Crucial Electrical Wiring Upgrades

How Long Does Electrical Wiring Last in a Home?

The electrical wiring is an essential part of any home. I often describe it to people as the house’s circulation system. Buying a newer home will be up to code and may not possess any serious hazards. However, an older home that was built a few decades ago may raise some concerns about its wiring. If you are going to be buying or are currently living in an older home, the condition of the wiring is something that will eventually need to be updated.

How long does electrical wiring last in a home? According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), the copper in electrical wiring can last over 100 years; however, the outer protective sheathing will breakdown much sooner. Depending on the type of sheathing often determines the lifespan, which is typically 50 to 70 years.

How Long Does Electrical Wiring Last?

The average life expectancy of home wiring is about 50 to 70 years. This period of time can be more in some cases. It can also be significantly less than that, depending on the way the wiring is installed, the presence of damage to the sheathing and the number of modifications during the years

Electrical wiring can last a really long time before starting to decompose or deteriorate if it is installed correctly.

On their own, the materials that a wire is comprised of can last a really long time. For example:

The copper inside the wires can last over 100 years.

The aluminum inside the wires can last between 80 and 100 years.

There’s much more that needs to be considered.

Electrical wiring is not always installed correctly.

Environmental factors the electrical wiring is installed in may not be ideal.

The electrical wiring may be faulty due to unpermitted remodeling, improper handyman or DIY work.

Advances in Electrical Safety Codes throughout the years.

Domestic uses and safety

Electricity in homes is an alternating current and is used to power electrical appliances. In a plug the wires are colour-coded and a fuse is included as a safety device in the circuit.

A plug connects a device to the mains electricity supply. The cable between the device and the three-pin plug contains three copper wires that are coated with plastic.

Copper wires are good conductors.

Plastic is a good insulator.

Earthing

Without the earth wire, if a fault occurs and the live wire becomes loose, there is a danger that it will touch the case. The next person who uses the appliance could get electrocuted.

The earth wire is therefore connected to the case and is attached to a metal plate or water pipe underground. As the wire is made of copper, the earth wire provides a low resistance path to the ground. In the event of a fault, the large live current passing through the case earth wire will follow this path to the ground instead of passing through a person, and will blow the fuse rendering the appliance safe.

Fuses

A fuse provides a built-in fail-safe to the electrical circuit for a device. The fuse contains a thin wire that will melt if the current gets too high. There may be a fault in the appliance that causes too much current flow. There may be a fault in the wiring that could cause the casing of the device to become live. In both cases a large current will flow through the low-resistance earth wire.

Electrical Safety: Safety & Health for Electrical Trades

How Do You Recognize Hazards?

The first step toward protecting yourself is recognizing the many hazards you face on the job. To do this, you must know which situations can place you in danger. Knowing where to look helps you to recognize hazards.

Inadequate wiring is dangerous.

Exposed electrical parts are dangerous.

Overhead powerlines are dangerous.

Wires with bad insulation can give you a shock.

Electrical systems and tools that are not grounded or double-insulated are dangerous.

Overloaded circuits are dangerous.

Damaged power tools and equipment are electrical hazards.

Using the wrong PPE is dangerous.

Using the wrong tool is dangerous.

Some on-site chemicals are harmful.

Defective ladders and scaffolding are dangerous.

Ladders that conduct electricity are dangerous.

Electrical hazards can be made worse if the worker, location, or equipment is wet.

Inadequate wiring hazards

An electrical hazard exists when the wire is too small a gauge for the current it will carry. Normally, the circuit breaker in a circuit is matched to the wire size.

fixtures could be wired with a smaller gauge than the supply cable. Let’s say a light fixture is replaced with another device that uses more current. The current capacity (ampacity) of the branch wire could be exceeded. When a wire is too small for the cur-rent it is supposed to carry, the wire will heat up. The heated wire could cause a fire.

When you use an extension cord, the size of the wire you are placing into the circuit may be too small for the equipment. The circuit breaker could be the right size for the circuit but not right for the smaller-gauge extension cord. A tool plugged into the extension cord may use more current than the cord can handle without tripping the circuit breaker. The wire will overheat and could cause a fire.

How a Home Electrical System Works

An overview of how a home electrical system works with illustrations of various components

Electricity has become an essential part of contemporary life, energizing lights, appliances, heat, air conditioning, televisions, telephones, computers, and many other modern conveniences.

Electricity arrives at your house from your local utility company by a power line or underground though a conduit. Most homes have three-wire service—two hot wires and one neutral.

Throughout the house, one hot wire and one neutral wire power conventional 120-volt lights and appliances. Both hot wires and the neutral wire make a 240-volt circuit for large appliances such as air conditioners and electric furnaces.

An electric meter, monitored by your electric utility company, is mounted where the electricity enters your house. The main panel is usually right next to or under the meter. This is the central distribution point for the electrical circuits that run to lights, receptacles, and appliances throughout the house.

A circuit, by definition, is a circular journey that begins and ends at the same place, and this is essentially how electricity works. Current begins at a power source, powers the appliance or device along the circuit, and then returns to the power source. Any interruption in this path will render the circuit dead.

Common Electrical Hazards and Preventable Steps

The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock and fire. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor.

The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such as the pathway through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry. Water is a great conductor of electricity, allowing current to flow more easily in wet conditions and through wet skin. The effect of the shock may range from a slight tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest.

In addition to the electrical shock hazards, sparks from electrical equipment can serve as an ignition source for flammableor explosivevapors or combustible materials. Loss of electrical power can create hazardous situations. Flammable or toxic vapors may be released as a chemical warms when a refrigerator or freezer fails. Fume hoods may cease to operate, allowing vapors to be released into the laboratory. If magnetic or mechanical stirrers fail to operate, safe mixing of reagents may be compromised.

