The Grammys Report

Engine Rebuilding A Lotus Twin Cam

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What are the most common causes of engine failure?

Contemporary vehicles are mesmerizing pieces of machinery and are made making use of latest technology and a lot of expertise. Every next model is expertly engineered to outdo the previous versions in terms of both the fuel efficiency and performance and engines are at the top of the list in this regard.

However, there is no denying the fact that care is needed to maintain these engines in the best working condition. But it is also a fact that engines are machinery and there is no guarantee until when a machinery is going to stop working. Sometimes, not taking care of some certain aspects and negligence in nipping the evil from the bud about engine problems can lead them to a complete failure.

In order to avoid the curse of vehicle engine failure, we have compiled a list of the most common factors that are responsible for car engine failures. Do not cast a glance if you really want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere unexpectedly. However, if you seriously care about your engine then what are you waiting for? Scroll down and save yourself from any discomfort in the future. These causes have been outlined by replacement car engine experts so its worth paying attention.

 

Overheating

This is one of the most common failures that we come across. When we go into a repair facility to inspect a vehicle that has an engine issue, one of the first things that we check is the cooling system. Specifically, we check the coolant level and for any signs of leaks. Usually, when we look at an overheated engine, the event that started the failure can be traced back to low coolant levels, a faulty water pump, or a leaking radiator (or one of its hoses). In addition, a defective thermostat and inoperative cooling system fan can cause an engine to overheat.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge. It’s important to know what’s normal for your vehicle. For instance, if the temperature gauge on your car is normally right below the halfway point, any deviation is a good clue that something is amiss. Also, periodically checking your parking area for any signs of leakage would be a good idea too.

Lack of Maintenance

This is pretty self explanatory. Not keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals will hasten the demise of an engine. All car companies provide recommended maintenance schedules to their customers. Failure to follow these guidelines can be detrimental to the health of your engine. Most professional technicians that I know will change their oil and filter a little before the recommended mileage or date. For instance, if the service interval says the next oil change is due in 7500 miles, he or she may change the oil at 5500 or 6500 miles. Changing the oil and filter on a regular basis is a relatively inexpensive way to help keep your engine mechanically sound.

 

Detonation

Detonation is the outcome of inappropriate combustion in the engine that generates a large amount of pressure and heat in the combustion chamber. According to the auto experts, the reason behind denotation can be the loss of the exhaust gas recirculation system.

Moreover, other issues such as bad fuel, improper ignition timing, off beam spark plug gaps and raised engine operating temperature can also cause denotation. If you find any of these signals by your vehicle, get it checked from some expert mechanic in time.

Sinking the Car

Well, not literally of course. Drowning your car means driving through heavy rain or making it pass through deep standing water along the road. Some drivers take it as fun but less do they realize that this can potentially cause severe harm to your car engine, especially if it has a modified air intake.

In such a case, if water flows through the intake manifold, the result can be disastrous for your vehicle’s engine. Water ends up twisting the piston rods thereby damaging your engine and leading it to failure.

 

Lack of Lubrication

Oil pump failures are not as common as they used to be, but they still happen. This could be an oil pump that is simply not producing the flow that is needed to properly lubricate the moving parts of the engine, or a pressure relief valve that is stuck in the open position. Both of these conditions will cause lower than normal oil pressure. Conversely, if the pressure relief valve is stuck in the closed position, engine oil pressure can rise and eventually cause engine damage. Since the pump pulls the oil from the sump, we have to remember that the oil coming into the oil pump has not been filtered by the oil filter. This is another reason to change your oil on a regular basis.

Another form of lack of lubrication is lower than normal engine oil levels. Oil that is lower than normal may not properly lubricate areas of the engine that rely on a steady supply of oil to operate correctly. In addition, the lower level of oil has to work harder to remove deposits, acids and other contaminants that are present under normal engine operation. The correct amount of oil is also important because it helps remove heat that is produced during each combustion event.

Since a good number of modern cars will have low oil level indicators or sensors that will alert the driver when the oil level is too low, this isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be. For peace of mind, though, I would recommend manually checking the oil level. If the engine does not have a dipstick you will have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper ways to check the oil.

As a precaution I would also recommend that you or another person check the engine oil level after getting your vehicle serviced. Over the years I have repeatedly inspected engine failures that were due to the technician or lube specialists not adding the correct amount of oil to the engine after the service was completed.

 

Ignoring the Engine Oil Light

All the cars come with warning lights unless you manufacture your own car. Jokes apart, warning lights are basically the indicators about any problems and issue your car might be facing.

The engine oil light is one thing you must keep casting a glance at, after short intervals. When you notice that engine oil light is on, you must realize that there is some sort of problem which needs fixing. This light can also be an indicator that it is time to replace the catalytic converter or oxygen sensor. However, any carelessness in this matter can lead your vehicle engine to failure.

Paying No Attention to Cooling System

If you do not remember the last time you flushed your vehicle’s engine coolant then the engine is at a high risk of failing. The auto experts are of the view that after every 30,000 miles, the engine coolant must be flushed.

This varies vehicle to vehicle but it usually takes 2 to 3 years on average to hit that much distance. Although it is a too long time duration to get worried, yet waiting until the coolant system gets deteriorated would not be the best strategy. Engine overheating is a symptom of deteriorated coolant.

Plan Ahead For New Home Builder

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Building Your Dream Home: A First-Timer’s Guide to Navigating the Construction Process

Some buyers find their dream home by looking through listings and attending enough open houses until the right property pops up. Others take matters into their own hands by hiring builders to construct a home from the ground up. There are certainly benefits to going this route — namely, the option to customize your living space and have a say in every detail. But there are drawbacks involved, too. Here’s what you need to know.

You’ll need to buy land

You can’t put a new home just anywhere — you’ll need to buy a parcel of land that’s zoned for the type of construction you’re interested in. A real estate agent may be able to help you find land to purchase, or you can search online by area or zip code. Keep in mind that you’ll generally need to obtain a permit before construction on your home starts, so once you have that land, contact your local zoning authority to see what it entails. In many cases, though, the builder you hire will take care of your permits for you.

You’ll need a home construction loan

When you buy a home that already exists, you can finance it with a regular mortgage. When that home doesn’t exist, you’ll need a construction loan to not only purchase the land your home will eventually sit on but to cover the building process itself. You can either take out a construction loan that’s converted to a traditional mortgage once your home is fully built, or you can take out a construction loan that must be paid off once your home is complete. The former is usually a more suitable and affordable option for the average buyer.

You’ll need to find the right builder

When you’re spending the money to construct a home from scratch, you don’t want to give that job to just anyone. Rather, you’ll need to find a builder with a solid reputation and history of success — ideally, a builder who already has a list of connections, like an architect, landscape architect, and other professionals needed to turn building plans into reality. Not only should you ask each builder you talk to for references, but you should also see some of that builder’s completed homes for yourself to get a sense of the quality of construction.

You’ll need to create a budget you’re comfortable with

The cost of building a home can vary substantially depending on the specifics at hand. Before you get too involved in the process, you’ll need to sit down with your builder and team and come up with a budget that works for you. Of course, that budget will be incorporated into a contract you then sign. When building a home from scratch, it’s common practice to include an overage clause that allows your builder to spend a certain percentage above the agreed-upon amount to finish the job at hand. That percentage is often 10% but can vary.

 

How to Use the Guide

Looking for a new home has never been easier!

Begin your search with our quarterly guide, a compendium of new construction homes in the Triad and surrounding area. We’ve taken the work out of the initial step in your search by consolidating information about area homebuilders, new home neighborhoods and hundreds of new homes, condos and townhomes. The guide offers reliable & up-to-date information on

Homes by the best builders, including national, regional, and local builders, are featured.

Our builders are among the most trusted national, regional, local, and custom home builders. New Home Guide shows where they are building new homes and takes you there with drone video tours of neighborhoods, maps of the area, and neighborhood facts. The builder profiles and neighborhood maps provide the critical information you need to choose the builder who is right for you

Location… location… location

So how do you know which home community is the right one for you? Check our inclusive Neighborhood pages, which list the many new home communities in the area. We have a score of resources which map, view, and sort new home communities

Begin your search for a new home with the New Home Guide.

Your home search is as personal as your vision of your new home. We have the tools, reliable and up-to-date, that you need to begin your search for the home of your dreams. View hundreds of new homes in all stages of construction, listed by price, builder, neighborhood, preferred city, lifestyle, and more.

Need a new home now?

You can quickly identify brand new homes that are ready to move in today or will be ready within the next 30 days. You can also search for a home based on specific factors you provide so no time is wasted visiting neighborhoods that don’t meet your criteria.

 

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BUILDING A HOUSE

Building a home from the ground up can be a dream come true. Take your time with decision, and follow these steps. When you walk into your new home, you will be happy with the results.

