Good Facilities Management Includes Commercial Electrical Maintenance

ELECTRICIAN DEGREES & CAREERS

Electricians are highly skilled trade professionals, and not just because of the risks associated with their work. Electricians train to handle a wide variety of issues with electrical power, lighting and control systems. They might work in households wiring outlets and light fixtures, or in businesses or factories, overseeing electrical equipment. Some work outdoors, repairing electrical boxes and other peripherals that help keep society humming. Without trained electricians. Perhaps most importantly, however, they keep their communities safe by preventing and responding to dangerous situations.

WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICIAN DO?

Most people know electricians as the professionals who come to their home to inspect or repair wiring, or to install outlets. These tasks, though important, are only one of the many electricians might tackle.

ELECTRICIAN CAREERS BASICS

Electricians install, maintain and repair electric power in rural, residential and commercial areas. They stay up-to-date on safety codes and use only approved materials. They might work in homes, be contracted by large businesses, or work in factories and government installations.

ELECTRICIAN CAREERS IN-DEPTH

Electricians are skilled at reading blueprints and technical diagrams, figuring out the best methods for installing new wiring, replacing old systems, identifying problems through the use of the proper devices, and following all state and local building and safety codes. They often work alone, though sometimes they work in teams, especially when designing and implementing electrical systems for new home or commercial construction.

Electricians are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs opportunities to grow by 14 percent between 2014 and 2024. Those who are well-versed in solar power and other alternative power sources will likely be in higher demand; those who honed their skills in the military can also expect to see better job opportunities. This section explains job growth in various states, helping aspiring electricians make informed decisions about where the jobs are.

HOME SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Electrical safety inspections are crucial to the well-being of your home and the safety of all those who occupy it. Because of this, the Electrical Safety Foundation has compiled a set of guidelines for when you should seek a home inspection.

When to Get a Home Inspection:

Your home is over 40 years.

Your home has undergone a major renovation or integrated a new, large appliance within the past decade.

You are a new homeowner of a previously owned home.

Your lights experience frequent flickering or dimming.

Your circuit breakers flip and/or fuses blow regularly

You have hot-to-touch and/or discolored light switch faceplates

You hear unusual noises coming from electrical outlets

Additional Electrical Safety Inspections:

The inclusion of GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) and surge protection in your home is highly recommended, as it helps protect against accidental electric shock or electrocution. As a precaution, homeowners should consider the installation of GFCIs on general-purpose receptacles throughout the home.

Surge protection offers an additional layer of protection. In fact, if you have sophisticated appliances and electronics, you can’t afford not to safeguard them with whole-house surge protectors. With these installed, you can feel confident your expensive items are properly protected.

Whether you need a thorough home inspection completed or would like whole house surge protection or GFCIs installed in your home

Commercial & Industrial Electrical Solutions

You have someone maintain your floors.  You have someone maintain the grounds. Someone will maintain your copiers.  You will have someone maintain your central air. It would be beneficial for almost every company to have their electrical maintained, although often people don’t think about it.

Without proper maintenance, things can happen with your electrical power slowly, over time that eventually accumulate into big problems.  You may face reduced energy efficiency. Utility bills may increase. The electrical may even be dangerous without anyone knowing about it.  One of the worst things that happens is electricity may become unreliable which can cause lost productivity.

Benefits of Electrical Maintenance

Electric bills decrease. It is estimated that businesses in the United State lose $4 billion a year to inefficient electrical systems.  Regular maintenance can help reduce inefficiency, which allows the company to put their money to better use.

Damage can be prevented. Whether it is fried computers or lost productivity, a poorly maintained electrical system can cost you money by damaging the electrical tools you rely on to get work done.

Regular maintenance can help equipment run better. Tools, computers, calculators—whatever you plug in—are all intended to operate at a certain level of electricity.  If that power doesn’t reach the machine, then the machine has to work harder. It has been estimated that when an electronic device operates on underperforming electricity, its failure rate is three times higher.  Regular maintenance can prevent these problems from occurring.

Regular maintenance can prevent larger bills down the line too. Regular maintenance can also prevent the “creep” of electric bills to almost unnoticeable levels each month or year, but which will add up.

Electrical Maintenance Service

A Poorly Maintained Electrical System Can Cost You Money And Place Your Home At Risk!

Like most things, over time your home’s electrical system is subject to wear and tear. However, unlike a lot of other things, a poorly maintained electrical system can leave you and your family at risk! A poorly maintained electrical system could also be costing you money if not running efficiently. To ensure optimum safety and efficiency, you need to have your electrical system inspected and maintained by a professional.

There could be many reasons why your electrical system is failing. If you notice any of the following in your home, your home could be at risk:

Sparks, buzzing, smoke or odours from your light switches or power points

Light switches or power points are faulty in operation

Shocks or surges in your electrical system

Lights are brighter or dimmer than usual

Circuit breakers (fuses) trip frequently

Light bulbs burn out often.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, call our expert team immediately! We can diagnose faults on the spot and quickly repair the problem.

Electrical Installations

Need to install a new electrical appliance but don’t have the know-how or the right tools for the job? are experts at installing electrical appliances from a simple exhaust or ceiling fan to a full circuit breaker (fuse) board replacement. Look no further than for your electrical installation.

Electrical Repairs

An electrical fault in your home can be a serious problem. The team are trusted professional who can deliver a safe and effective diagnosis and repair service from start to finish.

Electrical Safety and Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Electrical work is defined as:

Any labor or material used in installing, maintaining or extending an electrical wiring system and the appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection with the use of electrical energy in, on, outside, or attached to a building, residence, structure, property, or premises

Service entrance conductors, as defined by the National Electrical Code.

work as an electrician in agricultural operations only, such as farming and ranching. Do I need a statewide electrician’s license?

