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Topics That Inspire Questions For Vetting DJs

How To Become a DJ [2020 Guide For Beginners]

What do you need to become a DJ? What are the requirements, and how long is it going to take? The answers and our steps on how to become a DJ in no time.

If you have been close to a DJ or were a part of an unforgettable DJ event, then it may have passed through your mind to give it a try yourself. And what’s not to like? Music, Nightlife, Party, Drinks, or getting paid for something you love…? The truth is, being a DJ is not a total dream job that happens in a day or two. Do not expect that being a professional DJ is a paradise for everyone where you just travel around the world, always play music in front of thousands of people, and you will get shit lots of money for that.

There are plenty of things to consider before you decide to go into the music industry and DJing.

Before you decide to become a DJ, ask yourself the below:

  • Are you willing to invest a respectable amount of time and money on equipment, lessons, and self-promotion?
  • Do you have spare time to practice and to learn? In the end, you will work more than your 8hour daily job.
  • Are you capable of daily updating your online presence?
  • Are you ready to DJ in an empty club or front of a “dead” audience? Unfortunately, it will happen more times than you might think. Even the best have performed in empty places more times than they can remember.
  • Are you sociable and willing to collaborate with other musicians? Collaborations can only do good for you and your career.

HOW TO START DJING

What is the job of a DJ:

As you probably already know, a DJ, short for ‘Disc Jockey, simply selects and mixes pre-recorded music. It is not an easy task as it sounds; it takes several hours of preparation, practice, and music knowledge to make a successful performance in public.

From parties and festivals to weddings and birthdays, DJs are here to play, mix, scratch, and entertain the crowd with their music selection and performance. Or mostly with music, since there are “professional DJs” who are mostly known for throwing cakes. While it is true that you do not need formal education or diplomas to become a DJ, there are many lessons and courses you can follow to upgrade your skills. In 2020, the job of a DJ is much more than that. So let’s go more in-depth and start by finding your own musical style and character.

How to start getting into DJing:

  • Find Your Sound: First of all, select the genre of music you are interested in. If you haven’t found it already, then go to Beatport and check out dozens of favorite electronic music genres. Pick one, explore and listen profoundly and carefully to the tracks and playlists from various artists. Make an account and save your favorite tracks. If you can afford to buy, then I would highly recommend it. That way, you will add good quality tracks to your library, you will have extended music info(artist, composer, etc.), and most importantly, you will support the artist. An action you will appreciate more when you will become a music producer yourself.
  • Explore other Artists: Next, visit various audio platforms such as Mixcloud and SoundCloud and listen to DJ sets from live performances and radio shows. Most of the mixes have an available playlist, and that will help you understand when a song end and another one starts. Then ask yourself how the DJ mixes those songs, what techniques he/she used, what filters, what BPM(BitsPerMinute) the songs are playing, and what duration had the transition of the tracks. For that, of course, you need a basic understanding of a DJ mixer, and it’s capabilities.
  • Gain Experiences: Attend events and parties that advertise the music style you like. I’m sure, no matter how small your city is, there will be an event of Techno, House, Progressive, Electro, or any other at some point. That will be an excellent opportunity to start connections with people involved in the field, and who knows, maybe a future booking for you.

Pick The Right DJ Tools

Even if you can start DJing only with your smartphone or iPad, we would not recommend it. Two CD media players or DJ turntables, a DJ mixer, and headphones. That’s all the equipment you need to become a DJ.

Now, if you have a friend or colleague with a DJ setup would be ideal for you to start practicing. If not and you decide to invest in your DJ equipment, let’s see what you will need.

  • Sound sources: First of all, we need at least two audio sources, which can be cd-player, turntable, or PC with DJ controller. There are options with touch screens, USB ports, and many exciting features. Each of those options has its pros and cons, but it’s up to your preference and budget. I’m sure you are familiar with the CDJ series by Pioneer DJ, so if you want to find out more, check The Best DJ Media Player in the market.
  • DJ mixer: Then, we want a mixer to connect our sound sources. The job of a mixer is to consolidate the sound of two or more sound sources and mix them before you send the final sound to our outputs(speakers, monitors, headphones). With a DJ mixer, you can control up to four different inputs, and by control, I mean control volume, frequency level(low/middle/high) of each track, and effects such as reverb, delay, filter, and more. Most mixers also have a microphone input and “record out” output to record your live set. For a beginner, a big 4-channel mixer is not necessary. 2-channel mixer will do the job and get you ready for a live gig. To the mixer, you connect your pair of headphones; some mixers even offer two headphone ports for B2B sessions. That way, you will listen, beat-match, and equalize the tracks before the master output. Find out more in our article with The Best DJ Mixers for Beginners and the best professional DJ mixer.
  • Outputs: The last part of our setup is the sound outputs; DJ headphones & DJ speakers for home use. Connected to your mixer, they give us the final sound to you and the crowd. Furthermore, you listen to the monitors during you choose the next track with the help of your headphones and beat-match your final mix.

Introduction

This page covers some comments and opinions on the basic skills and attitude of a  DJ. How does a typical audience behave ? What they expect and how they react. Afterward we give a set of recurring, but wrong, ideas about ‘DJ-ing’.

The Audience

The audience is the most important of all. They are the final judge of what you’re doing. A party without people is no party. It is as simple as that. People can be at a party for a number of reasons

  • They are there because they are organizing the party.
  • People can come for social contact.
  • To take pictures of the room (I hate the Japanese tendency to run around with half a ton of lenses and photo machinery)
  • To drink & forget their problems. As the night goes on, people will become drunk or stoned (or both at the same time).
  • To dance and have a good time. These people are the ones which will be your judge.
  • People can also be there because they came along with other people. These people aren’t expecting anything. So don’t expect anything from them.

So, a party is not that difficult at all. Nevertheless some DJ’s have quite a strange picture of what’s going on at parties.

Dirty Trick: If you throw salt over the floor before people come in then the audience will drink more later on the evening.

Some Recurring Misconceptions

A number of DJ’s have the tendency to act as if they are god. This is wrong, they are not. A number of these wrong attitudes are stated below.

  • Playing music is not only using your intuition. The times you have an aha-erlebnis and you know what to play will be very small. If you play 300 songs overnight, 80% will be based on ratio. Only 20% on ‘feeling’. Especially in the beginning because you will be nervous and will need to fall back to your technical skills.
  • Do not expect everybody likes what you are playing. Often DJ’s are very explicit about the music they like and the music they don’t like. Don’t be like that. It is not because you are playing music, that other music is bad, also don’t insult somebody if he doesn’t like what you like. You are not the center from which music comes. (technically this is true, but it doesn’t go any further than that). There will be songs which you like, which nobody else will ever like, try to detect these and cut the crap, how painfully it might be to play a night without your favorite songs.
  • Learn different styles. New influences are absolutely welcome for a DJ.
  • For most DJ’s the following holds true: you are playing for the audience, the audience isn’t there for you. So, look at how people react to your music. You are playing music either for money, for personal reward or because nobody else wants to do it. In any case the result: ‘the audience stays and is happy’ is the most important.

And the worst kind of god-attitude that is embodied within current day DJ’s and Party-organizers is that:

  • DJ-ing with MP3’s ain’t cool.
  • It doesn’t sound the same.
  • Sorry, we only do turntables.
  • You don’t have to do anything yourself
  • and so on..

It is just required to point out that more and more DJ’s nowadays use CD’s, which weren’t cool enough a while ago, then we can safely say that this kind of ‘oops, I don’t like it when the world changes’-attitude won’t bring them any further.

Indexing and Selecting Your Music

Whether you have CD’s, vinyl or MP3’s, have an index at hand, sorted by style, annotate with the BPM and marked with the ‘sound-color’. This list should contain cross references between styles: ‘switch to this style using this song’. On top of this style list, also have a full index by name available every time you play.

Creating such a list takes a lot of time. You can easily spend months to create it, but when you have such a list it is your treasure. This will be half the money you make with DJ’ing. So never give this away.

Warning: A mistake often made is only to exploit the index and not to explore anymore. This is wrong because you might encounter better mixes. It’s also wrong because you’re definitely not looking at the audience, and above all it’s wrong because DJ’ing isn’t fun anymore this way.

Tempo

It is also a very good idea to accurately measure the tempo of all your songs (that is up to 1/100 of a BPM). Programs such as BpmDj, BpmCount or BpmLive can help you with this. The tempo in general is necessary to a) match the tempo of the new song to the old song and b) set the tempo of various effect boxes exactly to the current playing tempo.

Finding Cool Music

Tip #1: Comb the aisles of your local record store, hit all the online music outlets and follow the dots from song to song and artist to artist (this is the fun part of DJ’ing – research).

Tip #2: ask producers for previews of music and songs that will come out.

The sound quality, timbre, color is created by the original artist. A DJ cannot modify this much. Your set on the other hand belongs to you and the artist has little control over it. What audience you will see depends on the party organizers.

This means that if the songs is not good or boring that it is not your responsibility to fix it. You should select songs that are already good in the first place. How you weave them together in your set is on the other hand your task. Even 5 minutes of crappy songs can ruin your set, so be sure to use the best music you find.

New CD’s

Often if you buy a new CD you want to know what is usable on that CD. In general if I get a new CD I play it from front to back. If I survive that first play then it is a good record. If not then hopefully there were some excellent and remarkable good songs in it. Once this is done, I’m interested in finding mixes that fits to the good songs. This requires some fiddling. Which song can be linked to this cool song. Basic trial and error. I do however only work with the songs that are worth it. I don’t spend much time on songs that ‘might be good if handled like this or this’. Bottom-line is that these were not sufficiently good in the first place.

Select Music

A good strategy to play music for a specific audience is to rely on a number of prototype people you know that like the music that is typically played at a certain kind of party. Think: ‘would this person like this music ?’ This works quite well !

