Why Is Photo Booth Hire Now Essential For Events

Tips for Capturing The Best Photo Booth Snapshots!

A photo booth seems to give people an instant license to show off their silly sides with friends, loved ones, acquaintances and even strangers. Photo booths at parties and events can be a recipe for fun times for your photography clients and, ideally, some shareable, keepsake photos.

Unfortunately, the great majority of photo booth photos tend to have a “sameness” about them; people make the same basic funny faces and may use a few requisite photo booth props. However, whether you run a traditional or open-air photo booth, more creativity in your photos is possible

Location, Location, Location

Just as in real estate, “location” counts with photo booth setup. They don’t call alcohol a “social lubricant” for nothing, so if you have an opportunity to set up your booth near a bar, do it. Other ideal setup spots would be by the dance floor or a karaoke stage — anywhere people are already having a good time and the energy is high

Playing it Up with Props

With photo booth photography, success is often in the details. Arm yourself and your photo booth setup with plenty of props and other items to spark creativity and help people loosen up. You can also use existing accessories in unexpected ways; have all of the guys hold their ties or point to their boutonnieres while making faces. Have the ladies hold their cell phones to their ears and pretend to look preoccupied in an engaging conversation. Use existing decorations at the venue in fun and inventive ways in addition to having your own array of props nearby.

An innovative trend in photo booth props is paper prop sets with specialized themes for weddings, holidays, and more. They photograph amazingly well and are far easier to transport than 3D props. From funny mustaches to fake lips and ridiculous glasses, these paper props are sure to encourage bolder poses and yield more creative photos.

What To Look For When Renting a Photo Booth

When it comes to renting a photo booth for an event, settling on one company from a sea of many can stir up some amount of indecisiveness. How do you pick the right one for your event? Luckily, we have a few tips for you to always pick the best photo booth rental for any occasion. Keep reading

Customization and branding

If you’re shopping around for the best photo booth rental for your annual corporate event, don’t settle for just any type of kiosk. One of the prime advantages of digital photo booths is that virtually everything can be customized, immersing attendees in well-rounded experiences involving your brand.

Instant social media sharing technology

There’s power in photo marketing, and renting a photo booth is one of the easiest ways to leverage it. What’s the point in branding photos with your logo if they can’t be shared organically on social media? Social media is important to your event, whether it is a corporate or social one, so opt for a photo booth rental that allows your guests to instantly share their pictures online. Be sure to ask the vendor if pictures can also be shared instantly to an album on your Facebook page (personal or business), or if they can be tweeted out.

Quality equipment and technology

A part of your research should include comparing photo booth companies based on the quality of their equipment. As a rule-of-thumb, quality always trumps all. Look for a photo booth that comes equipped with a professional camera that takes high-definition shots.

Interactive elements and entertaining features

When renting a photo booth, remember that its main purpose is to entertain your guests. Look for a kiosk that’s interactive and playful. Physical props are a must, but digital props, green screen backgrounds, and drawing tools let your guest have more fun by allowing them personalize their photos.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PHOTO BOOTHS

We’ve all seen them. People trying to get the most out of their photo booths, but their efforts falling flat. So we wanted to share with you our top 8 dos and don’ts when it comes to photo booths.

Don’t: Choose The Wrong Backdrop.

Whether you’re at a holiday party or a wedding, the photo booth is hard to miss (refer to #4) so you want to make sure the backdrop and props not only compliment your event but are also going to produce some great photos.

Do: Make Sure You Get The Most Important Photos.

Seriously, at your company holiday party, you need to get your CEO in the booth. Because she does smile sometimes and a photo booth is the best way to make sure it happens! And, if you’re a bride, don’t forget to get a pic snapped with all your bridesmaids partying at your reception.

Don’t: Try to Get a Group Photo for the Website.

Group photos are some of the best parts of having an open-air photo booth at an event. When you cram 10+ people into a booth and try to get everyone’s face in front of the camera by contorting and standing at weird angles, you just can’t help but laugh like crazy.

Do: Get Creative!

At The SnapBar, we’re all about creating the ultimate, best photo experience possible so don’t be afraid to ask if something’s possible. Do you want your company’s logo on all your photos? No problem!

things to consider when choosing a photobooth company for your wedding

When it comes to life-changing events such as weddings, we try to capture every moment in its true spirit as a way of preserving coveted memories. A photobooth is one of the oldest forms of creating scenic photo-capturing environments and has an ability to bring peoples raw emotions before the camera. It is another twist to the normal way of having pictures and short fun videos captured that brings a little more fun and excitement to your family friends at the wedding. Choosing a photobooth company for your wedding can be a little confusing, but below are 5 crucial tips to help pick the right company for the job.