Electric shock

Electric shock is another hazard common to many pieces of laboratory equipment. Any electrically powered item of laboratory equipment which is subject to spillage of chemicals or water, or exhibit signs of excessive wear should be used carefully. Electrical shocks occur when the electrical circuit completed by the part of human body. One way this can occur is by contacting a metallic part of a piece of equipment that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor.

The severity of the electrical shock depends on the following:

The amount of the current (given as a list above)

The pathway through the body

The duration of the exposure

Whether the skin is wet or dry

How To Solve Your Basement Mold Issues With Mold Inspection And Humidity Control

MOLD REMEDIATION COMPANY

Mold is a microscopic multicellular fungus that is naturally present in the air. Certain levels of mold are normal and are safe. Certain amount of mold is present everywhere and it cannot be completely removed. However, when this normal level of mold exceeds the normal limit, results can be harmful. Mold remediation companies aim to bring these levels back to normal. Mold growth has been observed to grow rapidly, when confronted with water. Therefore, dampness and moisture to your property can trigger excessive growth of mold. Mold remediation companies can solve the issue of high levels of mold by providing professional mold remediation services.

Proper mold remediation includes deep inspection of even inaccessible places of the property as mold can grow in the parts that are no so common identified. As being the best mold remediation company in Utah, it must be able to do properly deep inspection and check for possible mold sites. A major reason for sudden mold growth is water. Moisture can greatly boost mold growth and so a good mold remediation company should know all the moisture causing factors and sources to control the moisture and then do the treatment to control mold.

MOLD TESTING

Mold testing, also known as mold sampling is basically the process of collecting air and surface samples to check the extent of mold in the sample and also the type of mold. Based on the results obtained from mole testing, a mold remediation company will decide the best possible way to remediate the mold. Most commonly, samples are taken from the air using the spore trap process, which works by analyzing the mold quantity and mold type that passes through particular volume of air sample. Secondly, samples can also be taken from common surfaces. The samples can be taken directly in bulk, using swabs or tapes. In all the processes, stains are added to the samples, which spores can absorb and then observations are made.

MOLD INSPECTION

Routine Mold inspection is very important to check the air quality and mold extent. You must also get the mold inspection done when purchasing a new home. With a new property, you do not know about the water damage that may have had taken place. Mold inspection can help you check any water damage and mold problem because of that water damage in that property. In areas with warm temperatures and high humidity, a house that has been cosed for too long can be greatly responsible for mold growth. An effective mold inspection can help you in knowing the existing mold condition of that house.

MOLD REMEDIATION

You may have mold and toxic material present in your home or business without even realizing it. Mold hides in the nooks and crannies of your building, growing everywhere from inside of the washing machine to underneath your cupboards.

mold inspection after water damage

Sometimes a slow leak occurs inside your home causing damage that goes unnoticed. Many times people do not know that water damage occurred until they notice a foul mildew smell or see the presence of black mold. Once mold exists, spores created by the fungus can travel to other rooms inside your house.

Water damage scenarios create increased moisture that makes a good environment for mold development. Mold needs water, food and the ideal temperature to form and become a problem. Mold feeds off of any organic materials including paper and wood.

Most types of fungus need incredibly high levels of moisture to survive. Although, some mold strains exist in rooms that have a relative humidity of 65%. When trying to prevent mold growth after a water damage situation, we attempt to drop the relative humidity below 65%.

Mold vs Mildew

When it comes to mildew vs. mold, homeowners often have trouble identifying the differences between these two fungi. Knowing their different characteristics will help you when preparing for the battle against these household culprits. Mold and mildew are both members of the fungi kingdom.

Mildew is common and will grow on damp materials like paper, leather and fabrics in addition to walls and other wet surfaces. Because of this, mildew is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Mildew usually gives off a musty smell.

Mold Sampling & Air Quality Tests

The Assessment Process

visible signs of mold, which include discolored walls and obvious black mold growth. Then, take air samples in and outside to test for mold spores, as air quality is a much better indicator of mold growth than standard visible inspections. When the test results come back from lab, send it to you and explain all findings as well as go over recommendations for applicable remediation. Air quality tests can help prevent future property and health concerns.

Typical Mold Symptoms

Mold affects people in different ways: sinus issues, nasal stuffiness, eye dryness or itching, breathing problems, and so on. Some are more affected than others, but the typical mold symptoms are usually mild but nevertheless dangerous

Inspecticore Commercial Property Inspection Services

From offices and warehouses to retail and restaurant spaces, any property that serves a public audience must be up to par from floor to ceiling. Nothing is more important than the safety of patrons and employees. Property inspection professionals from Inspecticore evaluate all major components, detailing any potential problems and current defects.

Basic Property Condition Assessments include the following:

Structure (exterior and based on accessible common areas)

Electrical system (common element components)

Heating system (common element components)

Air conditioning system

Ventilation system

Plumbing system and fixtures

Roof surface (weather permitting), including flashings, drainage and chimneys

Interior components (concentrating on non cosmetic considerations)

Exterior wall components, including doors, windows and signage

Landscape components including walkways, driveways (excl. sewers), & retaining walls

Insulation spot-check

Quality Mold Inspection Service

You might be surprised to learn how easy it is for mold to invade your home without even noticing. Often times, mold can form in basements, ceilings, behind walls and other places that you simply don’t see on a regular basis. By the time signs of mold have become visibly apparent, you may have a major problem on your hands. The best way to detect and address potential mold problems

The Mold Inspection Professionals

Unlike some of more questionable competitors, when claim to be the best in mold inspections, have the experience and licensing to back it up. offer competitive rates for mold inspection. Therefore, you can enjoy expert services at an affordable price.

The Mold Inspection Equipment

mold inspection equipment is top notch. use the smallest and quietest air sampling equipment in the industry. The Zefon Bio-Pump Plus requires minimal set up and is able to collect and identify accurate air samples. Within 72 hours, will provide you with a mold inspection lab result report, to help you establish a plan of action.