GET INSPIRED

Drive around your communityand snap photos of home exteriors you like. Make a Pinterest board of your favorite home styles and colors

HOW TO CHOOSE A BUILDER

The most important aspects of choosing a builder are establishing trust and a shared vision. These steps will help you find the right professional for your job.

ASK FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

Ask your neighbors, friends and co-workers for referrals.

CHECK LICENSES AND INSURANCE

Be certain the builder(s) you are considering are licensed and insured.

RESEARCH YOUR BUILDERS

Inquire about builders with a local Consumer Affairs Office or Better Business Bureau.

 

TIPS FOR EVALUATING HOME BUILDERS

Are you thinking about hiring someone to build your new home? If so, then you may be looking for tips for evaluating home builders. The truth is, building a home is a confusing process to navigate and one of the most misunderstood aspects of house hunting. For many, the dream of building a custom home often ends with the prospective buyer purchasing a pre-built speculative home or working with a builder that can modify the plans of a home already under construction. If you are looking to build a custom home for you and your family, it is crucial to find the right company.

Although building a home is nothing like you see on HGTV, there is one thing that you can learn from those reality TV shows, and that is that you want to find a team that shares your dream. You want to find someone who will partner with you every step of the way to ensure that the home they are building is exactly the way you imagine it. You want them to be invested in your dream just as much as you are. After all, they will ultimately be the ones bringing that dream to life and building a space that you and your family will create memories in for many years to come

DO YOUR RESEARCH

This may seem like an obvious tip, but with so many different companies offering nearly the exact same service, deciding which home builder is the right fit for you can often be overwhelming. The best way to start is to Google “home builders (location)” within the area of your future home. From there you can compare company websites looking for builders whose work most closely resembles the vision you have for your home. Ideally, you want someone with years of experience building homes in that specific area. There’s a lot more to building a home than simply frames and finishes, and you want to hire someone who has experience navigating the planning and development stages within that local municipality, so there are no surprises along the way.

DON’T FIND A BUILDER, FIND A PARTNER

When looking for the right home builder it’s important that you look beyond their past experience and client portfolio. Look for someone you genuinely want to partner with. You want your home builder to be a partner who shares in your vision and brings new ideas to the table each and every day. They should make you feel good about your dream home and instill a sense of excitement into the home building process.

REPUTATION MATTERS

A custom home isn’t a temporary residence, it’s where you and your family will live for years to come. A place where your kids can grow up in a safe environment, a place where your pets can play, and a place you can all feel comfortable in.

 

Custom Home Builders’ Prices (A Guide)

You can search around on the internet and find blurbs of information on custom home builders’ prices, and these averages are certainly great to keep in mind when you’re starting to think about your budget. I have found, however, that average prices don’t generally bear much resemblance to what the actual cost. Speak with a few people who have completed a build or a large renovation and, over and over, you’ll hear stories about the actual cost being MUCH higher than they were originally told.

Why are custom home builders’ prices often inaccurate?

The truth is this: Some builders throw out a teaser number to try to get the job. And often they don’t account for a lot of the other costs associated with a build. Everything needs to be considered: demolition if there is an existing structure on the site, any general site work preparation, engineering and surveying fees, architectural services, building permit fees, carrying costs, utilities, debris removal during construction, warranty fees, and countless other fees that are either directly or indirectly paid for by the homeowner.

Why is square footage misleading?

When trying to determine the price of a custom home, a good builder requires two pieces of information—a complete set of construction drawings and a document specifying all the detail that goes into each individual item in the house. Without the combination of the two, any per square foot price or quote you get is worthless.

As an example, I have two houses—House A and House B—with the same 1st and 2nd-floor living space size and the same detail on the finishes. But House B has a huge wrap around porch, a larger garage, a covered rear patio and a basement walkout up to grade in the rear yard.

Is everything being considered in the price?

Another misnomer that goes into a per square foot price is what someone is actually counting towards the square footage as the denominator in their calculation. I see countless listings by realtors of the same house floor plan that have greatly varying numbers in terms of the per square footage. Some count only the 1st and 2nd-floor living space, some add in the basement, others the attic (when finished).

How Do I Choose Commercial Roofing

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COMMERCIAL ROOFING

Protecting your company’s production and profits is important. If a deteriorating roof system is threatening the vitality of your operation, Roofing Company can help. offer reliable, high-quality roof repair, maintenance and replacement solutions to bring long-lasting protection to your commercial structure. proudly install the best commercial roofing systems on the market today.

Commercial Roof Maintenance/Repair

Commercial roofing, is specialty! understand that replacing a commercial roof is not always a practical option. flat roof experts can assist you in repairing your immediate roof problems without exhausting your maintenance budget. are an authorized installer for warranty repairs with Carlisle, Versico, GenFlex, GAF, Mule Hide and more.

Choose from all types of commercial roofing:

TPO – Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a roof membrane made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber polymerized. It offers excellent solar reflectivity to help cut down on cooling costs.

EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a type of synthetic rubber roofing that is designed to resist sun damage. It’s also easy to patch leaks in this system.

Built-Up (BUR) – Also known as a tar and gravel roof, BUR is made of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforced fabric. It’s cheap and fire-resistant.

All flat roofs – TPO, PVC, EPDM, BUR, modified bitumen

Rubber – Options include EPDM

Metal – Commercial metal roofing is durable and long-lasting while requiring minimal maintenance, even when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Modern coatings allow metal roofs to reflect heat to keep cooling bills low.

Shingles – If your commercial building has a steep-slope roof, asphalt shingles might be the best choice for replacement.

Elastomeric coatings –  Adding an elastomeric coating to your roof can extend its life by sealing leaks and protecting it from the elements

Commercial Roofing Replacement

Roofing Company understands, commercial roofing solutions do not come in a one-size-fits-all package. Every commercial roof is as unique and individual as the business it protects. can assist you in evaluating your current roofing system and help you determine what’s right for your facility based on proven, in-place performance and time-tested products. are an authorized installer for all major roofing systems including Carlisle, GenFlex, Versico, GAF and Mule Hide.

 

Commercial Roofing

Experts in Commercial Roofing

If you are looking for Commercial Roofing Services and surrounding areas then you have landed on the right page. Premium Exteriors provides its exceptional quality services at a price that is affordable for most if not all of customers

Commercial Roofing Contractor

work with your architects, contractors, and commercial construction management to develop a customized roofing plan for your new commercial building. Even if you already own an existing commercial structure that requires re-roofing, roof repair, or roof emergency services, we’d be more than happy to help you out. services include the installation of commercial flat and metal roofs.

Commercial Flat Roof Systems

licensed, professional team of commercial roofing experts have years of experience in all kinds of roofing projects. highly trained in the newest commercial roofing innovations. specialize in difficult flat and low-slope roof sealing. Provided that your roof has been damaged due to weather or vandalism, support staff is at your disposal 24/7 to deal with all of your queries.

Commercial Roof Replacement

When you choose, you can have the guarantee of getting the job done right the first time. are fully prepared to tailor services to your requirements. experienced staff is committed to getting the job done in a timely fashion and within your budget.

 

Commercial Roofing Careers

Finding the perfect career that suits your natural abilities and interests can be a challenge. However, if you’re the type of energetic person who enjoys working with your hands and would rather be spending your days outside instead of sitting in an office or classroom, roofing may be a great option for you.

WHAT DO ROOFERS DO? GENERAL ROOFING JOB DESCRIPTION

The job description for roofers can be varied depending on the geographic area where they’re based and whether they focus on commercial roofing, specialty roofing, or even residential roofing. That said, many job demands are similar no matter the type of roofing you plan to work with.

WHAT DO COMMERCIAL ROOFERS DO?

Commercial roofers specifically spend their days repairing, replacing, and installing roofs on buildings where business takes place or services are performed, like distribution centers, warehouses, retail centers, or even hospitals and schools. (In cities, these commercial structures might be high-rise skyscrapers. In more suburban areas, they tend to be one to three-floor buildings, though the roofing might cover acres of indoor space.)

COMMERCIAL ROOFING SYSTEMS YOU’LL CARE FOR AND INSTALL

As we often discuss here on the blog, commercial roofing systems can vary widely from building to building. Prospective commercial roofers need to deeply understand the construction specifics and material differences between systems. These include TPO, PVC, and EPDM membrane systems, as well as BUR (Built-up Roofing)/asphalt, metal roofs, and even garden or green roofs. Learn more about these systems in our previous post about commercial roofing terminology definitions.

ROOFER SALARY: HOW MUCH DO ROOFERS MAKE?

When considering your career options, one of the main questions beyond whether you can and want to do the work is compensation. So, what do wages and other benefits look like for roofers

 

Residential & Commercial Roofing

When it comes to residential and commercial roofing, it’s helpful to know what kind of services are offered. It’s also helpful to know how to find and hire a roofing company. To learn more, feel free to read the rest of this article.

Roofers offer a range of commercial and residential roofing services. This includes everything from inspections to installations. Some of the services offered include:

Installations- If you’re building a house or commercial property, then you’ll need a roof. A roofer will discuss what your options are and explain the pros and cons of the different types of roofs they are able to install. After you decide which roof you want, they will start installing it. This includes roofs such as flat roofs, shingles, concrete roofs and many other types.

