total unpacking and removal of all debris

Inventory/Paperwork

Your driver will prepare a detailed Inventory & Condition Report of the items to be moved. In addition to tagging every individual carton or piece of furniture with numbered and color-coded labels, they will record each item— and a description of any existing damage—on the inventory form. You should accompany the driver as they prepare the inventory, pointing out any special concerns or handling considerations along the way.

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The Future Of Led Electrical Lighting Systems

The Only LED Lighting Guide You Will Ever Need

The world of technology is forever changing, and that goes without saying. Whether it’s a thermostat that you can program with your phone, a car that can park itself, or a light bulb that turns off when you’re not in the office; innovators are finding new and improved ways to help you save time and money.

As you may know, the world of lighting systems is changing as well, with the influx of LED technology. You may not have noticed, but LED lighting is incorporated in every part of your life. If you drive your car to work every morning, wait at a traffic light, use your smart phone, go to the doctor’s office, or use your laptop at work; you are more influenced by LED’s than you thought.

I am sure you have seen LED lights in modern appliances, street lights, and commercial signs, but have you ever wondered exactly how they work? If you plan on making improvements or renovations to your building space, we have created this LED guide to help you make an educated buying decision. We have broken down an LED light bulb into three components: Optical, Electrical, and Thermal.

LED Light Bulbs: Do LEDs Generate Heat?

Unlike traditional lightbulbs, that tend to emit large amounts of heat, LEDs have thermal components that not only make them more energy-efficient, but safer as well. When a light bulb is electrically charged, it generally emits a certain amount of heat. Traditional bulbs tend to emit a higher amount of heat than the average LED light bulb. Innovators of LED technology understand this occurrence, and have come up with a solution to high heat emissions. They are called fins

What are Fins?

Fins are basically the outer shell of the LED lightbulb that allows for heat to be dispersed from the bulb. Incandescent lightbulbs don’t have this feature, therefore causing most of the heat that is generated to remain inside the lightbulb. Not only do LED lightbulbs generate less heat than traditional lightbulbs, they use less power as well.

Did you know that…

Any product when electrically charged, will generate a certain amount of heat. However, innovators of LED technology have incorporated heat dispersion techniques to reduce those heat emissions. They are called fins.

What are Fins?

Fins are an outer shell, usually made of aluminum or ceramic, that allow for heat dispersion. Manufacturers often use a high number of thin fins to address the need for heat dispersion.

How much heat is generated?

Did you know that about 90% of the energy from incandescent lights bulbs is wasted as heat. Not only does LED light bulbs generate less heat, but they use less power to do so.

LED lighting – constraints and recommendations

In order to understand the impact that LED technologies will have on existing electrical networks, it is important to analyze the behavior of all key elements in the network. Below is a list of potential risks to consider and also some recommendations for mitigating those risks

The risk related to circuit breaker selection

The choice of circuit-breaker characteristics depends on the nature of the load powered. The rating depends on the cross section of the cables to be protected and the curves are chosen according to the loads’ inrush current. When switching on LED luminaires, very significant inrush currents occur up to 250 times the nominal current according the type of driver for a very short time (< 1 msec).

Normative curves according to the “standard” (curves as defined in NF EN 60898 and NF EN 60947-2) used for circuit-breaker certifications (which characterize fault currents of a duration exceeding 10 ms) give the circuit breakers’ tripping threshold for currents maintained for 10 ms or more. For transient currents of duration less than 10 ms, no normalized curve exists. The peak value of the total current at switching on depends on the energizing time, the number of luminaires forming the lighting circuit, and the short-circuit power and architecture of the network.

Recommendations

In order to address this risk an appropriate choice of the circuit breaker (rating, curve) must be done during the design phase of installation, according to the recommendations given by the manufacturer. Another option, very useful in the case of replacing conventional lighting by LED lighting on existing large installation, is to implement a remote control including zero crossing function in place of standard device. That will limit the total inrush current in the order of 4 to 5.

The risk relating to Earth leakage protection device

The leakage current is at maximum for switching on at the voltage peak. The frequency of this transient current is high (about 100 kHz). For switching on at zero voltage, the leakage current is practically zero.

What are LED Light Bulbs?

In addition to their electrical and thermal properties, LED’s also have optical components that make them significantly different than traditional lighting. In terms of performance, LED lights are considered the superior form of lighting based on these four major indicators

Brightness & Efficiency

This is directly related to the amount of light LED’s emit. The amount of light they emit is dependent on the wattage, or power, they require to function.

Color Temperature

LED’s have three different color temperatures. Warm White, Daylight White, and Natural White or Cool White.

Lifespan

You can use the same LED light bulb for up to 50,000 hours. That is equivalent to 30 years, if used regularly, like at home. Commercial usage can average about 20,000 hours, which is still a very large margin to its fluorescent counterpart.

Light Distribution  ​

LED’s are omni-directional, which means that their light output has a wider beam angle. This function makes LED light bulbs far more efficient than traditional bulbs.

LED LIGHTING

A SMALL CHANGE THAT ADDS UP TO A BIG DIFFERENCE

LED light bulbs use up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs and can last 15 times longer. They cost more upfront – but the long-term savings are worth it.

Wide range of looks and styles

Most bulbs cost less than $10, some just $3 or less

Can save $100-$300 in running costs over the life of the bulb

Good quality lighting

Instant brightness

THERE’S AN LED FOR EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE

LEDs come in different types including standard light bulbs, spotlights, candles and recessed downlights. You can choose dimmable or non-dimmable bulbs. Some can change their light colour or brightness even without a dimmer switch.

BASE

For standard bulbs, check if you need a bayonet or screw fitting. To replace halogen spotlights, check if you need a low-voltage (12 V) MR16 (also called GU5.3) bulb with two sharp pins, or a mains-voltage (240 V) GU10 bulb with two studs.

BRIGHTNESS

LED packaging shows light output in lumens, usually with the equivalent wattage of an incandescent bulb. Chances are the LED will actually appear brighter.

COLOUR

Warm white is more comfortable in homes. Cool white works best where contrast is important, such as workshops and garages.

POINTS TO WATCH

LEDs shouldn’t be used in enclosed fixtures where the bulb is fully encased in plastic or glass, such as some porch lights. LEDs need good ventilation for a long life – if they get too hot, they may fail.

For recessed downlights, it’s best to replace the whole fitting rather than just the bulb.

Hold onto your receipt. With LEDs costing a bit more to buy, keep your receipts in case you happen to buy a dud.

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How To Find A Family Law Attorney Mediator

Everything You Need To Know About Family Law

The concept behind having a family lawyer is essential for dealing with difficult experiences someone may be facing within their family.

Although, a frequently asked question is what a family lawyer actually does and how can one help to find solutions to family problems.

Family law involves a variety of different things that relate to legal family matters, such as legal separation, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, civil partnerships, marriages and certain factors that relate to children, like adoption, financial provision from absentee parents, and custody and visitation rights.

A good family solicitor should be someone who can adapt their services to fit the situation at hand and offer an empathetic ear for their clients.

When employing such services, it is usually because the employer may be experiencing a traumatic time, which may lead to the wrong decisions being made if placed with an ineffective solicitor.

So the choice of solicitor for their specific case must have certain skills and experience, and be able to provide the relevant support, and they will be chosen on their ability to be able to put prospective clients at ease, listen and learn about the client’s situation, and work with them to suggest the best course of action.

A reliable lawyer will avoid a court case, especially when there are children involved in the matter at hand.

These competent lawyers should be exceptional negotiators who will be able to come to a satisfactory solution for all of the family, without the addition of taking the case to court.

A majority of family lawyers will come to a mutual agreement that their work mainly focuses on three areas; divorce, children and finance, meaning that a lawyer might be working day to day on a dispute over custody, from a divorce where the clients have disagreements and cannot agree on a settlement.