What is an Indoor Air Quality Mold Inspection Test and Sampling?

Air samples are used to test for mold and air quality because mold spores are small enough that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Testing indoor air samples is the best way to identify the types and concentration of mold in your home. This type of testing is minimally intrusive and allows the expert to quickly collect samples. The mold inspection device is placed in the center of the room where experts suspect mold is growing. Next, an air pump works to collect air samples. The entire process is repeated in at least two rooms in order to ensure accurate readings and help pinpoint the exact location of the mold. The typical mold inspection will last no more than 30 minutes and will gather enough air to send to the lab for analysis.

Why Do I Need an Indoor Air Quality Mold Inspection Test and Sampling?

Mold growth is a common problem that can cause a whole host of health issues. If you have recently experienced any flooding due to record rainfall or plumbing problems, you will want to have your home tested. Even persistently high levels of humidity can cause moisture to build up and create the perfect breeding ground for mold and fungi. While you may notice visible signs of mold accumulating in damp, dark places, airborne mold spores are too small to actually see. Therefore, you could be exposed to mold without realizing that your air is contaminated, which is why mold inspection

Reasons Why A Mold Inspection Is Crucial Before Buying A House

First, you need to think about how to finance the purchase. Then, you’ll need to look for a house that fits your needs, your lifestyle as well as your budget. One of the most challenging tasks would be to make sure you get the most out of your investment. Because, let’s be honest – buying a house is nowhere cheap.

It won’t even matter if you’re a first-time home buyer or you’ve already experienced buying a house in the past. It is crucial to check the home’s condition before paying for it. One good way to do this is through a professional home inspection.

Licensed home inspectors create a complete report that details the current condition of the house you plan on selling. Through a home inspection, you’ll learn about the plumbing, electric, interior, exterior, air conditioning, and heating conditions of a house. This way, you can identify issues before buying the house and make a fair offer.

Home inspections can also be a deciding factor for home buyers. You have the option to pursue the home purchase or not. Since a house is also an investment, you’d want to buy one that is in excellent shape. Nobody would want to buy a home that has lots of issues, to begin with. This can be a hassle, especially if you plan on moving in asap.

Why Invest On A Mold Inspection Before Buying A House

No one wants a home with molds lurking in the corners. The sad thing is that a typical home inspection may not be good enough to see if molds are present in a house. Just because you don’t see molds doesn’t mean that they are non-existent in a house. Such spores can be so sneaky that your dream home could be harboring them without the owner knowing it.

Affordable New Tax Preparation Software For Small And Home Based Businesses

How much money do you make before you file taxes?

How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes in 2020? Not sure if you have to file a tax return this year? Here’s everything you need to know. Tax season is upon us, with the deadline only a couple of months away. And that deadline will be here before you know it.

Getting all of your tax information prepared as early as possible (meaning start now if you haven’t) is important. But depending on the money you make and how you plan on filing your taxes, there’s another important thing to figure out: do you even make enough money to require filing taxes?

It can be a worthwhile question if you’re not making that much money. If you’re below a certain threshold of annual income, you may not need to file them. However, often even in these cases there are other circumstances that will necessitate a tax return, such as the health insurance you have, whether you’re self-employed or whether you’re eligible for an earned income tax credit.

If these don’t apply to you, though, do you need to file taxes?

How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes?

Income-based tax requirements will be dependent on how you plan on filing a tax return. Inevitably whether you’ll need to file a tax return who have to do with whether you’re income can even make it past the first tax bracket and how much more if so, but those tax brackets vary depending on how you file.

How Much You Have to Make Based on Filing Status

So are you planning on filing single (no spouse or dependent), married filing jointly, married filing separately or head of household? Let’s break them all down.

  • Single: If you are single and under the age of 65, the minimum amount of annual gross income you can make that requires filing a tax return is $12,200. If you’re 65 or older and plan on filing single, that minimum goes up to $13,850.
  • Married and filing jointly: How much you have to make if you’re married and filing jointly will depend on the age of both you and your spouse, generally coming out to double what someone filing single would require. If both spouses are under 65, you need to make at least $24,400. If both spouses are 65 or older, you will have to make a minimum of $27,000. If just one of you is 65 or older, split the difference; you need to make $25,700.
  • Qualifying Widower: If you are a qualifying widower (meaning your spouse died in this tax year) with a dependent child, you are also able to file as married filing jointly, and the age disparity still applies: at least $24,400 if you’re under 65, at least $25,700 if you’re 65 or older.
  • Married and filing separately: Those who are married and filing separately, interestingly, only require a gross income of $5 to have to file a tax return.
  • Head of household: If you qualify for head of household status and look to file as such, you have to file a tax return if you make $18,350 or more under the age of 65. If you are 65 or older, that number is $20,000 in gross income.

How Much Can a Small Business Make Before Paying Taxes?

If you operate a small business, you must pay taxes on the income, regardless of the profit and loss. The tax return you must file depends on how your business is structured. For example, if you have a sole proprietorship you’ll file the schedule C with your personal tax return.

If you’re a freelancer, you must also pay self-employment taxes for income more than $400. These taxes cover Medicare and social security taxes.

Sole proprietors must file IRS Form 1040, Schedule C and Schedule SE if your net income is greater than $400. If you have an employee, you will need to withhold federal and state income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes for each employee.

How Can I Reduce My Taxable Income?

One way to reduce taxable income is by topping up your retirement savings with traditional (not Roth) IRAs and 401(k)s, up to the maximum allowable contribution.

Contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are another way to shrink your taxable income.

You could potentially earn thousands of dollars before paying taxes. However, even when your income falls below the cut-off level and you do not have to pay taxes, you need to file to taxes to get a refund check.

Do I Have to File Taxes? — Additional Considerations

Although your income may be below the minimum income to file taxes as shown above, you may not have to file taxes, but there may be times when you want to file a return.