Repairs- A commercial and residential roofing company can repair roofs that are cracked, damaged, missing parts, leaky etc. If there is an issue with your roof, then it’s in your best interest to have it taken care of as soon as possible. For example, if you have a small leak, eventually it will get bigger and more costly to fix. Not only that, but it might lead to damage to the interior of the property.

Maintenance- Maintenance services are crucial because they can extend the life of your roof. A commercial and roofing company can perform a roof tuneup on your roof, and they can wash it down afterward, that way it looks as good as new. Never underestimate the effectiveness of properly maintaining your roof, but you are probably too busy to perform proper maintenance. This is why it’s a good idea to hire a roofing company that can do it for you.

Inspections- A roofing company can conduct an inspection of your roof, which can reveal potential problems. You should have your roof inspected at least 1-2 times per year, or even more if you are in an area that is prone to getting very bad weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, severe rain and so forth. If an issue is spotted during the roof inspection, the roofer will let you know what your options are before remedying the issue, after you give them permission to do it.

Emergency Roof Repairs- Let’s face it, roof emergencies can happen at any given time and when it does, you want to hire a roofer right away. A Commercial and residential roofing company can perform emergency repairs. Whether it’s your home or business, it is important to take care of the problem as soon as you notice it.

The first thing you want to do is find a few residential and commercial roofing companies in your area. When you find several, you want to do a few things. This includes:

Experience- Experience is important, so find out how many roofs a roofing company has worked on before considering hiring them. If you have a business, then you want to use a roofer that has worked on many commercial roofs or residential roofs, if you plan on hiring a roofer to work on your home’s roof. Better yet, it’s a good idea to find a roofer who has extensive experience working with both residential and commercial clients.

Licensed & Insured-The best roofers know the importance of being licensed and insured. If a roofer has a problem with telling you and showing you that they are licensed and insured, then this is a bad sign. Many roofers will tell their clients that they are licensed and insured, or this information will be mentioned on their website.

Read Reviews-You want to read reviews, but don’t automatically scratch a roofer off your list if there’s a negative review or two written about them. As long as they have far more positive reviews for their roofing services, then this is fine. Some negative reviews that commercial and residential roofers receive are not justifiable.

Request A Quote- Finally, request a quote from each roofer. Find out whether or not their work is covered by a warranty and if that is included in the quote or if you have to pay extra. You won’t receive a 100% estimate, but you still want to get an idea of what you will pay and what’s included in the price.

 

Commercial Roofing

commercial roof repair, replacement, restoration, maintenance, water and leak-proofing, commercial roof coating, and emergency services for commercial businesses.

efficient roofs are available in a variety of products, including spray poly foam, fabric-reinforced coatings, metal roof systems, and single ply membrane, all white in color to ensure your energy bill is kept to a minimum.

the highest quality products available in a multitude of innovative options, all energy efficient and designed to save you in energy bills over time. From quick and helpful customer service to easy to schedule on-site project work, happy to provide our customers with nothing but the best.

When you have work done to your commercial roof, whether it’s restoration and repair or a new roof replacement, the last thing you want is to worry it will soon leak or rust again.

From 15 to 20 year warranties, depending on your roof type and service, you not only have reassurance that any issues will quickly be address by team of experts, but you gain high quality customer service here to answer any questions, the very best material and energy efficiency in your roof products, and complementary annual roof inspections for the duration of your roof’s warranty.

A Letter To All You Carpet Flooring

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What types of carpets are best for cats?

Cats are a very important part of the household, and my customers know I love cats (as well as dogs).  I “own” 2 cats…or maybe I should say, they own me and allow me to pay the mortgage.  Cats are wonderful, but sometimes they can do number on carpets, so it’s ideal to select a carpet that will co-exist well with your cat.  What types of carpets are best for cats?

The most common issue with cats are that the carpet pulls (especially if they have claws).  But,, there can also be issues with hair balls, vomit, spraying and urine.  Once you have spraying and/or urine in the carpet, it’s nearly impossible to solve short of removing the carpet.  That’s because of 2 things.  First, cats can smell much better than we can.  Second, usually, these items penetrate beneath the carpet into the carpet pad and the backing, so even the best carpet cleaning will never fully solve the issue.  You need to remove all evidence of the smell and start fresh.

Cut carpets will hold up better than looped carpets with cats.

Cats love to play with things.  They scratch and stretch and their claws can get into everything – whether intentional or by accident.  With looped carpets, cat’s paws will often pull the loops out and cause the carpet to unravel in sections.  And, once there is a small issue, it almost becomes a game for the cat to pull out the carpet more.  This is especially true for looped wool carpet.  Their backing is often latex and less secure, so by all means avoid looped wool carpets.  Don’t let the price fool you.  These carpets are great, but they will be a disaster with your cat.  So, if you have cats, I would avoid looped carpets (like the one on the right, and instead opt for a cut pile carpet (like the one above).

Avoid carpets that are too light as they will show dirt and fur.

Often, getting a mid toned neutral carpet will do the trick, and even better if you can find a carpet color that is similar to your cat.  Also, if you have kitty litter in the area, and if this tends to get caught in their claws, you may want to consider a gray carpet.

Vacuum carpets frequently

This is actually good advice for all carpet owners regardless of whether they have cats or pets.  Frequent vacuuming will get rid of dirt (which can wear down the carpet fibers), smells and also help with cats.  It will really help make your carpet last longer and make your home nicer and neater. Also, getting your carpet cleaned professionally on an annual basis will also help. But, be sure to inquire about stain protection when you do this.  Some of the steam cleaners extract the stain protection (same goes if you do this yourself), so be sure to reapply a topical stain protection afterwards and perform this annually.

 

How to Protect Wood Floors With Area Rugs

Good news! Scrapes and dings on your gorgeous wood floors are totally preventable. One of the easiest ways to protect wood floors from scratches and other damage is to decorate them with an area rug. Area rugs provide a protective barrier against furniture legs, foot traffic, and pets while adding style to any floor in your home. Use the following steps to decorate with area rugs in a way that keeps your wood floors looking healthy and beautiful.

Prevent Scratching and Dirt With Runners in High-Traffic Areas

Hallways, entryways, and mudrooms are normally high-traffic areas where wood floors see more wear and tear. Use runner rugs in these areas to guard the integrity of the hardwood against shoe scuffing and debris brought in from the outside

Get a Rug With a Woven Backing for Healthy Airflow

One of the worst things you can do to your poor hardwood floors is lay down a rug with latex backing, which is usually found on natural fiber rugs. Latex traps moisture and gases that can stain and strip your hardwood’s finish. Do your floor a kindness and preserve it by investing in a rug with a woven backing. Wool rugs are safe for hardwood floors because they allow plenty of air to move through their breathable fibers.

Eliminate Exposure to Moisture With a Waterproof Rug

A puddle from an umbrella or dog bowl can quickly go from a temporary nuisance to a permanent problem. It doesn’t take much moisture to waterlog a once-beautiful hardwood by seeping into its seams and either staining or swelling the floor. Be prepared with a waterproof floor covering. The best rugs for hardwood floors keep them safe and dry. To really nail your floor protection, make sure your rug doesn’t have color or dyes that will bleed through when dampened. Wool and synthetic fiber rugs tend to be waterproof and colorfast.

Place Oversized Area Rugs in Large Rooms

An oversized rug anchored by furniture is suitable for a living or dining room — but beware. The hardwood preserved under a large rug will maintain its color better than the wood around it. To prevent discoloration on your uncovered flooring, try to limit the amount of direct sunlight your hardwood is exposed to.

 

WHAT IS BETTER CARPET FLOORS OR HARDWOOD FLOORS? (ALL ABOUT CARPET FLOORS)

Carpeting and hardwood floors have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. I will explain the benefits and drawbacks of both. One of the first things that come to mind when having carpet floors is that it will be soft and warm when walking on.  Hardwood floors do not offer this and is why carpet floors are better to have if warmth and softness is what you are after.

These days we are all concerned about energy saving and wherever we can, try to save money.  Well, having a carpet floor rather than hardwood flooring is yet another energy saving cost. Carpets maintain warmth in a room and therefore will save on your energy bills.  An average of 30 days of heating can be saved, or 4-6% of energy saving which means lower heating bills.

Carpet floors provides more safety over hardwood floors in that of reducing slippage when floors are wet, and a decrease in stress on joints.  Young kids and the elderly most benefit from the non-slip aspect of carpets, and if they were to fall, the soft nature of it will reduce the amount of injury compared to hardwood flooring.

But with the advantages that carpeting has, there are some disadvantages. Carpeting does go out of style more frequently than hardwood floors and you may end up spending more replacing the carpets to have more of a modern look.

