Author: laurence (Page 5 of 6)

Choose Good Wedding Videographer For Your Wedding

HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

How to choose a wedding videographer

Times have changed when it comes to filming a wedding. Back in the day it was Uncle Bob and his VHS recorder getting some zoom shots wherever possible (he’s still around by the way, he just uses an IPAD now) but now with the availability of lightweight professional DSLRs/cameras, the birth of social media and advances in mobile tech; wedding videos have become the new and refreshing way to share/memorise your big day. And because of that, there is now a big market of wedding videographers, myself included, for you to choose from – so how the hell do you pick the right one? Here’s 4 things I would consider on How to Choose a Wedding Videographer

Budget

Budget is a total arse. But it’s an important thing to keep in mind when choosing a videographer because costs can range from as little as £200 – £5000 (maybe more) however there are some huge differences to be considered.

Style

Do you want a cinematic dream-like film which makes your day appear as magically as it felt? Or do you want to belly laugh at a sneaky shot of Uncle Bob picking his nose in the corner of the room? Or do you want both? Do you want to be taken away from your guests so your videographer can direct some beautiful shots of you smooching, whispering I love you’s, having a laugh together and making you look like the stars of romantic movie or are you happy for your videographer to hide in the shadows, capturing the more natural moments as they happen so you can chill with your guests longer? Do you want speeches running over the top of your film or do you want music to be the main audio? Different videographers have different styles of delivering a wedding video, they are different artists, some are Banksy, some are Da Vinci! What style do you like? Do your research, find the videos you’re most drawn to and then find the videographers that can deliver that within your budget. Perhaps consider using key words in your searches “Cinematic Wedding Videographer” “Fun Wedding Videographer” “Naturalistic Wedding Videographer” “Alternative Wedding Videographer” “Eco-Friendly Wedding Videographer” etc etc

Personality

Your videographer is going to be interacting with your guests, with venue co-ordinators and with your photographer. If they’re an arse, you’re going to have trouble. Arrange a call maybe, just to gauge an idea of what they’re like to talk to, perhaps even push for a meet up.

Kit

There’s two parts to this; quality of kit, what are they using, what have they achieved with that kit. But perhaps more importantly, how much kit is there? Do you want lights beaming your way during speeches with 8 cameras dotted around the room so every angle/reaction is covered or would you prefer something more low key, less invasive and instead compromise on less angles? It’s not a top consideration but it’s certainly worth noting.

SOME GREAT TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

Choosing and booking a wedding videographer can really enhance your magical day and provide a forever documentation of your special day. Whilst photographs are wonderful, they can fade, maybe you might lose your digital copies on a myriad of different devices, or however fabulous your memory, over time it can be difficult to remember all those magical moments from just a photograph, but a wedding video Is a long lasting memory, captured on film to share with your family and friends and enjoy for years to come.

How Do I Choose and Book a Wedding Videographer?

When choosing and booking a wedding videographer, make sure you shop around for an expert videographer who can work with your budget. Choose a videographer who has good feedback and recommendations, while ensuring you book early – as many videographers can be booked up a year or more in advance. So once you’ve decided to book a wedding videographer, you may need some help in deciding which videographer to choose and ultimately when to book them for your special day. Read on for our top tips on how to make choosing and booking your videographer as simple as possible!

Meet Your Wedding Film Makers

Although there’s often so much to organize and do while planning your wedding, try to take some time to meet with your videographer face to face. We definitely recommend meeting with any potential wedding filmmaker in person. Given the time constraints and the hundred and one other important considerations you need to fulfill when planning your wedding, look at a brief meeting, but one in which you can get a good measure of any potential videographer candidates. This could be in the form of either a quick coffee meetup, or even a Skype/FaceTime call.

Watch Some Wedding Footage Online

Most Wedding Videographers will have a good selection of previous videos on their website for new potential customers to view. This will help you get a good insight into the style of film your chosen videographer produces. Make sure you take some time to look at these together with your partner and decide together if the style is one you both like and fits well with your wedding theme and celebrations. This will help you compare your own thoughts for plans for your wedding with respect to what you’re seeing on screen.

Contact Companies for Quotes

Making sure you get quotations when choosing a wedding videographer is really important. When asking for a quote, it’s a good idea to have a think about the length of the finished video you’d like, which will be the main price determining factor. Make sure the final cost of the video meets your expectations. Many videographers will offer a variety of packages. Some videographers will offer DVD’s, some will post your film privately online and others will present a USB in a wedding presentation box. If you would like a quote for your wedding video, get in touch with us and we will be happy to help!

tips to choosing your perfect wedding videographer

Cinematic 5-10 minute highlight video

This is the most popular type of wedding video and is primarily dedicated to showcasing the most emotional and memorable parts of your day. The videographer will shoot a lot of footage throughout the day and spend a lot of time picking the best moments to tell a comprehensive story of your wedding.

Long-form documentary video

This type of wedding video is focused on showing every moment of your day, typically with a less discerning lens about which shots look cinematic. It’s more about capturing the raw, unfiltered moments throughout the day and giving a full picture of all the events. These edits can be anywhere from 20 – 60 minutes and will look more like a documentary than a cinematic video

Focus on the storytelling

Regardless of style, a videographer is supposed to make you feel like you were at the wedding. They are storytellers and have the enormous responsibility of capturing and re-telling moments in a way that builds emotion and conveys a message.

Find your style

Every videographer has a different way of capturing weddings. The only thing that matters is whether you enjoy watching and re-watching what they create. Do you prefer the slow, dreamy, romantic type of wedding video? Do you gravitate toward the fast-paced, fun, energetic types of edits? A good measure of whether you jive with someone’s style is whether you feel compelled to show their video to your fiance (typically accompanied by the phrase “babe – you have to check this out”).

Check the connection

onsider this: your photographer and videographer will be with you during your wedding nearly as much as your fiance. Let that sink in … pretty crazy huh? So before you rush to call up that distant cousin who took a film class in college

Tips On How To Choose Your Wedding Videographer

DECIDE ON YOUR STYLE

Before you get the popcorn out and plonk yourself down for an evening of bingeing on wedding films, deciding who you should book, I would recommend deciding on the style of film you’re wanting first, this way you can narrow down your search a lot quicker.

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

The budget you set aside for a wedding videographer will be of course be driven by a number of things but I think the determining factor will be how much you value having a wedding video.

DO YOU GET ALONG WITH YOUR VIDEOGRAPHER?

As a bride and groom, you’ll spend almost all day with your photographer and videographer, so it’s vital you like them and get along with them. I’d always recommend getting on a Skype of Facetime call with the suppliers you’re thinking about booking and have a chat with them. You will get a feel for how they communicate, what their attitude is like and how they like to work alongside other suppliers.

IS YOUR WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER A PROFESSIONAL?

By this I mean, what credentials do they have, how long have they been working in the wedding industry, do they have a contract, are they insured, are they doing this full-time (they don’t have an office job Monday-Friday and just doing weddings for extra cash), do they have systems in place for backing up your footage after your wedding? These are things that should be a given for any wedding filmmaker but it’s always prudent to check and ask questions.

WORD OF MOUTH

A fair amount of my bookings come from recommendations from previous clients or other wedding suppliers such as photographers. If your friends or family have been happy with the service and quality of the films I’ve provided them, then it’s likely you will be happy as well. I’m not suggesting you should book a wedding videographer from just a recommendation alone, but it is certainly boosts confidence when someone tells you how great their film is and what the service was like and this can sometimes be a deciding factor when choosing between a few videographers.

How To: Choose Your Wedding Videographer

Start with as many references as you possibly can. Recently married friends will be more than happy to share their wisdom (and show off their wedding film!) Similarly, if you’ve already booked your wedding photographer they will have great recommendations for videographers they have previously worked with. Once you have collected your references, get out the popcorn and start looking through all the portfolios

We strongly recommend you watch three complete wedding films that your videographer has created (not just their “best” bits cropped from films). Watch through each wedding and think about how they make you feel: if you feel excited, nervous and emotional, it means the videographer has really captivated you and forged an emotional connection. The mark of a good videographer is transporting you (the viewer) to the wedding day through their film! Most importantly it makes you wish you’d been invited

While you have a mini-marathon of watching wedding films, don’t forget to pay attention to the videographer’s website. You will be amazed by how much you can learn from their online presence and web design! The more developed and well presented their website is, the more in touch with technology they should be, which is a good thing in the world of videography and editing.