  • Refund of withheld income taxes – If you received pay during the year and had income tax withheld, you may want to file a return to obtain a refund of the amount withheld.
  • Earned income tax credit – This benefit is a refundable credit, meaning even if you do not owe taxes, you can still get a refund. Depending on your income and the number of children you have, lower-income workers may be eligible for an EITC of $510 to $6,318. Note: You do not need to have children to be eligible.

If you determine that you do need and want to file your taxes, keep in mind that H&R Block offers free and easy online tax filing options.

Why is the income threshold so high for some?

Taxpayers in the U.S. are required to pay taxes on income minus deductions.

You could itemize and claim a deduction for specific things, such as mortgage interest paid. If you itemize, you always have to file a return to tell the IRS what you’re deducting. But there’s also a standard deduction you could choose to claim instead.

The income you could earn without having to file equals the standard deduction amount. In 2019, for example, the standard deduction was $12,200 for singles. So, if you had income below this threshold and claimed the standard deduction, your taxable income would go below $0 so you usually wouldn’t have to file a return.

And since seniors have a higher standard deduction, they can earn more income without having to file.

When should you file a tax return anyway?

There are certain situations when you must file a tax return even if you don’t meet the income thresholds. These include the following:

  • You owe special taxes such as household employment taxes or alternative minimum tax.
  • You or a spouse you’re filing jointly with received distributions from a health savings account.
  • You had $400 or more of net earnings from self-employment.
  • You received wages of $108.28 or more from a church exempt from FICA taxes.
  • You received Obamacare subsidies to buy health insurance.

If none of these situations applies and you aren’t required to file a return, you may want to anyway. You should if you had taxes withheld from your paycheck and want to get your refund. You should also file if you think you may be eligible for refundable tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit. A refundable tax credit is one you can receive even if you paid little or no taxes. For example, up to $1,400 of the child tax credit is refundable. If you owe $0 in taxes and are eligible for it, you could file a tax return to get a $1,400 refund.

What if I only receive Social Security benefits?

In most cases, if you only receive Social Security benefits you wouldn’t have any taxable income and wouldn’t need to file a tax return.

One catch with Social Security benefits is if you are married but file a separate tax return from your spouse who you lived with during the year.  Then you will always have to include at least some of your Social Security benefits in your taxable income to see if it is greater than your standard deduction.

When Social Security benefits may be taxable

When determining whether you need to file a return and you receive Social Security benefits, you need to consider tax-exempt income because it can cause your benefits to be taxable even if you don’t have any other taxable income.

Here’s an example of where you may need to file, even with tax-exempt income:

  • You are under age 65 and receive $30,000 in Social Security benefits, but also receive another $31,000 in tax-exempt interest. $14,700 of your Social Security benefits will be considered taxable income.
  • This is greater than your standard deduction ($12,200 for a single taxpayer in 2019) and you would need to file a tax return.

To figure out if your Social Security benefits are taxable:

  • Add one-half of the Social Security income to all other income, including tax-exempt interest.
  • Then compare that amount to the base amount for your filing status.
  • If the total is more than the base amount, some of your benefits may be taxable.

Pros And Cons Of Purchasing A Vacation Rental Cleaning

Hiring Vacation Rental Staff – How to Find the Right Cleaners, Inspectors and Maintenance People

Unless you run a very small mom-and-pop vacation rental outfit (like a single home) and can devote a great deal of time and energy to cleaning and maintenance, you’re likely going to need at least some staff to help you with your rental operation. You also would be wise to hire inspectors to make sure your property is up to the highest standards.

complaint of guests about vacation rentals is that their rental space hasn’t been clean on their arrival. These guests often don’t come back. It’s essential for the success of your vacation rental business that your units are sparkling clean for every customer. Unfortunately, you can’t count on it that every cleaning service you run across will provide great quality service at a good price.

Regarding cleaning methods, ask very specific questions looking for signs that the cleaners have an attention to detail. Ask also how many people they have on staff and their availability for regularly scheduled vs. quick turnaround service (for when guests stay for only a short time), and also whether they can do emergency service if unexpected cleaning needs suddenly come up. Finally, ask if they can do semi-annual deep cleaning where they wash curtains, steam-clean furniture and carpets, and the like – more serious cleaning.

Inspectors

It’s a very good idea to have professional inspectors periodically inspect your property to make sure your property doesn’t deteriorate significantly, costing you more money for repairs, and that the place is safe and sound for your customers.

The basic steps for finding good cleaners apply here: ask around regarding what inspectors’ other vacation rental businesses have used, get references and follow up on them, and conduct thorough interviews. Pricing is less of an issue because inspection fees don’t vary nearly as much as cleaning service prices.

Considering a Vacation Rental? Here’s What to Know Before You Travel

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic means that any venture away entails risk. That’s not something to be taken lightly, especially now that many states are reopening, and case numbers are expected to rise.

Even those avoiding air travel are still exposing themselves to situations inherently difficult to control: Beaches and hiking trails may be crowded, rooms may not be properly cleaned, and a destination could see a sudden spike in infections.

To regain some of that control, many may prefer a rental property, rather than a hotel room this summer, since it can provide more space and separation from other vacationers.

Also worth considering is how a stay in a rental property can benefit small business owners whose livelihood depends on bookings, as well as local restaurants and grocery stores. In a study of nearly 400 rental businesses from property management platform Guesty, nearly all respondents suffered revenue loss in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same time last year—and that’s just through March. (The second quarter will close at the end of June.) Airbnb has said its revenue could drop by 50% this year.

“Vacations and trips are meant to be a break from your routine, and there has been nothing more routine than the last few months,” says

Vacation Rental Cleaning Services

Rental Checklist

Kitchen appliances and equipment (coffee maker, microwave

Wash, Dry, Put Away Dishes

Empty and clean dishwasher

Empty Inside Trash and recycling and Place in Outside Bins

Fridge Cleaning

Stove Cleaning

Wipe Countertops

Remove garbage and clean all garbage cans

Check coffee filters, dish soap, detergent, hands soap and garbage bags etc)

Clean windows, mirrors and doors for finger prints and dust.