New carpeting equals new carpet smell – and no it is not good like a new car smell. A new carpet floor installation often uses chemical which emit fumes, and these may not be healthy for you and may cause breathing problems if exposed for too long. However, there are more eco-friendly carpeting available, but they are way more expensive to own.

 

Need to Replace Pet-Damaged Carpet? These Are the Best Flooring Options

As a pet owner you know that accidents happen. There are a variety of reasons why our four-legged friends do their business or act out inside the house and on the floor. Maybe they’re marking their territory, or their anxiety may be manifesting in their clawing at the carpet.

However, your home is probably your biggest investment, so you want to maintain its resale value—and keep it from looking and smelling like a litter box. So, what are the best options for pet-resistant flooring that would also appeal to future buyers? Check out our experts’ top recommendations.

Your dog’s claws will be less likely to scratch harder wood varieties like oak, maple, walnut, or—one of the strongest options—bamboo. “The hardness of bamboo makes it more resistant to scratches, liquids, and mess, which helps out with pet accidents,” says

Your delicate porcelain dinnerware may lead you to believe that this type of material is not the strongest flooring option, but our experts say otherwise. “The simplest floor to maintain—not only for pets but also for spaces with heavy traffic—is porcelain tile,” says

Vinyl, in general, has come a long way since the days of disco. “Luxury vinyl tile is a great, pet-friendly option as it’s scratch- and stain-resistant,” says

 

Carpet

COVID-19 protocols are in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. showrooms  require masks to be worn by both customers and employees. In addition to requiring masks, have also implemented taking customer and employee temperatures before entering showrooms.

Advantages of Carpet

Carpet can offer more versatility, comfort, ease of maintenance and health benefits than other flooring options.

It is more “budget-friendly” than most other choices and there are styles to coordinate with every décor.

carpet installation services in Denver can help save energy as it is an important contributor to the insulation of the indoor environment. Carpet not

only insulates floors but also provides a psychological feeling of warmth.

Slip-and-fall accidents are more likely to occur on hard surface floors, instead of carpeted floors.

Carpeting is less labor intensive to clean and maintain than hard surface flooring.

Trends

The demand for green flooring is growing.

Textures, different types of yarn systems, different colorations, patterns, tone-on-tone prints, looped carpet, tip shears anything that has interest in fashion seems to be popular.

Bold floral patterns are back.

Bold geometric pattern carpets are becoming favorable of many householders.

Handmade rugs are also becoming popular.

Consider risk factors for the room:

  • Will people have food in this room?
  • Will kids play in this room?
  • Will kids play with their food in this room?
  • Does the room directly open up to the outside?
  • Do you have indoor pets?

Think about existing or intended aesthetic:

  • How do you want to feel when you’re in this room?
  • What types of furnishings do you have?
  • What’s the style of the room? Traditional? Contemporary? Rustic?
  • What’s the feel of the room? Casual? or Formal? Somewhere in between?

Why You Should Hire An Experienced Family Law Attorney

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FAMILY LAWYERS

STAND BY YOUR SIDE

When you Legal to assist you with your family law matter, you don’t just get a legal consultant – you get a close ally who will have your back the entire time. This means total confidentiality (as required by law) concerning everything you say to your lawyer, giving you complete peace of mind that you can be open and honest about what your needs and/or concerns are.

ARE EXPERTS IN FAMILY LAW

have expertise in helping people navigate highly complex family law issues that may seem impossible to solve. No matter how defeated or exhausted you feel, know how to identify a clear path forward so that there’s never a reason to give up.

PUT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD FIRST

One of the things are most proud of his helping protect children by advocating for arrangements that have their best interests in mind. Above all, goal is to protect children from becoming victims of the fallout between their parents so that their future happiness and well-being is not jeopardised

ARE PUNCTUAL AND RELIABLE

While this shouldn’t need to be said, so many people complain about lawyers who are late to their own appointments with clients or fail to return phone calls. professionals and take what do seriously – you will always get a call back from us if are unable to answer the phone.

Serve divorce papers

One of the scariest things about getting a divorce can be delivering the news that you want one to your incumbent spouse, who may not take the news well.

 

Top Child Custody Questions

Child custody rights refer to a set of rights given to a parent in divorces and legal separation. Child custody rights include legal custody, which includes making important legal decisions on behalf of their child, and physical custody.

Physical custody deals with which parent has the legal ability to determine the primary residence of the child. Child custody rights are determined by a judge using several factors, and are always determined according to the child’s best interests standards.

How Do I File for Child Custody and Child Support?

In order to file for child custody you will need to first file a legal document asking the court to determine custody and appoint you as party with primary custody of the child. The actual name of the legal document you need to file depends on your local jurisdiction.

Additionally, the correct legal pleading that you need to file depends on the circumstances of your individual case. The following is a list of initial court documents that may initiate a lawsuit for child custody and child support:

Divorce: If you are married to the person and you are seeking to be granted primary custody of a child you had while married to that person, you should first file an Original Petition for Divorce.

In that petition you may also include a request for child custody and child support. In fact most states require that all child custody and child support matters be handled concurrently with the divorce;

Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship or Legal Separation: If you are not married to the party in which you had children then you will file a Suit Affecting Parent Child Relationship or Legal Separation from that party to file for child custody and support;

Paternity Action: If you are the biological father of a child, but did not appear on the birth certificate or you are the father of a child born during a marriage that is not your marriage, you will first need to determine you are the legal father of the child. In order to do so you will have to file a Paternity action before filing for legal custody and for child support; and/or

Modification: If there was a previous Court order regarding the children that you are seeking to change the custody or child support amount ordered, you will need to file for a modification of that Court’s previous order.

Generally, the filing party will need to show that there has been a material or significant change since the last order which is why the previous order is no longer appropriate

If One Parent Has Full Custody Does the Other Need to Pay Child Support?

Child support payments are intended to help provide for the large financial responsibilities that come with having a child. It is a court ordered amount of money paid to the custodial parent by the non custodial parent. Some states have guidelines that they implement to determine a fair amount of support payments, while others award support based on each specific case.

 

How Your Family Lawyer Can Protect You in Divorce

An amicable divorce? It’s rare, but possible. An amicable divorce with a narcissist? Impossible. If this is what you’re facing, expect your divorce to have a few extra challenging layers than the one your friend just went through. This is because a narcissist is incapable of seeing things through any other lens than their own and can’t consider things from another’s perspective.

And in divorce negotiations, trying (as hard as it may be) to see things from your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s point of view is essential to when agreeing to terms that will move your toward to settling the divorce. “A narcissist can’t relate to anyone else,”

“And the chances are high that this is one of the primary reasons the couple is divorcing. A divorce, when a narcissist is involved, can end up being very destructive. When the relationship finally fails, the non-narcissist ends up being better off if he or she can get counseling to learn how to deal with the narcissist as tensions escalate, and they will. A narcissist will drag out a divorce in an attempt to keep some sort of connection and sense of control, even after the divorce is final.”

that in divorce cases involving a narcissist, there is one party who is approaching everything logically, and the other—the narcissist—is approaching things emotionally. This means assets are at risk as the narcissist wants to “win” at all costs. “It becomes more expensive for everyone, because things that aren’t even big issues become big issues,”

“Divorce cases that normally could be settled go to court because the narcissist wants their day in court to show everyone they were right all along. They feel justified going to court because they believe they can convince everyone they were right all along—even if their lawyer advises them not to. They don’t understand that it doesn’t work that way. And when the non-narcissist spends time and energy to trying to get the narcissist spouse to see his or her point of view, it just wastes time and ultimately, money.”

 

Divorce Lawyers

Family Law and Mediation has helped hundreds of clients with family law and divorce proceedings. These types of legal matters are very often challenging, emotionally-draining and stressful

Over the years, has had the honor of helping hundreds of families through difficult times. She has been gratified to see how her advice and guidance have improved the lives of her clients and their children and families.

for the seven years prior to attending law school, worked as a legal assistant in her mother’s, solo family law practice. It was during that time that realized her ability to assist the law practice’s clients would be greatly enhanced if she became an attorney, as well.

Mediation & Divorce Attorneys

parties going through divorce proceedings often have two types of mediation available to them. One involves the division of assets and debts, where the two parties can come to an agreement quickly and without lengthy negotiation via counsel. The other type of mediation deals with parental duties.

Couples going through a divorce are increasingly turning to mediation when looking to negotiate a resolution that is amicable for both parties. Mediation is ideal as it allows you and the other party to find compromises and establish a settlement that saves you time and money.

 

Mediation & Divorce Attorneys

Even if mediation allows the two of you to come to an agreement, it is crucial that you have an attorney working to protect your interests. Legal counsel can help review the terms of the agreement with you and ensure that you are not agreeing to something that does not work for your interests.

In those instances where there is a dispute surrounding child custody and visitation, law requires that a mediation occur before the court hearing. During these counseling sessions, couples try to come to an agreement. When a couple cannot come to an agreement, the case is ultimately decided during the court hearing.

