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Design Your Dreams With Superb Carpet Flooring Choices

The Benefits of Carpet Flooring For Your Home

Carpet flooring remains one of the most popular types of flooring for homes and properties around the UK. If you’re looking to replace the flooring in your home or office you may be weighing up the benefits of many types of flooring solutions. So what makes carpet such a desirable option for so many households? Some of the benefits are obvious. Carpet is an affordable option and many people prefer the warmth that comes with having carpeted flooring, over say, wood or laminate. But carpet has many more advantages that you might not have taken into consideration when thinking of new flooring. Here we look at the main benefits of carpet for your home.

Carpet is Easy to Install

Getting new flooring fitted can be a hassle, especially if you have a large household and heavy traffic. Not being able to use your rooms can seriously impede your daily life, especially if you have children. The benefits of carpet include easy installation. Carpet fitting might seem like a complicated procedure, but it is actually simpler and quicker to lay than other types of flooring. The quicker the installation, the quicker the job gets done and the less disruption to you in your home.

Carpet is easy to Clean

Many people assume carpet flooring is difficult to maintain, especially if you opt for a lighter coloured carpet. The truth is looking after carpet is quick and easy, and requires little more than a weekly vacuum to keep clean. Deep cleaning shouldn’t be required more than once a year, and with proper precaution, you can keep your carpet spotless. Of course, accidents can happen, especially if you have younger children, but there is a vast variety of quality carpet cleaning products available in supermarkets that can help in case of spillages. Being easy to clean is one of the main benefits of carpet.

Carpet is Warm

Another of the benefits of carpet flooring is that it is an insulator. Carpet has millions of fibres that keep your room warm and provides comfort underfoot, particularly in the colder months. Carpets will all have an R-value – a thermal insulation value – the bigger the value the more insulation the carpet provides. Not only will this add cosiness to your house, but it can also contribute greatly to your heating bills. Carpet will also hold on to heat, keeping your rooms warmer for longer. Carpet can also give your house a general welcoming look and feel and feels lovely and soft under your feet. If you have a house that suffers from cold, getting carpet flooring can greatly benefit your comfort.

Carpet Reduces Sound

Another one of the highly desired benefits of carpet flooring is that it reduces sound. Carpet helps absorb sound from within the room, making it ideal for rooms with televisions, sound systems, phones or computers It can also help with reducing sound from rooms that have high traffic and heavy footfall, where people may be talking more. This is ideal for houses with children or in properties with multiple stories of shared floors. It is also this reason that offices are more likely to use carpet than other types of flooring.

Carpet is Safe

Carpet can be a safer option than other types of flooring. Because carpet is non-slip it is less of a hazard than wood or laminate, which is ideal for households with young children or the elderly. Not only is it less likely to cause a hazard, but carpet is also safer when accidents do occur because it acts as a cushion. Falling onto carpet will be kinder than falling onto a hard surface. The safety of carpet is just another one of the benefits of carpet flooring to consider when looking for new flooring.

Carpet Has Character

Carpet flooring can add beauty, style and character to any room. There are so many options to choose from, in different colours, styles and textures. This means that you can choose a carpet according to your own personal tastes, and find a carpet that complements the colour scheme of your rooms. You can also mix carpet flooring with wooden flooring for different rooms so you get the benefit of both worlds, or have more than one colour and style of carpet for different rooms.

Insulation

Many people may not realize that carpeting can lower energy bills by providing you with the right insulation. Carpeting holds warmth and can insulate against extremely cold temperatures. This is an amazing advantage if you live somewhere that endures a harsh winter climate.

Noise Reduction

Carpeting is known to reduce noises from things such as televisions, speakers, sound systems, computers, and more. Carpeting absorbs these sound vibrations. It provides a good sound barrier between rooms in your home.

Design Flexibility and Value

Quality carpet is comparatively one of the least costly elements of overall room design, and as a design choice carpet offers maximum flexibility, remarkable durability and excellent value. Five minutes in our showroom is enough to convince almost anyone of the enormous range of style, texture, design, color, patterns and price available in carpet. Given this versatility, carpeting can be selected to fit almost any interior design and décor. We even have carpeting with your kids’ favourite Disney characters (or perhaps yours).

Health & Environmental Benefits

Researchers for the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish government have recently concluded that carpeting can provide health benefits through improved home air quality. Carpets are effective filters that trap and immobilize dust and allergens, preventing them from becoming airborne and circulating within the home. Provided the carpets are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, they can actually improve the air quality in your home. An emerging trend in carpet construction with environmental benefits is the increasing use of natural fibres such as corn, and of recycled carpeting.

Daily carpet care & maintenance

Start by investing in doormats and placing them throughout your home. Have friends and family members use them when entering your home. You should also ask visitors to remove outdoor shoes before walking across your carpet. It’s important to minimize the amount of dirt tracked onto your flooring, as dirt particles can damage carpet fibers.

While keeping preventative maintenance in mind, you should also develop a regular care routine. Regularly vacuuming your carpet using a manufacturer-approved appliance. If your carpet experiences light to medium traffic, vacuuming it once or twice a week should be sufficient. If it experiences heavy traffic, however, you may want to vacuum more frequently.

Dealing with carpet stains

If you spill on your carpet, don’t panic! Many of our carpets have built-in technology that helps them resist stains. There are also manufacturer-approved carpet cleaners that can help. Blot up the spill as best as you can and consider having one of these on hand for any future messes.

It’s not a bad idea to give your carpets the occasional deep clean, especially if they are in high-traffic areas. Contact a professional cleaning service or shampoo your carpets yourself. If you do shampoo them yourself, be sure to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum effectiveness. Consider a deep clean once or twice a year.

Choosing The Perfect Wedding Videographer For Your Special Day

How to choose a Wedding Videographer

There are many different styles, personalities, experience levels, and prices in the wedding videography world. These films have evolved over the years and videographers offer a lot of unique approaches. Let’s begin!

Videography Styles

Before searching, think about your own style and what you would like your film to reflect. Wedding films lean towards either of these three styles. (sometimes a combination).

1. Fun / Quirky

2. Romantic / Emotive

3. Stylised / Fashion

Neither style is better than the other, but just more suited to the right type of couple.

Knowing the general vibes you want from your film will help you with your initial search.

(There’s actually a fourth style I didn’t mention… but here it is (Boring/Stale/ Cringeworthy). Yes that style is out there and is making the rounds as in any profession. But don’t feel disheartened in your search if you bump into these ones.)

Searching for Videographers

To start off, lightly scroll through social media, directories, recommendations, and friend’s wedding videos. Note down any that stand out, then continue to search on. Don’t over think it, as you don’t have to be a movie critic to know what looks good.

This could take a couple hours, or a couple weeks, just go at your own pace and keep an open mind with what could work for you.

Try to avoid too many tag lines like ‘30% Off Boookings!’ or ‘Photography Combo Special’. Discounts and specials are nice, but it can distract you on what’s important… the art of the film. You’re not buying a product, you’re investing in a reflection of your day.

Tip – Avoid large videography companies. I’m not just saying this to help the ‘little-guy’, but there is much less of a personal approach and the films will lack the love that should be put into them. This is due to the fact of the ‘conveyor belt approach…’ (hired videographer shoots, random editor edits, no consistency in work, etc.) Unfortunately there is less care.

Choosing a Videographer

Once you’re happy with your research, narrow down at least 4 or 5 different videographers that really stand out to you. You’re now ready to have a movie night with your fiancé!

Grab a glass of wine and sit down on the couch with the laptop and watch at least two different films from each videographer. Make sure you watch all the way through. Yes, yes, I know it’s a lot to watch, but trust me, this will really help concrete your thoughts on what you decide.

As you watch each film, ask yourself the following questions

Did I enjoy watching these strangers getting married?
Did I connect with how it flowed?
Can I see myself and my fiancé in the film?
Do the vibes of the film match our personality?
Did anything feel forced or awkward?
Was I bored or engaged?
Did the filming ‘look’ amazing?

Tips For Choosing A Wedding Photographer And Videographer

Your wedding photos will be a tangible memento of your big day that will last a lifetime, so choosing a photographer who will take those amazing, emotional, and poignant shots is very important.

Likewise, a video of your wedding day is an investment. It’s a way of making sure your big day is captured in glorious technicolour so that you can see the moments you weren’t present for, the moments you want to cherish forever, and the bits that make everyone laugh out loud and get emotional.