Profile

You should start with the basics. Many service-oriented companies are present with an online profile page or website. You can start by checking about the company at a glance. From there, you can have a picture of their services after which you can then follow up via a phone call and a make an appointment with them. A meeting in their premises gives you an opportunity to have a first-hand experience at their quality and service offers, which will help you, make an informed decision.

Cost

The cost of the services in another factor you should consider. Expensive does not always guarantee quality. It is, therefore, important for you to have a good evaluation of the services offered and the charges to ensure you get the services worth. Make a comparison between several companies before making a decision. The total cost normally includes company’s’ pricing per hour per shoot among other itinerary services. Ensure you also get to read their terms or conditions about the payment schedule and policy. Do not sign the contract without reading the fine print, always.

Specifications and customisations

There are several photobooth brands available in the market. They vary in their specifications and therefore are suited for different purposes. For your wedding, you should get a company that offers the larger photobooths that can accommodate a number of people. They should also be easy to customize to suit a customer needs which always improve the photo experience. You can also decide on whether to get an open or a closed photobooth depending on the events environs. They should also come with different backdrops, proper lighting and even props during the photo shoot. The ability to customize gives a variety of photos, which is always better.

Photo quality

The quality of the printed photos camera is also essential. You should look for a camera that has a wide angle for close up images, high quality and resolution. The pictures should be printed on a quality paper that can be stored for long without any deterioration or discolouration. After all, they are for making future memories. You can always get to check this by taking a few pictures with their equipment prior to committing yourself to the hiring contract.

Photo Booth

What’s happening during the CV lockdown – besides not much! 🙂

Well this wasn’t supposed to happen! And yet here we are. Remind me never to tell my CPA that I think this is going to be a good year, Lol. Those words are ringing in my head daily. No worries, right!? We’ll get through this together and come out the other side mostly intact. All kidding aside, I do hope you, your families and friends are all staying healthy at, let’s face it, this very confusing time. We’re naturally not doing any events at the moment and can’t wait to get back at it with all you fabulous people. In the meantime we’re cleaning, organizing, learning and getting ourselves ready for when this is all over.

things to consider when selecting a Photo Booth

Photo booths have come a long way in the past few years. When we first started at this there weren’t a lot of different booths available, software was in its infancy, printers were soooo slow (so, so, slow!) and boomerangs hadn’t been invented yet! Now not only do GIFs, boomerangs exist (and our printers are blazing fast – phew!) there’s even more features availble. We’ll get into those things in our next blog

Inside or outside? Super important consideration. Booths like our Mirror booth are amazing but their achilles heel is being outside. Sun, heat, rain(!) are all considerations if your booth is outside. Direct sunlight? Bad! While we can adjust our cameras for most situations there’s no way for us to beat sunlight hitting the camera. Even worse, direct sunlight on guests! No one has their eyes open so pics aren’t very good. If we’re going to be outside lets chat. We can do it but lets make sure we get the right booth and the right location to make this work.

Your timeline. We’ll be happy to be there as long as you want us to be! But lets look at the number of guests and your parties timeline. Most booth packages start with 2 hours of photo time and often that’s enough. That’s great for up to about 125-150 people. Getting over that probably needs more time to keep it super fun. You might want to consider adding a second photo booth or Ring Roamer so that we can cover everyone. What else in the timeline? Speeches, videos, first dances or breaks. Lets not pay for photo booth time if you’re not going to use the booth for short periods of time. Idle time is your friend. Its significantly less than ‘photo booth’ time and helps you to get the most out of your photo booth experience.

Photo booth placement. Location! Location! Location! Let’s have the booth near the people. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been placed in an out of the way space and given the client next to nothing in photos because no one could find us! We’ll protest (politely) and ask for a better location but that doens’t always get us in a better spot. Trust me, we want to give you LOTS of photos and take LOTS of photos. That’s what we’re there for! We’re not happy when we don’t and neither will you. Happiness is a booth in a location where guests can see us

Installing Marble Tile Flooring On A Budget

TIPS FOR CHOOSING BATHROOM TILE

That means that in the last few months I’ve selected tile for bathrooms. One in my own home and three in my aunt’s home. Selecting tile for someone else has taught me a lot about how to explain how to select tile for your bathroom.  I’ve come up with tips for choosing the perfect tile that I hope will help you if you ever decide to tackle your bathroom.

PICK YOUR MUST HAVE TILE FIRST.

Typically when we start a bathroom renovation we have one tile that we dream of including in our design. Sometimes it is a really special or unique accent tile and sometimes it is as simple as knowing that you want white subway tile. Either way, take that dream tile and use it as the starting point for the other tile you will choose for your bathroom design.

TRY TO KEEP IT TO NO MORE THAN 3 DIFFERENT TILES.

Taking your first (must have) choice as a starting point, use it to make the decisions for the other tiles you will include in your design. If your must have is a really unique color or pattern and is going to be the focal point of your design, pull more subtle colors from it to use in your accent tiles. If however your first choice is really plain (like a white subway tile) you may want to add an element of interest with a colorful accent tile or even a smaller scale white penny tile to change it up and add interest.