Family Law and Mediation are skilled at dealing with these types of mediation sessions and can help you prepare for anything that might come up when meeting with a private or court-appointed mediator or other experts. also routinely work with the other parent to help the both of you reach an agreement on custody and visitation matters, including holiday schedules and major decisions involving education, healthcare, and religion.

Whether you are seeking to come to a settlement via private mediation, or are involved in a court-appointed mediation session, you can be confident that attorneys can represent you in an effective and efficient manner.

Home Renovation Guide

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HOME RENOVATIONS PROJECTS: THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Are you interested in remodeling your home or dabbling in other home renovation projects, but not sure where to begin? Does the idea of remodeling your home seem overwhelming and intimidating? Unsure of how to plan for the unexpected? This article is for you!

In my current video series on home remodels, I am covering all of the basic information you need to know for a successful renovation project. This series will discuss everything from the initial planning to the design phase to the full execution of the project. To tune into the video series. You can also find a host of other useful information on a successful home remodel project right here on my blog.

Determine exactly what it is you want to do

If you are considering a home remodel project, the first thing you need to do is clearly define what exactly it is you want to do. For example, do you want to completely remodel an outdated bathroom starting with a fully clean slate? Do you want to update your kitchen or implement a simple refresh? Or perhaps you are looking to renovate multiple rooms within your home, or even the entire house. This step is helpful for clearly outlining and articulating your goals for the remodel project. This step will prepare you to speak with builders, contractors and your interior designer, who will help you plan and implement the entire project.

Research information on builders and contractors in your area and look for reviews and rates

For anyone considering a home remodel project, it is imperative to conduct due diligence by researching and reviewing information on local builders and contractors. If you are someone who already has an interior designer, chances are your designer will have a list of preferred contractors he or she has worked with in the past. This provides an existing basis of trust and reliability with all major players on the design team.

Find a professional interior designer to work with

This step is arguably one of the most important steps in the pre-planning phases of a potential home renovation project. If conducting a home remodel is new to you, you may not be aware of the significant level of value a qualified interior designer can provide. Interior designers are on the cutting edge of the latest styles and trends available for the home. Additionally, designers have access to the most coveted information in the industry. They have intimate relationships and connections with furniture manufacturers, art suppliers and other vendors of home appliances, finishes and products.

 

DIY vs. professional renovation: What to tackle yourself and what to leave to the pros

It’s the question every handy homeowner getting ready to embark on a renovation asks themselves: How much can I actually do myself? If you’re willing to get your hands dirty, it may be more than you think. Curbed spoke with experts including DIY home renovators, contractors, and architects to determine the realistic DIY projects in your house, and what is better left to the professionals.

Go pro: Make a plan before you start

Before you rush into a home renovation and start a “to do” list, take a comprehensive look at everything that’s ahead, taking into account costs and timeframes. “It’s worth it to pay someone to think strategically about the entire project,” said, a principal at architecture who often works with clients on a budget. “You need to figure out the maximum scope of work, break down how to phase it, and strategize.”

For large-scale renovations, you’ll need an inspector to check the systems in your home, as well as a trusted architect or contractor to propose a plan and offer a bid. A professional, too, will alert you to any urgent fixes needed. “The roof is a good example,” said, “in getting an opinion if it requires immediate or later fixes.”

DIY: Materials

“A major thing that someone can easily take on is purchasing their own materials, equipment, and appliances,” said, an architect who oversaw a home renovation with his wife, also trained as an architect. Tiles, cabinetry, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, doors—there are a number of materials you can pick yourself or salvage from antique stores and flea markets.

Go pro: Structural repairs

put it this way: “A homeowner should not affect any of the structural members of the house.” Expect older homes to have structural wear that will eventually need to be upgraded by an architect and contractor, or in some cases a structural engineer—and you may as well get it over with during your renovation.

 

TIPS FOR LIVING THROUGH A HOME RENOVATION

We’re currently remodeling our master bathroom, and by that I mean, we actually hired a team of contractors to do the work (our first time ever doing that!) This bathroom renovation isn’t the first major remodel we lived through in our home, in fact–it’s our last! But we’ve only done a couple like it, where our entire lives kind of get flipped upside down.

The photo above is from the Pittsburgh kitchen we did in 6 days. But our own kitchen remodel, we did in 7 weeks and made a make-shift pantry and kitchen in our front room during that time. When we ripped up all the flooring on our entire main level, we moved all of our furnishings and belongings downstairs and lived underground for 6 weeks. But this time feels a little different than those because we’re not the ones doing the work. Which is wonderful, but adds an element of…alertness? to the entire thing that can leave you somehow just as exhausted at the end of the day.

Make a calendar with your contractors. Before we started, we sat down with our contractors (We’re working with Doug’s Repair for all you locals–can’t recommend them enough!) and we looked at dates and set a start date and a goal end date. Then, they filled in what would happen every day and gave us a copy of the calendar. This has been so incredibly helpful! Not only does it help set expectations across the board, but it helps us see if we’re still on track and what’s coming up. (Like, windows this week!)

Have a section of your home that stays in order and clean so it can serve as a sanctuary away from the job. Remodels are messy and if you aren’t mindful, it can spill into other areas of your home. But, by making an effort to keep the other spaces in our home clean and tidy–heck, light a candle and buy some flowers if it helps!–we are still able to enjoy our home even with a holes in the ceiling and drywall dust a room over.

Pack up what you don’t need from the room. In the case of our bathroom renovation, we packed away clothes, shoes, and bathroom supplies we could live without for a month. But maybe it’s furniture, kitchen supplies or decor in your renovation’s case. Whatever it is, packing it up and storing it is a lot better than stuffing it in another room, unorganized. And bonus, when the renovation is over, you may not need all the extra after all.

 

Great Ideas That Could Cut Your Home Renovation Costs In Half

Renovating and restyling your living space can be a fun exercise; after all, adding your unique sense of aesthetics is what makes a house a home. However, this come with its set of troubles. The process is time-consuming, what with negotiations, paperwork, and coordination with everyone on the job. Most importantly, the budget can easily spiral out of hand.

Rope in a professional

Hiring an architect or an interior designer to plan and execute a project can be an expensive proposition. But it’s a smart idea to consult one. There could be many safety and design insights that you may not be able to comprehend as a lay person. Or opt for a one-time consultation, which can come at a fraction of the cost. However, this means you have to be absolutely clear regarding every minute detail before you approach the professional.

Select the right contractor

An experienced contractor can help you drastically bring the budget down. Look for someone who is experienced, has a good reputation, and also understands your needs. Long years of experience allows a contractor to easily estimate material requirements. This would eliminate a lot of wastage, and also enable the sourcing of quality products at a bargain.

Repurpose the old

If you look closely, there would be a lot of things in your home that can be refurbished and repurposed. Take woodwork, for instance. Wood from old doors or cupboards can easily be converted into a chic new coffee table. A tweak here and there could give a completely new life to different objects in your house. The only cost you would incur here is labour and probably painting or polishing.

Don’t fix what is not broken

In the quest to give your house a makeover, there is a tendency to go overboard with ideas. Over the long term, the functionality of the space is a lot more important than the aesthetics. If the electrical wiring is fine, simply add/change lamps or wall mounts to enhance the aesthetics. Breaking down the entire false ceiling and doing the rewiring will cost you many times over. The same principle applies to plumbing conduits, gas connections, etc.

 

How to renovate on a budget – ideas that will transform your home

Lay a stylish stair runner

Stairs are often the first thing you see when you walk in a house. Why not update shabby treads with a smart and stylish stair runner. Stairs are often the first thing that visitors see when they come into your house, so why not update shabby treads with a stylish stair runner? It’s also a great place to indulge in some colour. Make a big impact by choosing a striped or bold coloured runner. Or go classy with a neutral weave or thick and pale pile.

Reinstate the fireplace

A fireplace is a wonderful focal point to any room. But sadly, they weren’t so hot in the 1970s and ’80s, leading to many homeowners ripping them out. So if you have a chimney breast bare of a fireplace, why not reintroduce one? It certainly beats a TV as a focal point, and could bring back all the character you’re home’s been missing.

Care for your cornicing

Original features are a real plus point, but sometimes they need a little TLC to restore them to their original splendour. Often, decorative cornicing is lost under decades of paint: by stripping it off, you can really bring out the period detail.

Do up or ditch the old front door

A coat of can work wonders, but if your front door has had its day, invest in a new one to make a great first impression. You can even design your own.

Should I Buy A Car From A Car Dealer Or A Private Individual

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Car Dealer Tricks You Need to Know Before You Buy a Car

Car salespeople aren’t necessarily evil, but they’re the only people who can prevent you from getting the best price for your next car. It’s a good idea to keep these four car dealer traps in mind the next time you decide to go car shopping. Doing so might save you the gut-wrenching regret of being screwed over and forced to overpay for your new vehicle.