If someone believes they may want a family lawyer, it’s important to remember to take time to look around and select the right one for the situation.

Divorce, family disputes and custody battles are extremely difficult times, but an exceptional family lawyer is a worthy investment as one will be able to help settle the situation and find a solution that everyone involved will be satisfied with.

Estate Planning Attorneys

What are estate planning attorneys?

A family lawyer can also be an estate planning attorney. These types of attorneys have experience in estate planning, durable power of attorney, estate and trust administration, irrevocable trusts, living and revocable trusts, LGBT estate planning, medical directives and wills and probate.

How can an estate planning attorney help me?

An estate planning attorney should have experience in and knowledge of how to develop a legal, documented estate so it meets all your needs. Your legal counsel should advise the best, most creative and thorough solutions for your estate planning and administration.

What are some examples of what an estate planning attorney would do?

An estate planning attorney can help you plan for wealth and asset preservation, ensure a smooth business succession and provide a plan for efficiently transferring family assets.

What is durable power of attorney?

Durable power of attorney is when someone can legally continue to act on your behalf even after you have suffered from an incapacitating accident or illness, such as a stroke or dementia. With a standard power of attorney, this would not be the case; your friend or loved one automatically loses their power of attorney once you become incapacitated.

What are some responsibilities that a person given durable power of attorney would have if I became incapacitated?

The person you made responsible for your durable power of attorney could use your funds to pay bills, contract for nursing home services for your use and benefit and can make basic healthcare decisions unless otherwise stated in your healthcare power of attorney.

Why You Should Hire A Good Family Lawyer

If you are having any type of legal problem there is probably a lawyer who specializes in dealing with and solving your legal case. The field of law is vast and complicated and this is why there are so many types of solicitors. Some of the most common types of law practitioners include family lawyers, criminal lawyers, corporate lawyers, general practice lawyers, and to name a few. There are many reasons why you would need a lawyer, but when it comes to dealing with family and family disputes you should opt for a family lawyer. Having a family lawyer is important because most of us will have to deal with a family law matter at least once in our lives. A family lawyer is a professional who handles cases related to family matters such as divorces, child guardianships and support, child visitations, inheritance settlements, and so on.

Here are some of the important reasons why you should go ahead and hire a good family lawyer.

1. Understanding family law

The first and the most obvious reason why it’s a good idea to have a family solicitor is that they know and understand the law better than we ever could. A good and reliable lawyer will know how to help you out in a difficult legal situation, how to find a loophole, and successfully solve your case. A family solicitor will also know your rights and exactly how to convince a judge or deal with difficult demands. You should never risk and take matters in your own hands. Do the right thing and hire a good family solicitor and you’re already one step closer to winning a case.

2. A fair and impartial view of family problems

Dealing with family issues can be too emotional, to say the least. This is another reason why having a family lawyer is a good idea. A lawyer will have an impartial view of your family situation. Only someone who is not emotionally involved in the case will be able to see all the details and provide a fair judgment. They will also be able to tell you if you are making a mistake or if you’re rushing and making irrational decisions. By giving you good advice, your family advocate can save you many unnecessary disputes, lawsuits, or legal actions. Consulting with your family lawyer before you take any legal action is very important. So, before you take any steps make sure you contact your lawyer.

3. Having support

Family-related cases are highly emotional, especially when concerning children so it’s no wonder that these types of cases can negatively impact everyone concerned. In these instances, it’s useful having the helpful hand of your lawyer. Solicitors are trained not only to deal with the law but with their clients as well. They are there to provide you with both moral and emotional support in such difficult times of your life. So, if for nothing else hiring someone who will offer you support is still important.

4. Handling a divorce

Divorce can be one of the most difficult and gut-wrenching moments in a person’s life. As such this process can be made somewhat easier by hiring reliable divorce solicitors for a consultation. Every divorce no matter how expected or unexpected can have a huge impact on everyone concerned. Because of this, consulting with an experienced professional who can offer you both knowledge and empathy in your current situation is highly important. Choose divorce solicitors with whom you can have a good working relationship.

5. Saving time and money

Legal fees and going to court costs a lot of money and takes a lot of time. You can save yourself both time and money by hiring a family lawyer. A family solicitor knows exactly how to avoid going to court or how to easily and fairly solve minor family disputes that would otherwise take a lot of time. So, don’t think that not consulting a lawyer will save you money. Quite the contrary, by not hiring a lawyer you risk losing huge amounts of money, and time. So, don’t gamble with your budget and time, hire a family solicitor before you make any rash decision.

Reasons To Love Being A Family Lawyer

  • Being able to give practical and sound advice during emotional times
  • The ability to turn negatives into successes
  • Being able to save someone’s marriage
  • Providing the resources to remove someone from a dangerous situation
  • Assessing and advising a client on his or her legal rights
  • Using lessons learned from life and the lawyer’s unique perspective especially if a child of divorce
  • Being a voice for children and looking out for their best interests
  • The journey to becoming a better lawyer
  • Family law gives a lawyer a deeper appreciation for their family, and the role the lawyer wants and needs to play in their family.
  • Educating clients on the task at hand and giving them tools that will help them down the road

Separation Agreements, Alimony and Marriage Divorce Lawyers

What is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is a private, legally-binding, written contract detailing each spouse’s rights and settling issues between spouses who have or intend to separate and/or divorce. It can resolve issues such as child custody, alimony, inheritance, future earnings and more.

What is alimony?

Alimony is spousal support. It is money one spouse pays to the other by court order, or by agreement, for support and maintenance after a separation or divorce.

How is alimony decided?

For a court to award alimony, it must find that there is a supporting spouse and a dependent spouse. The court must also find that the dependent spouse’s finances are not enough to meet his/her reasonable monthly needs and living expenses. The court must also find that that the supporting spouse has the ability to pay after meeting his/her own reasonable monthly needs. If, however, the court finds that the supporting spouse does not have the ability to pay, alimony is not awarded. Alternatively, it is not required to have a finding of dependency if an order for payment of alimony is entered by consent of both spouses.

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Mold Remediation For Residential Properties

Mold Remediation Certifications

Program Summary:

The Council-certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) and the Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) conduct mold remediation and mold removal projects in the indoor environment.  Individuals holding these mold remediation certifications design and maintain effective containments. A CMR or CMRS controls pressure relationships during a project. A CMR or CMRS safely cleans, treats or removes structures and contents affected by microbial contamination. A CMR or CMRS designs remediation protocols or follow established protocols and industry standards.

A CMR or CMRS possesses verified knowledge of the mold remediation field. The certification exams cover the most respected reference texts in the industry. Candidates must know the important industry standards. They must be familiar with scientific principles governing mold remediation and the indoor environment. They must understand the most common practices and protocols used by remediators and contractors. They must be familiar with the equipment used in mold remediation. They must be aware of legal issues affecting their work.

A CMR or CMRS possesses verified experience in mold remediation and mold removal in one or more of the following settings:

Offices and commercial buildings

Industrial structures

Government facilities

Schools and public buildings

Healthcare facilities

Residential structures

To earn the Council-certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) or Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) designations, candidates must:

Demonstrate verifiable field experience in microbial remediation

Pass a rigorous examination based on broad industry knowledge rather than a course curriculum

Earn the unanimous approval of the CMR or CMRS certification board

Re-certify every two years

Participate in 20 hours of professional development activities each year

Maintain the highest ethical standards

Accreditation:

The CMR and CMRS certifications are accredited by the Council for Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), a nationally recognized independent accreditation body. ACAC certifications are the ONLY designations in the indoor air quality field to earn CESB accreditation.