Whether you opt for just a photographer or are considering a wedding video as well, it’s helpful to have an idea of the things you need to consider.

Here some tips to keep in mind when selecting a wedding videographer.

Browsing the Portfolio

When it comes to videography and photography, it’s crucial to look at the vendor’s portfolio. A portfolio not only gives you an idea of the videographer’s skills, but it also gives you an insight into the videographer’s preferred style. Browsing through the portfolio also allows you to narrow down your choice of videographers and may give you ideas on how you would like to style your wedding video.

Setting Expectations

It is also important that both your videographer and you are on the same page. Know and understand the services each videographer offers. For instance, state your deliverable services. If you’re looking to have a wedding video, together with a separate footage that features just the highlights, do find out if this is part of his/her service or work it out with your videographer.

Read the Reviews

When narrowing down your choices of videographers to work with, be sure to read through the reviews. Apart from their work quality, these reviews will also give you an idea of how the videographer works and the service he/she provides.

Videographer’s Personality

For couples who have already had your pre-wedding photoshoot, you’ll know the importance of understanding the personality of your videographer. It is essential to work with one whom you and your spouse are comfortable with, to avoid awkwardness in front of the camera.

Decide Your Budget

The cost of photography varies greatly, so you’re sure to find something suitable for your budget. If great wedding photos are important to you, don’t scrimp on your photographer.

One area you could save money on is a wedding album – quality ones are costly, and if you’re more of a digital lover you might be happy with some selective prints as opposed to a whole album.

Alternatively, you could always opt for an album later on once your bank balance has had a chance to recover. The money saved from not having a photo album, could be contributed to ensuring you have a great photographer instead.

Wedding videography, on the other hand, usually isn’t cheap, but the price can go up significantly depending on the credentials of the videography, how many videographers are required on the day (a surprising number of couples opt for 2 instead of 1), and how much post-processing and editing of the video is required, especially depending on the style of film you have gone for.

If you are investing in a wedding film, remember that you want it to be something you can cherish forever, so it’s important that it is high quality.

Get Testimonials

Ask the photographer or videographer if they are happy to provide you with contact details of some couples they have done wedding photos or videos for – that way you can ask some probing questions you might not otherwise know the answers to – did they get in the way at the wedding? Were they able to handle stressful situations? Were they able to get all 150 guests in to a group shot? Did they capture the atmosphere well on film? These must-have qualities are easy to overlook, but it’s important you know how experienced and professional your potential photographer/videographer is, and it’s best to hear it from someone who knows.

Know Your Rights

Most contracts will stipulate that the photographer or videographer owns the rights to all photos and videos taken, even ones of you. This means they can use them to promote his or her services, for example on their website and social media, and you may only be able to share watermarked images or videos online. For photographs, it can also mean if you want to print the photos yourself or order an album at a later date from another source, you may have to buy the rights to the images. The rights can be negotiated early-on, but make sure you ask about them, or you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Ways To Find The Best Local Moving

Your Complete Moving House Tips Guide!

Book a Removal Company

Once you’ve decluttered your personal belongings and have a rough idea of what you’ll be taking, now you should book your removals company. You could attempt to do it yourself, but it would be a lot of added stress and time. The removal company will have many years’ experience of carefully packing, handling and loading delicate and heavy items so they arrive safely at your new house.

Declutter your Belongings

Decluttering is essential to do every now and then, but it’s even more important before moving house. Before even attempting to pack, you should decide what to sell, donate or throw out. By decluttering, you’ll also keep your house removal costs down too. You’ll be glad of it come moving day and believe us, the removal guys will be glad that they don’t need to shift your lava lamp, inflatable chair and broken down computers.

Pack as Early as Possible

Once you compare surveyors, get conveyancing quotes, and set your moving date, then it’s time to start packing. Make a start on packing as soon as you can. Get together a plan of action with a room by room checklist of how you will pack along with all of the packing material you’ll need.

Create an Inventory

Creating an inventory helps you to keep an eye on all your belongings to make sure nothing is lost throughout the whole moving house process. Following a moving house checklist will also help. Your removal company can create an inventory for you if they have been hired to pack your belongings so this is also worth considering.

Start Packing Least Used Rooms

A good starting point will be rooms and items you use the least. The spare bedroom, garage or attic are usually easy places to start. Leave everyday items until the day before the move and keep any essentials items such as medication separately.

Guide To Moving

Movers wants to enable you with the resources to yourself for an early move with our moving guide. Our moving guide is also a great way to involve the entire family in the move and to spread some of the responsibilities to each person, including your children.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving:

Organization is the key for a smooth move and this is the time to start getting the details of your move.

This is the time to decide what items you wish to transport to your new home. If you decide to dispose of items that you don’t need you should either donate them to a charity or consider having a garage sale. Contact a local charity or pick a date at least two weeks before moving date for the garage sale. Advertise the garage sale locally. Team up with your neighbors who want to sell some of their old belongings, and plan a large neighborhood “sale”.

Start collecting suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan to do your own packing or partial packing. You can purchase all these materials from your agent or a moving supply company. All boxes that you purchase from us or a moving supply company are specially designed for the moving industry to prevent any damages to your belongings. Getting boxes from other sources may create some difficulties when packed in the van. These boxes may be unusual sizes and they may not be strong enough to prevent damages to items packed inside.

Think about your new home layout and start thinking about where you’ll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home that will prevent the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home.

Get familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.

All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan as flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.

Finalize all real estate and rental needs.

Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.

All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.

Plan on taking all important documents, such as wills, stock certificates, and another one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.)

4 Weeks Before Move

Submit a Change of Address form to the post office.

Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants.

Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.

Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s or renter’s, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

If you’re packing yourself, purchase moving boxes from your local uhaul. Pack items that you won’t need in the next month.

Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity.

3 Weeks Before Move

Make travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip. However, don’t make plane reservations for the same day that you’re moving out. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.

Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).

Arrange to close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new location.

2 Weeks before moving

Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your accounts. Clear all your safety deposits boxes.

Disassemble and disconnect your computer system before your move. Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider taking all back up files disks with you in the car. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.

Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including closets, basement and attics and the items that you will take.

Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped.

Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic, non-flammable in plastic bags.

Drain your lawn mower, snow blower, power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.

Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.

If you need to store anything call your van line agent about storage options available.

Inform gas, electric, cable, and telephone services of your move. Arrange to have them disconnected from your present home the day after your scheduled moving day. Sign up for services at your new address and connect them on your moving in day.

Have your automobile serviced if your travel is by car.

RESIDENTIAL MOVING GUIDE

When you move into a new home, there are many details to cover to ensure everything goes smoothly. Knowing what to expect and being prepared ahead of time can help relieve the stress that the moving process can bring.

Begin By Packing Smart

Packing your home for a move is probably the most daunting task associated with moving. Whether you hire professional movers to pack your home or decide to tackle the task yourself, keep these tips for some of the most common items in mind.

Kitchen Items

Besides things you may need for the last few days before you move, most of your kitchen items can be packed ahead of time. Wrap any fragile items in bubble wrap or paper and use crushed paper to fill empty space in boxes. Boxes with dividers work especially well when packing glasses and stemware

Refrigerated or Frozen Foods

It is best to try and use any foods that could spoil if not kept refrigerated. You may also want to consider donating them to friends and neighbors if you cannot use all of the food before you move. If you do take them with you, they will need to be packed in special, refrigerated cartons

Appliances

Make sure to have any appliances that you plan to take with you serviced by a professional. Refrigerators and freezers should be unplugged at least 24 hours prior to your move-out date to thaw. To help absorb unwanted odors, fill a sock with unused coffee grounds and place it inside before securing the doors shut.

Expensive or Sentimental Items

Any items that have a high-dollar or sentimental value should not be packed. It is best to take these items with you personally. This can include anything from jewelry and family photos to personal identification documents and financial records.

Local Moving Guide to Planning Your Move: Costs, Tips & More

Moving to a new home does not have to be a stressful thing. There are steps that anyone can take to get a leg up on the hectic incoming day or to get your personal belongings from one place to another. Aside from planning on how to move your home physically, there are plenty of other challenges that lie in wait. There is the change of address that you will have to schedule out far enough in advance. These tasks include your mail forwarding to your new locale in time and contacting businesses to change your address individually. Thankfully, given proper planning, you can very easily maneuver around your already busy schedule and make all of this go smooth as butter on a warm day.