No, a state electrician’s license is not required for electrical work performed on a building, structure, or equipment used in agriculture. For more on exemptions, see the exemptions page for more information.

An agricultural operation is defined as:

cultivating the soil to produce crops for human food, animal feed, or planting seed for the production of fibers

the practice of floriculture, viticulture, silviculture, and horticulture, including the cultivation of plants in containers or non-soil media, by a nursery grower

raising, feeding, or keeping animals for breeding purposes or for the production of food or fiber, leather, pelts, or other tangible products having a commercial value

raising or keeping equine animals

wildlife management; and

planting cover crops, including cover crops cultivated for transplantation, or leaving land idle for the purpose of participating in any governmental program or normal crop or livestock rotation procedure.

Are employees of public entities required to have an electrician’s license?

Yes. Persons performing subject electrical work must be licensed as electricians

Basics On Vinyl Flooring Repair And Care

Interior Design Tips: Complete Your Look With Vinyl Floors

Vinyl floors, also known as linoleum, are an elegant and economical way to cover floors in any home. It is also convenient and easy to clean, which is ideal if you have pets or small children running around.

Why vinyl?

Vinyl floors, available in various styles and colors, can be adapted to almost any interior design, which means that you can be sure that your floor will perfectly complement your living environment. Choose from a wide range of effects that include marble, slate, granite, wood and tile. If your home requires perfection, you can get it perfectly with a vinyl floor and also know how to cut vinyl flooring.

Vinyl floors are also becoming more popular because they are worth the money. Unlike other flooring options, such as natural wood floors and stone tiles, vinyl has a price that will leave you a design budget to play later.

If you like to enjoy the light at home, and then choose vinyl floors, you can adapt your floors economically and conveniently, with a minimum of inconvenience and inconvenience. Vinyl is easily cut with a regular handmade knife, unlike tiles and wooden floors, which require a bit more experience. Some glue can be used to fix the floor in place. In addition, you can use the money saved on low-cost vinyl floors to hire someone to do the work for you.

Interior Flooring and Décor Tips that Will Transform Any Small Space

This also makes for a wonderful opportunity to provide you with plenty of interior design considerations, so that you can pick and choose your favorites and create a truly unique look. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the five interior flooring and décor tips that will transform any and every small space.

It All Starts With the Flooring

Let’s start with the foundation, the floors. The flooring option you choose in every room will significantly alter its look and feel, so all the more reason to choose carefully. Needless to say, there’s not much you’ll be able to achieve with the perfect flooring solution if you’ve chosen décor elements that hinder the flexibility and maneuverability in the room. But we’ll get to that in a moment.

Right now, there are a few key things you need to focus on when it comes to choosing floors for spaciousness:

  • Subdued color schemes look great, and they help create a more intimate ambiance. But they can also make a small space look and feel even smaller. This is why you should choose light airy colors for your floors, something like off-white hues the likes of ivory and cream to give the room an uplifting vibe.
  • Here’s another simple trick to make a room feel bigger: put laminate, vinyl, or wooden planks parallel to the length of the room. This will make the room feel even longer, and thus a little bit bigger.
  • Not satisfied? Don’t worry, here’s another trick: gloss finishes. Choose a flooring option that boasts a mild glossy finish, which will reflect light and make the room feel that much more capacious, open, and vibrant.

Create continuity between your outside space and indoor space to make your rooms seem bigger

If you have patio doors or bi-fold doors flooring is instrumental in ensuring continuity between your garden and your interior. Use decking outside and wooden boards inside and ensure they point in the same direction. Even when the doors are closed, having similar flooring on your patio and your living room will help give the sense of the space being “projected” through the glass and make the inside space feel much larger. Even if different materials are used or different colours, the alignment of the boards will help create a sense of flow.

Use Vinyl (or even grass!) To Bring the Outdoors In

Strategically placing plants inside the home is the obvious way to bring the outdoors indoors, but you can enhance this further with your flooring. Vinyl flooring inside the home, which has elements of the great outdoors can help create a seamless flow between outdoors and indoors. The Grass range from Harvey Maria brings the lawn into the home and the design is actually inspired by the grass at Kew Gardens, so be assured it won’t be any old lawn you are introducing into your home!

Vinyl Living Room Floor Designs

  • Printed Vinyl: This type of vinyl flooring is comprised of backing material, a print layer, and a wear layer that rests over the top. The backing provides stability for the piece, while the print layer can be imbued with nearly any image, pattern, or color combination imaginable. This allows you to simulate the look of natural wood, and stone, use emblem pieces, get creative with designs or even turn your floor into a living mural beneath your feet.
  • Solid, and Composite Vinyl: Unlike printed vinyl which has separate and distinct layers, these surface coverings are manufactured in a process that produces a single, congruous material all the way through. Because they are not printed the design options in a living room are somewhat limited. However, the constituent consistency ensures that even as the material wears, the colors will not fade as they run true, all the way through.
  • Vinyl Flooring Color Considerations: Make sure that the color and pattern of the floor that you choose will match with the existing styles of design and architecture which are found inherently in the living room. On the one hand, this should be relatively easy, as there are hundreds of different colors and patterns to choose from. However, this can also overwhelm you, in which case the assistance of a design professional may be required.
  • Textural Enhancements: One of the classic drawbacks to vinyl is the fact that it feels flat, manufactured, and plastic. However, there are various textural treatments which can be applied to the material when it is produced, to give it a dimensional feel. This can include the slightly raised clefting of stone, or a more grained feel, simulating natural wood. You can also have random textural patterns that can add a depth of decorative beauty to the installation.

luxury vinyl flooring and home resale value

The resale value of luxury vinyl flooring is simply not as good as it should be. It’s the victim of being a newer flooring that hasn’t completely caught on yet, and I think currently laminate has better resale value in most markets.