Make sure you know which style of filming you like! Some videographers will take a documentary stance, where the finished film will show your wedding day as it happens, with interviews from your loved ones dispersed throughout the film. Some prefer the story-telling style, where they weave the different moments from your wedding day into a structured narrative. Others will take a “fly-on-the-wall” attitude and will just film the day as it unfolds and edit it accordingly. Don’t forget to speak up if you have a song you want included – that one that gives you goose bumps or the one you heard when you first met!

Meet with your potential videographer and make sure you get along with them! A meeting in person is incredibly important, as this person (and potentially their assistant) will be an integral part of your wedding day and will be following you very closely from morning to evening. With the right videographer you will not feel camera-shy, in fact, you won’t even know that the camera is there!

Must Know How To Find The Best Electronic Leak Detection

How to Detect Leaks

Leaking Faucets

Leaking faucets are generally a result of a worn rubber washer. The washer on a sink is usually located under the handle. These are relatively easy to replace, if you have the right tools. It does require shutting off the water under the sink or at the main shutoff valve and removing the handle. (Note: faucet handles are not shutoff valves.) Check your local home center or hardware store on how to repair faucet leaks.

Leaking Toilets

Toilet leaks can waste hundreds of gallons and often times are silent. Even a small leak can add up to a lot of wasted water and money over time. Fortunately, most toilet leaks are easy and inexpensive to repair.

Flapper Valve Leaks

The most common reason for a leaking toilet is one that has an improperly working or sealing flapper. The flapper is the rubber valve in the bottom of the tank that lifts up when the toilet is flushed. If the flapper is worn or cracked, it allows water to continuously flow from the tank into the toilet bowl without flushing.

Flush Handle Problems

If the handle needs to be jiggled to keep the toilet from running, the flush level bar and chain (or the handle itself) may be sticking. Adjust the nut that secures it in the toilet tank. If that does not work, the handle may have to be replaced.

Overflow Tube Leaks

Ideally the water level should be set so that is about even with the fill line on the back of the toilet tank (approximately ½” below the overflow tube). If the water is too high in the toilet tank and is spilling into the overflow tube, the water level can be adjusted by turning the adjustment screw or by very gently bending the float arm down so that the water shuts off at a level below the overflow tube.

How Electronic Leak Detection Works

When you contract with a leak detection company, the expectation is that they will identify a concealed leak as close as possible to the source, so that a repair can be made. You might think that a trained leak detection technician is only looking for water when looking for a leak, but the truth is, water isn’t always easily found. It’s technology that makes it possible to pinpoint a leak.

It might surprise you to know that sound is the key to finding concealed plumbing leaks. When a faucet is turned on it obviously creates a sound as the water is traveling through a pipe, and this is especially obvious when a fixture is turned on upstairs in a home. As water rushes through a pipe the sound can echo

throughout the plumbing system. This can also be apparent when an exterior hose bib, that exits the wall of the home, is turned on. When there is a leak in a pipe, sound is also created as the water rushes out of the leak. This can occur even when the leak is only the size of a pinhole. In these cases, the sound is usually not nearly as loud as on open faucet, so to hear the sound of the water movement technology is required.

Electronic leak detection equipment amplifies the sound of the moving water, using microphones, digital amplifiers and filters, allowing the leaking pipe to be identified. Once the leaking line is identified then the pressure in the line can be altered to create a specific sound that the technician uses to pinpoint the leak. The sound of pressure escaping from a broken pipe varies depending on the circumstances — the type of pipe, how deep the pipe is underground, if it is under concrete, asphalt, dirt, etc., how big the leak is, if there is a pool of water around the pipe, if there is a void underground, and countless other scenarios that affect the sound of a leak. Training and experience are key when effectively using electronic leak-locating equipment to detect these types of leaks.

This process is used for all types of plumbing systems, under concrete slabs, main water lines, swimming pool plumbing systems, and others. As long as a system can be isolated and pressure tested, leaks can be located using electronics. The more accurately a leak can be pinpointed, the less damage to access the leak, saving time and money.

HOW ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTION WORKS

WHAT IS ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTION?

In the old days your plumber may have used something like a doctor’s stethoscope to listen to the sounds in your walls to try and find a hidden leak, hoping to hear the drip or rush of running water where it didn’t belong. Today’s plumbers use electronic leak detection equipment, which can be a unit that is run over a flat surface that listens to all the sounds in the voids between walls and floors.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Water makes noise as it moves along, whether it is dripping, trickling, or rushing through a broken pipe. Your plumber will determine the best location to position the unit, having listened to your description of the problem. The water leak detection unit has a transducer that serves as its microphone. It then uses a simple computer program listening for the frequencies of sound that are associated with leaking water or gas, and send that information back to the plumber. Your experienced plumber can decipher whether they are hearing a cracked pipe, loose gasket, or a leaky faucet. It can also determine how far away the leak may be, so the unit does not have to be positioned right above the leak.

WILL MY WALLS AND FLOORS BE DAMAGED WITH ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTION?

This is a huge benefit of using electronic leak detection. If you thought the problem of a leaking pipe was behind your shower wall, without using the leak detection a plumber may have simply ripped open your wall to find the broken pipe only to discover everything was fine. However, because the detector was able to tell your plumber, for example, that the leak was 100 feet away, they were able to save the time and money of damaging your home just trying to find the leak. They will use their experience to accurately locate the problem the first time. If they have to expose the pipe, you will only have one hole to patch and may have saved hours in labor costs hunting down the leak.

DOES IT ONLY WORK ON WATER PIPES?

These same techniques can be used in other pressurized systems, such as air conditioning compressors, refrigerators, and natural gas lines. The equipment must be set to detect the right kind of gas as each one makes specific sounds while moving through pipes. So, if you have a heating problem with your natural gas service, the technician may use similar instrumentation to locate the issue and repair it quickly and accurately.

CAN I DO IT MYSELF?

If you are a DiY expert, you might be tempted to find the leak on your own. The electronic equipment is quite expensive. Even if you find one for rent, it does take substantial training to learn how to decipher the readings and use it effectively. This is one service where you will be better off contacting the experts and spending a little cash so you don’t end up making more holes looking for the problem yourself.

Plumbing Tips

Finding Leaks With Electronic Leak Detection

Finding a leak in hidden underground water lines can be a challenge for plumbers. Luckily electronic leak detection has become a tried-and-true method of discovering hidden leaks, using devices that detect the sound waves made by leaking water. This makes it easier for plumbing professionals to pinpoint the problem without disrupting the surrounding environment.

The Process Of Leak Location

Electronic leak detection devices locate and confirm leaks by listening to the sound of water running along the pipes, using a microphone. Your plumbing contractor will choose the best location to set up the electronic leak detection device. The sounds it records will then be transmitted to a computer program, where the plumber will analyze the information. An experienced licensed plumber will know whether the sound is from a cracked pipe or a leaking faucet. From there, they will determine the best repair technique appropriate to repair the leak

Concerned About Wall & Floor Damage?

Don’t be. Back in the day, a licensed plumber would need to rip open the wall or dig up your entire floor in order to find the location of a leak. Today, with electronic leak detection, wall and floor damage is minimal. Since the plumber determines the exact location of the leak beforehand, the part of the wall to be removed or the area of the floor that will be dug up will be smaller. A smaller hole also means bigger savings for you in terms of time and money.

Call A Licensed Vancouver Island Plumber

Conventional leak detection can be DIY. But doing it the conventional way means that you will have to tear down walls or dig the whole floor to find the exact location of the leak. For many homeowners the money saved from not hiring a contractor is immediately wasted again through the time, mess, and unintentional damage caused by trying to find and repair a leak on their own.

FINDING AND STOPPING LEAKS

What is involved ?

Fresh water is a limited, sometimes even rare resource. Demographic growth and populations migrating towards the towns and their outlying areas create new needs as well as unintentional wastage. In many countries, especially the emerging countries, a huge amount of water is lost due to leaks in the production or harnessing facilities and above all in the often very extensive underground piping networks. The World Bank estimates water losses in the emerging countries to be over 40%. Reducing water losses can therefore play a major role in improving access to drinking water. Far better to start by looking for and eliminating leaks, which also prevents contamination, that to envisage building new, costly production plants.