Why Move Local?

If you plan to move locally, you are a step ahead of those who have to move much further away. By choosing to move nearby, you will cut down on the possible expenses that would otherwise arise when moving across the country, for example. Moving far away can include unforeseen events that moving close to where you already live will only help to avoid.

Tips to Move Smoothly

A piece of good advice for a smooth move is to keep your checklist close at all times. By providing yourself with a written document, just like with any other major event, you can visually keep track of what you have and have not covered. By following a list and checking it twice, you will substantially cut out all possibility of overlooking even the most minute detail. Just be sure to compile them well in advance to moving instead of waiting last minute to jot things down. It will help to alleviate so much stress during your move’s planning phase.

Moving Cost Calculations

Another thing that you should do before starting your move is to calculate precisely how much money you have set aside to get everything done. The worse thing that could happen during a move is that you run out of funds to pay the movers or all of the potential rental fees for renting out a truck and dolly. Unless you know someone with a vehicle who will move you for free, the chances are that you will be stuck hiring at least one professional person with a truck to help you get going. Per this mover, some moving costs to keep in mind include money to pay a moving company, rental fees, travel costs, cleaning costs, moving boxes, and even little things, like tape.

Read The Fine Print

Now that you have changed your address well in advance to moving, put your checklist together, and made a budgeting plan, it’s time to call your local mover to set up a time for them to come by. Before you do make that call, keep in mind that you will need to read everything through before you sign. It is not uncommon for people to try and rush you through the signing process. Always be sure to take as much time as you need to read the fine print of all of your moving agreements to avoid any potential hidden fees. The number one rule of moving is to being prepared before you need to be.

Moving Guide

Organization is the key to a successful move. Follow the guidelines below to make your moving experience a positive one.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving:

Decide where your items are going.

Make a list of items you plan on moving to your new home and items you wish to take This is a great time to “clean house” and determine the items you want to give to charity and the items that you could sell at a garage sale or at your local Consignment Center.

Decide if you are going to hire a professional moving company or move yourself.

If you are hiring a professional moving company, be sure to get several quotes, discuss packing, timing and costs. Make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured.

Many moving expenses are tax deductible

Maintain a file with important information and receipts for moving related expenses.

Prepare a New Home layout

Create a floor plan of your new home and start thinking of where you will place the furniture. Give the floor plan to your moving company so they know where to place each piece of furniture when they arrive.

Moving to a new community

Request information about the schools, parks, recreation, and community programs from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau.

4-5 Weeks Before Moving:

Change of Address

Go to your local post office and fill out a US postal change of address form or submit your change of address online Provide your new address to your telephone company, disposal company, cable, water, electric company, internet provider, insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, clubs, local government agencies and any other utility companies.

Most schools will need proof of your new address so be sure to give them your change of address documentation. Get your kids involved in the moving process. They can help pack their toys and items from their room. Make it fun for them to move!

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

Contact Utility Companies

Contact your current electricity, gas, phone and other utility companies for disconnection after your scheduled move out. Schedule to have utilities connected to your new home.

Return and Retrieve

Return any library books and anything you have borrowed. Retrieve any items you have loaned out to neighbors and friends.

Start Packing

If possible, pack one room at a time, starting with the rooms that you don’t need to use for the next few weeks. If renting a storage unit, determine which items go to storage and which items go to your new home.

Disassemble your computer

Back up important computer files to a disc or thumbdrive before disconnected. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Pack the hard drive upright and wrap the monitor in bubble wrap to ensure it does not get scratched. Wrap all the wires and cables with rubber bands or twist ties.

Why You Should Begin Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer

Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Accidents happen all the time— in the car, at work, while shopping at the grocery store. They can range from being as minor as little spills, to being in a serious car crash.

Obviously, not every accident calls for taking legal action. Even minor car accidents like dents, scratches and fender benders won’t always necessitate filing a claim as long as nobody involved is injured in any major physical, mental or financial capacity.

But when an accident does result in serious health and monetary issues, those injured may have to sue in order to receive a fair settlement from an insurance company or the responsible party. In this scenario, DMV.org pinpoints three main benefits to hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you:

Knowledge of Personal Injury Laws

Becoming familiar with personal injury laws is complicated for a number of reasons: For one, they can vary by state, county, and municipality. Second, the legal guidelines for making a personal injury claim differ based on the type of injury that occurred. For instance, establishing liability in a dog bite case is nothing like determining fault in a car accident, and the statute of limitations is longer in cases involving fraud compared to product liability. In other words, different types of injury lawsuits have different rules that apply to them.

Most importantly, knowledgeable attorneys are able to decipher which laws pertain to your particular case and calculate how much compensation you are entitled to. Sure, you can look up the laws for your specific injury in your state, but only a personal injury expert will be able to translate these laws into applicable parameters for your case.

Negotiating for Just Compensation

Many personal injury cases can be resolved outside of court. If both parties involved in a legal dispute can agree on a settlement amount, then the cost and effort of bringing a case in front a judge can be avoided altogether. This is a popular course of action with insurance companies, who will often automatically lower their settlement offer to plaintiffs who do not have an attorney representing them.

For this reason, it is important to hire a personal injury attorney prior to engaging in settlement negations in order to get the full amount of compensation possible. An experienced attorney uses both their in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and their position to get you fair compensation.

Fair Representation in Court

In the event that settlement negotiations break down, it is the job of a personal injury attorney to fight for fair compensation on behalf of their client in front of a judge. Hiring a lawyer with extensive trial experience not only tends to increase settlement amounts, it also makes sure plaintiffs have the representation necessary to seek payment for damages in a court of law.

Most attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they charge a percentage of the final settlement amount. Therefore, you only pay if they win your case. Each lawyer’s percentage of legal fees is different so that is something you will have to ask during your initial consultation.

Tips for Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring a lawyer when you or a loved one has suffered from an injury can be daunting and complicated. You do not know much about the law or lawyers, and figuring out where to even start can be difficult. Below you will find tips to help you on your search for the best lawyer to handle your case.

1. Communication

When working with a lawyer, communication is crucial for several reasons.

You want to ensure that your lawyer is a good communicator because that is precisely what you are hiring him/her to do: communicate your case to a judge, jury or another attorney while using the law to argue for an outcome in your favor.
You need to understand how often your lawyer will communicate to you the details of your case; staying informed is important. Your lawyer will communicate with you about how your case is progressing, how long it should take and how much it should cost.
Be sure to choose a lawyer who is willing to spend time with you to learn your case, inside and out. This shows dedication, thoroughness and professionalism.

2. Cost

Your first conversation with an attorney should address your fees and costs with clarity.

3. Experience

Serious legal matters require experienced attorneys. Experience can be measured in many ways. You should certainly ask any attorney how many years of experience, and in what types of cases, he or she has. But you also want to know not just about the individual attorney but the law firm it self.

4. Expertise

Is your potential lawyer an expert in a particular area of personal injury law? Do other lawyers refer their clients to him/her because of that expertise? All personal injury lawyers do not handle every type of P.I. case. Look for an attorney with experience and an intricate understanding of the law for your specific type of case.

5. Lawyer-client relationship dynamic

Know what your relationship will be like with your lawyer. Ask a potential lawyer what your working relationship will be. Certainly, you should meet with and work with the lawyer, not a staff member or assistant. The lawyer-client relationship must be based on trust and understanding. If you will be working with staff members, you cannot develop a successful lawyer-client relationship.

Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer

Choosing to file a personal injury claim is a big decision – and one that should never be taken lightly.

The outcome for victims can be enormous in terms of both financial compensation and their resulting quality of life. And while the litigation process can be an intense, emotionally charged experience – with those affected wanting compensation right away – it’s important to remain calm and think strategically about how to achieve the best outcome for your case.

One of the most important steps in the process is in choosing the right personal injury attorney to work with. Unfortunately, many people think that all lawyers are the same and that any seemingly qualified individual will due. In reality, however, nothing could be further from the truth.

Selecting the right attorney can make all the difference between having a satisfying outcome to your case or merely heaps of frustration and regret instead. Here are a few elements to consider when deciding on who to partner with.

Do They Have Experience with Personal Injury Cases?

Just like with any other profession, working with attorneys who specialize in a particular area of law generally leads to better results. Be sure the lawyer(s) you approach have actual experience in handling personal injury litigation cases.