Many people hear the word “vinyl” and assume you’re talking about sheet vinyl, which is considered one of or the cheapest types of flooring. It’s clear that many people don’t know the difference between the two (which is a big difference) because many real estate sites and systems only allow for “vinyl,” not allow you to specify luxury vs sheet.

With this in mind, ultimately people care about look, durability, and prestige when it comes to buying a home and flooring. Luxury vinyl tiles meet the first two criteria, it just needs to shake the negative reputation of sheet vinyl.

When this happens, I think luxury vinyl tile will jump laminate but still be behind hardwood in terms of desirability.

Flat Roof Repair

Things to Consider for Commercial Roof Repair

No matter how skillfully it was constructed, every building’s roof will encounter problems throughout its life. This exterior feature constantly endures changing weather patterns and debris, which cause wear and tear. Additional factors like poor initial installation can make a roof deteriorate more quickly.

When you are considering a significant repair or even a full replacement, it can be difficult to know where to start. Getting a thorough understanding of the factors that influence repair or replacement is the first step, and evaluating the type of repair required is next. If you’re having trouble knowing where to start the process, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go over what you need to consider when deciding on commercial roof repair.

Roof Repair, Replacement or Restoration?

Your first step is to decide whether your commercial roof needs a complete replacement, or if it’s a good idea to go for a repair or restoration. A full replacement of a commercial roof is a lengthy process that requires significant planning if you want to fit it comfortably within your budget. For most building owners, replacing a commercial roof is the last resort.

Commercial roof repair is a suitable option when the issue is small and located in a single area. Examples include impact damage to one spot while the rest of the roof is intact or weather damage on a roof that otherwise has many years of use left.

Commercial roof restoration is typically done by coating the roof. This process gives the building a new membrane and provides significant resistance to leaks. Applying a new roof coat is a cost-effective way to extend the roof’s life, and installation is simpler, as well as less disruptive to day-to-day business. As long as the roof is structurally sound and has not reached the end of its lifespan, repair or restoration are typically the most viable options for practicality and budgeting.

FLAT ROOF REPLACEMENT

What is the best flat roof, or roof material for flat roof replacement? This is a question I get asked a lot, and to be honest there isn’t a right or wrong answer – But there is sometimes a type of flat roof that would suit a flat roof of a particular size, shape, detail level or budget. I have been fitting new flat roofs now for over 30 years, I have seen virtually every type of flat roof, from being installed on day one, to its final death. So if you want some impartial advice free from sales patter, read on. You can also find a link to average flat roof costs at the bottom of the page.

What is the best flat roof? Well let’s take a look at the main contenders, Felt v Asphalt v Fibreglass v EPDM rubber v Single ply membranes, let the fight begin, click on more info for a shortcut to that roof covering, or read the article as a whole.

Felt roof – Positives – low cost, proven results, suits roofs of any size – Negatives – not suitable for regular foot fall, requires heat to install, not DIY friendly, suffers from a poor reputation from older systems

Asphalt roof – Positives – Competitively priced, hard wearing, suitable for most sizes, long lifespan – Negatives – relatively heavy and requires a strong roof structure, not flexible, not DIY friendly

EPDM rubber roof – Positives – lightweight, flexible, hard wearing, no naked flames required, can be DIY installed – Negatives – not pretty and even ugly if overlooked, may shrink over the years, may not suit complex detailing, can attract poor installers

GRP fibreglass roof – Positives – lightweight, hard wearing, no hot flame, resists vandalism, truly jointless, pretty, long lifespan, can be DIY installed – Negatives – not very flexible, does not suit large surface areas easily, slippy when new

Single ply membrane like PVC, TPO, TPE, & PIB – Positives – lightweight, flexible, pleasant to look at, handles slopes and large areas, fairly durable, fire resistant – Negatives – Costs more to install than other flat roof systems in a domestic setting, may not suit regular footfall, or complex details

FLAT ROOF REPLACEMENT

Before we begin… Sometimes the mere mention of a flat roof sends a homeowner into a spin. I’ve had customers spend 15 times the cost of replacing an old flat roof converting it to a pitch roof to save the cost of replacing it in another 20 years time. I know you want your next roof to last forever, but take a deep breath and think clearly.

FELT ROOF

This type of flat roof still has a bad reputation with some people, but I’m going to tell you why that perception is out of date. Most people have in mind the old ‘pour and roll’ felts of yesteryear, and these were thin bitumen felts glued together with a hot liquid bitumen between each layer. They had minimum internal reinforcing, with some containing natural hessian fibres which were prone to rotting. This type of felt, sometimes known as felt paper or tar paper, would effectively dry out and crack with age or UV damage from the sun. 10 years was pretty much the life expectancy.

Cool Things to Know about Flat Roofs

Flat Roof = Profit Center

If your property is a hotel, restaurant, motel, cafe, pub or similar establishment, consider a rooftop patio. Your commercial roofer can work with you to determine what modifications might be needed to transform all that square footage into a hip, cool, vibrant rooftop party place.

Where you see only HVAC units, an engineer and the experts can envision weatherproof seating, railings, mood lighting and a panoply of stars above the heads of giddy guests.

Get a Charge

the number of sunny or partially sunny days in annually. Your roof, even if it is not conducive to the tourist trade, can be great spot for solar panels that deliver free electricity to your business. With 27 percent of days being completely sunny, you have plenty of opportunity to tap the free energy beaming down on your flat roof.

A solar array on a flat roof is easy to service, leaves a very small footprint on the existing roofing material, and can be installed with relative ease by coordinating with your commercial roofer and a local solar energy contractor

A Passive Punch

Another cool thing about your company’s flat roof is its ability to cool your building. With the right mix of rooftop insulation and reflective roofing material, your commercial roofer can install a cool roof, one that lowers cooling costs by reflecting sunlight away from the building.