Welcome to Harmonic mixing

Harmonic mixing is easy to learn the technique that helps you sound perfect every time you play. It will offer you a creative way to mix songs together and most likely improve your DJ sets. Your next track will complement the one you’re playing, and your mix will sound musically correct.

Not to get me wrong, harmonic mixing is not a law of professional mixing. It is not a requirement to be a good DJ.

Elements of Harmonic Mixing

There are 2 actions required in order to have a smooth harmonically mixed DJ set.

1. Find the musical key of your tracks

At first, you need to analyze and figure out the musical key of your songs and label all your music so you can find the key quickly.

There are 3 main ways to find the musical key of your tracks.

  • Mixed in Key Software. Mixed In Key is a DJ tool that analyzes music files to determine the key of each song in seconds. Makes it easy to explore your music collection and find songs in the same or compatible keys. It also tags their metadata, so the results will show up on all your favorite DJ software and hardware.
  • Learn to find by ear. It will take time and practice, but with the help of a virtual piano, you will be able to find the key of a song by yourself. There are multiple videos on YouTube to guide you better than words.
  • Research. If your music genre is exclusively electronic you can find the music key of every track on Beatport.com. If not you can still research online and find out.

Don’t forget to write down the key results, so you can find the key quickly. If you use CDs, write it on top of them or an extra cheat sheet. If you use Dj software or Ableton Live, make sure to rename each song and add the key at the end of the track name.

2. Learn which keys sound good together

Harmonic mixing doesn’t mean you’re mixing in the same key for in your entire DJ set. It means you’re mixing two songs that are harmonically compatible. Thankfully, you don’t have to study music theory to learn which keys complement each other. All you really need to know is the musical key of every song you play as a DJ.

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Answers To All Of Your Questions About Loading Services

Moving guide

6-8 Weeks

This is a great time to begin the details of your move.

Lists

Separate lists by items you plan on moving to your new home or to storage. Will they be handled by the movers or yourself?

Donations

Give away items that you do not need. Consider a garage sale if you have time.

Moving company

Get estimates and discuss costs, packing, timing and other necessary details.

Expense

Maintain a file with important information and receipts since moving expenses are deductible.

Community

Research about the community from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau.

Insurance

Transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance through your insurance agent.

Important Information

Place all of your medical records, prescriptions, vaccination and pet records in a safe place.

4-5 Weeks

Be sure to notify your service providers of your move.

Packaging Materials

Buy packing boxes and materials. Available at all of our storage facilities.

Change of Address

Contact the post office, and complete a US postal change of address form.

Children

Register your child(ren) in their new schools.

Utilities

Notify your service providers of your move. Call ahead and arrange to have utilities disconnected and connected to your new home.

Pets

Find out if there are any specific requirements for pet ownership; and obtain the veterinarian records. Arrange for moving day pet care.

2-4 Weeks

Determine your game plan.

Babysitter

Arrange for a babysitter on moving day if you have young kids.

Plants

Some state laws do not allow moving house plants. Consider giving them to friends or a local charity.

Travel

If traveling by car, you may want to get it serviced prior to your moving day departure.

Packing

Start cleaning, sorting and packing. If renting a storage unit, label the boxes and drop off what you currently don’t need.

Don’t Forget

Clear out anything in basements, attics, closets and safety deposit boxes. Also, collect loaned items to friends.

Disassemble

Take a photo of how your electronics are connected. Back up computer files and disassemble large items.

Hazardous Items

Dispose of flammable items like fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets and other hazardous items.

1 Week

Last minute details.

Labels

To ensure the safety of your items, label your boxes ‘Fragile’, ‘Load First’, ‘Load Last’ and ‘Do Not Load’.

Movers

Make sure the moving company has the correct address and a phone number to get in touch with you until you reach your new home.

Clean

Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least one day before moving.

Essentials

Pack a separate bag/box with the essentials you need immediately upon arrival. Carry traveler’s checks or cash for quick payments.

Moving Day

Loading Process

Be present, thoroughly inspect the premises and see to it that nothing is left behind.

Lock Up

Turn off all the switches and lock all of the windows and doors.

Movers

There must be someone to direct the movers. The driver must have your name and phone number. Remember to get the driver’s contact info as well.

Be Patient

If you reach your new home before your mover, sign the bill of lading and make sure your new address and phone number are correct.

Unloading

Make sure there are no missing or damaged items using your inventory list. Plan out the placement of major items in your home.

New State

You will need to renew your driver’s license and other legal papers. Locate hospitals, police stations and fire stations near your new home.

How much does Pack cost?

Pack is perfect for people who…

Are moving between 100-250 miles (great pricing compared to others)

Don’t need more than 3 days to load or unload the container

Live in a rural area; Pack has excellent national coverage

Need their items delivered quickly

Pros

Only pay for the space you use

No deposit or initial fees

Fast delivery time frames

Monthly storage available

Nationwide coverage

Online shipment tracking

Competitive pricing on 100 to 250 mile moves

Cons

No local moving options

Tend to be more expensive for cross-country moves

Parking can be a challenge

The 8′ tall freight trailer can be challenging to pack

Only 3 days to load/unload the container

invented the portable storage container in 1998 and has been an industry leader in containerized moving and storage ever since. While their brand name can sometimes come with a higher price tag, their experience performing nearly 4 million deliveries makes them one of the top moving container companies.

Moving Resource Guide

Moving to a new home or rental property can be seen as a dreaded, tedious task. There are so many things to consider: which moving company to use, which items to pack, the type of box to use, how to load the moving truck, and more. If you’re not a professional mover, navigating the logistics of moving can can be tricky.

you’re an experienced mover or not, whether you’re hiring professional movers or taking care of the transition yourself, this Moving Guide help you save time, choose a moving company, consolidate your truck trips, and improve overall efficiency.

Why are you moving?

Whatever the reason, you’ll need to plan accordingly. If, for example, you’re relocating for work, your employer might cover the costs or provide resources to help you transition. Speak with your company to find out your moving allowances and the resources at your disposa

But, if you’re moving to find a new job, you’ll probably need to be cost-efficient as possible. Research your options thoroughly and plan ahead for bumps in the road. And of course, if you’re a college student, you may need to bribe family and friends with pizza to help you (in addition to being frugal when making your moving plans).

Preparation

Regardless of the reason, don’t wait until the last minute to plan. In the months or weeks leading up to a move, it’s essential to form a plan so you’re not blindsided by unexpected costs or issues. Consider the following questions when planning for your move:

How big is your new place compared to the old one? If you’re downsizing, you might have to get rid of some of your furniture or put it in storage. If you’re moving to a larger place, you might need to buy more furniture to fill it up. For more information on choosing the right storage unit.

What utilities and features are included in your new place, and what will you have to compensate for? If you rent, you might be thrown off by an apartment without a dishwasher or a washer/dryer. If you’ve always had a garage and your new home only has a small storage closet, you’ll have to adjust accordingly.

How far away are you moving, and how much do you own? Can you accomplish this move on your own, or will it be necessary to hire a moving company? If you’re moving across the street, chances are you can handle the move on your own. However, if you’re moving across the country, you’ll likely have to hire professional movers.

Answers to All of Your Questions About Moving

has specialized in interstate moving for more than a century. We’re your resource when moving across state lines—otherwise, you can work directly with your local agent. Along the way, we’ve learned what works best, how to help our customers prepare for their move, and what they should expect during the process. The bottom line? Our expert movers make your move a simple and stress-free process.

On moving day, you can relax and leave all of the hard work to the professional movers. When your driver arrives, he or she will conduct an initial walk-through of your home. This is a good opportunity to let the driver know what items will be shipped and which items will stay. This also allows the driver to visualize how your belongings will best fit in the truck.

The driver and his crew will then prepare your house by protecting the floors and doorways. Once loading is ready to begin, the driver will use the inventory form to document the items, and their condition, going on the truck. The driver and his crew will wrap furniture pads (specially designed blankets) around your furniture to protect it from scratches and other damage. Overstuffed furniture (couches, etc.) will be wrapped in stretch wrap to help prevent damage. Once an item is properly protected it will be loaded on the truck.

PLANNING YOUR MOVE

Planning appropriately is essential for your move. The first step is to get a free in-home estimate—after that, you can decide which available services best fit your budget. as much notice as possible before you move. It’s ideal to have us provide an estimate five to six weeks prior to your desired move date.

WORKING WITH A MOVE MANAGER

Your move manager is your point of contact for any questions or concerns about your move. They’ll oversee the process from start to finish—working directly with agents, drivers, loaders, customer service representatives, and you—and they’re are available for consultation at any point during the process. And remember, you can always check out our moving guides and FAQ page for tips and answers to commonly asked questions.

MOVING GUIDE

Self Storage would like to help make your move less stressful.  Here is an easy to follow guide to help you with your move. Organizing and preparing weeks ahead of your move will reduce your stress, and it will decrease your chances of overlooking important items

6-8 Weeks Before Moving:

This is a great time to begin the details of your move.

Make a list of items you plan on moving to your new home and items you wish to take to storage.

Make a list of items to be handled by the mover and those you will handle yourself. Dispose of the items that you do not need and consider a garage sale if you have time.

Get estimates from several moving companies.

Research and select a professional moving company. After selecting your mover, discuss costs, packing, timing and other necessary details.

Many moving expenses are deductible.  So, maintain a file with important information and receipts for moving related expenses.

If moving to a new community, find out about the schools, parks, recreation, and community programs from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau.

Transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance through your insurance agent.

Place all your medical records in a safe place. Do not forget prescriptions, vaccination, and pet records and other important information

4-5 Weeks Before Moving:

If you are planning to do some of the packing, start collecting moving and packing supplies. Moving supplies are available for purchase at most our storage facilities.

Contact the post office, and complete a US postal change of address form and provide your new address to your telephone company, trash company, cable / satellite, water, electric company, internet provider, insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, clubs, local government agencies and any other utility companies.