A Brief Guide to Mold Moisture & Your Home (EPA)

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people

Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

A Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Right Mold Remediation Company

Finding mold in your home can be a stressful experience for the entire family. Mold is a dangerous growth that is incredibly difficult and time-consuming to remove. Starting the process of getting rid of mold can be confusing. Let’s review what every beginner should know about mold removal and how to select the right mold remediation company.

Mold Is Dangerous

Mold is a dangerous fungus that can grow in any moist space. In many situations, mold forms after flooding or another type of standing water. One specific type of mold is black mold, the most toxic form that consistently causes problems. When mold is found, your home or business is unsafe to inhabit until all the damage has been removed. Left unresolved, mold can cause a wide variety of health issues–including breathing problems, vision issues, and skin irritations.

Mold Remediation Is a Process

At the first sign of mold, it’s critical to get rid of it. The easiest way to start the mold remediation process is to hire a company to help remove it. Professional companies will use all the tools in their arsenals to clean and sanitize the building. They will also use advanced technologies to locate and remove mold hidden behind walls and in tight spaces.

Once the mold has been located, a plan will be designed to meet the needs of the situation. It could involve removing carpets, drywall, and other surfaces that contain mold. Once the space has been cleaned, advanced HEPA vacuums and dryers will be used to remove any signs of moisture. Any remaining moisture can lead to a quick reinfection of mold. Once the damage has been removed, it’s possible to repair and replace the damaged surfaces.

Finding the Right Mold Remediation Company

Once you suspect that your home may be infected with mold, acting quickly is key to getting back to normal. Selecting a mold remediation company should provide a full-service solution to your problems. When you’re in search of a company

Mold Remediation Protocols Course

Mold Remediation Protocols continuing education course will teach you the recommended work practices that help ensure a successful large or small mold remediation project. In the absence of state or federal guidelines, it is up to the mold professional to decide which protocols to follow

PMII’s Mold Remediation Protocols course summarizes, compares and contrasts the procedures from both organizations, so that you can make an informed choice that best suits your business.

This 9-lesson course will help you gain an understanding of responsible work practices from both organizations that include:

Written contracts and project documentation

How limitations and conflicts can affect a project

Determining which party should correct moisture problems

When to engage an indoor environmental professional (IEP)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment

Methods of communication with affected parties

The treatment of high value and unrestorable contents

The use of disinfectants and gaseous biocides

Recommended and required types of worker training

The steps in work area preparation and containment removal

The sequence of activities for HVAC remediation

Includes a Mold Remediation Specifications Report Template to define the scope of mold remediation work to be performed by a qualified mold remediation contractor.

As you complete each lesson, you will use interactive flash cards and take practice quizzes that will test and verify your knowledge simultaneously through instant online feedback. Your results are saved in the cloud so you can easily track your progress. When you finish the course and pass the final exam, you will possess the knowledge and skills needed to determine which set of protocols your mold remediation business will follow

What You Will Master:

Writing contracts and documenting projects

The role of an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP)

Requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment

Treatment methods, area preparation and removal

And much more

Removal Procedures in Accordance with EPA’s Guidelines for Mold

Level I – 10 Square Feet or Less

REMOVAL – by an adult individual, in good health, and with no compromises to their immune system

MAX AREA – 10 square feet

PERSONAL PROTECTION – wear respiratory protection, such as N-95 disposable respirator. Wear gloves and eye protection.

OCCUPIED – the work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces next to the work area is not necessary. However, infants and the elderly do need to be removed. Also, those with compromised immune systems.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – clean all surfaces in contaminated areas thoroughly with soap & water. Finally, dispose of all rags or sponges used. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

Level II – 10 to 30 Square Feet

REMOVAL – by a professional, certified remediation company

PERSONAL PROTECTION – wear respiratory protection, such as N-95 disposable respirator. Wear gloves and eye protection.

OCCUPIED – the work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces next to the work area is not necessary. However, infants and the elderly do need to be removed. Also, those with compromised immune systems.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – Cover surfaces in work area with sheets of plastic and tape in place. Do this prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface before remediation. Clean all small debris with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

Level III – 30 to 100 Square Feet

REMOVAL – by a professional, certified remediation company with experience and good reviews. Acknowledges and adheres to EPA guidelines for mold removal

PERSONAL PROTECTION – professional-grade half-face respirators with P100 particulate filters. Wear a hazmat suit, gloves, and eye protection.

OCCUPIED – the work area and surrounding areas should be unoccupied.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – Cover surfaces in work area with sheets of plastic and tape in place. Do this prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface before remediation. Clean all small debris with a specialty HEPA vacuum. Clean all small debris with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

Level IV – 100+ Square Feet *EPA Compliance Required

REMOVAL – by a professional, certified remediation company with experience and good reviews. Project managed by an on-site supervisor who is certified and experienced in mold removal. Professionals who follow these EPA guidelines and IICRC standards.

PERSONAL PROTECTION – professional-grade full-face respirators with P100 particulate filters. Hazmat, disposable protective suits, covering the entire body including the head, shoes, and hands. Tape the ankle and wrist to prevent any skin exposure.

CONTAINMENT – containment Barrier built around the affected area. Complete isolation of the work area. Seal off any vents or openings. The containment barrier must be under negative pressure. The use of air scrubbers with professional-grade HEPA filtration for a minimum of 24 hours.

OCCUPIED – the work area and surrounding areas should be unoccupied for a minimum of 3 days to allow for thorough air cleaning.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – Cover surfaces in work area with sheets of plastic and tape in place. Do this prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface before remediation. Clean all small debris with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

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Important Characteristics Of A Successful Payroll Service Provider

How complicated is the payroll process?

Payroll becomes increasingly complex with company growth, multiple locations, and employees sharing time across numerous cost centers. As a result, the payroll team spends more time handling information, validating entries, and making corrections because inevitably, mistakes will be made.

Check the following main difficulties that you may face during the payroll process:

  • Incorrect Format of Employees: Classifying employees incorrectly can cause a significant issue. According to your business need, you can hire freelancers, contractors, and temporary employees but don’t forget to classify them correctly.
  • In-correct Deductions: It is very time-consuming to calculate the proper deductions of the employees. If you make a mistake during calculation, it can cost you more, and you may face massive losses.
  • Wrong Calculation of time ticket entries: You need to pay serious attention to the employee attendance. Any incorrect entry of time data can affect the whole record and a lot of time and resources will be wasted in the process of finding errors.
  • Multi-Region Complications: When your company is set up in multiple locations, keeping up with the different laws and regulations can be a hassle.
  • Inexperienced Staff: Payroll processing task if pushed onto the less experienced staff, it may create a significant problem. The results can be detrimental without the right training and necessary expertise to handle the complexities of payroll.
  • Payroll Taxes: Tax deduction from earning is another burden on the payroll department. You need to think that how to deposit your funds because several complex rules and policies are guiding each form of deposit and it all depends on your business’ tax obligations. Missing filing tax deadlines can also interrupt cash flow.

Payroll is only one part of your financial responsibility, and although it should be a simple, consistent process, but it is often quite the opposite. Managing payroll is a demanding task, mainly when there are multiple layers of taxation. So the payroll team needs to process payroll accurately and efficiently. But if you have the right software or payroll processing services in place, this isn’t usually a problem

Basic monthly tasks if you run your own payroll

One of the most time-consuming admin tasks associated with the running a small business can be dealing with the payroll.

Generally speaking, you can:

Run your own in-house payroll, or

Hire your accountant to do the work for you.

If you operate your own payroll, there are a multitude of tasks that must be completed each tax month. Tax months run from the 6th of one month to the 5th of the next.