What kind of flat roof material is better?

The TPO roof system is quickly becoming an attractive option for owners of commercial buildings and contractors alike. It is a type of single-ply roofing material which is durable and highly resistant to environmental hazards. It is also available in a variety of colors.

TPO is popular partly because it is economical. However, it is also durable, meaning it can resist a variety of threats ranging from mold to tears. We’ll discuss this in greater detail below.

Like any other material, TPO roofing has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, TPO is priced reasonably. It offers some of the benefits of PVC including energy efficiency but at a more affordable cost. The roofing material also looks great on any type of building. Whether you get a grey, black or white roof, you benefit from UV resistance and a cooler building.

TPO roofing is also highly resistant to dirt and isn’t easily torn or punctured. The material withstands thermal expansion and contraction better than other single ply roofing products. And because TPO sheets are wider, the installation is quicker and there are fewer seams. There are also multiple options for installation methods allowing for greater customization.

The number of roofing options available on the market today can overwhelm any building owner. However, you should seriously consider a TPO roofing installation if you want a cost-effective solution which doesn’t compromise the integrity of your building.

PVC Flat Roof Installation

PVC Flat Roof Installation

There are many different types of flat roofs, but the two main types are PVC (vinyl) and TPO (thermal plastic). At Pro Roofing NW we prefer PVC over TPO because they are more water resistant – which is a must in the rainy climate. However, TPO is considered a “greener roof” option because it emits less gas when welded together. Flat roofs are notorious for being costly to upkeep due to their predisposition for springing leaks. However, PVC flat roofs are so watertight that even if water pools on your roof for an extended time it should not have adverse effects. PVC is also known for its strength – these types of roof can last more than 20 years!

Flat Roof Underlayment – What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Roofer

One of the most important parts of flat roof installation is the underlayment. Because is such a rainy climate, one of the most important things you should know is that when choosing a roofing material is that you should never install a single ply roof (such as torchdown). The biggest problem with single-ply roof types is the risk for condensation. Over time moisture from inside your home from normal activities (showering, boiling water, breathing, etc.) will begin to accumulate in your attic and under the single ply membrane. Condensation will manifest itself just like a leak, but it’s just water from inside your home that is trapped and can’t get out. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you it is imperative your roof has two proper layers of underlayment as well as proper venting. Every PVC roof must have both layers of protection under PVC.

Two necessary layers of protection for your flat roof include:

Leak barrier – In order to protect your flat roof it’s important to have a leak barrier that acts as a shield from water and ice. These barriers allow small amounts of water vapor to evaporate through them from the inside of your home but will not allow water drops from rain to pass through to the inside of your home.

Separation sheet – Additional protection for your flat roof includes the installation of a separation sheet. These sheets are felt-like and applied directly over the leak barrier. They will absorb small amounts of moisture under the membrane in case any water passes through the leak barrier.

Venting for Flat Roofs

The next important thing to consider during flat roof installation is proper ventilation. There are two basic types of vents – one lets the air out of the attic (RVO) and the other pushes air under the membrane and over the separator sheet to dry it (soffit).

RVO high neck vents – These types of vents are used to let air out of attic cavities. The necks are tall because water can build up and run into the house through the vents.

Soffit vents – are installed on the underside of your home’s eaves. Cool, dry air enters through these and then get pushed up and out through the RVOs.

Why Choose Pro Roofing NW?

Flat roofs are more individually unique than any other type of roofing. Pro Roofing NW has years of experience in providing these roofs in the rainy climate and can help guide you through the process as well as ensure that adequate measures have been taken to prevent future leaks.

Basic Ants Farm Gel Colony Knowledge

How can I get rid of ants?

Ants make for terrible houseguests: They come uninvited, get into everything, and are in no hurry to leave. Even in the best of times, they’re unwelcome. But if you, like many people, have been spending far more time at home because of social distancing, the little critters could very well drive you insane.

Through the warmer months, the two types most likely to show up are carpenter ants and odorous house ants, aka house ants. When their natural habitat is destroyed, ants seek out alternate food sources, which is what brings them indoors.

Inspection

To get your ant problem under control, inspection is an important first step.

To find ant nests, follow their trails. Ants lay down a chemical pheromone trail along their established routes to and from a food source so other ants can easily find the food.

Inside a house, inspect along the carpet edges, doors, windows, and all areas of the kitchen. The easiest way to find a trail to the nest is to watch where ants go after reaching the food source. If you are targeting Carpenter ants, inspection at night is more effective since the larger Carpenter ant is nocturnal. You can spot Carpenter ants emerging from damaged wood inside the house, or foraging outside in woodpiles, rotted or water-damaged wood, and tree stumps.

Outside the house, inspect around foundation walls, areas of vegetation, and mulch. Any vegetation found near patios and walls may hide some Ant nests or their trails. Check under any item that is on the ground. Some ant nests are well hidden.

  • Follow the trail to find the nest.
  • Treat the nest directly if possible or use bait or non-repellent insecticide around the perimeter of the house and on the ant trails.

What exactly is an Ant Repellent?

The definition of repellent is as follows: “a substance that deters insects or other pests from approaching or settling.” Basically, an ant repellent does as its title implies: it repels ants. This means creating a barrier that the ants no longer want to cross and instead search for somewhere else to go.

Some repellents can work, however, in the end you’ll just be redirecting the ants, and they may find another entryway into your home. Repellents don’t kill the colony, and if that’s what you want to do, then you may want to use a bait instead.