Register your children in their new schools. It would be a good idea to involve kids in the moving process. They can help pack their toys and items from their room.

Contact utility companies – electricity, gas, phone and others for disconnection after your scheduled move out. And call ahead to have utilities connected to your new home.

If you have pets make arrangements for transportation. Find out if there are specific requirements for pet ownership in your new township. Also, obtain the veterinarian records.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

If you have young children, you might want to arrange for a baby-sitter on moving day to ensure they remain safe during the loading process.

Remember to return library books and anything you have borrowed. Also, collect items you have loaned to friends.

You may NOT want to pack your valuables in the moving van, think about taking them with you.

Plants – some state laws do not allow moving house plants.  Plants could be given to friends or perhaps a local charity.

If you are going to travel by car, you may want to get the automobile serviced prior to your departure.

Start packing items you don’t currently need.  If renting a storage unit, determine which items go to storage and which items go to your new home.

Don’t forget anything in basements, attics, and closets. Don’t forget about clearing out safety deposit boxes.

Disassemble your computer and back up important computer files. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

Dispose of inflammable items like fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets and other hazardous items.

1 Week Before Moving:

Make sure your items are labeled: ‘Fragile’, ‘Load First’, ‘Load Last’, and ‘Do Not Load’. This is important to ensure the safety of your items.

Ensure that your moving company knows the correct address and phone number of your new home. If possible, also provide them with an address and phone number to get in touch with you until you get to your new home.

It is important to empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least one day before moving.

Make plans flexible, and be prepared in case of delays. Confirm travel arrangements and keep items you will need while the rest of your belongings are in transit.

Pack a box separately with the things you will need immediately upon arriving at your new home. For example- snacks, disposable plates and cups, bathroom items and trash bags.

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Things To Watch Out For When Switches Installation A Shower Cubicle In Your Home

How High to Install a Light Switch

Before you get to wiring and mounting a light switch in a newly added or recently converted space without a wall outlet, learn how high to install the light switch for easy access and mounting.

Q: Our screened-in porch is undergoing some updates, including the installation of overhead lights and addition of a small outdoor kitchen set. Is there standard light switch height I should keep in mind?

A: There’s no hard and fast rule for the correct light switch height; rather, how high you should install your own will depend on your local electrical code ordinances and federal laws governing accessibility. Additionally, you may want to make adjustments to depending on its location in relation to other fixtures or switches in the room and the heights of those who will be using the switch most.

Find out if your local electrical code requires a specific light switch height.

The National Electric Code (NEC) doesn’t set forth a specific minimum light switch height, but your local electrical code may prescribe its own standard—you can usually find the electrical code on your city’s website. Keep in mind that not every city requires a specific minimum height.

The ideal light switch height is 48 inches from the floor.

Builders generally use this standard since this height can be reached as comfortably from the standing position as from the sitting position. Moreover, it falls in line with light switch height ranges prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA). Even if your local electrical code doesn’t require a specific minimum height, these acts offer guidance when installing your light switch: According to ADA guidelines, wall controls and outlets that can be reached from a forward position need to be a minimum of 15 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above the ground to be easily reached from a seated position.

Now, the ADA accessibility guidelines apply to public buildings and very rarely to private residences, and the FHA accessibility guidelines apply to covered multi-family dwellings rather than detached single-family homes. Nevertheless, staying within their light switch height range regardless of your dwelling type is a mindful consideration that allows for easier accessibility when aging in place or recovering from an injury, should a household member ever spend time in a wheelchair—not to mention ensures the accessibility of your property for future owners or tenants

Adjust the height of switches mounted over countertops.

When mounting a light switch over a countertop—for example, in an indoor or outdoor kitchen, an art studio, or a craft room—reduce the standard wall mounting height to 40 inches. This lower light switch height will allow you to avoid interfering with higher-up obstructions on the wall like backsplashes or cabinetry, while still hovering four inches above the top of a standard 36-inch-tall counter.

Electric Cooker Installation Guide

Whilst only a qualified electrician is permitted to install a new circuit for an electric cooker, any competent DIY enthusiast is welcome to replace or upgrade their gas oven to an electrical alternative. This guide will talk you through the process of installing and wiring an electric cooker.

What Preparation is Needed to Install an Electric Cooker?

Firstly, you’ll need to be aware of your requirements. Electric cookers draw a great deal of power – more than a gas oven, because they generate a larger, more evenly distributed amount of intense heat.

With that in mind, you’ll have to be sure that you have a large fuse (the instruction manual of your oven will advise on this – you may get away with 13amps, but typically you’ll need something bigger), a thick, heat-resistant cable (consult a professional electrician if you are unsure of electric cooker cable size requirements) and an accessible double pole isolating switch.

Why Do I Need a Double Pole Isolating Switch, Rather Than a Single?

It’s all a matter of safety. While a single switch overrides the live wiring to your cooker should it need to do so, an oven uses so much power during an electrical circuit that the neutral wire may still be carrying some current. A double pole isolating switch will also power down the neutral wire, and thus remove the risk of residual electrical shocks should you touch the cooker after it has tripped.

What Circuit and Cables are Needed to Install an Electric Cooker?

All electric cookers require their own radial circuit – it is inadvisable for an oven to share a circuit with another major kitchen appliance. Install a cooker control unit within two metres of the cooker, but never directly above it, and run a thick cable that is capable of supporting the amount of electricity that your oven will need to one side.

The Complete Guide to Switches and Sockets

Bathrooms – pull cord switch fitting and repair – Fitting a pull cord switch, replacing the cord or changing the switch. How to replace or change a pull cord switch in a bathroom, shower or wet room.

Electrical – concealed worktop sockets – Fitting pop up kitchen Worktop sockets – In this DIY guide we show you how to easily install a pop up kitchen worktop socket including how to work out where the hole needs to go and how to fix the unit in place

Electrical – lights and switches – How to fit lights and switches and wire a ceiling rose. Light switch not working? See how to fix in or rewire your lights and switches

Electrical – outdoor socket installation – Instruction and advice on how to wire and fit an exterior electrical socket

Electrical – socket heights – In this project guide learn about the height requirements of electrical sockets, light switches, intercom systems, tv sockets, phone sockets, door bells and worktop sockets in existing properties and new build properties

GUIDE TO RCD ELECTRICAL SAFETY SWITCHES: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Getting RCD Electrical Safety switches installed in your house is an essential task. Ensure the safety of your family in the long run. Without RCD Electrical Safety switches, everyday tasks, using electrical appliances could turn disastrous in a blink of an eye. Orion is an Emergency Electricianprovider

WHAT IS AN RCD SAFETY SWITCH AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Essentially, residual current devices (RCDs) are used for protection against direct and indirect contacts. An RCD prevents you from receiving electric shocks if you were to touch a live wire. RCDs provide protection from electricity ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot offer.

The RCD is a device that automatically switches off the electricity running through if there is a fault. It operates by continually monitoring the electric current flowing through circuits. If any electricity is detected going through a path that is not intended, the RCD will stop the electricity from flowing through within 20 milliseconds.

TYPES OF RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES

For the usual types of RCD use within a household, there are only five different types of RCDs Within a household, there are only approximately five different types of RCDs

RCCB (Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker)

An RCCB is a device that is used to make, carry and break currents under common conditions. However, it is not designed to defend against overloads or short-circuits. These types of RCDs must be used alongside an overcurrent protective device, for example, a fuse or circuit breaker.

RCBO (Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker)

An RCBO is a device that is used to make, carry and break currents under common conditions. In addition to this, it is intended to provide protection against overloads and short-circuits. This means that it does not have to be used alongside an overcurrent protective device like the RCCB.

SRCD (Socket-Outlet incorporating a Residual Current Device)

An SRCD is an outlet used for fixed installations. It uses an integral sensing circuit which automatically causes the contacts to open at a predetermined value of residual current.

FCURCD (Fused Connection Unit incorporating a Residual Current Device)

A fused connection unit used for fixed installations uses an integral sensing circuit which automatically causes the contacts to open at a predetermined value of residual current.

PRCD (Portable Residual Current Device)

A plug with a residual current device and one or more socket-outlets. They may have overcurrent protection.

Cost to Install or Move a Light Switch

The factors that affect how much moving a switch will cost depends on whether you are adding wiring, a circuit breaker, the type and expense of the switch, and cost of labor charged by your electrician.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Light Switch?

Although there are variables, the national average to add or move a light switch is $150. Homeowners typically spend between $100 and $200 per switch, though changing out several will reduce the cost of each.

The cost to hire an electrician average $50 – $100 per hour. Although the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) sets prices in your area, licensed electricians are not obligated to respect that amount. They might charge more or less based on the amount of work they have, overhead, and other fluctuations. Hiring local is best because they know the municipal codes and are more likely to pass inspection the first time.

Moving a Light Switch

The average cost of moving a switch is $100 – $200. When an electrician must cut a hole for a light switch where there wasn’t one previously, it might require repairs to drywall or sheetrock and wall coverings.

Replacing a Light Switch

Merely replacing a light switch because it’s broken usually costs less than $100, depending on the electrician’s minimum service charge, which typically gets rolled into the cost of the switch.

Three or Four-Way Switches

The three-way switch can control one fixture, but from two locations; such as at the top and bottom of the stairs and costs $3 – $15. Four-way switches cost $10 – $25 and can control a fixture from three places.

Dimmers: How They Work & How Much They Cost

Upgrading any light switch to include a dimmer allows the user to brighten or dim the lights depending on their needs. Although these dimmers are typically inexpensive, your home’s current wiring might need an upgrade, which will make it more expensive. For example, if you want to be able to control the brightness from two locations, you will need a three/four-way switch.

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How To Get Help From Immigration Lawyer

How do I choose a lawyer?

Most of the large law firms in Canada do not provide immigration services. The area is generally covered by lawyers who practice independently.