Clean dish cloths, tea towels, pot holders and sponges

Vacuum and Mop Floors

Vacuum and Mop Floors

Vacuum Carpet,Rugs, sofa and under cushions

Dust furniture, mantels, vents, A/C, ceiling fans and shelves

Check TV remote for batteries

Laundry: Wash linens and towels

Make bed with fresh linens and pillow cases

Check all closets and dresser drawers and bedside tables for personal items left behind

Vacuum and Mop Floors

Clean and sanitize toilets, sinks, walls faucets, shower and bath tubs

Check drains

Replace toilet brush and flappers when needed

Provide clean towels and face cloths

Clean mirrors

Dusting

Empty Inside Trash and recycling and Place in Outside Bins

Clean BBQ

Wipe patio furniture down

Do I need to supply my own products?

bring cleaning supplies.  If you have special requirements please let us know and we will accommodate you. clean with non-toxic, environmentally friendly products whenever possible.

Do I need to be home?

No.  It is an amazing pleasure to return to a clean, tidy, peaceful home. Feel free to run your errands or do your work. love to see your smile when you return!

VACATION RENTAL CLEANING

Back in the old days, if you went on vacation somewhere, you had three options for where you would stay. You could either check into a hotel or motel, stay with friends or family, or rough it by camping. But in the last few years, things have changed with the rise of vacation rentals and services

There were benefits on both sides. If you were a traveler, you didn’t have to worry about checking into a motel with no character or a wildly expensive hotel. Instead, you could stay somewhere unique, somewhere that felt less impersonal and more like a home away from home. If you owned a home, you could convert it into a vacation property. This would create a potentially lucrative revenue stream, and it could pay for the upkeep of a second home along with a tidy profit.

That’s the good news, but the fact is, if you’re going to rent out a vacation home to visitors, you need to make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned after they leave so that the next guests don’t recoil in terror

licensed and insured team understand that your guests deserve a good first impression. got the expertise, high standards, and attention to detail to make your rental sparkling clean

HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR VACATION RENTAL HOME

With the coronavirus crisis reaching its peak, you may be experiencing an understandable lull in guests at your vacation rental home. As with any crisis, this too shall pass, and you will again see an influx of visitors and rental income to your home. In the meantime, now may be the perfect opportunity to do a deep clean and refresh your home— or even do some small renovations.

Remove humidity.

A healthy amount of humidity in the air is beneficial, but too much humidity can lead to mold growth and virus transmission. Aim to keep the humidity levels in your vacation rental home at or below 50 percent. This can help reduce mold growth, dust, and common annoying allergens. An inexpensive dehumidifier can easily manage humidity levels indoors.

Clean— and maybe update— the floors.

Dust and allergens make their way into our homes via our shoes. Invest in a high-end vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to help eliminate dust from your floors and keep your vacation rental home clean. Encourage guests to remove their shoes when staying in your rental.

Clear the air.

An in-home air purification system can help reduce the severity of allergy systems for your guests. These systems can help reduce the number of dust mites and pollen in the air, as well as help keep other surfaces clean. Airtight windows and doors. If air can blow in around windows and doors, then so can dust. Make sure seals around doors and windows are airtight. (Bonus: this will also help with energy efficiency!)

Allergy-proof the bedding.

Not only are we dealing with Covid-19, but we are also experiencing record pollen levels this year. Hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers can keep dust and debris out. Now is the ideal time to rotate mattresses, sanitize existing mattresses and pillow covers or buy new ones, or even invest in all new mattresses and pillows.

Dermatologist Moisturizer Recommendation

What’s The Difference Between A Dermatologist And An Esthetician?

A healthy diet and proper skin care regimen may not always be enough to keep your skin at its best. Sometimes you need the expertise of skin care professionals to achieve healthy, beautiful skin. Dermatologists and estheticians both provide skin care knowledge and specialized procedures. What’s the difference between them?

Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a doctor who has completed four years of undergraduate work, four years of medical school and several years of residency at a medical facility. A dermatologist may also receive additional education and training in a specialized field. As board-certified specialists, dermatologists are medical and surgical experts on concerns related to the health and beauty of your skin, hair and nails. Dermatologists typically practice in medical offices or medical spas.

Dermatologists are trained and authorized to:

Diagnose and treat skin disorders, diseases and abnormalities such as:

  • Acne
  • Skin cancer
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis
  • Skin infections as the result of viruses (such as herpes)

Write prescriptions based on knowledge of skin care pharmaceuticals

Perform surgery on skin abnormalities

Perform cosmetic procedures including:

  • Lasers
  • Injection of fillers
  • Botox
  • Prescription-strength chemical peels
  • Spider vein treatment
  • Medical micro-needling (if they complete special training)

When should you see a dermatologist?

  • Once a year for a skin exam. Everyone should visit a dermatologist annually for early detection and treatment of skin diseases, particularly skin cancer, even if you don’t have any current skin concerns. Go more often if you see any new or changing lesions/moles/birthmarks.
  • If a rash is painful or spreading, especially if it starts after taking a new medication
  • If you have severe acne that isn’t clearing up after a couple months of over-the-counter treatments
  • If you have skin cancer, psoriasis, rosacea or skin infections
  • Before scheduling a procedure such as microdermabrasion, to be sure the procedure is healthy for your skin. Microdermabrasion may contain products such as salicylic acid that can cause an allergic reaction.
  • For more complicated cosmetic procedures such as Botox or laser hair removal

Esthetician

An esthetician is a skin care professional who has attended a trade school and passed a state board exam. Passing the state board exam gives the individual a license to practice in that state as a standard or medical esthetician. Most esthetician programs take three to six months to complete 250 to 1,500 hours of training, depending on the state. Estheticians may work in spas, salons or medical settings under the direction of dermatologists.