What does this process involve ? How is it applied ?

Instruments can be used to detect and localise more precisely the leaks in the pipes. Remember however that in the old days, the leaks were sometimes only detected by an ear placed on the ground, preferably at night to avoid ambient sounds As a general rule, these instruments detect the vibrations or noises produced by the water that is escaping from pressurised pipes. These noises extend along the pipe over fairly long distances (depending on the type and diameter of the pipe) and in the surrounding ground. There are various types of detection instrument

The mechanical amplifier or sound probe

The body of the mechanical amplifier comprises the resonance box of a vibrating membrane, where the frequency can be adjusted by moving a thumbwheel.

Electronic amplifier or microphone in the ground

In an electronic amplifier, the particular hissing sound of the water leak is captured by a microphone and amplified by an electronic circuit

Acoustic correlator

Rather than using sound levels to locate a leak, the acoustic correlator uses the speed of sounds produced by the leak when they move along the pipe towards two sensors or microphones placed in connectors either side of the leak. The operating principle is the resemblance between the two signals resulting from the noise of the leak. It determines the different in propagation times of this noise towards two sensors placed at each end of the section of pipe being checked.

Must Learn To Do Self Commercial Electrical Remodel

COMMERCIAL RENOVATIONS

COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

Like every system in your building, your electrical system needs to be updated in order to keep running smoothly. We offer the latest upgrades and features that will keep your business stylish and efficient. From LED lighting to high-efficiency wiring, our wide selection of upgrades and new product installs will keep your consumers happy. With better electrical systems in your business, you’ll be extending the life of your circuits and wiring.

QUICK AND RELIABLE COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIANS

We know how important is it for you to have quick, thorough service so you can get back to business quickly, so we offer you some of the best customer service in southern Delaware. With our guaranteed quick, exceptional service, you won’t be wasting money while your business is closed for electrical repairs. Our commercial electricians take pride in their work and try to be as neat and precise as possible so you don’t have to waste time cleaning up.

WHAT MAKES OUR COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIANS BETTER THAN OUR COMPETITORS?

We use the most recent and innovative technologies to make sure your electrical work gets done the first time. We know that time is money. The faster we deliver top-quality electrical services, the faster you can get back to business.

Commercial Construction: 5 Steps to Remodeling a Business Space

Review the certificate of occupancy

Number one, two, and three on your checklist before even committing to a lease should be: check the CO, check the CO, and check the CO. The document shows what you can legally use a property for—an office, a private residence, a restaurant, etc. Many cities and towns will have online databases where you can download a copy of a property’s CO. Here’s a link to search in New York City.

Understand existing violations on your property

Especially if the property you’re eyeing hasn’t changed hands or had a new tenant for some time, it’s possible it already has building violations. It could be that someone did work without a permit, installed a rooftop AC unit incorrectly, or the fire sprinkler system isn’t functioning. “When you go to get a permit, these things are scrutinized and discovered,” explained Colin, a Sweeten general contractor. If the violations aren’t corrected, that could mean a costly stop-work order on your construction project later on.

Review structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing

Now you need to determine if your property can handle the weight of your business. And in some cases, we mean that quite literally. Hernandez’s example illustrates the point: if you want to flip a clothing retail space into a car showroom, it’s a wise idea to make sure the floor can support the added weight. Or how about creating an open-plan office that’s perfect for teamwork? Before drawing up those plans, you need to know what walls are load-bearing and if they can be moved. If moving that wall (or not) is a deal breaker, it’s best to know the capabilities of a space before signing on the dotted line. “You need to ask what are the limits of design,” said Sweeten contractor Colin.

Checking on a building’s envelope

An envelope is building speak for whatever separates the outside from the inside—windows, doors, roof, etc. It’s another area worth looking into before starting your project.

What are your facility requirements?

Most health codes will require an employer to provide access to toilet facilities. For offices, this could mean a shared bathroom on a floor, according to Hernandez, the expediter. “They have to make sure employees have access to a bathroom from within the building,” she said. One client suggested sending employees to another building, but this was not permitted under the health code.

Practical Tips for Finding Project Leads

Where are the leads?

Construction leads are always published somewhere. Thanks to the Internet, it’s much easier and cost-effective to find them. For example, a quick Google search for “construction bid leads services” should introduce you to services you might not have been aware of. However, here’s a word of caution: If you’re not familiar with a particular service, ask for a “trial” before you buy. In addition, ask for references of other clients you can call to see if the service is working well for them. Although this may be obvious, make sure the construction bid lead service actually lists jobs that pertain to electrical divisions 16 or 26.

Watch the coverage area

There are a few things you should know before starting your search for construction bid leads in your area. Construction bid boards can promote national, regional, or state jobs. Typically, the more comprehensive the “draw” area of the board, the more expensive the subscription. Therefore, if you mainly work in the state of Connecticut, for instance, you’ll want to subscribe to a service that includes only Connecticut job leads. Why pay for something you won’t use? On the other hand, if you work in multiple states, you’ll want to seek out job lead bid boards that have a more extensive coverage area.

Understand the fee structure

Construction bid lead services charge you a subscription fee, which is typically based on an annual rate. Some companies require payment for the entire year at the beginning of your subscription, while others may charge you a monthly fee. Inquire about a “trial subscription,” if you are unsure about the benefits of a particular lead service.

Popular sites

Perhaps the most recognized online bid board in the industry is Dodge Reports You can search Dodge Reports by geography, building type, and project type. Formats range from a weekly publication, daily bulletins, and newspaper formats. Updated daily, Dodge Reports estimates that at any given time it is tracking almost a half million active projects. Subscription plans begin for as little as $39.99 a month for 25 leads. If you’re going old school, you can also order Dodge Reports in print.

Two-for-one deals

Many of you are probably familiar with the “Blue Book of Building and Construction” In fact, many of you have probably advertised in this publication, the benefits of which are two-fold. First, your listing allows GCs working in your area to find you. Secondly, if you advertise in this book, you will also be provided with job leads in the area in which you advertise via its bid board called BB Bid. Even if you’re not interested in placing advertising in this book, you can at least sign up for a free listing.

Constructing your own commercial building

Evaluate your options

The sheer scale of a construction project demands a major commitment from any entrepreneur. Keep in mind that the time and energy invested in constructing a building could also be put into the business itself. Even if you hire a project manager to oversee the job, you’ll still need to be involved in daily decision-making, and that will inevitably mean more time away from daily operations.

Make the right projections

A bank advisor can help you determine the affordability of your project, how much money you’ll need from start to finish and the right financing solutions for your needs. It helps to start with a good business plan so that you can make realistic revenue projections; this will help you gain the confidence of lenders that you can handle a project of this scope without endangering your company’s financial health.

Get your building permit in order

Once you’ve made the decision to build, the next step is to be sure that you’ve satisfied all local rules with the right permit. It’s wise to do this as early as possible, since building without a permit is obviously not an option. Rules can vary greatly depending on whether you’re building new premises, altering existing premises, changing the appearance of a building or altering its use.

Get a good architect or designer

Deterred by the high cost of professional building designers, entrepreneurs will sometimes skip the essential step of hiring a good architect or designer. While you might think you’re saving money up front, you will lose in the end because of problems such as an inefficient use of space. “It’s not just a box that you’re building,” notes Olley. “It has to fit all of your requirements.”

Be realistic about your own involvement

Olley cautions business owners to be realistic in assessing how much time they can devote to the project. Often, companies lose business during construction projects because the management team is less focused on performance and too anxious about the new building. Depending on the scale of the job, Olley recommends hiring project managers who can take care of complex logistics and ensure that the layout designer, architect, engineers and contractors work in harmony.

Tips for Remodeling Your Commercial Building

Make sure you take care of permits.

Depending on where the building is located, there could be permits that you’ll need before starting any type of major renovation project. Permits could hinge on whether or not the work is interior or exterior, among other factors. Be sure to double check that you have all permits that you need before you get started to avoid running into complications.

Know who’s managing the project.

With extensive remodeling and repairs, you could have multiple projects going on simultaneously. The project manager will also manage material deliveries and handle any disputes. Make sure you know who the overall project manager is so that you can keep on top of deadlines and milestones and stay abreast of any issues that may come up during the process. This will ensure that the project runs smoothly and stays on course.

Plan Accordingly.