Choosing a good lawyer requires research, and may include the following:

Referrals/References

This is the most reliable factor. Clients who have had a good experience will refer friends and relatives. A good lawyer should be able to put forwarded satisfied clients as references.

Specialization

Canadian immigration policy undergoes continuous change. A specialist, generally defined as having more than 10 years of full-time experience, is more likely to be abreast of those changes.

Experience

me lawyers are vastly experienced. This does not automatically translate to expertise, but it is an important factor.

Contract

This is required by all Professional Orders. You should receive a detailed written contract from your lawyer.

Funds “in trust”

Applicants should make fees payable to the lawyer or law firm “in trust”. This is a condition demanded by Professional Orders. Client fees are held in a separate trust account monitored by the Professional Order. This provides a good indication the lawyer in question adheres to current rules. Applicants should be cautious about making any payment to a corporate entity, regardless of the recipient.

Working with an Immigration Attorney

Immigrants should take an active role in the immigration process. An attorney can help guide an immigrant through the procedure and make any required legal arguments, but the immigrants must supply the facts. This typically means going through files and getting copies of all the necessary documents to the attorney’s office. The most successful cases are the ones where immigrants work with their attorneys to compile the necessary information and make the proper filings in a timely fashion. This section contains resources and tips to help immigrants assist their attorneys as they make their case before the USCIS.

Learn About Working with an Immigration Attorney

The Role of an Immigration Attorney

If you’re planning on entering the U.S. or you’re dealing with an immigration issue, it may be in your best interest to consult with an attorney. This article explains a number of situations in which you should seek legal help.

Immigration Intake Questionnaire

Your attorney will need to know a lot about you and your immigration history in order to best prepare your case. This intake questionnaire will help you organize your information for when you meet with an attorney.

Documents To Show Your Attorney: Applying for Citizenship

If you’re planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, you’ll need to fill out and file a number of documents. This checklist will help you ensure that you have all of the required documents when it’s time to file.

Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer to Represent You

As anyone that’s gone through the process will tell you, navigating any area of immigration law is not an endeavor you’d want to go through alone. There is an extensive paperwork process that goes along with immigration that even natural-born U.S. citizens would struggle with, let alone immigrants from other countries for whom English is not their first language.

The truth about U.S. immigration is that many potential immigrants are not clear about everything required of them during the process, and this lack of information becomes a barrier from get into the country and staying there legally. Don’t let poor or insufficient legal representation be the reason you or your loved ones have to be uprooted from their homes. Here are 7 ways you can benefit from hiring an immigration lawyer to represent you throughout this complicated arm of the legal system:

1. A Good Immigration Lawyer Avoids Mistakes

Filing the correct paperwork is an important part of the processes of acquiring a visa, getting a loved on residence in the United States, and finalizing your marriage to an immigrant, among other procedures. This paperwork is usually extensive and complicated, and without the help of an expert, there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes that sink your entire application permanently.

An experienced immigration attorney can walk you through the correct steps to apply for work permits, marriage licenses and citizenship, without allowing mistakes that derail your chance to get these crucial documents authorized by the proper parties.

2. They Are Seasoned by Experience

One of the most important benefits that hiring an immigration lawyer can offer is less tangible than the others. The help of an expert that has experience making immigrants’ dreams into realities cannot be understated.

You see, it’s invaluable to hire someone that’s done it before for thousands in the same position as you find yourself now. It’s one thing to understand the law; it’s another to understand how to find success for your clients.

3. Immigration Attorneys Can Maneuver the Permits and Regulations

A good immigration lawyer is an expert on all the procedural maneuvers necessary to get you where you want to be. Whether that’s obtaining work permit in the United States, acquiring permanent residency or full U.S. citizenship, an expert immigration attorney is a veritable expert on what you need to make that happen.

Maybe you’ll be able to make it through the process on your own but there’s a good chance you’d have something missing on your various applications that ties them up in the complex regulatory system, or causes them to be rejected entirely. Why leave your future up to a gamble?

4. They Can Explain Your Options to You

No matter what you’re situation is, you have options. Your expert immigration attorney can lay out these options in front of you, making sure you understand the full scope of your circumstances. Whether you’re facing deportation or something else, your situation is likely very sensitive, and urgent. Isn’t it important that you understand those options that you can take moving forward?

5. An Immigration Lawyer Can Advise You As a Permanent Resident

Even after obtaining a work visa or permanent U.S. residency, immigrants still have special laws that apply only to them. If you don’t follow these laws during your time in the country, you could be deported before your visa is expired or after acquiring permanent resident status. A skilled immigration lawyer can help understand these laws so you don’t endanger your status as an immigrant with residency in the United States.

6. A Lawyer Can Help You Find a Legal Job

Immigrants have a more difficult time trying to find legal employment than the average American, let alone a job that earns a competitive salary in the United States.

An immigration lawyer can assist you in the process of applying to jobs, interacting with human relations staff, and seeking employment opportunities. As an immigrant, you probably aren’t familiar with all the tools available for Americans to find jobs; luckily for you, your immigration lawyer probably is, or at the very least can guide you to hiring and recruiting resources.

Ways An Expert Immigration Attorney Can Help

The United States is a country of immigrants – it is a diverse melting pot of cultures and peoples. In fact, between 98-99% of US citizens are related to an immigrant. Despite the nation’s storied history and global roots, immigration continues to be a controversial issue amongst both citizens and political leaders. Further, current immigration structures are likely to change within the coming years, and migrating to the US permanently will probably become more difficult. Enforcement policies have already become more strict, with ICE intensely guarding US borders and conducting deportation raids. Considering this, the best tool in your arsenal is the knowledge that an expert immigration attorney can provide.

Above all, immigrants facing court proceedings are more likely to experience successful outcomes if they have legal counsel. This article lists some of the most prominent reasons why you may need to consult with an immigration lawyer. If you don’t see your specific situation below, that’s okay – this list is not exhaustive.

You Are Applying For Asylum.

The application process for potential asylees is complicated and can take months (or even years). Any error or omission on any paperwork or evidence can lead to delay or denial of an asylee’s application. Further, all asylum seekers must be able to prove that they face credible threats of violence, harm, or imprisonment upon return to their home country. Typically, a government official will interview a potential asylee to determine credible fear. This process is often stressful for applicants, as they have to relive potential trauma and discuss personal histories with a stranger. But a lawyer can protect an asylee’s rights, ensuring a fair application and interview process. Additionally, skilled lawyers provide support, both emotional and legal, during stressful interview proceedings.

You Want To Apply For A Green Card.

A green card is the gateway to permanent residence in the United States. Green cards provide lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to qualified foreign nationals for a limited amount of time. But, only certain people can apply for green cards, based on several eligibility categories. If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply for a green card, an experienced immigration lawyer can help.

Depending on your status, applying for a green card can be fairly straightforward or very difficult. Processing times vary depending on application type and submission location. No matter the situation, a lawyer will provide insider knowledge and keen insight. An immigration attorney can:

  • Let you know if you are eligible for a green card;
  • Explain any bars to eligibility that may prevent you from applying;
  • Help you sponsor a loved one’s green card application;
  • Guide the application process, including completion and submission of paperwork;
  • Represent you should any questions or concerns arise; and/or
  • Ensure your rights are protected.

You Currently Have Special Immigration Status.

Special immigration status is often provided through government-designed programs or initiatives. Examples of these are the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. While these programs provide a multitude of benefits, at this time they do not provide a direct path to permanent legal status and, eventually, citizenship. This unfortunately means that those who possess special status are often vulnerable to changing government opinions or priorities. Recently, the Trump administration has attacked both TPS and DACA, leaving beneficiaries of both programs unsure of their futures in America. If you fear losing your special immigration status, don’t lose hope. An expert immigration attorney can help identify potential paths forward and defend your rights.

Reasons Why You Need An Immigration Lawyer

Do you plan to work or live in Canada but are in a quandary, wondering whether it would be best to hire an immigration lawyer? Immigration entails lots of paperwork and a deeper understanding of the country’s procedural bureaucracy. Therefore, navigating immigration laws, issues and procedures is a serious matter that you wouldn’t want to go through alone.

Here are five reasons why you need to hire an immigration lawyer to help you seamlessly maneuver through Canada’s complex legal system:

Equipped with knowledge, experience and expertise

A seasoned immigration lawyer can easily walk you through the nitty-gritty of immigrating to Canada. Being well-versed in immigration laws, procedures and constantly updated about recent regulatory changes, he can explain a number of options unique to your case. Whether it is working legally in Canada, obtaining a permanent residency or citizenship, or getting a spousal visa, he can help you fully understand your circumstances.

Handle documentation requirements

Filling out forms and other documents correctly is crucial in your application. Mistakes can result in your application being turned down entirely. By having a professional guide, you will ensure that all the requisite documentation is complete, correct, and submitted on time to be approved by the authorities.

Track your case

Tracking your petition once all the requirements have been submitted to the concerned agencies is the full responsibility of your immigration lawyer. He can make inquiries and quickly act if there are requests for additional information or clarification. He can even help with the appeal process, letting you understand why a petition was denied and how you can proceed with the appeal.

Defend your rights

Hiring an immigration attorney means having someone who knows your entire case and is able to represent you through every step of the process. Your lawyer will have your best interests at heart, defend your rights when communicating about your case, and protect you from being exploited or abused.

Help you legally live in the country

It is every immigrant’s dream to obtain permanent residency or citizenship in any country they choose to live. While an attorney can help immigrants find a job legally, citizens on a working visa remain subject to laws that are only applicable to them. They can even face deportation before their visa expires. An immigration expert can assist and guide you in obtaining a permanent residency, protect you from endangering your residency status, or suggest a path towards citizenship.