This includes:

  • Using payroll software to record employees pay, deductions and National Insurance Contributions on or before each payday. You also need to consider other deductions such as pension contributions and student loan payments.
  • Producing payslips for employees. This may require different software.
  • Calculating any statutory pay such as maternity or sick pay.
  • Updating the system for new employees.
  • Reporting employees pay and deductions to HMRC by making a Full Payment Submission (FPS).
  • Calculating and paying HMRC all amounts due, by the 22nd (or the 19th if paying by post) of the month following the employees’ payday. 

There are penalties for late reporting and you must also comply with relevant legislation such as ensuring you are paying at least the minimum wage and keeping relevant records.

Planning note

If you are about to employ someone for the first-time or would like to consider what other options are available to manage your existing payroll, we would be happy to discuss how we can help. Alternatively, if you want to continue managing your payroll in-house, we can also advise on the best software packages to get the job done.

Factors to Choosing a Payroll System

If you’ve decided you want to use software to run your business’s payroll, you might worry about the difficulty of choosing a payroll system. To weed through the many services out there, you need to know what to look for.

Choosing a payroll system can be easier than you think if you pay attention to key factors. Take a look at these tips to help you pick the best payroll system for your small business.

Choosing a Payroll System

Using payroll software can save you time and money so you can focus on growing your business.

You don’t need to be a payroll expert to use payroll software, but you do need to purchase a system that integrates with your business needs. The following eight factors will help you learn how to choose a payroll service.

1. Online vs. desktop software

There are two types of software to choose from before you compare payroll services: online and desktop software. What you choose depends on the type of business you have, your lifestyle, and your personal preference.

Online software: Online software, or cloud payroll software, means you can access payroll anytime and anywhere. All you need is internet access to run payroll, which is beneficial if you are constantly on the go. With online software, you can access your payroll records from more than one device. Log in to a computer at your business or your mobile device at home.

Your payroll information is protected if your computer crashes, since it is stored in the cloud. With online software, you pay a continual subscription price. You might pay per payroll period or monthly.

Desktop software: For desktop software, you will download the software program onto your computer. You can only run payroll on the computer that has the software. You do not need internet access to run payroll with this option. 

With desktop software, you will most likely pay an initial flat rate. And you might also need to pay future fees for software upgrades. If your computer crashes, you could lose your data.

2. Cost

So, how much is a payroll service anyway?

As a small business owner, you probably aren’t willing to dole out cash at the drop of a hat. You want services that are affordable and get the job done. When deciding on a payroll system, the cost of payroll services for small business is a priority.

Be wary of hidden fees that might be overlooked during your initial payroll services cost comparison. You might select a provider and later find that there are extra fees you did not know about because of your provider’s payroll services pricing model. Make sure you read the fine print and fully understand what features are included in the price.

Cost usually increases when you need more features. For example, if you want a payroll system to file and remit federal, state, and local payroll taxes, you might need to purchase full-service payroll. Cost typically increases as you hire more employees as well. 

Ask questions about the cost so you aren’t surprised when you receive the bill. Make sure you know what is included in your payroll software. If you plan to hire more employees in the future, ask about the approximate cost per additional worker.

3. Features

Though cost is important when choosing a payroll system, you also want it to perform the tasks you need. Since businesses are all different, the best payroll system for your company should integrate with your business’s unique needs.

Here are some features you should consider when choosing a payroll system.

Payment type: Do you pay your employees via direct deposit, paychecks, or payroll cards? You want your payroll system to accommodate how you pay your employees.

For example, if you pay your employees via direct deposit, you probably want a payroll system that offers free direct deposit, since direct deposit on its own comes at a cost. If you give your employees paychecks, make sure your software supports it. Some software lets you print paychecks when you run payroll.

Pay period: How often do you pay your employees? Every week, two weeks, or each month? Choose a payroll system that lets you pay employees when you want.

If you pay your employees every week, you might not want a payroll system that costs you each time you run payroll. You would end up paying more money to run payroll if you have short pay periods. Instead, you would want a payroll system that lets you pay a flat amount, regardless of pay period. 

Taxes: Depositing and filing taxes takes time and can be confusing. If you want to run payroll without needing to worry about handling payroll taxes, choose a full service plan that deposits and files taxes for you.

If your payroll software deposits taxes for you, you do not need to stress about mistakes or late payments. Your payroll software has you covered.

Supplemental wages: If your employees earn bonuses, commissions, or tips, you need a payroll provider that accommodates supplemental wages.

Let’s say you own a restaurant. Your employees receive tips and report their earnings to you. Supplemental wages are recorded and taxed differently than normal wages. Some payroll providers handle recording and remitting taxes on supplemental wages for you.

Time and attendance: Time and attendance lets you easily track the hours your employees work. Have your employees enter their hours online, or enter them yourself. Attendance management might be an extra feature that integrates with payroll.

Your employees enter their hours, and you run payroll based on their time and attendance tracking. You save time by letting your employees enter their own hours. That way, all you need to do is verify their hours are correct and run the payroll.

4. Support

When you use a payroll system, you have control over your payroll. However, you aren’t alone if you have questions. A payroll system that offers strong support could help you feel more comfortable with running your own payroll.     

Fortunately, many payroll systems offer customer support in some form. And some companies even help you set up your payroll system. If support is important to you, compare levels of support when choosing a payroll system.

Some payroll systems offer online support, support over the phone, or both. Depending on your personal preference, you might factor the kind of support you will receive into your payroll system comparison.

5. Difficulty level

As a small business owner, you’re an expert in your business. But you probably are not an expert in payroll.

Getting a payroll system that makes sense and is easy for you is important when choosing a payroll system. Some payroll systems can get tricky and require background knowledge in order to run them.

Make sure you are confident you can easily learn how to use the payroll system before you buy it. Purchasing a payroll system with a small learning curve saves you time and money. You don’t want to buy something that you spend a lot of time learning, sits without use, or causes you to spend money on resources to learn how to use it. If possible, try out the payroll system before you buy it.

6. Free trial

Some payroll systems come with a free trial so you can get the hang of running your own payroll. A free trial helps you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Check to see if the payroll system you are considering offers a free trial. It lets you learn the system with a hands-on approach and temporarily run your payroll at no cost to you.

7. Security

What happens if someone gains access to all your employees’ Social Security numbers and other personal information? That sounds like a nightmare for both employers and employees.

Security is an important aspect of choosing a payroll system. Make sure you know how the provider secures employee information. And the payroll system should be bonded and insured and have high-security encryption, like banks. That way, you can trust that the information is safe.

8. Contract

Business owners enter into contracts all the time. You need a contract for leases, loans, partnership agreements, confidentiality agreements … you name it, there’s a contract. Payroll systems do not have to be one of those things.

Before choosing a payroll system, see if it will strap you into a year-long contract. If you do enter into a contract with your payroll provider, first make sure the software meets all your needs. You might have to pay a fee to drop out early. The contract forces you to stick with that payroll system, which can be a pain if you later discover hidden fees or you need to purchase extra features.

Introduction to Payroll for Small Business

Let’s start by looking briefly at what a payroll system is and how it works.

Basically, a payroll system has two main functions: to ensure that the employees get paid the correct amount, and to ensure that the government gets paid the right amount of tax.

These days, many companies run their payroll systems using specialized software or online apps (which we’ll look at in the next section). But the form it takes is not important: as long as you do everything accurately, you could also run payroll using your own manual records.

So the basic components of a payroll system are:

  • accurate employee records
  • calculation of the right wages
  • calculation of withholding taxes and other government deductions
  • paying employees, either by printing cheques or making transfers
  • paying employment taxes to the government
  • keeping any necessary records

These are the basics, but depending on your employees’ situations, you may also need to account for overtime, bonuses, deductions towards a pension scheme, and more.