From creating a detailed budget to allowing enough time to successfully complete a renovation project, make sure that you plan for everything. A few things to keep in mind are: managing how your project will affect your tenants, making sure that there are alternatives to whatever space is being worked on (i.e., stairs available if the elevator is under maintenance), and finding the right contractor to handle the job.

Must Know How To Find Good Mold Inspection

QUESTIONS TO FIND A QUALIFIED MOLD INSPECTOR

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR INSPECTION PROCESS?

This is such a simple question, but you can learn so much from their answer. The visual assessment is the most important part of the visit. Without a thorough and comprehensive inspection, how would they know where to sample? Here are some things to listen for. If they don’t mention these, then they likely aren’t the company for you.

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT FOR A FULL HOME INSPECTION?

If their answer is anything less than 2 hours, then they are likely not performing a thorough and comprehensive inspection. Our average time for a full house inspection ranges from 2.5 to 5 hours depending on the size of the house. Sometimes we’ve been at homes for 8 hours!

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR CLIENTS SUFFER FROM LYME DISEASE, CIRS (CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE SYNDROME), MCS (MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY) OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION THAT CAN BE IMPACTED BY MOLD?

If the bulk of their clientele are people dealing with similar issues as you, then they will understand your situation and the need for a thorough inspection and complex sampling methodologies. About 75-80% of our clients suffer from these or other similar issues.

WHAT IS MSQPCR?

Mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This is a sampling methodology used to identify the species of molds that may be present within your home. It’s basically DNA formatting of mold. If they don’t know what this is, then they are not educated enough to provide the deep dive inspection you deserve.

WHAT ARE ERMI AND HERTSMI?

Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) is a panel of 36 molds developed by the Environmental Protection Agency. It uses MSqPCR to identify species of molds that may be present, then compares those to an index to provide a score that rates the relative moldiness of your home. Some doctors prefer to see an ERMI score.

IS TESTING FOR MOLD A SCAM, OR WORTH IT?

My first house had obvious mold, so I had a professional mold assessment done. When the inspector finished assessing my house, I was provided a lengthy report showing the various mold strains and concentrations. While it was a relief to know I didn’t have the infamous toxic black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, the conclusion that the house was full of mold came as no surprise.

However, what was valuable was the water assessment. The mold inspector went over the house from top to bottom with a moisture sensor, and he showed me exactly where water was infiltrating the framing of the house and causing mold and rot. It turned out that in addition to a problem with water in the basement, rainwater was seeping in around both chimneys and through some invisible roof leaks.

As we inspected the house together, I was also able to determine that it was structurally sound. Learning that my problem was more about cleanup, than carpentry, helped ease my peace of mind.

Despite how helpful the mold inspection was; if I were doing it again, I think I could skip the expensive assessment. Water damage and mold are pretty easy to spot, if you’re willing to crawl around with a flashlight, so I probably wouldn’t pay for another mold inspection unless.

Should I Get A Mold Inspection When Buying A House?

What Is A Pre-Purchase Mold Inspection?

A pre-purchase mold inspection is when a professional who is trained to look for mold — it may be a home inspector, contractor, or technician — performs such an inspection prior to a home purchase. The mold inspection may be purely a visual inspection of the property for mold, or it may include swabs and air tests that is sent to a laboratory.

What Are The Benefits Of A Pre-Purchase Mold Inspection?

As a licensed home inspector, I have seen many properties that had hidden mold issues — where the average person simply wouldn’t see it. I have seen mold growing in corners, under stairs, on windows, inside furnaces, in the air ducts, and a variety of other locations. With some states, a seller may not be required to even disclose that the home has or had mold contamination — check your state disclosure laws!

Do Home Inspectors Check For Mold?

Not all home inspectors check for mold — we are all a bit different — there isn’t a national standard for mold inspecting. There is also an extra cost for inspectors to buy mold detectors in the form of air pumps and lab testing. In my home state, there also is no state licensing for mold inspections or mold detection.

Inspecting The HVAC

Most of the time, mold is in the indoor air handler or furnace and on the air vent covers. In my home inspections, I would say about 90% of the time, I find mold in the HVAC system. Of course, this is also the most problematic, because the mold spores can circulated throughout the entire home — compared to mold growing in an isolated location.

Inspecting The House

It’s important to know if the professional will be inspecting the entire house for mold. During my home inspections, I am already thoroughly evaluating the entire home for mold, literally going over every square inch with a flashlight. Most mold professionals (not home inspectors) do not usually inspect an entire home the way a home inspector does — it will be much more brief.

Important information regarding mold inspections

Mold testing in southwest Florida, Bonita Springs. What Is Mold Testing? How Is Mold Testing Performed?

Broadly speaking, most mold testing involves taking a sample of either the air or a surface. Essentially, a mold inspector “tests” the air or surface to find out what kind of mold exists and/or if the mold found is able to grow in the area tested.

Mold Testing: Air Samples

Air samples can be taken and analyzed in a variety of ways. The most common method uses a “spore trap” and is called a “spore trap sample.” Spore traps work by having a known volume of air pass impact a sticky surface as it passes through the spore trap sampling device. Most of the particles in the air also impact this sticky surface and consequently adhere to, and are captured on, this sticky surface. Mold spores comprise a subset of these ‘particles in the air’ and also are captured on the sticky medium inside the spore trap. When the spore trap is sent to the mold testing laboratory for analysis, the mold laboratory opens the spore trap, applies some stains to the sticky surface that the mold spores can absorb, and then identifies and quantifies the types of mold spores captured during the sampling process. There are other methods of mold sampling, including culturing or growing the mold spores captured from the air, but these are less commonly used.

Residential Mold Inspections

Awarded by unanimous vote of a nationwide panel of industry peers, the Council-certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI) certification identifies a professional with at least ten (10) years of verified field experience in microbial sampling investigations.

Each CRMI has verified his or her knowledge of proper techniques for mold inspection, microbial investigations and sampling by passing an accredited, psychometrically rated examination based on peer-reviewed industry standards.

The CRMI examination ensures that certificants understand how to (1) distinguish among the significant types of microbial contamination, (2) identify, select and calibrate appropriate microbial sampling equipment, (3) design an effective sampling regimen, (4) employ proper sampling techniques, and (5) correctly interpret data collected from a microbial sampling regimen.

To maintain the CRMI designation, certificants must participate in 20 hours of professional development activities each year to ensure that they stay up to date with current trends in the field of microbial investigation and sampling.

Tips To Choose Good Residential Cleaning

Simple Tips on How to Choose the Best House Cleaning Service

Lessen the Scope

First of all, it’s important to take stock of the things you really want cleaned because not all cleaning services perform the same services. For example, some do your laundry, make the beds, wash the dishes, etc. – so it’s important to know what you need before you book and make sure that the company you hire does those tasks. Don’t assume anything. There’s nothing worse than coming home and expecting the laundry to be folded and realize it’s not done because it’s not part of their service contract with you.

The More Frequent the Appointments, the Better

Need a monthly cleaning, bi-weekly, or weekly cleaning? Or maybe just a one time clean for moving out? Take a really close look at how often you need house cleaning appointments. Maybe you can get away with bi-weekly cleanings instead of weekly? Just keep in mind that generally, the more frequent your appointments are, the cheaper it will be in terms of cost per visit.

Look Up Reviews Or Ask Friends For Recommendations

Asking friends, family and coworkers who have had hired a house cleaning service before for their recommendation can save you a lot of headaches because you can be relatively sure that if they had a good experience, you will too. That’s one of the main ways Scrubbi grew the way we did. A side benefit of going through a cleaning service that was recommended you is that in some cases, they’ll give a referral credit to you AND a credit to the person recommending you. It’s a win-win for both of you.

Flat Rates and Walk-throughs

You know that jaw-dropping cleaning quote that’s $100 less than the others? Yes it sounds great and all but you’ll definitely want to double check to see if it’s a flat rate. Chances are that it’s not and that they’ve grossly under estimated the job. Which is how you could end up with a surprise $350 bill at the end when you thought you were getting it for about $170.

Look For A Better Cleaning Experience

There are advantages and disadvantages to each and those differences lead to huge differences in terms of your experience. Everything from online customer support chat to scheduling, appointment reminders, and more, we use technology to create a better customer experience for you.