Repellents can be liquid sprays or dry substances. A few common DIY ant repellents are:

●      Cinnamon

●      Essential oils (peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus)

●      Chili Pepper (sprinkled liberally)

●      Whole cloves

●      Chalk lines

●      Baby powder (talcum powder)

●      Coffee grounds

●      Cucumbers

●      Vinegar spray

●      Salt/water solutions

●      Dish soap/water solution

When you have your repellent, be sure to spread it around cracks, holes, window sills, along baseboards, corners, and outside the perimeter of your home. Ants prefer to walk in single-file straight lines, so when you apply your repellent, keep that in mind.

How to Keep Ants Out of Your Home For Good

  • Seal those entry points. Caulk and seal any cracks or exposed crevices in doors and windows.
  • Hide the sweets. Black garden ants (fun fact: they’re actually dark brown!) are the most likely invaders. Keep food—especially honey, maple syrup, and sugar—in airtight containers or tightly wrapped with foil or plastic wrap.
  • Do your chores. Regularly clean countertops and floors where crumbs are most likely to hide. And keep that pet food stored between feedings and regularly clean those pet bowls.
  • Take out the trash. Make sure trash cans (especially in the kitchen!) are covered, and after you take out the garbage, inspect the can for any residue that might be lingering.

Natural Ways To Eliminate Ants

1. Diatomaceous earth (silicon dioxide)

Diatomaceous earth is a type of silica. It comprises fossilized remains of aquatic organisms called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth isn’t a poison. It kills ants and other bugs by absorbing the oils in their skeletons, which dries them out. Since it’s an irritant, avoid breathing in diatomaceous earth or getting it on your skin.

2. Glass cleaner and liquid detergent

Combining spray-on glass cleaner with liquid detergent or dish soap can help deter ants from entering your home. It does this by removing the scented pheromone trail they leave behind when they walk. Mix together and spray on areas where ants seem to congregate or originate from. Wipe down the area after spraying, leaving a light residue. While there are no studies to support this remedy, anecdotal evidence suggests it’s enough to keep ants away.

3. Hand soap

If the scent of glass cleaner bothers you, using hand soap may be enough to remove ants. Soapy water of any kind removes the scent of ant pheromones. Use it on ant trails and points of entry in your home. Without pheromone trails to follow, ants are unable to communicate with each other.

4. Pepper

Since ants seem to find the smell of pepper irritating, you can try black or red (cayenne) pepper as an ant deterrent. This remedy to ant infestation is completely natural and safe. Anecdotal evidence suggests that sprinkling pepper around baseboards and behind appliances may help keep ants at bay.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural insect repellent that may be very effective at repelling ants and other bugs, such as mosquitoes. Mix 10 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water. Spray the mixture around the baseboards and windows of your home. Let dry. Like most essential oils, keep peppermint oil out of reach of pets, especially cats, who can become very ill if exposed.

How An Event Planner Makes Your Event A Dream

TIPS FOR ORGANISING A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

If you’ve ever organised an event, you know that not everything runs to plan and you have to face various challenges. When I was organising my first event, I was told about The funny Duck Face Rule. This rule states that on the outside you should look calm and peaceful. But in fact you are energetically paddling with your feet underwater to keep yourself afloat. However, no one should find out about that. To this day, I still believe this is the most valuable rule

Define the purpose and format

It seems pretty obvious but it’s worth having a critical approach to this issue. Formulate your goal as specifically as possible: do you want to convey knowledge to participants; express gratitude to partners; raise funds for a project or offer guests aesthetic pleasure? The format of the event will depend on the answer: its concept, timing and duration, role distribution within the team, the layout of the hall, catering and sound.

Pay sufficient attention to planning

The plan should include logistics, content and the promotion of the event. Create a document available to the entire team where each member would be able to see the tasks of the others and the big picture. First, prepare a list of the main tasks, and then flesh them out in as much detail as possible in the form of specific steps that must be completed. It is important to designate the timeframe in the plan: the time required for completing a task. It is often underestimated and preparation goes slower than you expected.

Draft your budget taking into account unforeseeable situations

Look at the list of tasks and reflect them in your budget. It is also worth thinking about a reserve in case of unforeseeable situations. For example, there was an incident in my work when it rained on the day of an open-air event. We had to immediately change the location and transport all the equipment and furniture. It is better to think about such things in advance and be prepared for them financially.

The devil is in the detail

If you want to pleasantly surprise your guests, think about everything down to the smallest detail: how they register, who will greet participants and how, what music will be playing, do you have an interesting photo corner, how do your presentations look and how is your team dressed, what to do during breaks.

TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE EVENT

EVENT PLANNERS: KEEP THE STRESS AWAY WHEN PLANNING YOUR LIVE EVENTS

If you’re an event planner, you know how stressful your job can be. Planning, organizing and keeping your event on track is a challenging feat. Whether it’s technology or managing your time, here are some helpful tips to make your event planning more productive and stress-free

CREATE A BUDGET FOR YOUR EVENT — AND STICK TO IT!

This sounds easy, right? Not many event planners like jumping into spreadsheets with financial information and crunching numbers, but creating (and sticking to) a budget is the number one step to avoiding a common event disaster: going over budget.

First, gather as much information as you can about the costs of your live event, like quotes, contracts and other agreements from vendors, shipping companies, advertising and promotional expenses, etc. Make sure to include any taxes, credit card fees, or any other expected charges that may not be included up-front, but you that you expect in the end. Remember, contracts can be negotiated — so don’t hesitate to ask for the details so you get the best deal and receive the goods and services that you need to make your event a success.

SET A REALISTIC TIMELINE

There is absolutely nothing more rewarding than seeing your event come together! To see the magic happen, you need a realistic idea of how long each part of planning your event is going to take, including setting up your marketing plan, turnaround time for marketing materials, recruiting volunteers, getting the AV services scheduled, setting up the day of the event — and everything else that goes into putting your event together.