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Mold Remediation Must Be Done Correctly

THE GUIDE TO MOLD REMEDIATION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Mold is impossible to avoid – even in the workplace. Millions of spores are floating in the air at any given moment – needing only the slightest bit of humidity or a damp surface to propagate and spread. Mold not only poses a potential health threat to the staff working in those conditions but can compromise the integrity of a building’s structure as it feeds on (and thus, breaks down) organic matter. Walls, wallpapering, carpeting and a number of other structural elements are at risk when mold goes unchecked.

Even more problematic is when mold becomes so embedded in a surface or structure that it cannot be salvaged, and therefore it must be disposed of. If you suspect that your establishment might be afflicted by mold, time is of the essence, so it is important to act quickly. An effective remediation plan will identify the conditions that are conducive to mold growth, correct those conditions and safely oversee the removal of afflicted surfaces. If you are unsure how to proceed, this guide to mold remediation for business owners will walk you through every step of the process.

Confirming The Presence of Mold

Musty smells, leaks and faulty ventilation are strong indications that mold is likely to be present. If the presence of mold has yet to be confirmed, there are multiple ways to test for it. There are mold test kits that take samples of the air, surface, or materials of the suspected location. Culture tests can identify which particular strains of mold are present. However, as businesses may have more intricate and complicated HVAC systems, professional mold testing is recommended.

Assessing the Affected Area

Once the presence of mold has been confirmed, the extent of the damage must be assessed. This includes the size of the affected area, sources of moisture, as well as the type of materials that were damaged. Such an examination can identify whether the mold poses any immediate health risks or how intensive the remediation process will be. If the damage is extensive, the premises may have to be vacated during the remediation process.

There are four levels of mold contamination, ranging from 1 to 4. These levels are determined by the size of the contamination and determine the remediation guidelines:

Level 1: Small isolated area that’s 10 square feet or less.

Level 2: Mid-sized isolated areas between 10 and 30 square feet

Level 3: Large isolated areas are between 30 and 100 square feet

Level 4: Extensive contamination is anything greater than 100 square feet

Mould remediation standard and reference guide for public review

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is revising the IICRC ‘S520-2008 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation’. The draft S520 Standard was available from 5 July to 19 August 2013 for the first round of public review, and is available now for the second round of public review and comment.

A procedural standard and reference guide for the remediation of mould damaged structures and contents, S520 is based on reliable remediation and restoration principles, research and practical experience. It attempts to combine essential academic principles with practical elements of water damage restoration for technicians facing ‘real-life’ mould remediation challenges, explains the IICRC.

The S520 is written for use by those involved in the mould remediation industry and is the result of collaboration among microbiologists and other scientists; public health professionals; industrial hygienists; remediation contractors; restoration service companies; cleaning and restoration training schools; and trade associations.

The IICRC S520 draft Standard is available for review and comment as part of the ANSI 45-day public review period from 13 March to 27 April, 2015. In addition, the draft S520 Reference Guide is also available separately during the same time period for informal peer review and comment.

Water damage guide for review

The IICRC has also been working on revising the ANSI/IICRC S500-2006 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration. Substantive changes made to the draft Standard since the third public review in August 2014 are currently available for the fourth round of public review and comment from 6 March to 5 April, 2015.

DIY Mold Cleaning

Mold is present in all environments everywhere in the world. It is impractical to remove all mold spores from a structure with current technology. The goal of remediation is to control the levels of mold and restore the structure to a “normal” level.

Visible mold growth in a structure can produce higher than normal spore counts in the air. Mold spores may settle on surfaces and contents throughout. This increases the the chances of future mold growth, and can impact those suffering from health issues related to mold exposure.

With time, air quality should return to normal background levels after you identify the source of mold and correct it. Yet, even when you improve the air quality, there may still be elevated levels of mold spores on surfaces throughout the home. You may also reduce these surface spores over time, depending on how often you clean.

Many people, especially those with health problems, won’t want to wait for the spore counts to reduce over time. You can remove the settled spores more quickly with a thorough cleaning. To do this, you must clean all surfaces and contents in the home, or the affected area(s). There is a lot of time and labor involved, which can make hiring a contractor very expensive. We want to help you avoid that cost by telling you how you can do it yourself.

Cleaning Procedures

You will need some of the following supplies to get started. Almost all the items in this list are available at your local hardware and big box stores.

Supplies & Equipment

N-95 Disposable Particulate Masks

Disposable Nitrile Gloves

HEPA filtered vacuum – (See below)

General/All-Purpose Cleaners

Rags – Cloth

Bucket

Mop/Mop Bucket

Furniture Sliders

A Guide to Mold Remediation for Air Conditioners

Mold that accumulates inside your air conditioner exposes your family to airborne mold every time you use the system. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a number of health complications, from allergies to severe respiratory problems. If you think your air conditioner might need mold remediation, it pays to know what caused the problem and how you can keep it from happening again.

What Causes Mold Growth in Air Conditioners?

Excess moisture is the primary culprit in mold growth. Since air conditioners cycle on and off, moisture tends to collect in the ductwork and air handler. Warm, humid locations are particularly prone to moisture buildup because there’s more water vapor present.

Irregular maintenance and usage can also contribute to mold in an air conditioning unit. Dust and organic matter retain moisture and provide a breeding ground for mold. Using the system helps circulate air and prevent buildup, and routine maintenance gets rid of excess debris. Skipping these allows it to remain in place and absorb water.

What Should You Do If You Discover Mold?

Mold is a serious issue, so you need to contact a mold remediation expert if you discover it. These HVAC specialists are trained to identify the sources of mold issues and will use the proper cleaning, disinfecting, and decontaminating techniques to remove mold from the unit’s internal components and ductwork.

What Are Some Ways to Deter Future Mold Growth?

Regular maintenance is key to removing dirt, dust, and debris that can permit mold growth. Change the air filter every 90 to eliminate organic matter that collected in your unit, and use this time to inspect the system. Make sure the air conditioning coils are clean and free from damage.

Mold Remediation For Landlords

Liability is always a concern for landlords, that’s why most won’t even rent to a new applicant without conducting a proper tenant background check. Thus, it’s easy to understand why the mention of “mold” and “millions” together would give a property owner nightmares. Not only is indoor exposure to mold known to cause respiratory problems and other health issues in some individuals, but mold is everywhere — and because moisture is critical to its ability to grow to elevated levels, something as simple as a leaky pipe could prove costly.

While causation is difficult to prove, you as a landlord have enough to do without being tied up in court. And whether there is litigation or not, a prevalence of mold could lead to tenant loss.

Mold issues in buildings are a result of water/moisture problems. Mold also needs an organic food source — and many building materials serve that purpose — and high relative humidity. The water source is the easiest factor to control.

As a landlord, the mold problem is not yours alone. Mold can grow in 24 to 48 hours after a water intrusion, so the tenant bears some responsibility for notifying the landlord the mold situation or water leak exists, and for reporting water stains that indicate a leak. Tenants also should use exhaust fans and control humidity. Mold can be hidden in many places, and a landlord generally cannot be held liable unless he or she knew — or should have known — the problem existed.

If the area where mold is growing is small, researching how to clean mold as the landlord and doing the work yourself can save the cost of hiring a mold remediation specialist.

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Payroll Service For Small Business

Common Payroll Mistakes That Small Businesses Make All Too Often

Achieving a high level of payroll performance isn’t easy – but simple errors could be making your job harder than it needs to be…

Although it takes place behind the scenes, every good business owner knows that payroll is integral to their operation. Unfortunately, that also means any problems in the process, however minor, can affect almost every level of a business. Although fundamentally concerned with paying employees on time, payroll is also about navigating the labyrinth of detailed legal regulations that come with calculating employees’ tax and social security contributions – and avoiding costly penalties for non-compliance.

Recent research showed that payroll mistakes cost UK employers over £700 million in the 2015/16 financial year – the combined result of fines collected by HMRC. Beyond the damage of financial penalties however, payroll mistakes also chip away at the confidence of both employees and clients – and quickly erode a business’ reputation within its professional community.

The common mistakes…

The good news is most common payroll mistakes can be handled, mitigated or avoided through a combination of employee training, and forward planning. To help you get to grips with the challenges your organisation might be facing, why not check out this list of simple mistakes that affect small business’ payroll departments…

Payroll size

When you build your payroll department, it’s important to think carefully about the job you need it to do. Too many small businesses miscalculate at this stage and create a payroll which doesn’t fit their business needs – either too large to be cost effective, or too small to manage the administrative burden placed upon it. While this error may not have immediate effects, problems will inevitably emerge down the line in the event of an unexpected payroll delay or compliance challenge – when it’s much harder to make adjustments.

Numerous factors are important here, including your business’ commercial sector, your location, number of employees, average work hours, and more. Ultimately, the information you gather about your prospective payroll’s shape and size will help you make ongoing decisions about the number of administrators you hire, the type of software they use, and what kind of training they need.

Observing deadlines

One of the most basic duties of a payroll department is to meet a number of important dates and deadlines on the tax calendar. Don’t neglect these tax basics: from understanding when the tax year starts and ends, to meeting remittance deadlines, every member of your payroll team should know what needs to happen, and when – or risk incurring compliance penalties.

Ensuring employees are familiar with the tax landscape isn’t difficult – and could be as simple as marking important dates on a shared calendar at the start of every tax year. Similarly, payroll employees should understand how to communicate with, and report to, the relevant authorities they’ll be dealing with in their role as administrators.

Failing to automate

Putting this one right on top of the list makes sense because poor systems and controls are the root cause of most of the other payroll mistakes listed below. If you don’t have an automated system in place, you can easily make errors in calculating employee salaries and deductions, and in recording employee information and transactional data.

Failing to automate also means the payroll team spends most of its time on compliance and admin issues, when it should ideally be focusing on helping the business understand payroll costs, identify trends, enable better employee experiences, and provide strategic advice to finance and management teams.