Be warned, some may say they handle these types of cases, but don’t just take their word for it. Ask for specifics:

How many personal injury cases have they handled? How do they approach their work?

Which cases were similar to yours?

What were the outcomes (wins vs. losses, compensation, etc.)?

Although each case is unique, and past performance is never a guarantee of future results, a strong track record in comparable cases is often a good place to start.

Who Exactly Will Be Handling Your Case?

As strange as it may sound, the attorney you initially consult with may not be the same person that manages your claim. This holds especially true in many larger firms where senior partners intake clients but hand them off to junior attorneys afterward.

While the majority of paralegals and junior lawyers are well-qualified to handle routine tasks, it’s comforting to know seasoned professionals are the ones actually in charge of your case. It’s also nice to have a single point of contact for questions that may arise as the situation unfolds.

How Much Are Clients Expected To Participate?

Everyone would like to think that they can just file a claim, put their feet up and wait for a check to arrive – but that’s simply not reality. Good injury attorneys make it a point to get to know their clients and expect them to actively participate in their case as well.

Any lawyer who tells you that your input is not needed or required is someone you should avoid. After all, the best outcomes require hard work from everyone involved – yourself included.

When Will You Start Working On My Case?

Some injury attorneys have a bad habit of signing up clients but then letting their cases sit until the last possible minute. Why? So they can work on other claims until right before the statute of limitations runs out.

While this delay tactic is standard practice for many in the industry, it’s just not a good way to do business. Acting on cases quickly helps to preserve evidence, mount a stronger defense and increases leverage when it comes time for negotiations.

Keep in mind that medical bills, lost wages and other debts will continue to mount while you’re waiting to get underway. So make sure you have a clear understanding of what to expect timewise throughout the process.

How Much Are My Injuries Worth?

Granted, even the most experienced attorney won’t be able to give you an exact dollar amount for your injuries, but they should be able to provide a reasonable ballpark estimate. Even better, ask them to include examples from similar cases they’ve handled in the past.

On the other hand, anyone who promises you a specific dollar amount from the get-go should be red-flagged. There are just too many variables involved for anyone to be certain of a final settlement. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What Resources Do You Have Available to Put Towards My Case?

Some lawyers care about profit more than people. They may take on more cases than they can competently handle, save money by not hiring staff, or be reluctant to spend money on experts’ fees. This is not who you want to take your case.

Instead, you want a lawyer who has the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your case, build your claim, negotiate your settlement, and litigate on your behalf if necessary.

How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?

It’s wise to ask how long the lawyer expects your case to settle, and how much the lawyer expects you will receive. This is helpful for two primary reasons: First, it gives you a ballpark idea of how much time and energy you will need to devote to the case, as well as what you’ll get out of it.

Of course, there is no guarantee of a timeline, but if the attorney doesn’t want to answer the question, then they may not have much experience.

An experienced attorney should be able to give you a rough estimate based on their personal experiences with similar cases. These are important considerations when deciding whether or not you want to move forward with your case at all.

And secondly, the answers to these questions can serve as a red flag – if the attorney promises you’ll receive millions or that your case will be resolved before you know it, you should search for someone else. In either case, keep in mind that such estimates are hard to predict without a full review of all of the evidence of your case.

Electrician Training Options For Aspiring Electricians

Electrical Training Products

Electrician’s Guide to the Building Regulations includes the latest guidance on third-party certification schemes and covers relevant parts of the Building Regulations, including Fire Safety, Ventilation and Conservation of Energy.

This building regulation guide has been fully updated to BS 7671:2018. The 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations publishes in July 2018 and comes into effect on 1st January 2019. All new installations from this point must comply with BS 7671:2018. Inside this guide, you’ll find an in-depth and comprehensible breakdown of the building regulations from an electrician’s perspective.

For more information on Electrician’s Guide to the Building Regulations, and our other guides, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, or look at our electrician training courses.

Electrical licences

This guideline is aimed at providing an overview of responsibilities that are now incumbent upon you under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (the Act) and pursuant regulations.

A Grade electrician responsibilities

As a Licensed ‘A’ grade electrician, you must:

upon receipt, sign your A grade licence card

notify Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) within 10 days of any change of name and/or address details

when carrying out electrical installation work and at the request of ESV, produce your A grade licence card, or details of your licence

ensure all electrical circuits are correctly isolated from supply or adequate precautions are taken to prevent shock or injury

guidance on safe work on low voltage is detailed in AS/NZS 4836

ensure your electrical installation work complies with the Act, Electricity Safety (General) Regulations and relevant standards

complete all mandatory tests on your electrical installation work in accordance with the Act and Electricity Safety (General) Regulations before it is connected to an electricity supply

complete the appropriate Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) within the required times for the work undertaken

See ‘ESVConnect COES Guide’ or ‘Paper COES system explained’ on ESV’s website for further details

notify ESV on 1800 000 922 as soon as reasonably practicable of any serious electrical incidents relating to your work which causes, or has the potential to cause:

the death of or injury to a person

significant damage to property

a serious risk to public safety.

As an A grade electrician, you must not:

carry out, or offer to carry out electrical installation work for profit, gain or reward, unless you hold a current Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) licence

carry out electrical installation work, unless your A grade electrician’s licence is current – it is your responsibility to know your licence expiry date

install any electrical equipment which will be unsafe if connected to an electricity supply

carry out any electrical equipment work that will make either the equipment or the building unsafe if connected to an electricity supply.

As an A grade electrician, you should:

know the expiry date of your licence

maintain knowledge of the following documents (as amended from time to time):

Electricity Safety Act

Electricity Safety (General) Regulations

Electricity Safety (Registration and Licensing) Regulations

AS/NZS 3000: Wiring Rules and all other standards applicable to your work including referenced sections of the Building Code of Australia (BCA)

the Victorian Electricity Distributors Service and Installation Rules

ensure you have current copies of legislation, Australian Standards and Codes of Practice pertaining to electrical installation work

understand your OH&S responsibilities

wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment (PPE).

As an A grade electrician, you should understand:

ESV may direct a person responsible for non-compliant electrical work to rectify that work at no cost to the customer

ESV may take disciplinary action if you fail to comply with the ESA or pursuant regulations including suspension and/or cancellation of your licence, infringement notices and prosecution.

Electrician License and Certification Requirements

As skilled tradesmen that perform highly specialized and potentially dangerous work, electricians are subject to strict licensing requirements that must be met to legally practice their craft. However, the conditions that must be met to advance through the three standard licensing phases are anything but uniform from one jurisdiction to the next

Even though exam requirements and specific training and classroom hour requirements differ from one jurisdiction to the next, the general licensing process for electricians almost always follows these three steps:

Apprenticeship: An electrical apprenticeship involves supervised on-the-job experience that lasts about four years (about 8,000 hours) in addition to several hundred classroom hours spent learning electrical science and theory.

Journeyman License: A journeyman license in achieved after successfully completing the required apprenticeship program and passing the Electrical Journeyman exam.

Master Electrician License: A master electrician license is achieved after working for two years (about 4,000 hours) as a journeyman electrician and passing the Master Electrician Exam.

Electrical Contractor License: The electrical contractor license is an optional business license reserved for master electricians that operate an electrical contracting business, or companies that employ at least one master electrician.

Though this is representative of the process in most jurisdictions, there are a number of exceptions to these rules:

In most states, electricians are licensed by a state licensing body. In other states, electricians are licensed at the local (city, county) level.

The term certification is used in place of licensing in some states.

Some states license apprentices, while others don’t issue an official license until the journeyman level is reached.

Some states do not have a license classification for journeyman or master electricians.

Some states have multiple specialty journeyman, master electrician, and/or electrical contractor licenses, each with a unique set of requirements.

Some states have reciprocal electrician licenses, which facilitate working across state lines

Because of the inconsistencies and variations surrounding electrician licensing in the U.S., it is important to always check with your local licensing authority. To provide you with a quick overview of the licensing requirements in your area

Electrical FAQs

Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) have slightly different effects on the human body, but both are dangerous above a certain voltage. The risk of injury changes according to the frequency of the AC, and it is common for DC to have an AC component (called ripple). Someone with special equipment can measure this, but the effect on a particular person is very difficult to predict as it depends upon a large number of factors. As a consequence you should always avoid contact with high-voltage electrical conductors, regardless of the type of electrical current they are carrying.