Takeaways for Your Payroll System

Select the best value for your money. If you need payroll to have certain features, make sure those are included in the service. Your business can also benefit from factors like helpful support, a free trial, no contract, and security.

Choosing a payroll system does not have to be difficult. But it does involve comparing payroll providers. Deciding on the payroll system that is right for your business depends on your lifestyle, budget, and level of payroll-related knowledge.

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Establishing Your Personal Window Cleaning Establishment

Window Cleaning Guide

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. The assumption here is that windows must be pretty darned important—and anyone who owns an knows just how quickly a clean can look years beyond its age simply because the windows are dirty. You don’t want that. You also don’t want window cleaning to take you all afternoon. That’s why we’ve put together this brief guide on effective window cleaning along with some of our best products to help you get the job done.

Window Cleaning Products You Need

Let’s start with the equipment. If you start with the right “toolbox,” so to speak, the rest of the job of cleaning windows is going to be effortless while leaving behind minimal streaks

Tips for Better RV Window Cleaning

The secret here? There is no secret. windows are like any other window you’ll have to clean, which means that if you know how to keep your house or car windows spotless, you’ll be able to do the same to your. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some tips to help the process along. For example, it’s better to clean on a cloudy day than a sunny day, as the direct sunlight tends to evaporate water more quickly. This in turn leads to noticeable streaks on your windows.

You can also get things moving with a quick rinse first. This removes some debris and loosens up other debris that will come off during active cleaning with a rag. It’s just a simple way to make the process easier on yourself.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Commercial Window Cleaners?

Commercial window cleaning has an average cost between $5.50 and $14.46 per window. Companies that charge by the pane have an average cost between $2 and $8 per pane. Some companies charge a flat rate, averaging between $4 and $6 per window. For companies that charge by the hour, expect to pay between $36 and $58 per hour.

Commercial Window Cleaning Cost Per Pane

The cost of window cleaning per pane depends on the size of the panes, number of panes, and whether the windows are being cleaned only on the outside or the inside as well.

The cost of window cleaning by the pane averages between $2 and $8 per pane.

Buildings with one or two stories have an average price between $3 and $6 per pane for outside washing only and between $4 and $8 per pane to wash the inside also.

Smaller panes, such as French panes, may cost as little as $1 to $2 per pane.

Commercial Window Cleaning Cost Per Window

The cost of window cleaning per window depends primarily on how many windows you have and the type of windows you have.

Companies that charge by the window range in cost between $5.50 and $14.50 per window, but most average around $10 per window.

It is important to note that companies that charge flat rates may change them depending on the amount of labor involved in the cleaning process. Some companies also offer discounts for higher numbers of windows.

Additional Window Cleaning Charges & Fees

In addition to the cost that comes from cleaning the windows themselves, there are other fees to keep in mind, such as:

Paint or stain removal from windows has an average cost between $3.50 and $6 for regular-sized windows.

If the cleaner does not include sills and tracks in their regular cleaning fees, expect to pay between $0.50 and $5 extra for the service.

ENJOY THE VIEW – A GUIDE TO SPOTLESS WINDOWS

Window cleaning is this one chore we all wish it could be easier. Therefore, most people call the professional property services people for the job – us. They really do make our lives easier, right? Whether there’s a house maintenance you cannot cope with in your property or should you even need the windows of a whole office building cleaned, you’d call professional property services provider, right?

True, cleaning your windows by yourself can be quite time consuming and tedious task but most of the time it can be due to an inefficient cleaning technique. On the bright side – with just a few changes in your window cleaning routine you can quickly and easily achieve spotless windows!

Most households could use a window cleaning twice a year and it will benefit greatly. Clean windows let more light inside and will make your room bright and sunny with a great view to the outside. If you don’t want to call professional property services providers or you simply want to do your cleaning yourself, don’t worry, it is still possible.

Don’t jump straight into the cleaning

Usually we just lay cloth or an old bed sheet on the floor to prevent staining on the carpets from those nasty dirty drops and that’s all. However, spending a little more effort on preparing will make the whole job a lot easier and quicker later.

The first and important thing is to choose a dry and cloudy day for cleaning your windows or at least an early morning, before the sunlight comes thru them. This will allow you more time to wipe off the cleaning solution before it dries off on the glass and creates streaks. Another way to prevent streaks is to work fast. Therefore it’s better to have all your tools prepared nearby.

Window cleaning

From residential properties to 20-storey office buildings, window cleaning isn’t something that can be neglected on a regular basis. Luckily, there are professionals that you can hire in order to get the job done safely. With this said, selecting the best season to have your windows cleaned is often a coin toss and a large variety of the information available tends to contradict itself. In this article, the Parkside team have decided to go over the pros and cons of windowing cleaning in every season in order to allow our readers to make an informed decision

Spring

It is wise to clean your windows thoroughly during spring in order to remove the build-up of debris that accumulates after the winter period. After all, very few people are willing to brace the cold of winter for this domestic duty which means that the cleanliness of your windows will often be neglected until the weather warms up in spring. You should try to choose a cloudy day in favour of a sunny one as too much heat can dry out the cleaning solution and leave you with unsightly streaks.

Summer

Your windows should be cleaned around the start of summer in order to rid them of spring pollen and other material built up. With this said, the warmth of the summer season can be troublesome to work around as, like above, the cleaning solution can dry too quickly. In addition to this, the added shine can hide imperfections and dirt that wouldn’t be missed on an overcast day.

Autumn

When the leaves start to fall from the trees and the weather gets colder, it is easy to tell that Autumn is just around the corner. In fact, rainfall levels also tend to rise during this season. If you notice that your windows are considerably dirty after a bout of autumn rain, then it is a sure sign that they were already in need of cleaning beforehand. Luckily, the mild weather means that the windows will dry without streaks and you won’t have to freeze during the task either

Winter

As the most difficult season for window cleaning, winter is when homeowners tend to neglect the cleanliness of their windows because it is simply too cold. With this said, it isn’t impossible to do when you have the right products and tools to hand. After all, it is important to ensure that the glass isn’t damaged in the process as the last thing you want to do is use extremely hot water on freezing cold winter glass!

Clean Windows Like a Professional Window Cleaner

Having a clean home means that you should notice the details. Just like the eyes are a doorway to the soul, the windows are a doorway to the soul of a house. But what is the best way to clean your windows? The secret to streak-free window cleaning isn’t hidden inexpensive window cleaning products, but in the technique used to wipe the glass surface. In fact, some of the best window cleaning detergents are homemade! So, let’s take a look at how you can shine your windows.

How to clean your windows | Step by step

Gather your window cleaning supplies

You’ll need to gather all the supplies that you’ll need. Preparing beforehand will ensure that you’ll do your work faster and more correct. What you’ll need to clean your windows perfectly is a sponge, bucket, window squeegee, a microfiber cloth and a cleaning detergent.

Remove any stickers from the windows

It’s important to remove all stickers from the windows that you’ll clean. If you can’t get them off, or if there’s glue residue left, you can use soapy water. Dab the sticker (or glue residue) thoroughly and leave it for 10 minutes. The soapy water will soften the glue and both should wipe off easily.

Clean the window with the detergent

After you’ve removed glue residue and any stickers it’s time to clean the whole window. Start by applying detergent. Wipe the window with a sponge and make sure you are going in on direction the whole time. Go from top to bottom.

Squeegee the window

In order to achieve streak free windows, grab your squeegee and remove the water from the window. Wipe the squeegee in between streaks to maintain a clean squeegee and a streak-free window.

Buff the window

There is nothing like a shiny window. It gives off that extra clean look in your home. The best way to achieve it to buff it with a newspaper. Make sure first that the window is dry and that the newspaper isn’t contaminated with anything that might damage the glass.

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Motivations For Plastic Surgery Are Deeply Personal

Should you combine multiple cosmetic procedures?