Not putting checks and balances in place

Payroll fraud is a major risk for businesses today and is often discovered by accident, only after the company has lost a vast amount of money. Many small- and medium-sized businesses are vulnerable to payroll fraud because they don’t put appropriate checks in place. For example, they often give one accountant or payroll manager complete access to the payroll system and company bank account.

The simplest way to prevent most incidents of payroll fraud is to enforce segregation of duties in the payroll department. Employees calculating pay rates and accumulated hours for payroll should ideally not be the same people who process the payments. Different people should have responsibility for capturing payroll data and for managing access to the system as well as adding and removing employees from the payroll. Yet another person could be tasked with checking whether the numbers add up.

Not Maintaining Data Integrity

In the immortal words of bookkeeper and Knit customer Sherri Lee-Mathers, “if you put garbage in, you’re going to get garbage out.” By this she means that the kind of data you input into your new payroll system will influence what you get out. If the data is inaccurate from the start, it may become embedded in the system, and result in significant errors over time.

In order to avoid the dreaded “garbage in, garbage out” scenario, it’s important to prepare your data well in advance. Prior to making the switch, take the time to:

  • Audit your current data—all of it.
  • Cleanse your data of anything you might not need anymore (keeping in mind that the CRA requires you to “keep all required records and supporting documents for a period of six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to”).
  • Identify any missing payroll fields.
  • Request any important documents from your current provider, such as copies of all Payroll Register Reports and copies of pay stubs for all employees, so you have a complete set of records for each employee.

While it may seem like a time-consuming process, taking the time to check for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies upfront will save you from countless errors down the line.

Not Customizing the Platform

For those unfamiliar with payroll or used to doing things manually, payroll software may seem like a kind of “one-size-fits-all” solution. As a result, many payroll administrators sometimes stick to the default settings on their new platform. This often means that things are running less efficiently than they could be and that the company is not enjoying the full benefits of the software.

In reality, many of today’s cloud-based payroll systems are extremely flexible and can be configured to fit your company’s exact needs. Whether that means adding custom income types or running off-cycle payrolls, many platforms can be adjusted to your exact specifications. Therefore, when implementing a new payroll software, it can be beneficial to customize the platform upfront.

Misclassified Employees

The Problem

Companies often don’t realize that not everyone who works for them is actually considered an employee. If you hire independent contractors, temporary employees, or freelancers, they are not treated the same as employees when it comes to payroll.

In addition to determining their eligibility for benefits, the distinction dictates whether federal income and employment taxes are withheld. It also determines if you need to use a W-2 (for employees) or a 1099 (for non-employees) when reporting to the IRS.

Misclassifying an employee can result in costly fines and other administrative headaches.

The Solution

Any time you’re hiring someone, make sure you understand exactly how they’ll work within your organization according to the IRS’s standards.

The IRS has resources available to help determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Also, if you know you’ve made a mistake, you can see if you qualify for the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program—but keep in mind that there will still be penalties.

Overtime calculation flaws

Overtime calculations are the primary components in several payroll disputes. The average work hours permitted and the number of hours taken into account for overtime could be the crux of the dispute.

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey of 2017-18, conducted by the National Statistics Office, most of the employees in the country work more than 48 hours per week.

How to avoid

Knowing the current overtime laws and adding the overtime bonus in the pay, on time, would avoid problems. This is another place where having an outsourced team for payroll management can solve your concerns.

You need up-to-date information about any amendments that the Labour and Employment ministry brings. The payroll team pays undivided attention to all these aspects to help secure your organization from legal issues.

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Carpet Cleaning Practices Consumers Can Believe In

Ultimate Carpet Cleaning Guide for Every Homeowner

Do you wish to give your home a fresh and inspiring feel, this New Year? Are you on the lookout for ways to ensure a welcoming environment in your home? If so, seeking professional carpet cleaning services is necessary to maintain good hygiene standards and ensure inviting ambience. Clean carpeting creates a great impression and enhances the appeal of your interiors.

Grubby carpets have an opposite effect, creating an unhygienic and cluttered impression. Whilst carpets age from the moment they are laid, you can maintain their appearance with a few key steps. Carpeting is often the breeding ground for microorganisms like mould, mildew, dust mites and other pollutants. Maintaining the clean and fresh appearance of your carpeting is essential to creating a hygienic and clutter-free impression

Vacuum Your Carpets Regularly

Do you know that whenever you walk on a rug, you transfer particles of dust and dirt onto the carpet fibres? This debris quickly degrades your carpet fibres and makes them look grubby with time. In case you have kids or pets in your home, vacuuming thoroughly on a regular basis is important. And, even if you live alone, vacuuming a few times every week is important. This will make a difference in the appeal and life of your carpet a few years down the line.

Remove Your Shoes

The quickest way your carpet will age prematurely is to walk over them with your shoes on. Also, it causes soiling. Outdoor footwear traps dirt in the treads and deposits it onto your carpet. This dirt will act as an abrasive agent to the carpet fibres. Not only does this cause them to wear out, but also lose their original quality.

Hire Professional Cleaners

Specialist carpet cleaning will preserve the attractive look of your carpets and ensure they last many years to come. Clean carpets tend to last for numerous years longer than if they are neglected. While vacuuming can remove some of the debris from the fibres, expert cleaning can clean deep down into the base. Also, it can remove stains even before they become permanent stains.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

What You Need to Know

The beauty and life of your carpet depend on the care it receives. Proper cleaning will keep it looking great for its full lifetime, help improve your indoor air quality, and keep your carpet warranties intact.

Cleaning your carpet properly is easier than you think. All it takes is a little knowledge about how to select the right carpet cleaning products and the right way to clean your carpet.  The Seal of Approval Program helps you easily identify effective carpet cleaning solutions, equipment, and service providers that clean carpet right the first time, without the fear of faster resoiling, stains reappearing, or damage to your carpet or the environment.

Steps for Proper Carpet Care

Carpet cleaning is all about developing a routine. If you get into a good routine and keep it up, you will see great results. Products that rate highly on Seal of Approval (SOA) program are your assurance that you will clean correctly the first time (more on the SOA program below).

Here are four simple steps to keep your carpet clean and looking great:

Vacuum regularly and more frequently in high traffic areas, and everywhere according to a vacuuming schedule, using a Seal of Approval-certified vacuum.

Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to resoil quicker. SOA-certified solutions to clean effectively and maintain the life of carpet.

Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime. SOA-certified cleaners are recommended and sometimes required by the manufacturer.

Stop dirt at the door by using mats outside and in, taking your shoes off when you enter the house and changing your air filters to reduce airborne dust particles.

Basic Rug Care

Rugs deserve the same care as wall-to-wall carpet and, in some cases, require special attention.

Washing rugs — If your rug is small and the label says “machine washable,” shake the rug outside first and then put it in the washing machine at the recommended temperature. Use warm water (90 to 105 degrees) and a mild detergent. Tumble your rug dry on the lowest heat setting.

Beating larger rugs — If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside first; then put it over a clothesline and beat it. Next, take the rug inside and vacuum it. Many carpet cleaning professionals have rug cleaning expertise as well, but, if the label says dry clean only, your best bet may be to roll it up and take it to a dry cleaner. Save time by calling first to see if the cleaner does rug cleaning — many do not.

Vacuuming area rugs — Area rugs with fringe require special technique. Use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe, and being careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe.

Caring for Oriental, Turkish, or Persian rugs — Clean imported rugs according to your carpet manufacturer’s specifications or bring in a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom-type rugs, you need to hire a professional.

Carpet Cleaning Instructions

Whether you are having a big party or it’s just time for a thorough house cleaning, these carpet cleaning instructions will provide you with the knowledge to get the job done right.

Carpet Cleaning Instructions

When cleaning your carpet, follow these carpet cleaning instructions to make sure stains are removed as well as leaving your flooring feeling clean and fresh.

Vacuum

Vacuuming is the first step in cleaning your carpets. You want to remove as much loose dry dirt as possible so that it will not be set into the carpet while cleaning. Vacuum the carpet from several directions (horizontally and vertically) to fluff up the carpet fibers and remove the most debris.

Inspect For Stains

Crawl or walk around the entire carpeted area looking for stains. Determine what type of stains you find or what caused the stain and use the cleaning method best for that type of stain.

Treat the Stains

It is best to treat stains as quickly as possible after they occur, to prevent the stain from setting into the carpet fibers. If the stain occurred sometime in the past, you should still try to remove it. Different types of stains require different treatments.

Taking Care of Your Carpet

Cleaning your carpet is easier than you think. All is takes is the right vacuum, cleaning products, and a little know-how. Here are a few tips on removing common stains the right way:

Always treat the affected area immediately. The longer the spill sits there, the harder it’ll be to remove the stain.

For a food spill, gently remove as much solid material as you can with a spoon, or a dull knife. Add water and blot, using detergent sparingly if needed. Then, using the highest suction function, vacuum back and forth, adding more water to the stain as you go until completely clean.

If you need a spot removal solvent, use a product approved by The Carpet and Rug Institute of America. Apply several drops to a clean white cloth and blot the carpet in an inconspicuous area. If you notice a change in the carpet color, consult a professional carpet cleaner.

If stains remain after cleaning, moisten tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for one hour. Blot and repeat until completely clean.

Keeping Your Carpet Beautiful

Follow these simple tips to keep your carpet’s color and texture looking fresh.

Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent soil from embedding itself in the pile.

Depending on the type of carpet you have, you’ll want to use a vacuum with a rotating brush, a beater bar, or suction only.

Keeping traffic and other use factors in mind, consider professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months.

Use scissors to clip sprouts and snags. Don’t pull on them—you might damage the carpet.

If your carpet is burned, simply remove the tops of the dark, burnt fibers with curved fingernail scissors. If the burn is extensive, you may need to patch or replace it.

Remove heavy furniture dents by stroking the dented area with the edge of a coin. You can also use a hair dryer or a steam iron, but be very careful not to touch the carpet with the iron.