No, not if they are careful and follow the simple rules to securely isolate electrical equipment, and check it is dead before they start work. If you received an electric shock but were not injured then you were lucky. Next time a slight change in events may lead to a very different result. No-one is immune to injury from electricity.

You can find out if your electrical equipment is safe by carrying out suitable checks, such as inspection and / or testing. The level of inspection and / or testing should depend upon the risks. A simple visual inspection is likely to be sufficient for equipment used in a clean, dry environment. In addition, equipment that is more likely to become damaged, or is operated in a harsh environment, is likely to require more demanding electrical tests.

Checks should be carried out often enough to ensure there is little chance the equipment will become unsafe between checks. It is good practice to make a decision on how often each piece of equipment should be checked, write this down, make sure checks are carried out accordingly and write down the results. You should change how often you carry out checks, according to the number and severity of faults found.

The best way to find out if specialised equipment is safe is to have it inspected and tested by a person with specific competence on that type of equipment. This may be the original manufacturer or their authorised service and repair agent. A reputable servicing company that deals with that type of equipment should also be competent to check its safety.

Electrician’s Guide to Emergency Lighting

The electricians guide to emergency lighting 3rd edition has been updated to take into account changes to the Code of Practice for the emergency lighting of premises in BS 5266-1:2016

The Code of Practice has undergone extensive changes to keep the document aligned with assocaiated national legislation and national and european standards

The standard responds to the increasing recognition of the application of emergency lighting to assist the safety of occupants who may stay in a building during a mains supply failure

This guide is essential for all designers of emergency lighting systems, electricians, electrical contractors and their managers, general electrical installation designers, and students in further education and professional training

What Does Home Inspection Service Entail

Find An Inspector

When homebuyers choose an Member for their home inspection, they are hiring a professional that is dedicated to serving their client. members know that a home is much more than just a property to the homebuyer; it’s a place to start a new chapter of their life. The inspector’s purpose is to help their clients get a better understanding about their potential homes. No home is perfect, but members will provide the insight homebuyers need to decide if the home is perfect for them.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. On average, a single-family home inspection usually takes 2-4 hours to complete, though this is heavily dependent on the of the size and condition of the home. After the inspection process, the inspector will send the client an inspection report (often within 24-48 hours) that covers their findings, complete with pictures, analysis and recommendations.

What does a home inspection include?

The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical system; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and structural components

It is important to note that there may be some exceptions. If certain areas are inaccessible (locked door, tenant’s belongings in the way) or unsafe conditions (severely steep roofs, poor structural integrity) the inspector will explain the situation and note that they were not able to assess that specific area or system.

Why do homebuyers need a home inspection?

Buying a home could be the largest single investment the homebuyer will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, homebuyers should strive to learn as much as they can about the house before they buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding about their prospective house, which will allow them to make decisions with confidence. If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can give them the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition

Choosing the Right Inspector

Finding a Home Inspector

When the homebuyer has found the right home, they will need to get a professional home inspection. It is critical to find a quality home inspector to understand the condition of the property before making this important investment. It can be confusing and hard to know where to start the search for a professional home inspector.

Find An Inspector Search

Find An Inspector search is a great way to find local inspectors who are members. The homebuyer can enter the address of their prospective home to pull a list of local inspectors and review their qualifications and services. There are different filtering options available so homebuyers quickly can find local inspectors that fit their needs.

Real Agents and Other Referrals

If the homebuyer is using a real estate agent, chances are that they have offered referrals of inspectors they have worked with. Many real estate agents and home inspectors build relationships over the years, and it can be an effective and quick way to get leads on potential inspectors. Another referral source homebuyers can utilize is their friends and family who recently have worked with an inspector.

Choosing the Right Inspector

Getting Started

The best place for a homebuyer to start is by reviewing the property listing to familiarize themselves with their prospective home. Having a good understanding of the home and its specific features will create a useful frame of reference. Similarly, the homebuyers should take note of any special inspection needs that they or their families may have. Understanding these factors can make the home inspector research more effective.

Is the inspector licensed?

Depending on where the homebuyer is located, the practice of home inspection may require a license by the state government. View State Regulations section to find out which states require home inspectors to be licensed. The homebuyer should verify that any potential home inspector holds a valid license, if required by their state

Home Inspection Checklist (Step by Step)

One of the most daunting aspects of buying a new home is running through the home inspection checklist to ensure that everything is up to scratch. After all, you don’t want to miss something that will become a potentially expensive problem for you later.

A home buyer inspection list isn’t just there to ensure everything is ready for you to move in, it’s also to alert you to any significant issues that may mean you shouldn’t be buying the property at all. This is particularly pertinent if you are dealing with a potential investment property as the new tenants will be coming to you with any issues.

What to look for in a new home inspection

It is important to remember that professional inspectors will be looking over the home for significant potential problems such as structural issues, damaged fixtures, or anything that may need to be replaced.

It is also a good idea to have a pest inspection to save hassles later. You don’t want to find out you could have prevented a white ant problem after the fact. This is also an excellent chance to be aware of any potential for pest issues that may pop up in the future based on the location of your home and the materials used in its construction.

For properties with a swimming pool, it is vital to have an inspection of the pool fencing, surrounding area, and the pool itself. For safety, you’ll want to make this a regular activity. It is also a good idea to obtain a surveyor’s report which will identify the boundaries of your property, so you understand what exactly is your land and what is not.

The complete guide to home inspections

Home inspections are one of the most important parts of buying or selling a home. The inspection report directly affects whether or not a deal will go through and the home’s price. Negotiations can be tough, and you need to know what to expect.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective exam by a licensed home inspector who examines the condition of the home’s structure and systems. After the inspection, the inspector provides an extensive report that includes summaries, notes, the life of major systems/equipment, and recommended repairs or replacements on red-flagged items.

A standard home inspection takes approximately two to three hours and includes an examination of the following:

Heating system

Central air condition system

Interior plumbing

Electrical systems

Roof

Attic and visible insulation

Floors, walls, and ceilings

Windows and doors

Foundation

Basement and structural components

The goal of the inspection is to provide the home buyer and seller with a clear picture of the condition of the home and identify any current or future problems. This allows the seller to make any necessary repairs before the sale or negotiate the repairs with the buyer.

Typically, a home inspection is ordered after the sales contract is signed, which should include a clause stating the purchase is contingent on the findings of the home inspection. Although you are not required to attend the inspection, it’s highly recommended so you can ask questions along the way

Home Inspection Checklist: What Homebuyers Need To Know

A home inspection is a professional, third-party inspection of a property that you intend to buy. Its goal is to evaluate the home from a structural and safety standpoint, as well as to ensure you’re buying a hazard-free, up-to-code property that’s a good investment of your dollars.

Home inspections aren’t required, but there are few cases where you’d want to forgo one. Use this home inspection checklist to learn more about the process — as well as what to do afterward.

Include A Home Inspection Contingency In Your Contract

Your first step is to make sure there’s a home inspection contingency — also referred to as a “due diligence” contingency — in your sales contract. This gives you a specified time period in which to have a professional inspection performed on the property

Understand How Your Home Inspection Contingency Works

In most cases, the inspection period is anywhere from one to two weeks from the date your sales contract is signed, though it depends on your specific agreement. The contingency period is supposed to give you enough time to:

• Find a good inspector.

• Set up your appointment (and, ideally, attend it).

• Receive your inspection report.

• Get any follow-up or additional inspections (more on that later).

• Decide how you’d like to move forward.

Hire A Good Home Inspector

Hiring a thorough, experienced home inspector is incredibly important. They should be current on all certifications (NACHI, ASHI, etc.) and up to date on all training and educational coursework. They also need a full insurance policy (this protects you if they’re injured on your property) and should have deep experience in the area you’re buying in. This ensures they’re aware of any current problems with soil, pest and even home builders in your region.

The Benefits Of Buying An Accountant Practice Rather Than Starting A New Business

How is accountability defined in the workplace?

Accountability is a crucial element of every high-functioning workplace. Accountability in the workplace has a clear correlation with higher performance, and research by the US Office of Personnel Management has also indicated that it leads to heightened capability, increased dedication to the role, boosted morale, and higher levels of workplace satisfaction. Accountability also fosters innovation as staff members become more invested in the company going forward.