Tips to Find the Right House Cleaning Service to Fit your Needs

Know What You Need in a Maid Service

Before you start calling up maid service companies in Chicago, make sure you know your cleaning needs. Identify what rooms, in particular, you’d like cleaned on a regular basis. Of these rooms, decide what type of cleaning you’ll need.

Choose the Right Type of House Cleaning Service

There isn’t just one catch-all type of house cleaning. It’s possible to hire someone from a larger cleaning service, for example. You can also hire a private house cleaner who operates independently and charges by the hour or month.

Research the House Cleaning Service Company

Take your time to research the type of cleaning services you need. Browse for house cleaning service companies in Chicago online, for example. If possible, obtain recommendations or reviews for whatever service you’re seeking. Talk to friends and family members for referrals.

Secrets to Hiring a House Cleaning Service!

Get Referrals From Family & Friends

Start by asking friends and family who they use – referrals give you an inside look at what a company is all about – not just what they say on their website (let’s be honest, a company can write anything). Companies can make themselves sound amazing, credible and experienced, but a referral from a friend or family can paint a different picture and carries more weight.

Take Online Reviews With a Grain of Salt

Happy people don’t tend to write as many reviews as unhappy people who feel compelled to shower the world with their terrible experiences. Remember, oftentimes, those reviews are people using it as an opportunity to vent, blow a story out of proportion, or try to damage the reputation of the company. If a company has ALL terrible reviews, that’s definitely a red flag, but if they have mostly good reviews and a few bad ones, that’s pretty average. No one is perfect.

Bonding, Insurance & Worker’s Compensation

Does the company have the ability to cover the costs of any damage done to your home, any theft, or if an injury occurs on your property? If they don’t have this coverage, you could be on the hook for money, items stolen, property damaged, or an injured worker. A company should be willing to tell you if they have this coverage and provide copies of their policies at your request.

Experience, Affiliations & Accreditations

How long have they been in business for? Does the company have any awards, accreditations, or affiliations with professional organizations? I like to look out for this because it makes me feel reassured that a company is trustworthy and concerned with their reputation.

Service Offerings

Does the company take requests or offer a fixed service? How detailed will they get? Depending on what you want to be done, inquire as to what level of service is offered. If you can customize it and hire someone to come and tick a bunch of things off your to-do list, or if you just get the same service each visit irrespective of what you want to be done, or, if you can do a combination. Companies offer a variety of options; none are right or wrong, you just need to find what suits your needs and your lifestyle.

Tips for Hiring a House Cleaner

Plan Ahead

When you are considering hiring someone to help clean your home, it’s important to think ahead. Most cleaners have regular clients that fill most of their schedule, so getting your first appointment may take a few days. This is even more true around the holidays. Everyone wants their home to be in tip-top shape for the holidays, so cleaners often book out weeks in advance. I always feel horrible when my house cleaning company gets phone calls from people the week before Thanksgiving or Christmas, and they need help before hosting the big events. Those spots fill up first, so if you know you’re going to need help, start calling around to book your appointment early!

Get Recommendations

Once you’ve decided what type of cleaner you want to hire, it’s time to get some recommendations. Try asking people you know if they have a person or company they would recommend. Ideally someone in your circle either is either currently using a cleaner, or they have used one in the recent past that they would highly recommend.

Search Online Sources

If you aren’t able to get a good referral from people you know, it’s time to hop online. A quick Google search of “house cleaning (your city name)” will provide you a long list of websites that are targeting your city with their marketing. You also might find a few more possibilities by searching on Craigslist or looking through classified ads. Once you find a few that you like, make sure to check out their Yelp and Google reviews to see what others in your area are saying about the companies. I’d recommend doing this before you even check out their websites or call them. You might only find a couple reviews, but they could help you eliminate ones that consistently let their clients down.

Ask for References

If the person or company you are looking at hiring doesn’t have any online reviews, ask them if you can speak with a few of their current clients. Smaller companies and independent contractors may not have taken the time to set up their online marketing, but they should have at least a couple people who can tell you about their quality of service. If they aren’t willing to connect you with any of their clients for any reason, steer clear. If they have a good working relationship with their clients, at least a couple people should be willing to vouch for them.

Be Clear in Your Communications

This tip can be a really tough one for some people. As I mentioned before, there are many different ways to clean a house, and each client thinks their way is the right way. Some people think floors should be vacuumed before dusting because vacuuming can stir up dust from the floors that then settles on the furniture. Other people think that floors should be cleaned last because everything can get knocked down on them. Some people think bleach is needed to disinfect toilets, others don’t want bleach in their homes at all. Some people want their dishes washed and put away, others can’t stand the thought of having a cleaner touch the dishes and want the dirty dishes to be piled into a clean sink. You name it, we’ve heard a complaint about it.

How to choose the right cleaning service this spring

Do Your Research.

Ask friends, family members, and neighbors to recommend a reputable cleaning business or individual. Check out the businesses through bbb.org to read reviews or complaints on them. Beware of businesses with poor reviews and multiple complaints, more importantly see how they address them. Always look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal.

Interview Candidates.

Interview multiple candidates to determine if you would rather hire a large cleaning business or an individual cleaning person. During the interview you should be able to meet with someone from the cleaning business, as well as, with the person who will actually be cleaning your home. During the interview process find someone you feel comfortable with since they will be working in your home.

Check Credentials.

Any individual or business you hire should be registered*, bonded and insured to work in your home. This will protect you in the event something is broken, stolen, or if someone gets injured on the job. Whether you hire an individual or a business, be sure to request that the employees working in your home have a background check done, or you may want to complete one on them yourself for peace of mind.

Request References.

Ask that the business or individual you hire provide you with a list of references you may contact. When speaking with the references, look for a business or individual that has repeat satisfied customers. Ask the references about the services they use and if the business lives up to their expectations.

Discuss Cost.

Determine whether you will need to hire the cleaning service for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly visit and ask about their pricing. Find out exactly what is included in their services and make sure it encompasses everything you wish to have cleaned. The business should walk through your home before giving you an estimate. Be sure to find out if the cleaning business provides their own cleaning supplies, if not the cost of the services should be less expensive. Keep in mind the least expensive cleaning services may not be giving you the best deal for your money.

Find The Best Dentist Near You

Tips for Choosing a Dentist

Schedule an exam appointment

Pick your favorite dental office and schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning. Ask the dentist for a complete report on your oral health. Be suspicious if the dentist recommends a long list of treatments, such as new fillings, crown replacements or oral surgery. Request a written treatment plan. If it seems unreasonable, get a second opinion from another dentist. If you’re not comfortable with your experience, look for another dentist.

Swing by for a visit

After identifying your top choices, stop by each office for a quick visit. Is there plenty of parking? It is easily accessible? As you enter the office, look around. Is the office clean and organized? Are the dentist and team members friendly and helpful? Do you feel welcome and comfortable there? If you can, meet the dentist or hygienist. After your visits, make a list of pros and cons for each office to help you in choosing a dentist.

Review office websites

Most dentists have a website with information about their office, along with pictures, policies, philosophy and background information. Review the information, looking for answers to these questions.

Check patient reviews

Read reviews of the dentists on your list. Make sure to read the comments posted by patients. Also ask your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers or doctor for feedback on choosing a dentist. And find out who they prefer.

Consider office location and hours

Most people choosing a dentist look for a dental office close to their home or work. They find it easier to schedule appointments before going to work, during lunch, or later in the day when they’re headed home. Look for dentists in your preferred area. Then check the office hours to make sure they fit your schedule.

Key Tips for Choosing the Best Dentist for You

Find Your Dentist Today

Now that you have these tips on Choosing The Best Dentist in your area, start your search today. Consider experience, recommendations, the facility, and most importantly how comfortable you feel in the office.

Quality Labs and Materials

You also want to make sure your potential dental office works with the best materials and labs. Your dentist should use biocompatible materials for restorative treatments, since these materials are less invasive to your health and last longer.

Emergency Visits

A good reliable dentist should be able to handle any dental emergencies if they arise. However, some dentists might refer you elsewhere for emergency care. You’ll want to know how to reach your dentist if there is an emergency, and what will happen id there an emergency situation.

Testimonials

Check out your dentist’s website, and other websites for testimonials. This will help you figure out what kind of treatment you can expect from this dentist. You can also ask around for dentist referrals to find a good match.