ORGANIZE YOUR TIME AND IDEAS

You can organize yourself in many ways, depending on the type of event planner you are and what your schedule allows for. It’s important to work smarter — not harder. The more efficiently you work, the stronger your event becomes. Your efficiency while planning your event helps reduce stress throughout the project. If you plan your days ahead of time or schedule meetings that involve similar concepts/ideas and team members on the same day, you may be less flustered when you’re trying to bring all your ideas together. To avoid stressful last-minute changes, it’s helpful to set a deadline for your sponsors, vendors, exhibitors and other event contacts.

Resources to Grow Your Event Planning Business

Finding solid resources to help you grow your event planning business can be tricky, especially because it can be hard to find information specifically geared toward industry professionals

Sure, there are tons of wedding planning websites out there—but how many of them are actually directed toward professional planners, and not just brides? To help you cut through the clutter, here is a list of 11 excellent resources to help you grow your event planning business. From must-read blogs and websites with up-to-the-minute industry news, to planning-specific podcasts, there is sure to be a resource that will help you take your event planning business to new heights.

Event Planning Resources from Event Experts

This regularly-updated list covers everything from marketing ebooks to blog posts, all recommended by industry experts. This list offers a variety of resources to help you grow your business (with a heavy focus on marketing), specifically from an event planner’s perspective.

Planner’s Lounge

If you choose just one resource from this list, choose Planner’s Lounge. This comprehensive website was started by wedding and event planner Debbie Orwat as a place for current and would-be event planners to source information and learn about the industry

Event Planning Blueprint

As with Planner’s Lounge, Event Planning Blueprint has educational resources for sale, as well as free resources available on their blog. Since you’re in the process of evaluating event planning resources, I suggest starting with reading Common Mistakes to Avoid.

Little Things That Will Make a Big Difference at Your Next Event

2019 calls for new goals, strategies, and (most importantly) new events. Now is the time to reflect on the past year — the highs and lows, what worked, what didn’t — and think about what to adjust as you head into 2019 and a fresh slate of event programs.

It’s easy for event organizers to get caught up in the big picture — the overall strategy, guest list, promotion plan, or even the run of show on the day-of. But I’m here to tell you this: the details matter

Choose an intimate venue. A smaller space (and a packed room) can make your event feel bigger than it is

Make sure your event is accessible. In your RSVP form you can gather information ahead of time to help make your event more inclusive with things like ramp/elevator access, interpretative services, and ample priority seating

Pick a venue with tall ceilings. It will make the event space seem larger than it is

Plan for the elements. If the event is outdoors, you might need a tent with adjustable panels or a mister. It’s a good idea to have sunscreen and bug repellent available, too.

HOW TO START AN EVENT PLANNING BUSINESS FROM HOME

The great thing about event planning is if you are just starting out, you don’t need an office. No need for any commercial property for lease or anything like that! That will save you a load of money over time.

START AN EVENT PLANNING BUSINESS BECAUSE THE EVENTS BUSINESS IS GOOD

Unlike many other industries worldwide, hospitality is on the rise. There are 10 million meetings and events held annually internationally. And the amount of money spent on events every year is $565 billion. That’s quite a lot of money.

GET SOME EXPERIENCE

How easy is it ever to do something for the first time? Usually pretty hard. So before dipping your feet into the water, think about getting some relevant experience first.

If you know any event planners already, think about helping them out or shadowing them for a while so you can learn the ropes. Now is this 100% necessary to starting out? Definitely not!

HOW TO BE AN EVENT PLANNER AND SPECIALIZE: PICK A NICHE

Before getting started, thinking about the type of insurance you need to get, marketing, and all that, you need to think about what type of event planner you want to be.

Outsource Tax Preparation May Be Right For Your Business

Guide to Tax and Accounting Credentials

Tax professionals must have an IRS issued Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) in order to legally prepare your tax return for compensation. Make certain your preparer has one and enters it on your return. 

Enrolled Agents (EA) – Preparers with this credential are licensed by the IRS and specifically trained in federal tax planning, preparation, and representation. Enrolled agents hold the most expansive license IRS grants and must pass a suitability check, as well as a three-part exam. They complete 72 hours of continuing education every 3 years.

Public Accountants (CPA) – People with this credential are licensed by state boards of accountancy and have passed the CPA exam. They must meet education, experience, and good character requirements established by their boards of accountancy and comply with ethical requirements as well as complete continuing education to maintain an active license. CPAs can offer a range of services; some CPAs specialize in tax preparation and planning.

Attorneys – Attorneys are licensed by state courts or their designees, such as the state bar. Generally, requirements include completion of a degree in law, the passage of an ethics and bar exam and on-going continuing education. Attorneys can offer a range of services; some attorneys specialize in tax preparation and planning.

Enrolled agents, certified public accountants, and attorneys have unlimited representation rights before the IRS and may represent their clients on any matters including audits, payment/collection issues, and appeals.

IRS Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion Holders – The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) recognizes and encourages the voluntary efforts of unenrolled tax return preparers to increase their knowledge and improve their filing season competency through continuing education. AFSP – Record of Completion Holders must meet annual educational requirements set by the IRS and either take and pass an annual tax refresher course or have passed other IRS recognized state or national competency tests such as ACAT’s Accredited Business Accountant and Accredited Tax Preparer. (Read more on ACAT credentials below.) 

Annual Filing Season Program participants are included in a public database of return preparers on the IRS website. Annual Filing Season Program participants have limited representation rights, meaning they can represent clients whose returns they prepared and signed, but only before revenue agents, customer service representatives, and similar IRS employees, including the Taxpayer Advocate Service. PTIN holders without an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion or other professional credentials will only be permitted to prepare tax returns. For returns prepared and signed after December 31, 2015, they will not be allowed to represent clients before the IRS.