Nevertheless, studies have shown that there is quite a deficiency of accountability in most workplaces. A survey conducted by AMA Enterprise saw that 21% of those interviewed saw their workforce consisting almost half of ‘unaccountable employees’. So, what is workplace accountability, why is it important, and how do you foster it?

What is accountability in the workplace?

Accountability at work is essentially about ownership and initiative. This refers to employees stepping up, and doing what is best for the business. An employee who is accountable will take responsibility of results and outcomes – they won’t presume that this is purely the concern of management.

Accountability at work includes:

If you acknowledge that a task, duty or job is crucial to results, you ensure that task comes to the attention of the relevant staff so that it can be completed accordingly.
If a task that is crucial to results falls to you and your department, you should ensure that it gets completed to the best possible degree.
If you have committed to assisting on a certain task, ensure your contribution is of high quality.
If your work has effects on the work of others, let them know how you’re progressing – their results will rely on your work too.
If an issue arises with a project completed by yourself, you are honest with management about how you undertook the project and what you could do going forward to rectify the issue.

Benefits of Accountability

Self-accountability comes a wide range of opportunities and benefits which help an employee as a single unit and the team they are working with.

First and foremost, it helps to build trust in the environment. People know they can trust and rely on a self-accountable colleague and, more often than not, they come to them with their problems or requests. Also, if taken on by a leader, he or she emits positive reinforcing vibes throughout the group and, in return, receives unfaltering respect and admiration. Words of these people are steady as a mountain.

Secondarily, employees who radiate accountability in the workplace better understand how to socialize. They take responsibility for their doings, either bad or good, and tend to communicate their feelings more openly to others. As a result, they end up establishing healthier and more encouraging social bridges with their subordinates or friends in the office.

More accurate decision-making folds in harmonically with other benefits of self-accountability. Those who seek detention in themselves and make amends for what they’ve done, not only help themselves, but also save a lot of time, energy, and money for others. They speak up as soon as something goes wrong, and without wasting time, look for solutions to fix the problem.

If someone’s showing high accountability in the workplace, chances are, they get promoted over others. These individuals burn with the light of leadership, which is something every manager looks for in an employee.

What does it mean to accept accountability?

While accepting accountability is a personal choice and requires less direct application of pressure by external forces, it’s still not often an entirely positive experience for either party.

When someone accepts accountability, they’re often doing so not through their own intrinsic desire, but through a combination of internal and external pressure.

At work, accepting accountability might look something like “My team is relying on me to finish this report on time.” That’s enough to push someone forward or to motivate them to complete a task, but not necessarily enough to inspire a great deal of discretionary effort.

Accepting, but not embracing accountability can also lead to a relationship where someone views their relationship with accountability as a burden to be taken on begrudgingly.

Accountability and responsibility at work

Although these terms have some overlap, a number of characteristics separate them. Individuals in the workplace usually share responsibilities, and a specific individual such as a manager is accountable for their actions. The accountable person often has a skill set, job title or educational achievement level that the responsible group lacks.

Accountability at work

Accountability is essential for an effective, influential leader to have. The person or people in charge need to take ownership of their team members’ actions. This allows them to make sure that they complete all responsibilities as expected. Before making a commitment to a managerial role, you should clearly understand what skills and resources your employees will need to finish a task.

Accountability can also help managers build trust at work and increase employee responsibility. For example, an accountable manager can admit if they forget to schedule an essential employee, reorder supplies late or give a trainee inaccurate information. When leaders are accountable for all of their actions and deliver results as expected, companies can benefit from:

Less turnover
Lower expenses
Happier, more productive employees who view their jobs as positive and meaningful
Better customer service
More employee engagement
Workers who require less supervision because they make an effort to learn every detail of their duties and how to fulfill them successfully
Employees who are willing to take on additional responsibilities because they feel connected to the organization’s mission and want to help ensure its success
A company culture that lets people exchange information freely and discuss their opinions and feelings with each other openly while feeling respected for their contributions
Leaders and team members who make their expectations clear to everyone, strive for excellence and can count on each other for support when needed

Responsibility at work

Responsible people are willing to accept the consequences of their actions as well as the rewards of producing exceptional results. For instance, a responsible construction team will complete their duties in accordance with deadlines and budgets while maintaining high safety standards. Responsible employees will likely keep looking for new ways to improve their performance because they know that they will gain satisfaction and commendation for it.

Fixed vs. Relative Accountabilities

Thus, in an organization, the term “accountability” refers to an employee’s obligations, some of which are fixed and some of which are relative. Fixed accountabilities comprise the employee’s obligations to deliver outputs and to use resources and processes precisely as specified by the employer. They are necessary to keep processes in control and can be summarized in two distinct categories:

Commitment. Employees must fulfill the output commitments exactly, in terms of quantity, quality, and timeparameters, as defined in their assignments, projects, services, and other deliverables — unless the manager agrees to adjust them. Under no circumstances can the employee surprise her manager at the due date with changes.

Adherence. Employees must simultaneously observe and work within defined resource constraints — that is, the rules and limits established by policies, procedures, contracts, and other managerial guidelines, as well as by law.

Relative accountabilities have to do with the employee’s exercise of judgment to maximize value; they include the following four categories:

Reach. Employees are expected to add as much value as they can by signing on for ambitious yet achievable targets, rather than hanging back or committing to “low-ball” goals.

Fit for purpose. Employees must continually strive to ensure the optimal means of producing appropriate outputs that support the purpose for which the outputs were designed in the first place.

Stewardship. Employees must manage company funds and other resources efficiently and seek ways to continually improve and conserve those resources, wherever possible

Teamwork. Employees must recognize that it is the concerted effort from and between everyone that generates profit in any organization, rather than isolated efforts to maximize personal output. Therefore, an employee must accommodate other people’s work across the organization to maximize the total organizational value — even if her job becomes more difficult in the process.

Is It Moral And Ethical For Veterinarian To Use Marketing Within Their Veterinary Practice

What is a holistic vet? What is an integrative vet? What is a traditional, conventional vet?

Holistic veterinarians practice medicine differently from integrative and conventional veterinarians. While many principles are shared between conventional vets, holistic vets and integrative vets, methodologies are often quite different.

Holistic veterinary medicine recognizes that a balanced immune system is a vital, healing force in an animal’s body, and when immunity is supported, disease may be prevented or delayed. Holistic veterinarians conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including an animal’s behavior, recent and past medical history, diet and dietary history, environment, emotional stress and other factors. Holistic veterinary medicine also incorporates botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy and other alternative wellness therapies.

Holistic veterinarians also approach medicine as treating the animal body as a biological whole, addressing all bodily systems and consider how the body systems are interconnected. While two different pets may present similar symptoms, their respective treatments may be markedly different. A holistic veterinarian’s practice is centered on preventative medicine as well as health maintenance.

Holistic veterinary care is focused on finding and treating the root cause of disease instead of treating the symptom. For example, an animal may develop chronic colitis after being vaccinated. Instead of dispensing antibiotics or steroids to mask the symptom of bloody diarrhea, holistic veterinarians may utilize herbs and supplemental remedies, whole food diets, acupuncture, homeopathy, vitamins and mineral supplementation to restore metabolic and digestive balance.

Integrative medicine combines both conventional and holistic veterinary practices. An integrative veterinarian studies conventional veterinary medicine but also recognizes the value of holistic medicine and realizes that both compliment and support animal wellness. An integrative veterinarian is interested in both conventional and alternative treatments; and will most likely be a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.

Traditional, conventional veterinary practice operates similarly as Western medicine is used for humans. The focus is aimed at determining what the problem is and then trying to solve it based on addressing symptoms. While a traditional veterinarian is a professional with your pet’s best interest at heart, he or she is typically confined to using synthetic steroids and antibiotic medicine, which do not always solve a chronic or undetermined condition. Many times a conventional veterinarian will prescribe medication that may silence symptoms but not resolve the underlying problem.

Conventional veterinary medicine has become increasingly advanced and a wide array of techniques and options are now available to the average pet owner. Ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, chemotherapy, blood transfusion, and physical therapy are commonly used.

Perspective of a Holistic Veterinarian

Treat the whole animal, not merely the current problem.

If there is a current problem, for example diarrhea or itching, a good holistic veterinarian will ask questions about what problems there have been in the past, what has changed in the household or the environment that may have triggered the current complaint and if there is anything that makes the current complaints better or worse.