Educational Background

Make sure your dentist has certificates and are members of associations. See if your potential dentist has completed any specialized training, and how long their practice has been in business. You also want to consider if this dentist does any ongoing or continued education or training.

Helpful Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist

Do Your Research

When it comes to finding any product or service in the modern age, technology is your friend. A quick search on your favorite search engine can pull up the best dental offices in your area. However, it’s not always about which one is closest. Convenience is nice, but expert care should not take a backseat to it. Check for customer reviews, especially the most detailed ones, to find out how previous customers’ experiences panned out. If reviews are overwhelmingly positive, that accounts for something, and you should seriously consider that particular dental office. Often, customers who had positive experiences are more likely to have customer reviews next to the dental office’s information. Naturally, offices that don’t have reviews or have low star ratings speak for themselves, and you should definitely avoid them.

Ask Friends and Family

If you’re looking for more an up-front account of a specific dentist’s services, asking any close friends, co-workers, and family is your best bet. Anyone who heavily advocates a dentist shows they’re incredibly satisfied with the services received. Some might even see the opportunity to get a referral.

Pay Them a Visit

After doing your research and asking everyone close to you, compile a short list of the best dental offices.

Consider the Value

For yourself or for your family, you need a reliable, regular dentist to keep your teeth in good health. Different dental offices will have their own strengths. If cosmetic dentistry is a higher priority, perhaps you’ll want to go out of your way to choose a more experience cosmetic dentist. If you’re wanting something that’s easily within reach, reliable, and affordable, consider your local dentistry options. Weigh your needs with what they offer, and compare prices as needed, in order to help you find the dentist that fits just right for you.

Pro Tips on Choosing the Best Dentist with Best Dental Clinics

The Length of Experience Matters – When you want to elect for the very best, a clinic which has several years of expertise can assure you of reliable services. You can also rely on”word of mouth” in which you may have the ability to understand if a clinic is reliable or not. When it is widely suggested by various folks, it is a great sign that you are in good hands.

High-Tech Facilities and Amenities – A trusted dental clinic must have X-ray facilities and other amenities which help in providing reliable dental solutions to everybody. Always choose a clinic which uses complete facilities and amenities. A clinic should also adhere to cleanliness and sanitation policies to make sure that every patient is given superb service.

Wide Choices of Dental Services – Dental clinics may change in the types of services they provide. Some practices only provide the most common dental services. On the flip side, some supply cosmetic dentistry including laser teeth whitening, gum depigmentation, crowns, bonding, and a lot more.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist

Personalized Treatment Plans. One dental procedure does not fit all! In other words, everyone is unique and deserves individualized care and a personalized treatment plan.
Modern Dental Technology. While dentistry is entirely possible in an old-fashioned dental office, today’s state-of-the-art dental technology can help make your appointment quicker and easier.
Emergency and Same-Day Appointments. No matter how well you take care of your teeth, dental emergencies happen. If you choose a dentist who welcomes last-minute appointments, you’ll know exactly who to call if an emergency arises.
All Dental Services in One Office. Most people appreciate the ability to visit the same office for all their dental care needs. Selecting a dental office that can provide almost all dental services in one convenient office can be a true benefit.
Dental Insurance and Payment Plans. What good is dental insurance if yours will not accept it? Finding a dentist that is in-network with several dental insurance plans is ideal. Also, a dentist who welcomes flexible payment plans can help make it easier to pay for high-quality dental care.

The Best Tips To Do Home Renovation

How to Choose a Contractor for Your Home Remodel

Seek Well Defined Bids

When you’ve found a few contractors you like, it’s time to get bids from them. Have a conversation with each potential home remodeling contractor and define your plans. Show them any blueprints you have. Tell them what you’re willing to spend and ask for a full quote.

Check References and BBB Ratings

When you speak with contractors, get the official name of their registered business. References, such as current customers and subcontractors, can help you learn about the quality of the work. Current customers can share personal experiences and subcontractors can provide red flags, such as not paying on time or cutting corners by using less than stellar materials.

Speak With Multiple Contractors

After you’ve gotten recommendations and checked online, it’s time to call a few contractors. Always get multiple bids on your project. Even if you absolutely love the first plan you get, stopping there means you’ll never know if the quote you received offers a good value. Home remodeling contractors may charge different rates because they may have different specialties, so getting multiple bids is a good idea.

Look for Online Reviews

Online reviews can be very helpful. Look for places where reviews are harder to fake, such as Angie’s List and Yelp, as well as social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter. You’ll get to see a broad range of experiences customers have had with the contractors you’re researching.

Ask Your Friends and Family

Good home remodeling contractors generate a lot of positive recommendations. Ask your friends, family, neighbors and other acquaintances if they have ever worked with a contractor that they liked. Asking not only helps you narrow down your list, but also who to avoid. Knowing who does, and doesn’t, do a good job is an important part of how to choose a contractor for your home remodel.

expert renovating tips to remember

BUILDING MATERIALS

“Australia’s harsh climate can wreak havoc on building materials, especially if you’re in a coastal or country location. For coastal, consider materials that will stand up to the elements, like concrete, metal or natural timbers. For the country, select products that are compliant with bushfire regulations, such as steel, glass and brick.”

PAINT COLOURS

“To ensure you choose the right paint colour, always get a sample pot and paint a swatch on your wall at least one square metre.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

“First impressions count, so improving the streetscape and entry will have a significant impact on how people view your home. A good place to start is by creating a clear, neat and inviting pathway to the door complemented by neat and tidy landscaping.”

FLOORING

“You can achieve a huge amount of change with a flooring upgrade. A vinyl plank can be installed as a DIY project if you’re dealing with worn but level flooring. And New tiles, a floating engineered floor or a timber floor replacement can present your home in an entirely new way.”

ROOFING

“It’s important to consider style, aesthetics and long-term performance when selecting your roofing materials. Roof tiles are a low-maintenance option and offer sound reduction and insulation benefits, as well as fire and wind-resistance to properties. They come in ceramic, terracotta and concrete variations.”

tips to help plan a home renovation

Don’t underestimate the cost of renovations

From data compiled from over 2 million users’ search behaviour and project posts, TrustedPros.ca, a site that helps homeowners find and rate home reno contractors, found that homeowners consistently set unrealistically low budgets for a few of the most popular renovation projects.

Seriously consider whether or not you are over-renovating

Many homeowners are convinced that they only way to increase the value of their home is to spend a lot of money on high-end finishes and expensive home remodels. But home renovations rarely, if ever, offer a $1 for $1 return. In fact, sometimes the simplest or least expensive updates can give the best returns.

Do the leg-work to set a realistic home reno budget

Still, in order to avoid unnecessary or unexpected costs when it comes to home renovations, you must first start with an accurate, honest budget. Here are four tips to get you there.

Figure out the finances, first

Before a hammer hits a nail you must first decide how you will pay for your home renovation project. Like all consumer spending, paying for a renovation is best done through savings. By saving up the money, you’re more likely to stay on budget because you have more time to research costs and plan the project.

Be patient

The final tip is, wait for it…be patient. Putting your home reno project on hold gives you more time to save up the money needed for this expensive endeavour. It also means not going into debt for an expenditure that may or may not give you a return on the dollar you spend. Finally, it avoids costly mistakes. That’s because a hasty, under-budgeted renovation can actually devalue your home and add little or no value to your home’s fair market value. And nobody wants to pay for a big blunder.

The guide to successful home renovations

Why start a home renovation?

Many homeowners and investors renovate their properties to add value and maximize their return, but that doesn’t have to be your reason for renovating. Many people choose to tackle a big renovation when their house is no longer functional. Building to suit your lifestyle or upgrading outdated appliances and fixtures can help make your house feel more like home.

Increase your property value

A well-designed renovation can add significant value to your property. The return on your investment will largely depend on your location and renovation itself. However, more complex renovation that costs thousands of dollars may not yield a 100% return on investment. You should speak with local real estate agents to understand how much value your renovation could potentially add to your property.

Maximize the sale price or rental income

A carefully planned renovation can help boost the property sales price. If you’re renovating to sell, undertake projects that appeal to a wide pool of potential buyers. In some markets, this may be creating a luxury bathroom for the master bedroom. In others, it may be repairing the roof and replacing the furnace.

Improve a space’s functionality

Needs change constantly, and renovations can be done to reflect an important moment in your life. A new addition to the family might require converting a home office to a nursery, or an older couple may want to change a den into a large bedroom space to avoid climbing stairs. Whatever causes your renovation, you can rest assured knowing that there are ways to make a house fit your lifestyle.