Negotiating on Monthly Payments

When the salesperson starts talking about monthly payments, watch out. Clever salespeople want you to focus only on low monthly payments because it gives them room to inflate other variables, such as the loan interest and length. This increases the dealer’s profit — while you spend thousands more on the car overall.

Telling You Your Credit Sucks

If you don’t know your credit score, all dealerships have to do to rip you off is say you don’t qualify for a better rate. Perhaps a bank would offer a 5% loan; the dealer might say 7% is the lowest for your credit score.

Baiting and Switching

Salespeople can disarm you with humor and appear to be on your side in your battle against a faceless manager in the back room. You might even get a great trade-in offer or discount on the total price.

Pushing Add-Ons and Fees

Finally, be on the lookout for extras added to your purchase or financing. Dealers can increase your car payment price by “packing” extras like an extended warranty, perhaps saying it’s “only $40 more” a month. That $40 extra will cost you $2,400 over a 60-month loan.

 

Buying a Car

A wide range of cars brands are available on the market. However, the models of these brands are generally limited to 4-door sedans or van-type vehicles. Because most car owners use drivers, 2-door sport cars are uncommon and are not in high demand.

Because cars are considered a luxury item, there is a substantial tax added onto the manufacturer’s price. This greatly inflates the price of cars. Importing a car from abroad is rarely done by your average expatriate because the customs offices charges up to 300% duty on the car’s value – which they assess.

according to the regulations, the engine size of a car may not exceed 3,000 CCs. Cars exceeding this engine size are occasionally imported under special conditions (i.e., on request of a diplomat or for special government functions), however the legal documents of these cars may not be complete after they have been released from the original importers possession due to the special provisions for their import. Smuggling of luxury cars also occurs. Needless to say, the documents for these smuggled vehicles are not complete. Therefore, be aware that if you purchase a 3,000 CC car, it may be difficult to resell and may in fact be confiscated by the authorities.

Ranking diplomats are eligible to import luxury cars through their embassy offices. We have heard stories where diplomats use this facility to import a luxury car, sell it to an Indonesian and then they drive a local car. Be cautious about buying one of these cars as paperwork hassles could definitely be a result.

Consumers who want to take out a loan to buy a motorcycle or car will have to pay at least 25 percent of the total cost as a downpayment, as opposed to as low as 5 percent to 10 percent in the past. This regulation was passed by the government financial regulators in an attempt to curb excessive lending practices by lenders and banks

 

Things Car Dealers Don’t Want You to Know

Are you car shopping? If so, you’ve probably seen a lot of offers from car dealers in your area. If you’re looking for the best deal, knowledge is power. Knowing about financing and other dealer costs can help you avoid paying too much. Here are some of the top things car dealers don’t want you to know.

Dealerships get rewards for financing through certain lenders.

Everyone loves loyalty rewards, and car dealers are no exception. The dealer’s finance department sends your credit history, as well as the price and actual value of the car, to different lenders. Each of those lenders is competing—but not to get you the best deal. They’re competing to get the dealer’s business. So the dealer will naturally pick the lender that gives them the best incentive, regardless of whether the deal’s best for you or not.

Dealerships don’t want you to have your own financing.

Dealers don’t just sell cars, they sell your business to lenders for a profit. They’re counting on making money on your loan. But you can take steps to avoid paying more than you should. It’s smart to shop ahead by looking up the kind of car you want on a site like Autoland, where you can compare prices. Once you know about how much your car will cost, you can work on getting outside financing.

Dealerships use bait-and-switch low rate offers to make money.

You’ve probably seen dealerships offering 0% financing on certain cars. How do they make money off that kind of deal? By using that low rate to lure more people onto the lot. Once prospective buyers fall in love with a car and fill out their paperwork, not all of them will qualify for that 0% rate. Dealers count on the volume of cars sold to balance out any loss they might take on those who claim the 0% rate.

You don’t have to buy GAP insurance through the dealer.

GAP (guaranteed asset protection) insurance protects you against having to pay out your loan balance if your car is stolen or totaled. Some dealers require you to buy GAP insurance if you finance through the dealer.

 

Most important features a car dealer website should have

Car dealer websites can make or break the dealership, and it all comes down to how feature-rich the website is. As with anything else in life, quality takes precedence over quantity here. The primary reason behind people using online car dealers before visiting an actual showroom is because of the ease of use of such a system. If a car dealer website only complicates things, then that will betray the primary objective of having the website

Advanced Search

Choosing a car is one of the most complicated ventures a person can embark upon. There are so many options and variables that a simple search option just won’t cut it. Your website should have a more elaborate search option where the customers are presented with multiple options like choosing a price range and filtering content based on a specific feature, color, engine capacity, number of doors, luggage space, etc. This helps the customers to narrow down the search results to exactly what they want which can help them in making the right choice with minimal ease. If only a simple search option is available, then the customer will be forced to sift through hundreds or even thousands of results with most of them being useless with regards to what they are looking for. They would probably opt to close the website instead. By providing dynamic and targeted results, you can convert prospective customers into faithful long-term associations

Full vehicle details

The best thing about cars today is that there are so many choices within a single price range. Most customers will be able to narrow their options down to a few vehicles that all have the same significant features. They will only have minute differences like a different sound system or an additional driver-aid element. One of these features will decide the customer’s final choice. That is why it is paramount that your website displays the full vehicle details. An incomplete or partial description will irritate customers, and they will find it difficult to trust your dealership with their car-buying decisions.

High-quality car photos

Looks are often what ultimately decides if a car will be sold or not. If two vehicles with a very similar feature-set are presented to a customer, then they will choose the car that looks better to them. Your website has to make this easier for them, and that is where high-quality photos come in. Always endeavor to upload multiple images of the highest quality for each car. This will allow your customers to get the best visual impression of the vehicle in question from the comfort of their homes. If, on the other hand, the pictures on your website are blurry, skewed or does not show the car correctly then the customer will be left with more questions than answers and this doubt will drive them away from your website and your business. Just as a good salesperson will exhibit a product in the best manner possible, your site has to do the same, and high-quality photos are crucial to achieving that.

Hot Deals

Chances are pretty high that your car dealership’s website isn’t the only one the customer will come across. They might be shopping around, and one way to grab the attention of such customers is by providing hot deals. What is more important is that these deals should be displayed in an eye-catching manner without distracting them from the rest of the website. Many car websites commit the cardinal crime of displaying their hot deals in large banners or popups which has a high likelihood of annoying the visitors to your website. Use methods that can show the hot deals without obscuring the rest of the site.

 

Car Salesman Training Tips That Create an Engaging Car Lot

When you’re a new car salesman, training tips that promote honesty, trust, and integrity will help you rise to the top quickly.

Beginning a new job in auto sales is exciting — your entire career is in front of you, and there’s so much opportunity to succeed and learn. You have books full of car salesman training tips, car manuals, and a subscription to every industry magazine you could find. If you’re new to the industry, though, or just sales in general, you may be a bit confused by the way the customers at your dealership interact with you. You know that you’re an honest person with good intentions, but they’re treating you like you’ve already done something wrong. What gives?

The frustrating fact is that like many trustworthy salespeople, you have to overcome a stigma. The car buyers you’re meeting have either been burned in the past by sketchy dealerships, or they have a wall up based on stereotypes that continue to haunt auto dealerships around the country

Forget those car salesman training tips that don’t feel right

How can you move past customer baggage and preconceived notions? Think about the car salesman training tips you received when you started at your dealership. Did some of them make you uncomfortable? Chances are, your intuition was right on.

Get customer names upfront (and remember them)

Your first inclination may be to approach a customer and say, “Welcome to XYZ Dealership, I’m John. What can I help you with today?” That, however, is wrong. Never forget the Dale Carnegie quote from How to Win Friends and Influence People: “Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Get the customer’s name immediately — “Welcome to XYZ Dealership, I’m John – and you are?” — remember it, and use it throughout the entire sales process

Becoming A Party Planner

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How do you plan a wedding transportation?

There are countless aspects of your wedding day that need to be planned in advance. One of the most important, though, is getting everyone from Point A to Point B. Even if your wedding transportation plans only involve the bride and groom, wedding party and immediate family, your related costs can climb quickly.

We’ve put together wedding transport tips so you can save thousands of dollars on your wedding transport. The best part is that you can use the money you save setting up for your future together, or even splurge on an exciting honeymoon!

Book as Far in Advance as Possible

Like any other type of rental, wedding transport gets cheaper the further in advance you book. This is especially the case if your chosen mode of conveyance is in low supply (e.g. specialty vehicles and vintage cars). Start visiting the websites of rental companies months in advance to compare their best prices.

Don’t Pigeonhole Yourself to a Single Company

Recommendations from friends and family are the most trusted form of marketing out there, but don’t just resign yourself to working with a specific company. You certainly get what you pay for when it comes to wedding transport, but just because one company isn’t as expensive as another doesn’t mean it’s inferior. Look at several companies’ pricing and online reviews to save a ton.