Not All Tax Preparers Are The Same

First, taxpayers should know that there is no national licensing requirement required for someone to call themselves a professional tax preparer and charge others to file their income taxes. People preparing another person’s income taxes for a fee are, however, required to have a PTIN, or Preparer Tax Identification Number. Some states have additional income tax preparer requirements for state income taxes, however. This leaves a lot of room for less than reputable individuals to set up shop.

Enrolled agents (“EAs”) and certified public accountants (“CPAs”) are both licensed and must pass testing and report continuing education hours. EAs earn their credential by passing a comprehensive exam administered by the IRS that covers individual, business, estate and trust taxation, and IRS representation. CPAs must pass a stringent four-part test, one part of which centers on taxation, while the other parts focus on financial accounting and reporting, financial auditing and business practices.

EAs and CPAs, along with attorneys, are the only professionals authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS (such as during audits or for other communications). Few attorneys, however, prepare taxes.

The “Annual Filing Season Program” is new this year, and some preparers may advertise themselves as “AFSP.” This voluntary program got its start after IRS’ efforts to require that all preparers be tested and complete annual continuing education failed because a judge ruled that IRS did not have the authority to impose the requirement. This acronym, AFSP, is not a credential. It only shows that the preparer has passed a basic test and agreed to voluntarily complete some continuing education each year.

Whomever a taxpayer hires to do their taxes must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). It’s the law: Anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation must have a valid 2015 PTIN before preparing returns. Checking for a PTIN is good place to start in making sure the preparer is on the level.

Seeing initials after a tax preparer’s name does not necessarily indicate that he or she is competent, but because the tax code changes so frequently, it can be reassuring to know that a preparer is required to complete continuing education. EAs, CPAs, commercial firms, and seasonal tax preparers are popular choices for tax preparation, however, only EAs, CPAs and attorneys can represent a taxpayer before the IRS if there’s a problem.

Promises of large returns

Fraudulent tax preparers will try to lure clients by promising huge refunds.

Those scam artists, who are highlighted year after year in the IRS’ “dirty dozen” list of most prominent tax scams, often target unsuspecting elderly and low-income taxpayers.

One sign that a tax preparer will inflate your return: They are getting paid based on a percentage of the refund.

That would be an automatic stop sign for me an enrolled agent and financial. It’s in their best interest to get you a larger refund whether it’s real or not. Those so-called tax professionals will often beef up your returns by attempting to cheat the system.

That could include using money paid for your commute to work or your business clothes as a deduction. They’re not deductions” for most individuals

I’ve seen people who put down 16,000 miles driving to work as an unreimbursed employee expense on the tax return, and that’s just wrong. It is going to get the taxpayer in trouble upon audit.

Other traps can range from exaggerations regarding charitable contributions or medical expenses to outright lies regarding marital status or the number of children you have. If you have the guts and no ethics, there’s so many ways you can cheat on your tax return in the short run. But in the long run you could face steep IRS penalties, even if it was the tax preparer who made the errors.

Three Easy Steps to Verify Your Tax Preparer is Legal

What to know about California tax preparers and how to verify if they are legal

Knowing how to find the right tax preparer can be overwhelming. Most of us assume that if the tax preparer has a business office or an accounting degree, the tax preparer is legal, right?

Not necessarily.

A degree in accounting, for example, does not automatically mean the tax preparer is legal. California law is very strict about who can prepare tax returns professionally. Below are three easy steps to confirm if the tax preparer is legal.

Step One— Does the tax preparer have a legal designation?

California law requires anyone who prepares tax returns for a fee to be either an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), IRS enrolled agent (EA), or registered tax preparer with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

Anyone caught preparing tax returns for a fee without one of those four designations is breaking state law and may face penalties up to $5,000 from the Franchise Tax Board.

Step Two— Does the tax preparer have a clean history?

So the tax preparer claims he/she has a legal designation? Good. Now it is up to you to verify it. To check the status of…

  • Attorneys, California State Bar
  • Visit www.calbar.ca.gov
  • Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), California Board of Accountancy
  • Visit www.dca.ca.gov/cba
  • CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs), California Tax Education Council
  • Visit www.ctec.org
  • Enrolled Agents (EAs), California Society of Enrolled Agents
  • Visit www.csea.org or email the IRS at [email protected].

Step Three— Does the tax preparer have a PTIN?

As of 2011, the IRS is requiring all paid tax preparers to register for Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Tax preparers are required to include their PTIN on each federal tax return they sign. If the tax preparer does not have a PTIN, walk away.

BEWARE IF YOUR TAX PREPARER…

  • Signs or stamps your tax return “self prepared” instead of signing their name. The law REQUIRES paid tax preparers to sign your tax return by first and last name. No exceptions. Always verify they signed the “TAX PREPARER SIGNATURE” line on your state and federal tax returns.
  • Signs under a business name. Again, their individual name is required by law.
  • Sticks a business label on your tax return instead of signing their name.​ Although it may appear like they “signed” it, the copy filed with the government never includes the label. Again, no name. No signature. No proof of existence.
  • Claims they “forgot” to sign your tax return or “promises” to sign it later.

Packing Tips For Long Distance Moving

Packing When You’re Moving Long Distance

Emergency Contact Person

While this isn’t something that you need to pack, you should identify a person who will be your emergency contact. This is someone who can be reached easily and will be around for the duration of your travels. Set a call schedule for you to check in with your contact person to ensure someone is monitoring your travels. They’ll also act as a point person for any problems you encounter during your trip. For instance, if you have car trouble that postpones your arrival at your new place, they can contact the movers and/or real estate agent/landlord to let them know the change of plans.

Address of the New Home

It may seem obvious, but you might forget to bring the address of their new home. Further, you could leave without having the contact number of your new landlord or the real estate agent. First, you should always check and recheck with the movers to make sure they have the new address and contact number of you and an emergency number, just in case.