Avoid the cost of relocating

The costs involved in selling your old property and purchasing a new one can quickly add up. Between paying a realtor, moving or buying furniture and dealing with the stresses of changing homes, it’s often easier to renovate than to buy new. You can get exactly what you want, and you won’t have to worry about what problems a new house might have. Often, upgrading your current property is a less expensive alternative.

Three steps to finding the best home remodeler

Whether you are doing a pull-and-replace update to your bathroom or adding a three-story addition, renovating your home is a monumental task.

Thankfully, when you have the right support team, anything is possible — including surviving a home remodel project. The key is to find the good contractors, which can be a daunting task when everyone promises you your dreams for “less than the last guy.”

There are only three steps to finding the right team to take on your home renovation project. The first step is simple: Ask the people you know for referrals. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers — odds are, you know somebody who has recently done work to their home and can tell you about their experience.

While it is important to ask about their job as a whole and the end product, be sure to also inquire about other aspects: the design and the construction. Was everyone on their project professional and courteous? Was there a reasonable explanation for any delays? Would they hire the same company again? I also like to ask my clients, in retrospect, about their favorite and least favorite parts of the entire process.

Find Out How To Do Water Testing In Your Home

How to test water quality? Chemical tests for limited budgets

Chemical water quality parameters

Having identified various test formats, the next question is: What do we test for? UNICEF recommends prioritizing fluoride, arsenic, and nitrate for chemical monitoring. In areas where the earth is naturally rich in minerals that contain fluorine and arsenic, levels in well water can be high enough that chronic exposure is dangerous to human health.[1]

How can we test for these elements?

Fluoride: At least one color disk test kit is available for fluoride. However, portable digital colorimeters are often preferred because of concerns over accuracy. Ackvo Caddisfly, a testing system, recently described a colorimetric fluoride test that can be read by a smartphone app.
Arsenic: Portable field testing options for arsenic are limited; this contaminant is best measured in a laboratory. Commercially available test kits do exist, but they are relatively complex and require several steps. Although the arsenic concentrations “measured” with these test kits may be inaccurate, the kits do detect arsenic in nearly all samples greater than 100 micrograms per liter (ug/L), as well as in most samples in the 50-99 ug/L range. UNICEF has therefore recommended reporting arsenic monitoring results from these portable tests as “present” or “absent” using a reference concentration of 50 ug/L—the drinking water standard in many countries that are affected by natural arsenic contamination.
Nitrate: Both test strips and color disk test kits are available for nitrate testing. Nitrate can also be measured with a digital meter. High levels of nutrients are associated with agricultural pollution from fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorous) and animal waste (nitrogen). Latrines, sewage, landfills, and industrial pollution can also contribute nitrogen. Monitoring for nitrate is a simple way to assess the impacts of agricultural and human waste on water quality.

How to Test Your Tap Water

If you’re on well water, you won’t get a CCR, so you should get your water tested. That’s also a good idea if your home was built before lead-free pipes were mandated in 1986: Even if your CCR says that the municipality’s water is free of lead, it can leach into your water from the pipes in or leading to your house.

Many kits are available for do-it-yourself tap testing, but it’s not always clear what they test for or how accurate they are. The EPA recommends using a certified lab. Find one on the EPA’s website. Testing typically costs $20 to $150; your community might provide test kits free of charge.

Once you know what’s in your water, choose a filter that suits your needs.

For multiple or high levels of contaminants, reverse osmosis filters are often best. They can remove lead, arsenic, bacteria, and other contaminants. But they take up a lot of space (typically under your sink), require additional plumbing, and often go through several gallons of water for every gallon of filtered water. They’re pricey, too, some costing $1,000 or more. You might also have to pay a professional to periodically service the system.

How to Test the Quality of Your Drinking Water

How Does Our Water Become Contaminated?

The contaminants that degrade the water quality come from a number of sources. Some of it gets there from people dumping it down their toilets, while other chemicals show up thanks to runoff from farms or mining, leaching from landfills, or improper storage and disposal at manufacturing plants. In addition to the chemicals, many of our waterways are filled with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli.

Is Your Drinking Water Safe?

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates a number of harmful substances, such as uranium, lead, and arsenic. For each of these, the EPA sets a Maximum Contaminant Level indicating at what concentration these chemicals and minerals can exist in our drinking water before it is considered unsafe to drink.

The Downside of the EPA’s Annual Water Quality Report

While these reports are a great resource that provide a high-level overview of what’s in the pipes in your home, they cannot reliably provide a complete picture of your water quality.

When Should You Get Your Water Tested?

The EPA recommends you test your water annually to get a sense for what you may be drinking and if there are changes over time. In addition to yearly water tests, some of the things that should prompt you to test your tap water immediately include.

How to Test Water Quality

Understand what you will be testing for. The quality of water depends primarily on the concentration of bacteria, lead, pesticides, nitrites/nitrates, chlorine, hardness, and the water’s pH. Chlorine aids in disinfecting; nitrates leached from fertilizers are harmful to infants; calcium and magnesium (“hardness”) can cause scale buildup in pipes; and water with very high pH levels (acidic water) can corrode fixtures.

Purchase a home water quality test kit. There are many manufacturers of these kits, but they all function similarly. They will contain test strips that you will expose to water, causing them to change color based on the water’s mineral content. You will then match the strip’s color to a color chart.

Read the directions. In your test kit, there will be some directions. These will explain exactly how long each type of strip should be exposed to water, as well as what temperature the water should be. These directions can vary from test kit to test kit, so even if you have done this before, it is crucial to read and follow the instructions.

Expose each strip to water. Follow the guidelines in your test kit to expose each strip to water. Typically, you will start by filling a glass with room temperature water. Then, you will dip the strip into the water and keep it submerged for about 5 seconds, moving it back and forth gently.

Remove the strip from the water. Pull the strip out of the glass and shake off any excess water. Wait for the strip to slowly change color, as you compare it to the color chart included with the testing kit.

Afraid of Contamination? How to Test the Water in Your House

Water. It comprises more than two-thirds of the weight of the human body and nearly 95 percent of your brain. You need it to live, and hopefully, you’re consuming between 2-3 liters of water a day. But if you are, what else are you drinking? What is in your well and what microscopic baddies have hitched a ride on your H2O? The DIY experts at Stack Exchange offer a few tips on spotting contaminents in your drinking water.

You can buy a test kit from your local home center or online. The kits usually come with a package of strips that contain reactants that change color to indicate the presence of various contaminants in your water.

But beware: the kits are not terribly accurate, and they don’t test for all harmful contaminants. If there are very high levels of certain contaminants in your water, the kit very well may flag the problem. But don’t expect high accuracy or a guarantee that your water is safe.

There are currently (to my knowledge, at least) no continuous processes for checking bacteria — though I do know of at least one company who has been working on it for commercial applications (I would guess it would cost upwards of $20k). There are some sensors that can monitor other attributes. Most are prohibitively expensive for a home.

Tips To Become A Pro Camera Operator

How To Be a Better Camera Operator

The Camera Operator’s Mindset

Being diverse, responsible, flexible, enthusiastic and creative are just a few of the values you’ll need to succeed as a camera operator. In this part, I’ll be talking all about how what goes on up here *points to head* directly effects what’s happening around you. So… let’s go! Don’t switch off here because you think this might be boring, yes I’m not offering advice on operating itself, that will come later – this stuff is fundamental.

Know Your Craft:

Elevate yourself beyond mediocre. The world’s full of mediocre people…be outstanding! You’re a professional camera operator, make it part of your identity, be proud of it. Learn everything you can about your craft and master it…and I don’t mean dabble in it…I mean really master your craft. Become a recognized expert and you will always be in demand.

Offer Creative Input

There’s nothing worse than just standing behind the camera waiting to be told what to do, it’s just not good enough. Producers and Directors need your creative input; they need enthusiasm and endless suggestions on how something can be shot, improved and enhanced so that it massively exceeds their original concept. Its part of your job, so always provide masses of creative input whenever and however you can!

* This does depend on the type of production you are working on. In documentaries it’s quite common to go straight to the director with your ideas and suggestions, on drama that is not the correct etiquette where you would instead discuss ideas with the Director of Photography (DoP).