For extensive water damage, consult professional cleaners to dry your carpet from the front and back.

Tips for Soft Carpet

Adjustable Height — Use the highest setting where appropriate.

Efficient Airflow — Avoid vacuums with very concentrated or sealed suction.

Large Wheels — A vacuum with large wheels is easier to move across soft carpeting.

How to Clean Carpet Like a Pro for Floors that Look Like New

Carpet has many merits and advantages as a flooring material, but spills can leave stains and daily traffic takes its toll. Learn how to clean carpet with methods for vacuuming, deep cleaning, and stain removal that will help your carpets look better and last longer.

Carpets warm a home by adding color, pattern, and texture. However, keeping your carpets looking fresh requires a different cleaning method than an area rug or hardwood floors, for example.

Frequent vacuuming provides the first line of defense against dirt and grit that damages carpet fibers, but carpets also need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. Plan to deep clean your carpet every 12 to 18 months (or more often in high-traffic areas). If you have light-colored carpet or kids or pets, consider a deep clean two or three times a year.

Refer to the carpet manufacturer’s guidelines before cleaning your carpets. Then use our instructions below for the best carpet cleaning tips. We’ll show you how to clean carpet with various methods such as water extraction, dry extraction, rental carpet cleaners, and more.

How to Test for Colorfastness

Before you begin cleaning carpets, the first step is to test its colorfastness. Colorfast carpet will not bleed, fade, or change when you are cleaning it or removing stains. The colorfastness will help you decide the best carpet cleaning method, products, or machines to use.

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Pay Info For Dermatologist

What’s dermatology?

The root word for dermatology is derm, or dermis. This comes from the Greek word derma, which means skin or hide.

Dermatology is a special area of medicine that focuses on conditions that affect your skin. In addition to your skin, dermatology also includes conditions that affect your nails, hair, and the delicate lining of your eyelids, nose, and mouth.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It contains nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, pores, blood vessels, and many other structures. Caring for it is important to your overall health.

While general practitioners and internal medicine doctors may be able to diagnose and treat these same conditions, a dermatologist has a deeper understanding and greater experience. In fact, many primary care doctors will refer their patients to dermatologists for specialized care.

What do dermatologists do?

A dermatologist’s work can typically be divided into three areas. These include:

Medical. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat conditions that affect your skin. This includes conditions like plaque psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. A dermatologist can also identify symptoms on your skin that could be signs of other health conditions. For example, itchy, dry skin can sometimes indicate problems with your kidneys.

Surgery. Many dermatologists do minor surgery, like removing moles or warts or doing skin biopsies. Other dermatologists will specialize in more extensive surgery. These procedures can include removing benign cysts or skin cancer.

Cosmetic. A dermatologist can treat skin issues that affect your appearance. This may include hair loss, dark spots, or wrinkles. Many dermatologists are trained to administer cosmetic treatments, too. These include fillers, chemical peels, and laser hair removal.

What types of procedures do they do?

Dermatologists can perform a wide variety of procedures, from minor ones like skin tag removal to more involved ones, like skin cancer surgery.

Some procedures that dermatologists regularly do include:

  • Biopsies. A dermatologist can perform different types of biopsy procedures to diagnose or rule out skin cancer or other conditions.
  • Laser therapy. Laser therapy treatments may be used to remove warts, moles, sun spots, tattoos, acne scars, blemishes, wrinkles, or unwanted hair.
  • Surgical excision. A dermatologist may perform a surgical excision to remove growths like moles, skin tags, and lesions. This is usually done with local anesthesia so you don’t feel pain.
  • Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is a unique treatment that involves controlled exposure to extremely cold temperatures. It can be used to treat skin conditions like warts, skin tags, and some tumors.
  • Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a procedure that helps treat spider and varicose veins. It involves injecting chemicals into damaged veins which help to diminish the appearance of these types of veins.
  • Mohs surgery. This type of skin cancer surgery removes thin layers of tissue around a tumor. Between each removal, the doctor examines the skin for signs of additional cancer cells. When no more cancer cells are found, they stop removing tissue.
  • Chemical peels. Chemical peels remove damaged skin. Peels can help rejuvenate new skin and reduce signs of aging.
  • Cosmetic injections. A dermatologist can help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin by injecting Botox or fillers during an office visit.
  • Dermabrasion. This exfoliating technique can reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots, acne scars, and precancerous skin patches.
  • Tumescent liposuction. Dermatologists use liposuction to remove unwanted fat from targeted areas of your body.

Skin Infections and Fungus

Your skin is the barrier that helps to protect you from germs and other harmful pathogens in the environment, but sometimes it can get infected. The treatment of these infections depends on the cause of the infection. If your skin becomes infected by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, you need to see a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Bacterial Infections:

  • Leprosy- is a chronic bacterial disease of the skin and nerves in the hands and feet and, in some cases, the lining of the nose.
  • Carbuncle- an infection that forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may be red, swollen or contain pus and may need to be drained.
  • Staph and Cellulitis- this infection often begins with a little cut, which gets infected with bacteria. These staph infections range from a simple boil to antibiotic-resistant infections to flesh-eating infections.
  • Impetigo- is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It can appear anywhere on the body but usually attacks exposed areas.
  • Boil- is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland.
  • Pilonidal cyst- occurs at the bottom of the tailbone (coccyx) and can become infected and filled with pus. Once infected, the technical term is pilonidal abscess.

Fungal Infections:

  • Ringworm- caused by microscopic fungi and does not have any relation to worms, but is called “ringworm” because the infection can produce ring-shaped patches on the skin that have red, wormlike edges.
  • Athlete’s foot- a common infection of the feet caused by fungus that may last for a short or long time and could come back after treatment. The medical term is tinea pedis.
  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)- an infection caused by a group of yeast.
  • Sporotrichosis- a subacute or chronic infection caused by the soil fungus Sporothrix schenckii and is more common among gardeners who work with roses, moss, hay, or soil.
  • Fungal nail infections- occur when a fungus attacks a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail bed. (link nail problems)

Viral Infections

  • Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like nodules on the skin.
  • Shingles- a painful, contagious viral infection characterized by a rash. This infection is caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster).
  • Chickenpox- one of the most commonly reported childhood diseases, this is a highly contagious viral infection in which a person develops extremely itchy blisters all over the body.

HOW DID I GET A FUNGAL INFECTION?

It is easy to get a fungal infection. Fungi (plural of fungus) spread easily from person to person.

Many people get a fungal infection through close personal contact with someone who has a fungal infection, for example, sharing an infected object such as a towel or comb. You also can get a fungal infection while walking barefoot on an infected floor. Some people get a fungal infection by touching an animal that has fungi on its fur.

People increase their risk of getting a fungal infection when their skin stays wet for long periods. Fungi grow quickly in warm, moist areas. Underclothes, shower tiles, hot tubs, indoor tanning beds, and pool decks are common places for fungi to grow.

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How To Get Rid Of Them

Silverfish: The Ultimate Guide

You may have never heard of silverfish before, but after you see one, it may be hard to forget. Silverfish bugs are the epitome of creepy bugs with their distinctive appearance and alarming movements. While silverfish are not dangerous, you definitely do not want them in your home. If you have questions about silverfish, we have the answers. Learn how to identify, prevent, and control these household pests.

What do silverfish look like?

Silverfish (lepisma saccharina) are known for their fish-like looks and movements, but they are definitely not fish. Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are tear-drop shaped. As the name suggests, these insects are normally bluish-silver in color but can also be white or brownish-grey. Silverfish average 13-19 mm in length. They have 6 legs and 2 long antennae. Their elongated body tapers to a narrow rear end where 3 long bristles (cerci) protrude. If the physical description isn’t enough for you to confirm their identity, their movements may seal the deal. Silverfish move in a wiggling motion that makes them appear to be swimming. Despite this strange movement, silverfish are fast and agile runners.

Silverfish bug are also sometimes referred to as “bristletails” because of the appendages that protrude from the end of their abdomen. The term bristletail can also apply to firebrats (thermobia domestica). Firebrats are very similar to silverfish with a few key differences

Silverfish undergo gradual metamorphosis, meaning that the immature stages look very similar to adults, but they lack the ability to reproduce. A female silverfish will typically lay about 100 eggs in her lifetime. These eggs are very small, white, and oval-shaped, and are typically laid in small cracks or crevices or under stones or leaf litter.

Where do silverfish live?

Silverfish are found throughout the world in Africa, the Americas, Australia, Eurasia, and the Pacific. They live in dark, warm, humid environments. They prefer a relative humidity of 70%-90% and a temperature from 70-85 degrees. When they enter homes, they seek out environments that meet these criteria like attics, kitchens, bathtubs or showers, and under sinks

How To Get Rid of Silverfish

Looking to get rid of Silverfish, well you came to the right place!

In this guide on how to get rid of silverfish, you’ll learn:

How to prevent silverfish in the first place

How to identify clothes silverfish

The do’s and don’ts of silverfish removal (not to be skipped)

And some frequently asked silverfish removal questions

If you’re wondering, What are silverfish and should I care, well then you’ve been lucky enough not to have them in your home, destroying your books, photo albums, important documents or contaminating your dry food supply.

Silverfish can be slow to multiply but they are also hard to deal with and can cause quite a bit of damage in the meantime. They should not be taken lightly if you see them around your home. From natural remedies to silverfish sprays, to hiring an exterminator or even good house hygiene, there are many ways to prevent and remove them, but what actually works?

Can Silverfish be beaten?

To introduce this guide, I wanted to write some information on the question we get asked the most and provide some comfort in the fact that yes these silverfish can be beaten. Knowing there are silverfish in your home, laying eggs and damaging your home can cause anxiety, sleepless nights and stress. Silverfish are very slow breeders but live longer than you may think. An average silverfish can live for up to 8 years and in that period lay up to 100 eggs.