A question that I am frequently asked is: “can multiple plastic surgery procedures be performed in one single operation?” The quick answer to this question is yes (you’ve certainly heard of extreme cases such as Heidi Montag who underwent 10 procedures in one day…); however, it’s imperative that all safety concerns be addressed sufficiently beforehand, and that should only happen when combining cosmetic procedures is the best option for the patients. Each patient is unique, and so multiple aesthetic procedures will naturally have different outcomes on their bodies.

In this blog, I explore some of the advantages and disadvantages to having multiple cosmetic procedures at once, and offer my advice for anyone thinking of having multiple aesthetic procedures in one sitting.

Advantages of combining plastic surgery procedures

The most obvious advantage to having more than one cosmetic procedure in a single sitting is that it saves time; the patient requires only one surgery and resulting in a single recovery period, as opposed to multiple surgeries requiring numerous recovery periods, possibly resulting in extra time off work, and a multitude of consultations with your plastic surgeon.

Further advantages to combining plastic surgery procedures is the lowered cost to the surgeon and their organisation. Undergoing multiple surgeries at once requires a single anaesthetist, one consultation and one hospital bed. This will reduce the overall cost for your surgeon, and could see the cost of your surgical procedure drop slightly as a result.

Talking about anaesthetics, since many surgical procedures require general anaesthesia, which always involves risks, going under just once may be considered ‘safer’ (although you have to think about the fact that the anaesthesia will have to last longer, which can also be risky).

It is important to remember that if you desire multiple plastic surgery procedures, you should consider where on your body your surgeon will be operating. A facelift, for example, can easily be combined with a nose job (rhinoplasty), or other facial cosmetic procedures. Likewise, a breast augmentation or reduction procedure could be combined with liposuction or a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) as they are located on the same area of the body. As such, I wouldn’t recommend a breast augmentation with a buttock lift, as moving a patient during surgery could cause serious complications.

Disadvantages of combining plastic surgery procedures

Combining aesthetic procedures does give rise to a number of potential complications. While a single dose of anaesthetic and requiring the services of an anaesthetist only once may be cheaper, it would need to be a stronger dose, which, depending on the individual, could have a negative effect on the body; the more procedures, the longer a person will be under anaesthesia leading to an increase in the chance of potential complications, such as excessive blood loss.

Furthermore, while one recovery process may sound appealing, the process will be significantly longer, and potentially more painful and incapacitating, as more of your body will need time to recuperate. Depending on the individual, this can cause serious complications, and as such I wouldn’t recommend multiple cosmetic surgeries for an individual who is not fit and healthy – I actually would not recommend undergoing any cosmetic surgery to someone who isn’t fit and healthy.

What are the pros & cons of undergoing multiple plastic surgeries at once?

Anesthesia

Pro: A single surgery means just one time under anesthesia, which can reduce your risk for anesthesia-related complications. Since most complications occur during the time you are going under the anesthesia or coming out of it, combining procedures is a safer approach for many patients.

Con: While a single dose of anesthesia may be more desirable, you may need a stronger dose that enables you to stay under longer and deeper. It’s important to keep in mind that there is a danger that comes with being under anesthesia for any extended period of time. Depending on your age and health status, too strong a dose can have a negative effect on your body and may increase the chance of complications, like excessive blood loss.

Recovery Time

Pro: Every plastic surgery procedure comes with its own recovery timeline. For some procedures, the recovery time is relatively short, while others may take a number of weeks before you are ready to return to regular activities. By combining your procedures, you only have to endure one recovery period.

Con: Having just one recovery period is appealing, but know that your recovery period may be longer and more painful when recovering from multiple plastic surgeries as opposed to a single procedure. You may need to take more time off from work and need assistance from friends and family for an extended period of time.

Costs

Pro: When you have any surgery, you’re not just paying the surgeon’s fees, but you’re also paying for the anesthesiologist and the use of the operating room. By combining surgical procedures, you can potentially save a significant amount of money because you’ll be paying these fees just one time. Plus, your surgeon may give you a discount for having multiple plastic surgeries done at the same time.

Con: If you’re saving money for a procedure, then the higher costs of a combined procedure may seem like too big of a financial goal. It may be easier for you save up what you need to have a single procedure, have that procedure, then save up again for the next procedure.

Results

Pro: In many instances, combining procedures produces improved results. For example, Breast reduction with a lift may give you a better, or more desirable result. On the other hand, if you do just the reduction and take the time to heal you may not feel you need a lift until a few years later. Likewise, combining a tummy tuck and liposuction can go farther in giving you the slimmer waistline you desire than either procedure alone.

Con: When you combine surgeries, it will take more time to see your desired results, since your body needs longer to heal. You’ll also see an increased amount of bruising and swelling. If this does not sound desirable, you may prefer to make small changes over time and ease into your new look. How you want to achieve your aesthetic goals is entirely your choice.

What plastic surgeries are typically combined?

While safety is always the top priority, many cosmetic surgeons are comfortable combining at least two surgeries as long as you’re in good health. The most common plastic surgery procedures that are combined include liposuction and tummy tuck, rhinoplasty and chin augmentation, and breast augmentation with breast lift.

Another popular option offered at Northeastern Plastic Surgery is the mommy makeover, which is a combination of breast surgery, liposuction, and tummy tuck procedures designed to rejuvenate a women’s body after she is done having children. Sometimes, procedures must be combined. For example, when women choose to undergo breast augmentation using fat transfer they must first undergo liposuction to harvest the fat and then they have the breast surgery.

When are surgeries not combined?

If you have high blood pressure, an existing health condition, or your surgeon otherwise deems multiple surgeries to be unsafe, then you’ll have to be content with having one procedure at a time.

Other considerations that go into determining the possibility of having multiple cosmetic surgeries at same time include:

  • the patient’s overall health
  • the areas where the procedures are to be performed
  • the surgeon’s qualifications and experience
  • the length of time the patient would need to be under anesthesia

In terms of body sculpting, the most popular combination procedures are:

  • Mommy makeover (tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift and breast augmentation)
  • Breast augmentation and breast lift
  • Thigh liposuction and thigh lift
  • Face and neck lift
  • Liposuction and arm Lift

Complementing Procedures

Certain cosmetic surgeries go hand in hand, so you may want to combine multiple surgeries that can be done at the same time. For example, you may need to have a tummy tuck following liposuction in order to get rid of loose skin. It’s also a smart move to combine breast augmentation procedure with a breast lift cosmetic surgery. Or, women who undergo reconstructive breast surgery as part of cancer treatment, may choose breast augmentation.

Having more than one cosmetic surgery at the same time, or having cosmetic surgery procedures at different times both have advantages and disadvantages. A skilled cosmetic surgeon in partnership with an experienced anesthesiologist can make the decision whether they’re able to perform multiple procedures at the same time, or whether they want to perform them separately.

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How Bed Bugs Reproduce

Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. Their bites can be itchy, but do not usually cause other health problems.

Bedbugs can hide in many places, including on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper.

Signs of bedbugs include:

bites – often on areas exposed while sleeping, like the face, neck and arms

spots of blood on your bedding – from the bites or from squashing a bedbug

small brown spots on bedding or furniture (bedbug poo)

How you can treat bedbug bites

Bedbug bites usually clear up on their own in a week or so.