They will always evaluate the overall energy level of the animal. Their goal is to make the animal healthier for life, not just to get rid of the current symptom.

They will educate you and explain what they see when physically examining your animal.

A good holistic veterinarian will be thrilled at what you are learning at the Holistic Actions Academy – HMDM setting of a goal of deep healing and not merely symptom relief; basic health care of feeding fresh diet, few toxins, etc; 6 P’s, especially the one on Patience; that you are keeping a journal; that you want to be a partner with them rather than merely asking for treatments.

Finding a Holistic Veterinarian

STEP 1: Go to the web sites for each holistic veterinary organization and read about that modality. Go to their referral list to find one near to you.

STEP 2: visit the web site of any practitioners you are interested in.

STEP 3: do an internet search to find more possibilities – “holistic veterinarian Baltimore” or “herbal veterinarian Baltimore”.

STEP 4: Call any local holistic practitioners for people, local health food stores and even pet stores to inquire who they know.

STEP 5: if no one near seems like a good match, look for a homeopathic veterinarian who does phone consults.

STEP 6: personally evaluate the veterinarian

Practitioner health

This is simple: Find a practitioner who maintains her own health – if for no other reason, so she’ll still be around to help you a few years from now! Practicing holistic medicine can be extremely demanding and stressful, and for a practitioner to maintain sustainability she/he will need to recharge on a continuing basis. Rechargers for the professional include: continuing education, alternative medicine meetings, learning new methods and techniques, personal chi exercises (tai chi, chi gong, yoga, aikido, and other martial arts), and living a healthy, holistic lifestyle.

A question you should ask of all your holistic practitioners is: “Doc, what are you doing for yourself?”

In addition to a periodic recharge, all holistic practitioners need to walk their talk, so to speak. Your practitioner should be involved in healthy relationships, must not smoke or have other detrimental lifestyle habits, should be in relatively good physical condition, and should practice what she preaches regarding good nutrition and supplements. In addition, the person who works on your animals should know (and use) several alternative medicine practitioners who work on humans.

Finally, a practitioner who expects to stay around for more than a few years will have developed a fee structure that allows her to live a healthy lifestyle. Again, I could write reams about the importance of charging fees that are adequate to sustain the practitioner, but let this suffice:

Professionals charge fees for services rendered and goods delivered. Since holistic veterinarians actually frown on vaccines, steroids, and antibiotics, they typically generate very little (if any) income from these sources. And, although there are exceptions to this rule, most holistic practitioners don’t have much of an inventory to sell – their true inventory is their cache of information they have stored in their heads, and their overhead lies in the cost of their specialized schooling. Holistic medicine will almost certainly appear at first glance to be more expensive than the typical visit to a western medicine practitioner. However, I like to think (although I’m not absolutely certain) that the overall fees will be less, over the lifetime of the animal. This, I am sure of: Pets that are living a holistic lifestyle will be healthier over their lifetime.

Practitioner passion

To my way of thinking, passion is born from an inner germination of the seeds of love, intention, satisfaction, and creative force. The entry-level guiding light for all practitioners who work on animals is their passionate love for the animals, their intention to make them well and keep them healthy.

People who are led by their passions have an energetic glow – an inner light, often expressed as an expanded and healthy outer aura. While none of these outer and inner signs of passion can be measured by scientific means, they can be easily felt and sensed by anyone open to them. Use your sense of awareness (best accessed with an open heart) to feel how much energy your alternative practitioner has. And remember you are evaluating inner energetics – not personal charisma, bedside manner, nor the practitioner’s apparent love for your dog.

Inspecting Your Home Is The Key To Scorpion Control

Bark Scorpions

What are bark scorpions?

Scorpions are a type of arachnid and belong to the same class as spiders, mites, and ticks. They are venomous, stinging pests that live throughout the United States. The most common species is the bark scorpion. Bark scorpions are nocturnal and range in length from 2.75 to 3 inches. They are light brown to brownish-yellow in color, have segmented bodies and tails, and have dark, lengthwise bands on their bodies. Bark scorpions also have distinctive elongated, thin pincers (pedipalps). At the end of their abdomen is a bulb-shaped, tail-like structure (telson). It contains venom glands and has a sharp, curved stinger on its end.

Are bark scorpions dangerous?

Bark scorpions are considered dangerous. In fact, they are the most dangerous species of scorpion living in the United States. The venom that is delivered through the stinger found at the end of its “tail” is strong enough to cause serious health concerns. Depending on the amount of venom delivered, a sting from a bark scorpion does have the potential to be lethal, especially for children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and small pets. Care should always be taken around scorpions. The good news, however, is that bark scorpions aren’t aggressive, and they usually try to stay hidden and out of sight of people.

Why do I have a bark scorpion problem?

Bark scorpions are on your property because it is providing them with ample hiding and burrowing spots. They are also thriving on your property because it is providing them with sufficient water sources. Bark scorpions can survive without food for weeks or months, but they require a constant source of water. Scorpions are predators and feed on a variety of insects, spiders, and other scorpions. Properties with large insect populations are attractive to bark scorpions.

Where will I find bark scorpions?

Outside

Bark scorpions prefer to live outside creating burrows in the cool, moist soil underneath rocks, logs, fallen trees, behind tree bark, in wood piles, and in piles of debris. If the weather outside becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably, they will move inside homes and other buildings. They are excellent climbers and easily scale rough surfaces like trees and walls.

Inside

Bark scorpions find their way inside through openings in a home’s foundation and exterior walls, through openings found around windows and doors, and through torn screens. Inside, scorpions are usually found living in dark, secluded areas, such as in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, behind wall voids, in closets, and in crawlspaces.

How can I prevent bark scorpions in the future?

Put into place the following preventative measures to minimize future issues with dangerous bark scorpions:

Caulk gaps around exterior windows and doors.

Place door sweeps on exterior doors.

Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation.

Remove piles of debris and fallen trees from your yard.

Keep a barrier between mulch and your home’s foundation.

Inside your home, keep storage areas organized and clutter-free.

SCORPIONS

What are scorpions?

Scorpions are relatives of spiders, mites, and ticks. Scorpions are predators that feed on a variety of insects and spiders. Striped bark scorpions are one of the most common species of scorpion that invade homes in our area.

Striped bark scorpions are the most common and widespread scorpions living. Adults are light brown to brownish-yellow in color. They have two broad, dark, lengthwise bands on the surface of the abdomen. They also have a dark triangular shape on the front portion of their head. Bark scorpions use their pincers to capture and hold onto their prey. At the end of the abdomen, they have a telson – a bulb-shaped, tail-like structure. The telson contains venom glands and a sharp, curved stinger on its end that delivers the venom they use to paralyze their prey. The tail is longer in the males than the females.

Are scorpions dangerous?

Scorpions are venomous and have the potential to be a danger to people. A sting from a scorpion is extremely painful and, like a bee sting, can cause localized swelling and an intense burning sensation. Their venom is strong enough to trigger serious allergic reactions in some. Great care should always be taken around any type of scorpion.

Why do I have a scorpion problem?

If scorpions have become a problem in or around your structure it is likely because living conditions on your property are suitable to their needs. Striped bark scorpions are attracted to trees, walls, and objects with rough surfaces, and they are excellent climbers. Properties with a lot of insect activity are also very attractive to scorpions. Once on your property, they will eventually find their way inside while out foraging for food.

Where will I find scorpions?

Scorpions are found living outside in the cool, moist soil underneath of rocks, logs, fallen trees, and piles of organic debris. However, if the weather outside becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably, they will actively move inside of temperature controlled homes.

Peppermint Oil and Spiders: Know the Facts

Does peppermint oil work?

Although mostly harmless, spiders can be a nuisance in the home. Many people find these eight-legged creatures creepy. Some can even be poisonous. If you’re someone who shrieks when you see spiders, you may want to try peppermint oil to get rid of them. Peppermint oil is considered to be a natural insecticide. Spiders, although not technically insects, seem to hate it.

What the research says

There’s not much scientific research proving that peppermint oil repels or kills spiders. Most commercial pest-control companies dispute claims that essential oils work as natural insecticides. Still, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence for peppermint oil getting rid of arachnids.

It’s unclear why spiders steer clear of peppermint oil and other essential oils. One theory is that they dislike strong odors. Because spiders smell and taste with their legs, they may avoid crawling through fragrant oils. Another theory has to do with the monoterpenoids found in essential oils. Almost all essential oils contain them to some degree.