Estheticians are well equipped to handle skin cleaning and facials. Estheticians are trained and authorized to do:

  • Skin analysis
  • Facials
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body wraps
  • Makeup application

Masters licensing requires more training and prepares the master esthetician to perform laser hair removal, some types of chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. Master estheticians may work under a dermatologist in a medical facility.

When should you see an esthetician?

  • To determine your skin type and establish an appropriate skin care regimen accordingly
  • For facials, aromatherapy, microdermabrasion or body wraps
  • To maintain your skin following assessment and treatment of a skin condition (such as acne) by a dermatologist

Dermatologists and estheticians often collaborate, and their practices complement each other. Dermatology practices may employ an esthetician for facials or assistance with skin care recommendations. Patients who start by seeing a dermatologist for assessment and treatment of acne or other skin conditions may then visit an esthetician for maintenance, such as facials. Estheticians who recognize skin abnormalities such as lesions refer their clients to a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. Some large dermatology practices may have a medical spa associated with them. In this case, the dermatologists have probably trained the estheticians. Medical spas combine the luxury of a spa with the medical oversight and expertise that promote healthy skin.

Responsibilities of Dermatologists vs. Estheticians

Although dermatologists and estheticians both work with people’s skin, the similarities in their work are superficial. They have appointments with people, and as part of their duties they will inspect a patient’s skin. Dermatologists use medical tests and data to diagnose patients and make decisions about how to treat their condition. They may also perform surgery or other medical procedures to treat patients. Estheticians are focused on the appearance of a person’s skin and may help identify issues such as unwanted hairs or acne. They may remove hairs, advise clients on how to properly clean their skin and give clients treatments such as peels.

Dermatologists

Dermatologists are medical professionals, and they must have a medical degree and license to treat patients. They may also need to complete a residency or internship and earn certification to specialize as a dermatologist. Dermatologists may opt to focus on procedural dermatology, which involves performing surgical procedures to correct skin-related issues, or other subfields such as pediatric dermatology, which involves treating children with skin conditions. They spend their careers working with patients with skin disorders, including eczema and skin cancer. They may work in medical offices or clinics, and are usually able to primarily work regular daytime hours.

Job responsibilities of a dermatologist include:

  • Performing patient examinations
  • Conducting and/or ordering medical tests
  • Diagnosing patients
  • Operating on patients
  • Developing a treatment plan
  • Referring patients to other specialists when needed

Estheticians

Estheticians are beauty care professionals who focus on the appearance of the skin. They are required to complete a postsecondary training program and be licensed. A high percentage of estheticians work in personal care, while some may also work in health stores or other retail locations. It’s common for them to work during the day and evening, and they may work during the week and on weekends.

Job responsibilities of an esthetician include:

  • Examining their clients’ skin
  • Explaining ways to treat blemishes and other issues
  • Recommending products and makeup
  • Applying facials or cleaning clients’ skin
  • Removing hair
  • Performing tests

Auto Repair Quotes

Auto Repair Marketing

The best marketing ideas for auto repair shops are the ones that increase your referral business through word of mouth. You can spend money on TV ads, SEO and PPC campaigns, and even direct mail, but investing a small fortune on marketing channels that don’t grow your word-of-mouth business isn’t worth the cost. Auto repair and specialty shops need to invest in low-cost marketing ideas that target past and present customers. Keep your business in their minds, and you’ll increase your new customer referrals.

Traditional marketing is focused on converting people who don’t know you into customers. Promoting your business to new audiences who haven’t heard about you can yield results, but it is a very expensive approach. Marketing that reaches out to the people who have already done business with you means referrals. The power of referrals is incredibly strong.

Here marketing ideas for auto repair shops to help increase their word-of-mouth referrals.

Use Email Newsletters to Keep in Touch

Email newsletters are the best way to stay in front of your customers. Rather than sending email newsletters that do nothing but promote your business or ask customers to promote your business, send emails that entertain or inform your audience. Content marketing through email is a great way to keep your customers engaged without selling to them. 90% of consumers find custom content useful, and 78% believe that businesses that deliver custom content want to build a good relationship with them. Instead of sending the same 10% off coupon month after month, consider writing an email newsletter talking about a helpful piece of advice.

Thank People for Their Business

It’s a simple idea, but a thank you goes a long way. Remember, your focus is on making sure your existing customers tell their friends about you. The more you make every experience they have with you memorable, the more comfortable they’ll feel recommending you to their personal networks. If you’re wondering how you can thank your customers, we have there are plenty of thank you gift ideas. These thank you gifts often turn out to be long-term investments that become word-of-mouth referrals for years.

Be Social

You need to share information on your social networks that help and entertain your customers. It’s all about having a business presence online that people want to follow. Maybe you found a blog post comparing the best DIY waxes for your car. Your Facebook business page needs to be filled with helpful, interesting and relevant content. This will brand you as an expert in what you do.

Website

When talking about auto repair shop marketing, it only makes sense to start with your website. Your website is the hub of your auto repair shop’s marketing activities. If your marketing was Disney World, your website would be Cinderella’s castle.

Every other place you market points back to your website.

  • Your email marketing – it links back to your website
  • Your social media – it links back to your website
  • Google – it BETTER link back to your website
  • Even direct mail – yep – it should direct people to your website

And those are just a few examples of things that will link back to your website. There will be many more Your website is often the first impression people have of your business. Even when a loyal client recommends your shop to someone, they will usually check you out online before trusting you with their car. You get the point. Your website is arguably the most important part of an auto repair shop’s marketing.

Client Centric Content

As business owners we tend to want to share every accolade we’ve ever received. We want you to know about our grandfather who started the business 60 years ago. We want you to know how he started it, why he started it, and the entire history of the company.