Four of the Biggest Reasons For Silverfish Infestations are

Lack of preventive measures in your home

Bad advice on the internet

Incomplete DIY extermination practices

Incompetent exterminators

Despite the difficulty to remove silverfish yourself, there are proven ways to remove silverfish infestations without an exterminator. At certain infestation levels, you will need to call a professional, and we’ll cover later in this guide when you should think about calling one before it is too late.

What do silverfish look like?

So, what are silverfish and what do they look like? Silverfish are some of the oldest living insects on the planet. Evolutionary they appeared before insects developed wings and are therefore considered primitive insects. They look very much like something you would expect to see in prehistoric times.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish

If you have found silverfish or signs of silverfish in your home, you can get rid of them with the proper products and treatments. Read our guide below to learn more about silverfish treatment and how to get rid of silverfish yourself.

Use Professional Grade Products

There are three types of products we recommend using to combat a silverfish infestation: silverfish packs, perimeter bait, and insecticide. By using all three products in conjunction with one another, you will have the most success controlling your infestation.

Silverfish packs are an easy and economical way to kill silverfish. Simply place the packs in infested areas and wait. The silverfish will eat through the packs and ingest the poison inside. Place packs in closets, bookcases, attics, basements, storage areas, and anywhere you have seen silverfish.

Treat With Perimeter Bait

Using a granular insecticide perimeter bait, like InTice 10, in addition to silverfish packs will also aid in eliminating silverfish. Apply the perimeter bait in attics near eaves and vent pipes, in the corners of basements, in crawl spaces, and in drop ceilings. Use a shaker or duster to apply bait around the perimeter of attics and basements. Do not apply where children or pets have access.

A liquid insecticide treatment will kill the silverfish living in your home. Treating the inside of your home in addition to using silverfish packs and perimeter bait will control your silverfish infestation. To treat the inside of your home, mix an insecticide labeled for silverfish, such as Bifen IT, according to the product label. Use 1 ounce of Bifen IT per gallon of water (or the ratio of product to water indicated on the label of your chosen insecticide), and mix in a hand pump sprayer. Wear protective gloves and long-sleeves when working with insecticide.

Silverfish

Are you sick and tired of seeing those slimy, disgusting, filthy little silver bugs scurrying up the walls in your bathroom, your kitchen, or .. even worse.. your bedroom? Have you ever tried to get rid of them? Not that easy, is it!

Sure.. squishing them might make you feel like you’re making a difference, but it just doesn’t solve the problem. They’ll keep coming back again and again and again. So take the next 5 minutes to read over this page and you will learn exactly what you need to know to get rid of silverfish.

The fact that you’ve arrived at this website should be evidence enough that you want to get rid of your silverfish infestation. But like most people, you may not think silverfish are anything more than a “nuisance pest.”

But the more you find out about silverfish, the more you will start to realize that not taking action against them is a very poor decision. They are much more harmful and intrusive than you may think.

Here are six facts about silverfish that you may have been happier not knowing:

x Silverfish damage your home – Silverfish like to feed on the glue behind your wallpaper. If you let it go on for too long they can cause costly damage that will significantly lower the value of your home or cost you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in repairs.

x Silverfish are most active at night – That means they can be crawling on you when you sleep! (So gross!) It happened to me once when I was reading in bed one night. It was the final straw and I knew I had to take action against them!

x Silverfish eat your cereal – This is probably something you could have lived more comfortably without knowing.. These disgusting bugs can get into your cereal boxes and eat your cereal.

x Silverfish eat your plants – If you keep plants in your home they can cause damage to them too! Plant material is a common food source for silverfish.

x Silverfish eat your clothes – Silverfish are also attracted to eating silk, synthetic fabrics and cotton clothing, so they may be crawling around in your clothes when you hang them in the closet. You won’t be too happy when you put on shirt that has silverfish in it.

x Silverfish are just plain embarrassing – Ever have company over for dinner? Do you feel shy and ashamed to let guests use your bathroom because you know they’re going to see silverfish crawling on the walls and around the side of your toilet?

Silverfish

Appearance

Silverfish are small, wingless insects usually measuring 20mm or less in length. They have three tails (or cerci) and their body is covered in tiny silver scales.

Habits

Silverfish do not have wings but are able to run very fast. They are usually seen in moist, humid areas in the home, such as bathrooms, basements, and attics.

They feed off molds and starchy materials like cereals, flour, sweet foods, paper, curtains and wallpaper items. Silverfish can live up to a year without food, but require an environment of high humidity. They move fast and are by nature nocturnal.

Threats

While silverfish are mainly a nuisance pest, because they can contaminate food and damage paper goods such as wallpaper and books.

Long-term Silverfish Prevention – Control Humidity

One option is to install a dehumidifier in your home.

Other options are to identify and repair leaky pipes and drains and also

Eliminate or repair any mouldy/wet wood or walls.

Improve ventilation in bathroom (e.g. bigger fan)

Fit an electric fan heater to raise temperature and evaporate condensation in shower room

Do not use a clothe horse indoors. Rather use a condenser dryer (“A” rated dryers cost less than 30c in electricity per cycle).

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Auto Repair Easing The Expense

Why You Should Use an Auto Repair Mobile Mechanic

One of the worst circumstances could be the flat tire or an unexpected failure of any of your auto elements even though that you are in hurry to attend a meeting, or you have to visit job in the morning. This mess, at the start of the day, can wipe out the whole charm and energy of a brand new day. Besides anything happening in the morning, it is a matter of wonderful trouble to go somewhere in your automobile and return home without having it as it has stopped working someplace in the way. Such miserable situation is in no way predictable and might invade you anytime. The best technique to tackle this quandary is always to get a repair from a trustworthy mobile mechanic.

Mobile auto repair service is more hassle-free than ordinary auto repair shops, particularly when it is not possible for you personally to bring your car to the shop as a result of any really serious issue. Choice of a mobile mechanic becomes a pressing need in some essential situations, which offers an additional benefit of saving price and time. With regards to ease of the auto owners, no other option is greater than a portable auto repair service.

The most apparent benefit of mobile auto repair is that you need not to take your car anyplace by towing it, hence saves the dragging expense. Furthermore, a reliable auto repair technician can access you devoid of delays and maintains fantastic good quality of the service. He has all needed accessories needing for main and minor repairs like flat tire, low battery, or engine difficulties. You’d generally prefer to have your auto repair service at your own home and keep away from the transportation problems.

Auto repair shops make their business by such as their shop costs like rent into the customers’ bills; as a result, you will be often unsatisfied by your repair bill. These auto shops also charge you for keeping your car in their shop. A movable auto repair mechanic is totally free from these hectic. He saves you from the payment of heavy bills and delivers affordable rates to the customers. Your automobiles aren’t the decoration pieces to be kept at one place; instead, it has to roam about raising the possibility of movable auto failures. The moving issues are greater dealt by movable persons who are offered to you anytime and anyplace with out giving you the tease of vehicle pulling to the auto repair shop.

The car stays with you

Maybe the biggest convenience of mobile mechanics is that they come to your location with their tools and do whatever needs to be done. With this, you eliminate both the cost of a tow truck and having to leave the car in a busy garage. Apart from emergencies, you can hire them to repair a problem that you are already aware of. This way, the car remains at your location without risking a mechanical breakdown or further damage by driving to a garage for repairs. Mobile mechanics use fully equipped workshop-vans, so they can perform most repairs on site. If they run into a bigger problem, they may take your car to a partner workshop with no extra fee.

Ready for emergencies

If you happen to have a breakdown on the roadside, an experienced mobile mechanic will first provide you with safety tips to follow until they arrive at your location, such as to stay in the car or park in a lighted area at night, if possible. A garage-based mechanic may not be able to come to your help straight away, and given the nature of their business, may schedule you for a few days later in the week. On the other hand, mobile mechanics can be with you and, unless a more serious repair is needed, put you back on the road in the shortest time possible. Apart from servicing cars, reputable mobile mechanics are also equipped and experienced in servicing all vehicle types.

Mobility

This is why many appreciate mobile car repairs. Usually, if you find yourself stranded because your car has broken down, you often consider getting your car towed to a nearby auto repair shop. This means additional fees on towing service, on top of your repair costs. With mobile car repairs, you save time and money, minus the towing service and go straight to the repair.

Quicker repair

In some instances, getting your car may take days when taken into the workshop for repairs. This can be inconvenient for some people, especially when you only have one car. This is not the case when you use mobile car repairs. A mobile mechanic can normally come to you to repair and service your car within 24 hours. Since the mechanic only works on your car while with you, it means the mechanic won’t be distracted by other colleagues and customers.

Cost savings

The cost of a mobile car mechanic service is usually lower than conventional automotive repair service shops. One reason for this is that they have less overhead. Another reason they have lower rates, they are operated by independent contractors and work without a large team of mechanics that are necessary to run a brick and mortar workshop.

Convenience

Unparalleled convenience is the primary benefit of using a mobile mechanic. There’s no need to drive all the way across town to a shop, then wait for what feels like an eternity for your car to be fixed. Instead, you can stay on top of your busy schedule without any interruptions. No more excuses for leaving that check engine light on.

One-on-one service

Repair facilities usually have several mechanics on hand – and you never know which one will be working on your car. But with RepairSmith, you get one-on-one service from a dedicated ASE-certified technician. That means you get to meet the person working on your car, which helps build a sense of trust and security.

Save time

Hiring a mobile mechanic will also save you time. You do not have to worry about waiting for a long time before you get help. The whole process of towing your car to the shop and the repair will eat a lot of your time. However, as soon as the mobile mechanics arrive at your location, they will fix your car immediately to get your car back on the road.

Easy scheduling

You can choose to make an appointment online, or you can choose to speak with one of our knowledgeable service advisors. Plus, you can get a free repair quote in just a matter of minutes.