Route Plan

It’s a good idea to plan your route with as much detail as possible. Not only will this ensure that you arrive at your new place on time, but also that your emergency contact has a copy of the plan and knows where you are on each day of your trip. Of course, if you have time, you can veer from the route, just make sure you let your emergency contact know of this change.

GPS Device

If your car doesn’t have a GPS, it’s a good idea to invest in one or download an app for your phone. Not only will it provide directions to where you’re going, but can be programmed to find services, such as gas stations, mechanics, hotels, and restaurants, wherever you might be. We’ve found it to be incredibly useful and invaluable in particular when we drive on lesser-traveled roads and in areas that are sparsely populated.

Maps and Guides

While most of us rely on our GPS unit or smartphone, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, like physical maps that you can rely on should the technology fail. It also makes planning a trip a little easier and more fun, too, especially if the whole family is involved.

LONG DISTANCE MOVES

If you’re moving across the state or even across the country, it’s a good idea to rely on professional movers. An out of state move is often complicated because of the added driving time and the unknowns of your new hometown. Plus, you may have vehicles, appliances, and other tricky items you need to transport to your new house. Working with an interstate moving company makes it easier for you to attend to all the other relocation details, so you aren’t as stressed when moving day rolls around.

LICENSING & INSURANCE

When hiring a professional mover, it’s imperative to find a moving company that is both licensed and insured. Doing so reduces the chance of moving fraud and improves your odds of having an exceptional moving experience. After all, you want to make sure that everything that gets loaded into the truck and makes it where it needs to go. Further, if any damage occurs, you can only make a claim if your mover carries insurance coverage. If the moving company doesn’t have insurance, it’s more difficult to hold them responsible. Cheap Movers Boston ensures your movers are licensed and insured to transport your household goods across state lines. With us, you have fewer things to worry about!

IN-HOME ESTIMATES

By law, your moving company must complete an in-home estimate. During this process, an estimator surveys your possessions and creates a detailed inventory to calculate a more accurate quote. Always ask for this estimate in writing. This step eliminates any surprises on moving day like when movers suddenly ask for more money to complete your move. Any reputable mover will offer you an in-home estimate.

you may want to ask about the cost of adding other services to your relocation package:

Packing: Getting everything ready for the trip is especially challenging when it comes to a long-distance move. Unlike with a local move, in which you can make multiple trips to retrieve items, with an interstate relocation, you must have everything boxed and ready to go at once. Professional packers help you prepare for the move, alleviating the stress of getting everything organized, wrapped, and put into boxes.

Loading/Unloading: While loading the truck comes standard with any full-service move, you may just need assistance loading a rental truck or storage pod. Hire movers to assist with your loading or unloading.

Vehicle transport: Don’t feel like driving your car hundreds of miles to your new home? We help you find auto transport companies to ship your vehicle safely without the hassle.

Storage: Haven’t closed on your new house, but need to move out of your old place? Find cheap temporary storage for your things through one of our moving partners.

Unpacking: Once your stuff finally arrives at the new house, you’ll probably be eager to get it all unboxed and put away. Trust a professional moving crew to do the job for you, so you can settle in that much faster.

LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

Planning a long-distance move to or from Florida is stressful. There’s the packing, cleaning, changing utilities, and possibly selling your home. But the biggest decision is choosing the best long-distance movers responsible for transporting your possessions across the country

moves from apartments, condos and houses. They work with individual residents and businesses. They offer pick-up and delivery services to points throughout the United States. Rest assured they comply with all regulations for moves across state lines and have a long track record of satisfied customers.

As full-service, long-distance movers, Good Greek offers:

Complete packing and unpacking services A full line of packing supplies In-house estimates before the move That estimate is cool- no last-minute price hike surprises! Professionals who can answer your questions leading up to moving day On moving day, supervised, uniformed movers are prompt, polite and ensure your items are packed safely. Disassembly and reassembly of your furniture Storage is available for your belongings 24-hour, 7 days-a-week business hours

long distance moving

we go the distance for you.

Moving far away is particularly challenging. Fortunately, Planes Moving & Storage is here to help. We know it can be stressful to move to an unfamiliar place that’s far from your current home and we are committed to making your long distance move as smooth as possible.

From professional packing and secure storage solutions to other additional services like debris removal, electronics installation, and even real estate help, we are truly a one-stop solution for all of your long distance moving needs.

Once we get to know the specifics of your move, we’ll design a detailed moving plan so that you know exactly what to expect during every stage of the moving process. By trusting us with your relocation, you can ensure all of your items make it to your new home safe and sound.

Ultimate Guide for Long Distance Apartment Moves

Decide how you want to move based on what you are moving and your budget. You can opt for a combination

Here’s a guide:

Professional moving company – Use if you have a lot of furniture, boxes and fragile items like electronics.

Rental truck – Good for limited amounts of furniture and boxes. Since you will be the labor force, factor in your time and energy when comparing.

Shipping company – They handle mainly boxes, no large furniture or electronics and are more suitable for small apartment and dorm moves.

Preparing for a Move

Organizing a long-distance relocation involves lots of phone calls, emails and proactive thinking on your part

Here are a few items to address early, before things get crazy:

Do your research on movers, rental trucks or shipping companies – Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and websites.

Know your rights – Protect yourself and your belongings by going to learn how to spot red flags when dealing with moving companies.

Call your insurance company – They may offer an additional policy or rider to cover the move. If they don’t, consider getting insurance through the moving company or a third-party insurer.

Take the time to declutter – Get rid of items you no longer need or use. Decluttering cuts down on the amount of stuff to pack and unpack.

Contact your new building – Find out if there are parking restrictions for the moving truck. Ask to reserve the freight elevator if your new home is a high rise.

Contact utility companies – Turn off or transfer services in your name, such as electricity, cable, telephone, high speed internet, water, garbage pick-up, etc.