Keep a Strict Schedule

No one wants to rush their wedding day, but if you have specific times set up for the ceremony, reception, and any other wedding day event, you can save money on your transport. This is because you’re not only charged for the ride – you’re also charged for waiting time. You could end up paying an extra $150 for every hour your drivers are sitting around.

Consider a Wedding Bus or Van

How adorable is this van for your wedding?

It’s understandable that you want your wedding transport to stand out, but you should look beyond cars if you really want to save. From a vintage VW van to luxury bus rentals, you can still have everyone travel in style while putting entire groups in a single vehicle. Specialty buses that carry a dozen people are typically less expensive than luxury cars that only carry two.

 

Hire professionals.

The last thing you want to do is get stuck without transportation or transportation that’s running late. To minimize the risk of this, you want to thoroughly vet the company you hire. If you go the wedding-planner route, chances are he or she has established relationships with trusted transportation companies. “This company should be insured with properly maintained vehicles and professional licensed drivers,”

Size vehicles up for comfort.

Don’t be tempted to squeeze a ton of people in a small space, especially when your wedding weekend is concerned. Everyone is dressed to the nines and you want to make sure they stay that way along route. “If you have 18 guests do not rent an 18 passenger van and have your guests shoulder to shoulder,” advises Sheppard. “Size up and give everyone a little breathing room especially during those unbearable summer months.”

Don’t forget about the drop off.

Figuring out how to plan your wedding transportation is not just about the pick up, but the drop off at the end of the night. While your guests are all aiming to arrive at the same time, they may not all want to leave at the same time.  To make it easy on your guests, she recommends having your shuttles on standby a couple of hours before the end of the night.  “This allows guests to leave when they want to and your shuttles will make multiple round trips to ensure everyone is taken care of.

 

Budget

Your finances have dictated everything from the centerpieces you’ve chosen to the dress that you’ll rock down the aisle, and wedding-day transportation is no exception. Consider the cost per hour, price of mileage and the distance involved from one point to another when booking your contract. Most companies will charge a minimum of three to four hours ($50 to $300 per hour depending on where you live and which vehicle you’ve rented).

Ask to see the limo (or other vehicle) in person to verify that it has enough room for your bridal party to fit comfortably inside! If you’re getting married in the summertime, you’ll also want to ensure that the air conditioning works.

Prepare Yourself

You know that itinerary you’ve been obsessing over like a busy little bee? Fax or email it to your transportation company, along with all of the necessary directions, including alternate routes in case of an untimely traffic jam. It’s also a great idea to give the itinerary to your bridal party, along with any necessary numbers they may need to have handy.

And whatever you do, don’t call the bride! Make sure that either your wedding planner (if you hired one) has all of the receipts/contracts and any contact numbers they may need. It’s also wise to let your transportation company know to contact them in case they need an answer or there’s an issue on the wedding day (e.g. the original car you wanted breaks down, so they need to send another one).

 

Getting From Point A To Point B

If you’re planning to transport a large number of people, think function over form. My friend recently rented a school bus to transport guests for her wedding, which was both cost-effective and amazing. (The goody-two-shoes in me got a huge kick out of taking a swig from a flask while riding the school bus home from the reception.) The cost of renting a trolley initially gave us sticker shock, but it was actually a surprisingly good deal in comparison with renting two or three separate limos to seat the same number of people.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask your venue for recommendations. Or, if you’re doing a hotel block, ask the hotel if they have any deals with nearby transportation companies—one nearby shuttle company offered us a discount based on how many rooms were booked in our block.

 

Everything you need to know about renting a charter bus for your wedding.

We know. Wedding transportation isn’t the most exciting element of wedding planning. It’s no cake tasting or dress fitting, but, with the help of this guide, it can be quick and painless. And who knows? Maybe we’ll surprise you with some playful ideas to make your bus rental part of the fun.

When to rent a bus for your wedding transportation

To avoid the price surging that occurs with last minute bus rentals, rent a bus no later than 4 months in advance. If your special day is scheduled any time between April and June, you’ll be competing with prom and graduation, so book even earlier! Bus.com makes it easy to rent a bus as early as possible. When you have your date, best-guess-guest-list, and locations, get a quote with our online booking tool. Our Book Now, Pay Later option lets you book your wedding transportation, then wait to pay until 21 days before your big day.

A little extra goes a long way!

Depending on the type of bus you choose, different amenities will be available. Some of these will be vital. Some will be nice little luxuries.

The number one thing that gets forgotten in wedding planning is the massive poofy skirt that comes with the wedding dress. Limos are nice, but made uncomfortable when they’re packed full of taffeta. The extra space and comfortable seats of a coach bus are key to crammin’ in that princess dress. You’ll also want to consider booking a wedding bus rental with air conditioning so that guests wearing pastel will arrive pit-stain-free. Wifi, audio-visual equipment, on-board bathrooms, and extra luggage space are also available on most coach buses.

Style your wedding bus rental to suit your vibe.

Every bride is different. Some are girly. Some are rock-and-roll. Whoever the belle of the ball may be, you can style your bus to suit her vibe. When planning floral arrangements, consider getting a few extra bouquets to spruce up the bus. Streamers in pretty pastels or a few well-placed palm leaves can bring extra life to your wedding transportation. Purchase photo booth props and leave them in the seats to encourage guests to explore their playful sides…and create some memorable moments to capture in pictures.

Reasons Why You Should Hire A Professional Local Moving Company

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Professional Nationwide Packing Services

When you plan a local or long-distance move, packing up your entire home or business can be a tiring and time-consuming process. Eliminate the stress of having to do it all on your own

team is proud to offer full-service packing solutions in addition to our local and long distance moving services. From packing up your home or business to organizing your boxes in our state-of-the-art moving trucks, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality customer service.

offer the following packing solutions for every local and long-distance move:

Full Packing: offer complete packing services for every home or office move. team of professional packers and movers will handle everything in your home, so you never have to stress. make sure every last item is packed away in our specialized moving boxes and take care of all the loading and hauling.can even help you unpack, too!

Partial Pack: If you need less help, team is available to help you pack only the items you specify. If you need a single room packed, partial packing services are guaranteed to make the moving process easier for you.

Single-Items: team of professional packers offers single-item packing services to help with securing your most valued possessions. If you have fragile home goods or heavy furniture that needs special attention, make sure your belongings are packed safely, secure, and handled with care. No matter how big or small the job is, count on to provide you with the best service possible

The On-Site Packing & Moving Service You Can Trust

When you hire, help create a custom packing plan of action for a timely move that is up to par with your expectations. Whether you need complete packing services, loading and unloading, packing and delivery services, packing boxes, or wrapping furniture, count on to get the job done.

 

Moving Checklist

When you make the decision to move, the clock starts clicking to your moving day. But don’t worry, we can help. This is a handy checklist of major accomplishments you should tackle before you move.

The tasks to accomplish further from moving day might seem trivial now, but staying on schedule will help you avoid last minute headaches. Time will be at a premium on the days right before your move, so be diligent in checking off these tasks.

Your Move

Get quotes from at least three moving companies, and make sure they do in-home assessments so your quote is as accurate as possible. Talk to family and friends for recommendations, or get free moving quotes from websites.

Determine how many packing supplies you’ll need, and designate a room where you can begin to store and organize them and other items that will assist you in your move.

Research your new community and schools so you know as much as possible before you move.

Got enough people to drive your cars to your new home? It not, you’ll need a car mover.

Get an appraisal on your expensive items so you can insure them for your move.

If you are being transferred by work, understand your company’s moving policy.

Pare down — use up, sell, recycle or donate anything you don’t want to move. Make it a family project.

Make a moving folder or booklet — include an inventory of your household items with a video or photos.

Your Records

Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance policies, and while you have them on the phone — be sure to ask about coverage while you’re in transit.

Create a designated folder for moving-related expenses where you can file all receipts. This will come in handy as many moving expenses are tax deductible. You will be able to download and print Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.

Notify old and new schools and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools.

Notify doctors and dentists of moves, and seek referrals and collect all medical, dental and school records to ensure you do not forget to obtain them at a later date; some require written permission for this. Keep these in a safe place.

Belong to any membership associations? Be sure to transfer membership to your new hometown.

Your Family and Pets

Make travel arrangements for you and your family. Whether it’s renting a car, scheduling a flight or reserving a hotel room, book it at a time that will give you flexibility in case anything goes awry. Be sure to arrive well before your movers’ scheduled arrival.

If you’re nearing a pet’s regular exam, schedule it now, and start getting recommendations for veterinarians in your new town.

 

Short Distance Movers

Moving is a stressful time, whether you’re moving across the country or just across the street. In addition to deciding important things like where you’re going to live, you must pack up all your possessions and transport everything to your new place. Not only is it mentally draining to sort through your belongings, but it’s also physically exhausting to box everything and load heavy furniture and appliances on the moving truck. Even if you’re moving a short distance, you might want to enlist some professional moving help to tackle the job.

How To Find Local Moving Companies Near Me?