How to use peppermint oil to repel spiders

To make a spider-repellent spray, place about five drops of peppermint oil in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water, add a shot of dish soap, and shake the mixture well. Apply the spray around doors and windows, around the outside perimeter of your home, and in any dark corner where spiders may be hiding.

You’ll have to apply spider-repellent spray more often than conventional insecticides. Try applying once a week at first. If the spiders reappear before the week is up, try spraying every few days. Placing peppermint plants in strategic places inside and outside your home may also help repel spiders. You can also try sprinkling peppermint leaves in places overrun by spiders.

Scorpion Sting

What Facts Should I Know About Scorpion Stings?

What Are Scorpions?

Scorpions are a member of the Arachnida class and are closely related to spiders, ticks, and mites.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Scoripion Sting?

Scorpion stings are painful, and they can be fatal, especially children. Scorpions may sting more than once. The stinger, located at the end of the tail segment is usually not lost or left in the person’s tissue after a sting.

Where Do Scorpions Hide?

Scorpions hunt at night and hide along rocks or trees during the days. Homes built in arid or desert regions commonly have scorpions in them. In 2015, there were reports of airline passenger(s) being stung in flight. The planes were landed before reaching their destinations to rid the aircraft of the scorpion(s).

Are Scorpion Stings Serious? Can You Die from One (Are they Fatal)?

Most scorpions are harmless and accidental. Although about 2000 species exist, only about 25-40 species can deliver enough venom to cause serious or lethal damage to humans. One of the more venomous or potentially dangerous species, especially for infants, young children, and the elderly in the United States is Centruroides exilicauda or bark scorpion.

What Do Scorpions Look Like (Pictures)? How Big and What Color Are They?

Scorpions have two pincers, 8 legs and an elongated body with a tail composed of segments; they range in length from about 9 to 21 cm. Some scorpions are smaller and more translucent and difficult to see. They may appear as a thin string on the ground. The last tail segment contains the stinger (also termed a telson) that transmits a toxin to the person who has been stung.

dangerous desert denizens you don’t want in your home

Remember those perfect Valley weekend afternoons back in April? T-shirt and sandals weather. Everybody up north was getting pelted by hail and doused by torrential rains. You were giggling on the patio.

This was why you moved here.

Over the eons, this was also why all of our many beautiful palo verde trees, yuccas and cactuses made their homes here. Alas, our abundant and diverse plant life naturally led to a spectacular universe of creepy-crawly life

And that’s why scorpions, spiders and other venomous monsters of the Valley are as ornery as you are right now. They’re not fond of 115-degree days, either. They want to cool off. And, unfortunately, they might do that on your patch of lawn in the backyard, in your garage or — God forbid — in the dark corners of your child’s bedroom closet.

Scorpions

Ancient desert peoples looked up to the night sky and were awed by the constellation Scorpius. Scorpio is the astrological sign for those born from Oct. 23 to Nov. 21. It’s safe to say that we’ve been alternately fascinated and terrified by the creature with the nasty venomous tail for a long time.

Yellowish in color, bark scorpions are small, about 2-3 inches in length, and very slender. They are predators who use their highly toxic venom to paralyze insects, and sometimes other scorpions.

Vintage Cars Engine Rebuilding

Things you should know before replacing your engine

The bad news (that you already got) is that you need to replace your engine. The good news is that replacing your engine doesn’t need to break the bank. Quality used engines are an excellent cost saving alternative to often cost prohibitive new and remanufactured choices. You can save even more if an engine changeover is something you can do yourself. If you’re a DIY about to replace your engine, check out these 8 tips for a smooth, successful job:

Find and fix the root problem. Engines fail for a reason. Did it overheat? Did the timing belt fail? Was there water in the oil? If something caused your engine to fail and you don’t solve that problem, your new engine won’t last long. Don’t forget to check and resolve any codes in the computer.
Inspect your new engine. Pay attention to sensors, brackets, and all the other bolt on parts. Your new engine was inspected and interchanged and is the right part for your car. All those little parts were not. Compare them to the parts on your old engine and change over anything that may be different.
Replace the timing belt, gaskets, and seals. If your new engine has a timing belt, now is the time to replace it. Check and replace the gaskets and seals as needed. These are jobs that are quick and easy when the motor is out, and hard and expensive when it’s in. Remember to check the manual on proper timing.
Don’t forget to flush. Debris left over in the engine oil cooling system can damage your replacement engine. Don’t forget to replace the engine oil cooler and flush those cooler lines.
Replace belts, hoses, clamps spark plugs and thermostat. They don’t last forever. Take this opportunity to replace them.
Be careful not to drop anything inside your new engine. It sounds stupid I know, but we see a couple returns every year where a bolt or nut found it’s way down an intake.
Don’t forget the oil change. Your new engine was drained before sale. Remember to change the filter and replace the oil.
Watch that temperature. An engine replacement is a big job. Mistakes can happen. Watch your engine closely the first time you run it. Monitor for leaks and watch that temperature gauge. Remember, overheating isn’t covered by your warranty.

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Engine Oil

Engine oil lubricates the moving parts in your engine to keep your car in good working order. But how do you know when your oil needs changing? The best thing you can do is regularly self-service your car to identify whether you need to replace your engine oil.

Look out for these signs that mean that you need to replace your engine oil ASAP.

Symptoms of Dirty Engine Oil

Dark or dirty engine oil – the original yellow/amber colour turns dark as the oil becomes contaminated with dirt and debris. Check your engine oil often – monthly is best – to ensure it’s in good condition and replace it when necessary.
Noisy engine – car oil creates a protective lining between engine parts to reduce friction, heat and damage. Once the oil breaks down, the engine parts begin to audibly knock against each other.
Oil change dashboard light illuminates – this light indicates that the engine oil level is low and that you need a top up. If the dashboard light illuminates often (as your engine oil level keeps dropping), get your car serviced by a professional as soon as possible. This is a sign of serious engine damage.
Rough idling – if your car feels shaky while idling, your oil probably isn’t able to effectively lubricate the engine moving parts, making the car vibrate.
Ticking sound when you start the engine – if the oil viscosity is too thick or thin, the car oil will struggle to circulate. The ticking noise comes from the valves working to move the oil.
Burning smell – this is a sign of contaminated engine oil or an oil leak.
Slow acceleration – limited performance is common when engine oil is so old and/or contaminated that it can no longer effectively lubricate the engine parts. You’re especially likely to notice this when driving uphill, towing a trailer or carrying other heavy loads.
Poor fuel economy – engine oil gets thicker as it ages, becoming increasingly resistant against moving parts. The more resistant the oil, the more fuel is required for oil circulation.

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Car?

You may have heard that the oil in your car should be changed every three months or 3,000 miles. With better vehicles being produced, that isn’t necessarily true for most cars anymore. While frequent oil changes won’t hurt your car, it will cost you more money and cause more strain onto the environment. So, what is best for you and your vehicle when it comes to how often to change your oil?

Regular Oil vs Synthetic Oil

The type of oil you use can affect how long your vehicle can go. More and more drivers are using synthetic due to lasting much longer and being much cleaner. Many car owners have found that synthetic oil can last up to two times longer than the standard conventional oil.

If you are using synthetic, it is recommended to change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, although this can vary based on the brand of your vehicle. If you are still on conventional oil, experts recommend changing out after about 5,000 miles. However, if your car is giving you an alert before you reach this number, you should consider changing it out right away. To find the best time to change oil for your specific year and brand of vehicle, read your owner’s manual as that would give the most accurate time.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Oil Soon Enough?

Eventually, the engine will start to overheat and damage itself if the oil change is put off for too long. If the oil still isn’t changed, the engine will shut down and will have to be replaced.

Thankfully, getting an oil change is one of the cheapest and least time-consuming maintenance tasks you can do for your vehicle. So, the next time you see your alert come on or you think you’re approaching your limit, don’t forget to change your oil. Your car and your wallet will thank you later.

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Bark Scorpions

SCORPIONS

Peppermint Oil and Spiders: Know the Facts

Scorpion Sting

dangerous desert denizens you don’t want in your home

Things you should know before replacing your engine

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Engine Oil

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Car?

Regular Oil vs Synthetic Oil

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Oil Soon Enough?

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