Go the Extra Mile

This is hot on the heels of rule No.2. Don’t just do what you have to or what you think you should do. Your job is to go above and beyond. Don’t be lazy, make a tremendous effort, even if you’ve been working nonstop for 16 hours, find something within yourself to make that extra effort, uphold your professional standards, do whatever it takes to produce the best possible results you can. Nothing should be too much trouble…it won’t go unnoticed by those higher up the ladder.

CAMERA OPERATOR – TOP 3 DON’TS FOR A CAMERA OPERATOR

Do not forget the audio

60% for most shows are sound. Audio is usually more post-production problems than any other aspect of the shoot. As a cameraman you May you think you do not have to worry about audio. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are responsible -. Especially in one camera shoots for audio

Do not come to the job search unprofessional

just because they are behind the camera does not mean that you can show up in search of any way you want. It is important to wear appropriate clothing, come to work clean and ready to go. I saw a good camera operators will be canceled from the set due to a lack of professionalism.

Do not act like they know everything

Leave this part of the director and / or producer of events at which you work. While it is true that you can learn more in one aspect or another, do not act like they are above them on fire. This will only lead to a struggle for power that you lose 99% of the time.

WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP MOVING

There are times when responsiveness is the key to getting a shot, usually in a situation where you’re shooting either very emotional or action-packed material. Keeping your hands moving a little bit on the wheels, in the case of a geared head, or keeping your hand in motion on the pan handle, in the case of a fluid head, can speed up your responsiveness. I learned this trick originally from a sound mixer, who always wiggled his hands on the mixer knobs during takes. I asked him why, and he told me that it is much easier to move your hands quickly in response to a loud noise if they are already moving. If your hands are standing still it can take longer to react. He never wiggled his hands on the knobs enough to affect sound levels, but if he had to turn them quickly his hands were already in motion.

Camera operator skills

Certain skills are essential if you want camera operator jobs.

Here are the important traits you must master.

Have good working knowledge of all camera systems, lenss, support equipment and accessories.
Have a good sense of visual composition, perspective, and movement.
Pay close attention to detail.
Be able to collaborate and work as part of a team.
Be diplomatic and sensitive when working with artists and other crew members.
Be informed about health and safety set procedures.
Be able to multi-task. To watch, listen and think on your feet while carrying out intricate technical tasks.

Have you ever thought “I wonder how to make a movie”? Do you possess a true passion for making films? When you watch TV and movies, do you find yourself coming up with behind-the-scenes ideas for making them even better? If so, a movie production career as a cameraman might be for you! Here are three steps on how to become a cameraman in the film and video industry.

WHAT IS A CAMERAMAN?

In the film and video production industry, a cameraman is responsible for recording moving images for TV broadcasts and movies. This technical professional records TV content for commercials, news and broadcast programming.

In a television studio, a cameraman’s duty is to keep the subject steady within the camera frame. A news cameraman who works out in the field records bystander and witness interviews, correspondent comments and the activities of the news team.

Cameramen are also responsible for shooting movies, commercials and television programs. This requires framing and composing shots and choosing lenses, film and filters, plus setting up conditions for lighting. These cameramen work very closely with crew members and directors during shoots. In short, being a camerman is a very important role when learning how to make a movie, or launching a movie production career. As you can already see, there are many different careers in film, and being a cameraman is a very important position!

3 STEPS ON HOW TO BECOME A CAMERAMAN

To become a cameraman, of course you need passion for the film industry itself. But, in order to be successful in your movie production career as a cameraman, you’ll need three key elements:

Career training as a cameraman from film school
A successfully completed internship as a cameraman
Effective cameraman job hunting skills (Career Development skills)

Trick To Find The Best Sewer Inspection

Sewer Inspection and Why It Should Be Done?

What is a sewer inspection?

This is an inspection done by a camera attached to a snake line. The video camera records the state of the sewer, revealing any cracks, tree roots, collapsed lines, clogs and other problems inside the sewer.

When should I get a sewer inspection?

Many people get sewer inspections when they’re serious about buying a new home. It’s a good idea to get a sewer inspection done if your home is showing signs of a sewer backup or if your home has had sewer clogs in the past and you’d like to know how your sewer is doing.

Sewer Repairs Can Be Extremely Expensive

You might wonder, “Do I need a sewer line inspection before buying a house?” The answer is yes. A sewer inspection should be a mandatory part of your house inspection checklist. When considering what inspections to get when buying a house, do not overlook the sewer line. In fact, getting a sewer inspection is one of the most important home inspection tips for first-time buyers. Sewer line inspections are cheap, but sewer repairs can be extremely expensive. Why spend the money on a repair when you could have avoided with a simple inspection?

There’s no such thing as a typical cost for repairing your sewer lines. It can start at a few hundred dollars to snake out a blockage. Or, it could be tens of thousands of dollars to excavate your yard and replace the pipes. The repair bills depend on the sewer line condition, the problem’s location and the root cause.

No pun intended, but speaking of roots, tree roots are the primary cause of blocked sewer lines. Fortunately, roots are easy to find with a closed-circuit television inspection. Unfortunately, they can be very expensive to dig up and clear out. Having the sewer line scoped should be on your house-buying inspection checklist. In fact, you can’t afford not to inspect the sewer line before closing your house purchase deal.

What to Expect During Sewer Inspection

When you hire a professional with the proper equipment to perform your sewer inspection, you can rest easy knowing the job will be done right. The best drain and sewer cleaning technicians follow a specific series of steps to ensure your sewer line is clean and in proper working condition.

For homeowners that are already living in their house, inspections start with a thorough cleaning and clearing of the sewer mainline. Even if you don’t suspect a blockage, clearing the line prevents any future buildup and makes it easier for the video cable to navigate the pipes.
The most important step in sewer inspection is the use of a specialized video camera to examine the interior of your main line. The video camera is attached to a long line of tubing which can be fed into the sewer pipes. On the surface, the technician can watch a screen to view exactly what the camera sees in real-time, searching for any signs of blockage or damage.
After the video inspection, your technician will provide you with a comprehensive report. The recording of your sewer line can also be saved and reviewed at a later date, if need be. Depending on the condition of the main line, repair or replacement solutions can be discussed.

Understanding the condition of a home’s sewer system allows you to make an educated purchase. If the house you’re looking to purchase has significant sewer line problems, it might be more cost-effective to pursue a different listing. At the very least, you’ll either want the current owner to fix the issues before closing or lower their asking price by an appropriate amount.

Here are three reasons why you should schedule a sewer inspection today:

Repairs are Expensive
Inspections are relatively inexpensive and can be done quickly. On the other hand, sewer line replacements can be very expensive and are often not covered by your insurance because it’s the result of natural wear and tear. In addition to monetary costs, sewer backups can be messy and dangerous – causing flooding and leaking toxic sewer gas. Often, an inspection can detect a problem before it causes irreparable damage. When small leaks and clogs go unfixed, replacement is often eventually required.
Roots Love Sewer Lines
Tree roots are constantly seeking a good source of water and nutrients, so it’s not surprising that they are attracted to sewer lines. Roots sneak into tiny openings and then expand over time, blocking flow and ultimately causing damage. If left unattended, pipes can be damaged and require excavation to repair. If you have trees or large shrubs anywhere near your sewer line, you should have regular inspections.
Natural Wear and Tear Happens
Even new sewer systems can spring leaks and get blocked from time-to-time, but older systems have a much higher risk. Older homes may have been constructed prior to modern city sewer systems, relying on cesspools, clay, or tar paper. These old systems erode and collapse over time. If you’re not sure of the type of sewer system your home has and the state it’s in, it’s a good idea to have an inspection.

How to Inspect a Sewer Line

When you are setting up your home inspections before you close on a purchase, simply call a plumbing company and ask if the contractor can use a camera to inspect the sewer. Your real estate agent might be able to refer several companies to you.

The plumbing company will insert a snake attached to a small video camera into the clean-out. The snake will maneuver the camera through the sewer, and you can watch the resulting images on a monitor. Not only will the plumbing company find out if the sewer line is clean or clogged, but the inspection will also disclose the overall condition of the sewer.

Ask the contractor to tell you what kind of material was used to construct the sewer line. Find out whether that type of material is still considered to be good construction today. Sewer lines can be made up of different materials, including Orangeburg, clay, cast iron, and PVC.