If you’re on the move this year, like 40 million other Americans, then you probably have a lot on your plate. Whether you’re moving for a promotion up the corporate ladder or to have access to better schools for your kids, you may find relocating (while managing the rest of your life) too much to handle on your own. After all, even a short distance move down the street can quickly spiral into chaos. Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable local moving companies in your neck of the woods to transform a moving mess into a seamless experience. Here are some tips when you’re sitting there drumming the keyboard, asking yourself, “who are the best moving companies near me?!”

long distance moves and local moves too. team has already done the work of vetting moving companies to ensure they comply with local licensing and insurance regulations. That means, when you use database to secure local moving quotes, you’ll only receive estimates from licensed, insured moving companies that serve your neighborhood.

Ask Friends & Family

Though search engines might be the first place you turn for service provider recommendations these days, it never hurts to additionally get referrals from friends and family who have moved recently. Ask them to share their experiences with the moving companies they used.

Double-Check Licensing & Insurance

While there are some exceptions, most states require moving companies to register and obtain (and maintain) licensing before performing moving services. Along with the licensing requirement, is an obligation to have an active insurance policy. This regulation is intended to protect consumers – only a legitimate mover who has gone to the effort of complying with state laws is worth your time. Be sure to check your state’s database to confirm your mover of choice is up-to-date on licensing and don’t be afraid to ask for proof of insurance.

 

Things You Should Know Before Moving

This quote offers you a hint of the wonders you’ll experience when you move to The Last Frontier. But in addition to the incredible sights and unforgettable experiences you’ll enjoy, you’ll also discover

Roaming Bears Are a Real Thing

So are moose encounters and bald eagle flybys. In other words, the expression “getting close with nature” takes on a whole new meaning when you live in Alaska. In addition to living with the largest population of grizzly bears in the United States, you’ll also get treated to seasonal whale watching as well as regular sightings of bison, caribou, mountain goats, wolves and Dall sheep.

The Cost of Living Is High

owes much of its natural beauty to its isolation, but it comes at a cost. Almost everything has to be shipped into, which drives costs up, especially where groceries are concerned. In fact, the cost of living in about 28% higher than the national average.

It’s True, You Get Paid to Live Here

Once you’ve lived in for a full year—and intend to stay indefinitely—you’ll be eligible for the annual Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Although it changes every year, the PFD payout in 2018 was $1,600.

Where You’re Going, You Don’t Need Road

its highway system is nearly the smallest in the U.S. A whopping 75% of is inaccessible by car, including its state capitol. As a result, you’ll need either a plane or a boat to explore the entire state.

 

Movers Who Know Moving

On Time & Dependable

Moving provides the perfect balance between quickness and efficiency. Prompt and timely moving services is our pledge to you. No staring at your watch, counting the minutes going by as you wait for a moving company that doesn’t value your time – our movers at Moving recognize that we are on your clock

Communication & Excellence

At Moving, build your Move Package around your needs. All moves are custom moves and you need a company committed to listening to what you need and then tailoring your Move Package to meet and exceed those needs.

Local & Sustainable

Moving supports the Portland ethos of sustainability and community. do our part supporting our local brethren by buying all of our materials and supplies from other based small businesses.

I would move again!

The crew was professional, courteous and efficient. I have never had a move that was this quick and easy. They moved our family of 4 from 1 home to another and we were sleeping in our beds in our new home that evening

Awesome Movers!!!

I can’t thank enough for the wonderful job they did moving my household. I was very impressed by the professionalism of the crew. They were right on time, and worked to complete the job in a very efficient manner. had a possibility of rain and they completed it before the rain came. (Just started sprinkling). They were extremely fast

Water Damage And Mold Cleaning Tips

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Solved! What To Do About Black Mold in the Bathroom

What is black mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum, more commonly called black mold, is a serious problem. Though it may look similar to every other type of dark mold, there are some distinguishing features of black mold. The first is that black mold often has a slimy appearance. Black mold will also have a dark-green or slightly gray color to it.

Where does black mold grow?

Black mold often grows in places where there has been a water leak hidden from view.  This could be a leak inside the walls, above ceiling, under floors or by windows, especially on the seal between the window and the frame.  Since black mold needs a lot of moisture for a long time before it can grow, drying wet surfaces, reducing humidity and regular cleanings are suggested.

Health issues caused by black mold

The toxins released by this particular strain of mold are hazardous to a person’s health and can result in homeowners having to make serious repairs. The neurotoxins in black mold are called trichothecene mycotoxins and can cause things like confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, numbness and many more harmful side effects. When humans breath in the spores, they may experience any of these symptoms. Prolonged exposure to black mold spores may even lead to the development of asthma or other respiratory issues, bleeding in the lungs and nasal passages, swelling of the lungs and other serious issues. The list of health issues that black mold can cause is extensive and slightly frightening.

 

Preventing Mold

The best defense is preventing mold from occurring in the first place. offers the following tips for keeping mold out of your bathroom:

  • Use your bathroom ventilation fan when you shower or bathe, and leave it on for 30 minutes following the end of your bath; if you don’t have an exhaust fan, install one.
  • Keep household humidity levels below 50%; an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help.
  • Use a mildew-resistant shower curtain, and wash or replace it frequently.
  • Don’t keep bottles of shampoo or shower gel, toys, or loofahs in the shower, as they provide places for mold to grow and hide.
  • Wash your bathroom rugs frequently.

 

Removing Mold From Painted or Wallpapered Walls

For mold on painted walls, try a natural remover like white vinegar, borax and water. You’ll need a spray bottle and a few other items to scrub the walls.

  • Combine two tablespoons of borax with 1/4 cup white vinegar and two cups of hot water in a bowl.
  • Pour into a spray bottle
  • Liberally apply on painted walls.
  • Scrub thoroughly and wipe clean, then spray again and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping dry.

Removing Mold Safely

You can scrub away the surface mold common to bathrooms, decks and siding in a matter of minutes with a 1-to-8 bleach/water mold cleaner solution as one way on how to remove mold. But often mold grows and spreads in places you don’t notice, until you spot surface staining, feel mushy drywall or detect that musty smell.

If you have to remove mold concentrations or perform any black mold removal covering more than a few square feet, where the musty odor is strong or where you find extensive water damage, we recommend that you take special precautions. You want to not only avoid contaminating the rest of the house but also protect yourself from breathing high concentrations of spores and VOCs.

  • Wear old clothes and shoes that you can launder or throw away after the cleanup work.
  • Wear special N-95 or P-100 respirators, in addition to goggles and gloves.
  • Set an old box fan or a cheap new one in a window to ventilate the room while working. Throw it out when you’re done cleaning, because the spores are almost impossible to clean off. Tape plywood or cardboard around the window openings so the spores can’t blow back in.
  • Wrap and tape moldy carpeting in 6-mil plastic, and double-bag mold-infested debris in garbage bags for disposal.
  • To control airborne spores, moisten moldy areas with a garden sprayer while you work.
  • Turn off your furnace and air conditioner and cover ducts and doors to contain spores.
  • Keep your wet/dry vacuum outside when you vacuum.

 

What is the Best Way to Remove Black Mold in Your Bathroom?

If you’ve found black mold spores in your bathroom, you’ll want to perform removal immediately. If you have a huge problem, you need to bring in an expert to ensure that all the mold is removed properly.

If you find that you have a small amount of black spores on your shower, ceiling, bathtub, tile, and toilet, you can likely take care of it yourself. While you can use household cleaners to remove spores, if you want to get rid of it naturally use the following methods:

Tea tree oil

By mixing tea tree oil with water, you’ll be ale to spray the mixture onto the spores. Once the mixture has set for several hours, you should be able to scrub away the mold.If you finish the tea tree oil, complete the job using baking soda. Read about tea tree oil and fungal contamination.

Vinegar

Vinegar can be used straight from your bottle and sprayed on the affected area. You can finish the removal by adding in baking soda.

Hydrogen Peroxide

A teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and water can be used to remove spores. It should stay on the moldy surface for 10 minutes. Wipe the surface off using baking soda and more hydrogen peroxide.

 

Prevent future mold growth.

  • Keep vinegar on hand. Store a spray bottle of vinegar in the bathroom, and apply and air-dry after every shower or soak. (You might consider add several drops of your favorite essential oil—tea tree, peppermint, or lavender—to the bottle to make the vinegar’s smell less offensive.)
  • Reduce the humidity. If you don’t have one, install an exhaust fan. Running one every time you shower or bathe and several minutes following should remove any residual steam and dry the air out.
  • Wipe dry after every use. Squeegee and then towel down glass doors and tile to remove extra moisture from those surfaces. While you’re at it, wipe out sinks after each use, too, so that mold and mildew have nowhere to go (and grow).
  • Clean regularly. Be sure to do a thorough cleaning of the bathroom weekly; if all else fails, this consistent regimen should keep mold spores from taking hold and running amok. Rotate an anti-fungal cleaner into the routine at least once a month.