Things you can do include:

putting something cool, like a clean, damp cloth, on the affected area to help with the itching and any swelling

keeping the affected area clean

not scratching the bites to avoid getting an infection

You can ask a pharmacist about:

using a mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone cream to ease bedbug bites (children under 10 and pregnant women should get advice from a doctor before using hydrocortisone cream)

antihistamines – these may help if the bites are very itchy and you’re unable to sleep

How to get rid of bedbugs

Do

contact your local council or pest control service – it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get rid of bedbugs yourself because they can be resistant to some insecticides

wash affected bedding and clothing – use a hot wash (60C) or tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes

put affected clothing and bedding in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer (-16C) for 4 days (alternative to hot washing)

clean and vacuum regularly – bedbugs are found in both clean and dirty places, but regular cleaning will help you spot them early

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are pests that are tough to get rid of. They’re really good at hiding, and they reproduce quickly. Plus, bed bug eggs are resistant to many forms of treatment, so a one-time treatment might not be enough to get rid of your bed bug problem.

If you think you might have bed bugs, don’t burn the entire house down just yet. We’ll walk you through how to get rid of bed bugs, including where to find them, what they look like and how to get rid of them for good.

How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

It might be tempting to fly into a bed bug killing rage and start spraying everything in sight. Although it might feel good in the moment, doing that is a waste of time and money. When you live with a lot of clutter, this makes it easier for bed bugs to hide and harder for you to get rid of them. Since things like books, children’s items, boxes, and electronics can’t be treated with insecticides, bed bugs end up with plenty of places to hide for safety. Clean up cluttered areas before treating with chemicals.

Get Rid of Clutter

Get anything except for large furniture out of the room. Items from the infested area can transfer bed bugs to other areas of the house, so you should store them in tightly sealed plastic bags with Nuvan Strips to kill any bed bugs.

Wash Infested Clothes & Bedding

Infested clothes and bedding can’t be treated with insecticide. Wash them in hot water that’s at least 120°F in order to kill any bed bugs. You might want to run them through twice, just to be sure.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home

Bed bugs are troublesome to deal with. If you fail to eliminate even a single pregnant bed bug, your household runs the risk of getting infested with over 300 adult bed bugs and 1000 eggs in less than three months.

Bed bugs are common household pests that are oval in shape and brownish in colour. They are parasites that live on the blood of humans and animals.

Immature bed bugs are known as nymphs. Nyphms shed their skin five times before becoming mature. They need a complete meal of blood before each shedding. These nymphs require a little less than a month to develop fully and produce three generations of offsprings in a year, under favourable conditions.

So, where do these pesky pests come from? Bed bugs can enter your home (and life) through clothes, luggage, couch, beds, and mattresses. They have a flattened body and can fit into any available space are hard to detect. They do not have nests but live in groups. Bed bugs initially hide in mattresses, headframes, box springs and places from where they will have easy access to sleeping people, and feed on them. They later spread to other places.

How to Remove Bed Bugs?

These small bloodsuckers can create havoc in your life if not eliminated completely. It is not difficult to remove bed bugs. A little bit of patience and knowing what needs to be done, can help in removing these tiny pests.

How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs can be beyond miserable. Emotionally miserable. Psychologically miserable. Financially miserable. What makes bed bugs particularly exhausting to get rid of is their ability to avoid pesticides for extended periods of time and continually regenerate their populations. Sometimes the bed bug problem starts to feel hopeless, like the infestation simply will never end.

Inspect. Inspect. Inspect. Inspect.

Get the idea? When dealing with bed bugs, a complete, comprehensive inspection is the key. Inspecting for bed bugs is not easy, meaning even the most skilled bed bug inspectors can miss finding the presence of bed bugs. Equip yourself with a quality flashlight and be prepared to examine all cracks, crevices, joints, folds, and other tight spaces anywhere bed bug activity may be suspected.

Monitor. Inspect. Monitor.

Get your bed bug monitoring program in high gear. If you weren’t able to find any evidence of bed bugs during your inspection, monitors will drastically enhance your inspection efforts. Use a combination of monitors in various locations and inspect the monitors daily.

Act Quickly. Time is of the Essence

Once you’ve confirmed the presence of bed bugs, don’t delay. Whatever evidence you discovered is likely to be representative of a much larger bed bug problem. Although bedbugs may be slow to reproduce as compared to some other insects, each adult female can produce about one egg per day which takes about 10 days to hatch. Left unresolved, bed bug problems can get out of hand rather quickly.

Vacuum. Declutter. Clean. Vacuum

Start eliminating things in the environment that might create cover for bed bugs, and vacuum floors, carpets, beds, mattresses, cracks, and anything else you can find. Discard the contents in a sealed container away from the home. Vacuuming is an excellent way to immediately remove bed bugs from the area, as compared to some pesticide applications which may produce slower results.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Lately, there has been a resurgence of bed bugs, and more and more people are looking for means and ways of getting rid of bed bugs permanently. In this post, we look into the options you have when dealing with these bugs. Similar to dealing with other pests the best course of action to take is to combat bed bugs in the very early stages of infestation.

When dealing with bed bugs, commercial insecticides are an option. Chemical insecticides are readily available and reasonably effective, however, in many cases, it may not be enough to eradicate bed bugs and their eggs. In many cases your best option is to call pest controllers for professional assistance. There are a lot of factors that can make it challenging to kill bed bugs in the home. There’s the challenge in detecting them, identifying them, finding their hiding places, and their growing resistance to different commercial insecticides or pesticides.

When treating bed bugs it is important to strategize and understand the different methodologies available for you to be able to maximize them to exterminate them successfully. This article gives you a comprehensive guide on how you can effectively identify bed bugs, how to eliminate them and prevent resurgence.

How to Detect and Identify Bed Bugs

Finding and identifying bed bugs can be challenging since they are tiny in size and can hide in small cracks or spaces in your home. But traces or evidence of bed bug infestation can be seen on your beddings, mattresses or areas where you usually sleep. Bed bugs usually leave chunks of dark brown or black spots on surfaces, these spots are dried excrements. There is also a distinct smell which is subtle, sweet, musty odour.

Bed bugs usually thrive in places where you spend a lot of time sleeping. They have tiny, flattened bodies and they get into small cracks or crevices in the home. They cluster together in places like mattresses, headboards, box springs, foot boards, bed frames, and any furniture near the bed. They also stay inside cracks or small spaces or gaps behind wall outlets or sockets, floor, door or window moulding. They can also be found in carpet edges in some cases.

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Auto Repair Shops Adopt Environmentally Responsible Practices

Common Types Of Auto Repairs

There are many different auto repair services available to you when your car gets damaged. In fact, there are so many it can all get a bit confusing. It’s important that consumers understand the difference between each service and each professional providing it. Here’s a full breakdown of every kind of auto repair service that you could use and the people providing them.

Auto servicing and service technicians

These are the people who carry out routine servicing on your car or truck. This includes checking oil and fluid levels, electrical wiring and things like your lights and brakes. If there’s a problem with your vehicle, you can trust these guys to pick it up. Because problems can occur with your car, it’s worth taking your vehicle into a service center once a year.

Diagnostic technicians

Diagnostic technicians are a lot like service technicians. They are a little more specialized, however. Rather than fixing problems, they use specialist tools to diagnose underlying problems with your car. Typically, this will cover all of the things that you can’t see with the naked eye like electrical issues, your car’s ignition and the underlying technology that makes the car run. As vehicles are becoming more advanced, the importance of diagnostics is increasing.

Engine, brake and transmission experts

Some auto shops and technicians may specialize in checking and repairing your auto’s key systems like it’s engine, transmission, and brakes. All of these systems are critical to your car’s drivability and safety, meaning you can often pay a premium if you visit a specialist center.

Body repair centers

When your vehicle is involved in an accident, an auto body repair center will have it looking as good as new in an instant. Auto body repair centers are experts at repairing or replacing worn out or damaged body parts, as well as headlights and things like your car’s axels and steering system. If you’re involved in an accident you’ll almost certainly need to turn to an auto body repair center to repair your car’s cosmetic damage. In fact, these centers are the only place you should turn to.