There’s a place for that, but it’s not front and center.

Do you know what your potential customer wants to know? They want to know:

  • What do you do?
  • How will it make my life better?
  • How do I do business with you?

Do the Social Media Thing!

Yes, you need to have a Facebook Page so you can interact with your market. Sounds difficult, if you’ve never done it, but it’s really not the chore it might seem. If you have a teenager in the family ask them to help you or find someone local to do it for you. When you write some tips out for your blog, post them to your Facebook page. You do not need to be on every social media platform, Facebook is the big one and you should be there.

Coupon Advertising

Price out how much it might cost you for 1,000 impressions on the back of your local supermarket’s register receipts. You can also do flyers, mailers, or handouts in the local newspaper, or the local coupon book. People love to feel they are getting a deal so coupons are still a relevant marketing medium. Add printable coupons to your website and to your Facebook page.

Capture some of the 95% of leads visiting your website

Your website isn’t just a place for your prospects to visit you online…

It’s actually a MAJOR part of your auto repair and body shop promotion strategy.

Consider this:

95% of your prospects will visit your website before making any decision to buy from you (or not).

So your website must immediately communicate the following:

  • Who you are
  • Which services you provide
  • That you’re a real (credible) business
  • And how to contact you.

If your website seems confusing or cluttered, your prospects won’t stay on it long enough to figure out how to contact you, and they’ll just leave.

Build Customer Referrals

Word of mouth is still a strong way to get new customers. Offer your loyal customers a gift of some kind for each and every new customer they send you. This can be in the form of a discounted oil change or a gift card for a local restaurant. Ask the restaurant if you can have an ad in the menus, or somewhere else in the establishment if you use them.

Early Bird Dropoff Information

Many of your clients will want to drop their car off after hours. You can make it easy on them by putting Early Bird dropoff information on your shop’s website.

Create a form on your website that they can fill out with all of the information you need.

  • Customer Name
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Preferred method of communication
  • Describe why you are leaving your car with us today

Then tell them to simply write their name on the envelopes provided at the drop slot, put their key in the envelope, and drop it in the slot. Put a picture of the drop slot on the website. Even have a diagram of where it’s located at your auto repair shop if it’s not completely obvious.

Protecting The Home With Common Cockroaches Control Techniques

Safe and natural ways to get rid of annoying cockroaches at home

With the warm, moist environment that comes with living in the tropics, also comes an army of bugs – cockroaches included. So we zap those pesky bugs with anything we can find, usually insecticides

But at the same time, do we really want to expose our kids to the poison of insecticides? Here are some clever ways to repel cockroaches naturally.

REPEL COCKROACHES NATURALLY WITH INGREDIENTS FOUND IN YOUR KITCHEN!

There are some ingredients in your kitchen that can be used to trap, repel, and kill those pesky critters at your home.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Did you know that cockroaches hate the smell of peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils? That is because it disrupts and masks the scent trails which cockroaches use to hunt for their food.

BORAX

Borax is an effective natural cleaner and a safer alternative to many conventional cleaners. It contains boric acid that when ingested by cockroaches, destroys the cellular lining of their guts.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Besides just being repulsive, cockroaches may contribute to allergies, and they can deposit microbes on your food and utensils that could make you sick.

DIY Solutions

The best way to avoid and get rid of cucarachas is good sanitation. You can also eliminate access to your kitchen and other likely infestation sites by applying caulk to seal cracks and other entry points.

Boric acid is another effective roach killer. You slowly blow it into cracks and crevices, or lightly spread it in areas where humans won’t come into contact with it—behind window and door frames, on closet and bookcase shelves, on and behind baseboards and molding strips, and in basements, behind and under washing machines or in wall cracks. Keep the dust dry and undisturbed; if it gets wet, the area will have to be re-treated.

If your tidiness and entry-level pesticides don’t kill the horde, or you need immediate relief from a severe infestation, you (or a pro) can try a chemical insecticide spray or dust. Most contain pyrethroids, which agitate, repel, and quickly kill roaches. Although pyrethroids usually work quickly, some cockroaches are resistant or learn to avoid them. And because the effectiveness of these poisons is fairly short-term, your infestation may return when eggs hatch (egg cases are often resistant to pyrethroids).

Safety First

From an environmental and human safety standpoint, traps and baits pose few if any risks. And boric acid powder has very low toxicity to humans. Pyrethroid sprays decompose fairly rapidly—usually within a few weeks—and the concentrations found in aerosol cans are not very dangerous to humans. But pyrethroid sprays can have powerful, immediate effects on humans who inhale, ingest, or touch them in concentrated form. Effects range from mild (dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision) to severe (unconsciousness, muscle twitches, difficulty breathing, death).

Cockroach control

If you have ever lived in a city, you have probably run across roaches. They are the most common pest around the world and they are everywhere. It is estimated that there are 4,600 species of roach, 25-30 of which are associated with human habitations.

Roaches can be disturbing to find in your home, which is bad enough, but they are also known to contribute to carry a number of diseases, which is why getting a professional roach control and removal specialist is so important. Cockroaches are filthy insects with bad habits you do not want around your home or food prep areas. Controlling roaches is important because they can help spread disease and dirt around a home and cause businesses to lose their reputation or even be shut down.

Know your cockroach

Although there are numerous species of roaches around the planet, the ones that are most common for homeowners are:

German cockroach – these roaches prefer to live and breed indoors and most often found around your kitchen or scurrying around your bathroom.

American cockroach – found in basements and kitchens, but prefer to breed outdoors and live on trees.

Oriental cockroach – dark black or brown in color they love cool, damp areas. These are a health concern because they love to feed on garbage and decaying things.

The problem: roaches are tough

Roaches have been around for a long time. The fossil record shows signs of roaches going back as far as 350 million years. You don’t get to survive that long on this planet without being hard to kill!

Some roach facts to be aware of:

German roaches are the fastest reproducing species of pest roaches. A single female and her offspring can produce over 30,000 individuals within a year.

Roaches can live anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months without food or water depending on the species.

Considerable health risks are caused by roaches contaminating food and triggering asthma/allergy attacks.

How to prevent cockroaches

While you should always contact pest control professionals if you have an active infestation of cockroaches, there are steps you can take to prevent cockroaches from gaining entry to your home or business.

Eliminate food sources – store dry foods in tightly sealed containers or plastic bags and do not leave food sitting out on counters. Do not leave liquids in sinks or buckets.

Clear all waste food and liquid spillage – clean up food debris from food preparation areas, under sinks and appliances. Empty garbage cans on a daily basis and keep all garbage or compost in sealed bins.

Remove pet food – and drink and litter trays before nightfall.

Rinse cans, bottles and plastics – before putting them in recycling bins.

De-clutter – remove old stacks of newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes and all other forms of clutter from the floor or bottom of cupboards.

Varnish or paint wood shelves – to seal them, and wipe them clean regularly.

Seal entry points – to deny access to cockroaches. Key risks are gaps around pipes, drains and common walls with neighboring properties. Tiny cracks around skirting boards and behind electrical sockets should also be plugged.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Apartment

Your apartment should be your sanctuary, especially in these troubling times. That said, a cockroach infestation will certainly ruin your chances of enjoying your home. No one wants to share their quarters with these pests. They can carry disease, cause allergy flare-ups, and make your home smell

It’s imperative to understand how to get rid of roaches in an apartment, and, more importantly, how to keep them out. First things first, you should notify your landlord or property manager of the situation, and see how they can help out. Unfortunately, cockroaches have a well-earned reputation for being both difficult to get rid of and seemingly indestructible. However, that’s not to say that once you have an infestation of roaches you won’t be able to drive them out.

What Attracts Roaches?

Before diving into how to get rid of roaches, it’s important to understand what attracts them. Not only can this knowledge help you avoid them in the future, but it can also help you get to the root of your infestation problem. These are two of the most common ways renters attract roaches.

Food

Home pests such as cockroaches need food to survive. Typically, roaches will be attracted to food in homes. That’s not to say that you can’t keep food in the apartment. Of course you can! It’s how you store food that can be a problem. If you leave food out for a long enough time, it will attract cockroaches (and potentially other pests).

Dirty Dishes

Dirty dishes can also attract roaches. A few dishes left in the sink overnight won’t necessarily cause an infestation. However, a kitchen sink that is perpetually full of dishes with leftover remnants of food will certainly attract roaches. These dishes will inadvertently act as the consistent source of food that roaches need to thrive.

Cockroach Control – How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Of all the possible bug and insect infestations that homes may at some time or other be host to, cockroach infestations are certainly among the most serious. The reason is simple; cockroaches carry and spread diseases. They are associated with a wide variety of other health problems too, including asthma and allergy related conditions. Harmful microbes carried on their bodies are easily transferred to exposed food, either by direct contact or indirectly via surfaces that have already been contaminated by cockroaches passing by. Cockroaches are a serious health hazard in the home, and should be dealt with as effectively as possible. What makes them even more of a problem is their prolific reproduction rate. Four hundred eggs from a single female in one year can drastically increase the size of any local population.

Categories of Cockroach Control Products

Cockroach Killer Sprays are the most common method for controlling cockroaches. For best results, we recommend using a spray with a quick knock-down such as to kill cockroaches on contact and a long-lasting residual such as Pest Expert Formula C Cockroach Killer Spray for continued protection against cockroaches.

Cockroach Killer Powders are very effective at controlling cockroach infestations, without the use chemical insecticides, but kill cockroaches by cutting through the exoskeleton of the insect. As powders such as Smite Organic Diatomaceous Earth Powder are free from chemicals and insecticides, they can be used in chemical sensitive areas such as kitchens.

Cockroach Killer Fumers & Foggers are the ideal products for eliminating a large amount of cockroaches in one treatment. Once set off, the fogger or fumer will release a powerful insecticide smoke or mist into the atmosphere, penetrating even the hardest to reach places in your room, killing most dust mites in its path.

Cockroach Killer Kits such as this Small Cockroach Killer Kit contain all the necessary equipment for the quick and efficient control of small to large scale cockroach infestations. Our kits can be used by amateurs with little knowledge of pest control, to eradicate cockroaches from the premises.

Tell-Tale Signs

First, you should do a little investigation to find out whether you have a problem in the first place, and, if you have, what the scale of the problem is. Evidence of cockroach presence, apart from the obvious, such as seeing live or dead specimens in your house, include: droppings, smear marks, a peculiar and unpleasant smell and discarded casts and egg cases. If there are no signs of any infestation, you should make sure that it will remain that way. You can take steps to minimize the chances of it ever becoming a problem in your home by following the steps given in this article.

Preventing Cockroach Infestations

Prevention is better than cure as the old saying goes, and nowhere is it more apt than in the case of cockroach infestations. With care and vigilance on your part, you can make it difficult for cockroaches to gain a foothold. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment should be your number one priority. Make sure you remove all dropped food remains from food shelves, storage cupboards, etc. Rubbish bins should be secured too. Use the type with lids that will help prevent cockroaches being attracted to any discarded food inside, and empty them every day into your main rubbish container outside the house. In other words, don’t wait until you’ve filled your indoor bins before emptying them.

Try to block all possible entrances to your house, such as small cracks or spaces in floorboards or beneath skirting boards, etc. especially in basements. Ensure that all food in the kitchen, or anywhere it’s stored, is covered and kept in suitable containers with secure lids. Cockroaches will eat anything, and are attracted by, and thrive on, rotting food waste. Disinfectant based cleaning products will remove any food residues that may have been deposited on surfaces.