Auto paint experts

Whether you are involved in an accident or just fancy getting a fresh coat of paint applied to your vehicle, auto paint experts are here to ensure your ride looks as fresh as possible. It’s not possible to apply auto paint yourself, so it’s always necessary to visit an expert. Even after an accident where paint has been scraped of your vehicle, these experts can match the color and have your vehicle looking as good as new.

Most common repairs you’ll encounter in an auto repair career

When it comes to car repair problems, there’s a lineup of usual suspects: from spark plugs and brake pads to fuel injectors and more. Whether you would like to work for an independent local automotive business or a national auto body franchise, the right training will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to address a full range of auto repairs.

If you are planning to enroll in auto repair courses, or you have already started your program, read on to learn more about five of the most common car repairs you’ll encounter once you break into the industry.

Brake Work: A Pillar of Auto Repair

Once you earn your diploma and become a mechanic you will find yourself frequently (and meticulously) working on car brakes. Professionals in auto careers know that effectively repairing brakes is a vital task—Stats Canada reports a failure to give way or stop causes nearly one quarter of all Canadian car accidents, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and over 2,500 serious injuries per year.

Training will provide you with hands-on knowledge of a car’s entire brake system.

Oil Changes: Routine Tasks for Auto Industry Pros

A good automotive course teaches students about the modern methods that mechanics use to ensure a vehicle’s safety and lengthen its road life. An oil change keeps a car in its best possible running condition. Experienced mechanics know that oil changes are a necessary part of every vehicle’s maintenance. A vehicle’s oil should typically be changed after every few thousand miles.

Over time, dirt and metal filings build up in a car’s oil, making it less effective at lubricating the engine. Regular oil changes lengthen the life of the engine itself. In fact, service records that show frequent oil changes can help the resell value of vehicles, too.

Fixing Automotive Fuel Injector Issues

Faulty fuel injectors are the cause many of today’s visits to the garage. Rough idling, poor fuel economy, misfiring engines and gas leaks can all be traced back to fuel injection system issues—often clogs in the injector itself.

Injectors can become clogged when vehicles are consistently driven at less than ¼ of a tank of gas. Once you become a mechanic, you will be responsible for cleaning clogged injectors with a pressurized solvent, or replacing them altogether. Ensuring that a car’s injectors are functioning properly will prevent potential accidents and untimely break downs.

Replacing Spark Plugs to Meet Auto Industry Standards

Experts in auto industry careers recognize the importance of fixing small parts to avoid big problems. If you’re a detail –oriented person who notices when things aren’t quite right, you’ll thrive in this aspect of the industry.

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting fuel in a car’s cylinders. According to CarMD, many car owners attempt to replace these crucial ignition parts themselves. However, these replacements are often done poorly, reducing gas mileage and melting expensive catalytic converters. Certified mechanics are capable of effectively replacing spark plugs with due care and attention.

By having a mechanic change their spark plugs, drivers will save money in the long run, and they can also be certain that such auto repairs meet industry standards.

Checking Tires: Preventing Blowouts and Accidents

Tire patches or complete replacements are commonplace in most professional body shops. But good training will help you notice the state of a car’s tires even when a client has brought in their vehicle for an unrelated repair. Over-inflation and under-inflation lead to blowouts, causing major accidents on the road.

A good mechanic checks the tires of every vehicle he or she services before letting it hit the pavement. Though car owners are encouraged to check tire pressure regularly, specialized attention from a mechanic’s well-trained eye can detect an issue and save a life.

Most Common Car Problems and Issues

Completing routine service and maintenance is vital to keeping your car, truck, or SUV running strong. At times, however, car issues will arise, and every vehicle will display certain warning signs. To reduce the potential for breakdown, and expensive repairs, we’ve listed the 12 most common car problems that tend to pop up.

1. Warning Lights

A warning or check engine light is the most common issue for US car, truck and SUV owners. These lights illuminate when the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit) detects an error code triggered by a sensor. Since there are more than 200 possible warning code, having a professional mechanic complete a warning light inspection is the best way to determine the source and make the right repairs.

2. A Sputtering Engine

The engine runs best when air and fuel properly mix and burn in the combustion chamber. To efficiently complete this process, a series of fuel and ignition system components must work together. Though many moving parts help an engine run properly, engine sputtering or misfiring is one of the leading problems. To reduce engine misfiring or sputtering issues, make sure to replace fuel and ignition system components as recommended by your manufacturer.

3. Poor Fuel Economy

When the engine is running efficiently, it burns fuel at a rate that helps improve fuel economy. However, several fuel system parts like fuel filters, air filters, mass air flow sensors, and O2 sensors will eventually get dirty or wear out. If this happens before they are replaced, it will cause the engine to consume more fuel than usual. Again, being proactive about routine servicing provides the solution.

4. Dead Battery

Most car batteries should last about three years or 50,000 miles. A dead battery is usually caused by reduced amps – or electrical currents – which naturally decrease as the battery loses its ability to maintain a charge. A damaged alternator, battery temperature sensor, or other charging system components can expedite this issue. It’s best to replace your car battery every 50,000 miles or three years, even if it’s not showing signs of damage.

5. Flat Tires

While most tires become flat after striking an object or being punctured, it’s possible for simple wear and tear to be the main source. Extend your tire’s lifespan by keeping them properly rotated, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Generally, rotating tires every 5,000 miles (or when you change your engine oil) is the best advice.

6. Brakes Squeaking or Grinding

Like any other moving part on your car, the brake system is intended to wear out over a designated period of time. Brakes are vital for safe stopping, so when they display any symptoms of issues, like squealing, squeaking or a soft brake pedal – it should be inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. While minor problems can cause squeaking or squealing noises, once the brakes start grinding, it’s a definite sign they need to be replaced.

Alternator Failure

The alternator is the part on your vehicle that keeps all electrical systems running once the car starts. It’s also responsible for supplying a charge to your battery to keep it in peak condition. When an alternator breaks, it will eventually cause the battery to wear out prematurely and other starting issues. Check your recommended service intervals and replace the alternator before it breaks to avoid this hassle.

Broken Starter Motor

The starter motor is responsible for cranking your engine over, which begins the starting process. When this component fails, it’s usually because the electrical solenoid has been damaged, the starter motor breaks, or another electrical fault occurs – like a starter relay, for example. While a starter can be replaced before it breaks, it’s difficult to predict when this will happen. It’s best to have a car-starting inspection to determine the problem before assuming it’s the starter.

The different types of auto repair garages

There is no shortage of garages to have one’s car repaired at. This is good news for the customers who have several options. There are three major categories of car auto repair shops.

The Dealership

Dealerships are some of the most common. They are the high end shops of the industry, and have mechanics trained by manufacturers. They offer all in one service, by virtue of the fact that they also sell the vehicles and parts. Many people go to a dealership for warranty repairs or for complex repair operations.

Independent Garage

Independent garages are the majority. They are privately owned, and often come with varying degrees of service delivery and pricing. The most reliable of the independent shops can be compared to the highest level dealerships. However, an advantage they have is that they are cheaper and thus attract more customers. Their location is strategic, making them the convenient option for most motorists. They are unlikely to stock the parts together with providing mechanical repair services. When choosing an independent garage, customers must make sure that the mechanics working on their cars are certified by a professional organization. With certification, customers can be sure of their track record and their skills and knowledge. Car owners embrace them with the knowledge that they will not get low quality repairs.

Specialty Shops

These are auto repair garages that focus on specific cars, or on specific areas of cars. They are preferred for their superior knowledge of a narrow scope of repair jobs. For car owners with luxury or unique exotic cars, this might be the place to go. For those nagging repair jobs that the common repair shop cannot handle, it might be wise to take the car to a specialty shop to get rid of the problem permanently.