STICK TO ONE SHOW STOPPER.

There are so many beautiful tiles out there and a bathroom is a perfect place to show off some of your personality and take a risk with a fun color or pattern on your tiles. However, if you are going to go for it, keep it to one show stopper. This will make your look timeless and really create the wow factor that you are going for since it won’t be competing with the other elements in the room. (Many of these super special tiles can be pricey, but if you are working in a small area like a bathroom, they might just be the splurge you need since you won’t need very many square feet.)

TAKE MAINTENANCE INTO CONSIDERATION.

I don’t like to clean. I especially don’t like to clean the tub and shower so when choosing tile for these very wet areas you will probably want to go with porcelain or ceramic tile since they are virtually maintenance free. (You will want to double check to see if they need to be sealed.)  Tiles make from natural stone require more maintenance and do have to be sealed. They are definitely more pours so they tend to hold on to dirt and grim more. If you are wanting to add texture with stone, it may be a good idea to use it on the floor or in a less wet area. Lastly, glass tile is so pretty and makes a great wall or accent tile. It is super slippery, so it doesn’t work well on the floor.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON CHOOSING YOUR FLOORING

FINDING THE FLOOR COVERING THAT MATCHES YOUR STYLE

When deciding on the flooring for your home, there are a number of steps to consider finding your perfect match. We have compiled a list of 8 steps to help you with the process.

DECIDE ON YOUR BUDGET

Low-price range: there are plenty of great laminate flooring products for those on a tight budget, and these products are quite easy to install yourself, so you can save again on installation costs.

You can also consider tile flooring such as porcelain as it’s a very cost-effective option that combines beauty with durability. However, tile flooring requires a much more labour-intensive installation.

Mid-price range: There’s quite a great variety in the mid-price range, and Tile Wizards do offer great quality products that will suit. From carpet, timber-look flooring, and of course tiles, you will definitely be able to find something you like that also suits your budget.

High-price range: With a generous budget, it’s important to make sure you are getting really high-quality products. When you are spending a great amount of money on flooring, it’s highly recommended that you get qualified and experienced professionals to install your flooring and make sure your purchased products look their absolute best.

CONSIDER WHERE THE FLOORING IS BEING INSTALLED

High moisture rooms: If you are looking at flooring for high moisture areas such as the bathroom, laundry or kitchen, you will need to look at ceramic or porcelain tile or vinyl tile as its suited for high moisture environments.

Low moisture rooms: If moisture is not a limiting factor, all other types of flooring may still be considered and you can continue to the next step

DO YOU HAVE PETS OR CHILDREN?

Wear resistant flooring is a must for pets and children. Thus, it’s important to choose flooring with high durability and that are easy to clean, as some flooring options can be easily scratched and stained

Tile Buying Guide

Tile Sizes

Floor tile is usually 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick, manufactured in squares measuring 4 inches by 4 inches up to 24 inches by 24 inches. Other shapes are available, such as rectangular or subway tile, octagonal and hexagonal shapes.

Tile Ratings

Tile hardness ratings determine if the tile is suitable for the area where you plan to install it. Entryways need a hard, abrasion-resistant, moisture-proof tile. Baths require a moisture-proof, nonslip material (slip-resistant tile is treated with an abrasive material for safety). Some tile is rated for indoor or outdoor use only; others can be used in either application. If your home includes ramps for universal design and you plan on tiling a ramp to keep the flooring consistent with the rest of your home, explore slip-resistant tile

Porosity

Porosity ratings are important. Porosity is the ratio of voids (or airholes) to solids in a tile, which affects the percentage of water absorbed into a tile. The denser the tile, the less water it absorbs because it has less airholes to fill with water.

Firing

The firing process affects the hardness of tile. Usually, the longer and hotter the firing, the harder the tile will be. The raw tile material, called bisque, is either single fired or double fired.

Before You Start

The correct trowel and mortar as well as floor or wall, indoors or outdoors, tile type and size are all factors to consider before installation. Find the right trowel and mortar to make your next tile project successful.

Different Types of Tile Flooring

Tiles are a popular flooring choice in many Australian homes, offering a huge range of benefits. They will outlast any other flooring material, and keep the home nice and cool in the summer months. A good investment, floor tiles will almost always increase the value of your home and keep it looking its best long after being laid

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone that is a byproduct of natural artesian springs, hot springs, and caves from around the world. A natural, porous stone, its pits and rough texture are caused by air bubbles and organic matter, and this is what gives travertine tiles such as varying colours

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are manufactured from clay materials that are quarried, prepared, and then formed into a mould. They can be best characterised as either porcelain or non-porcelain

Marble

Marble is a highly durable stone that exists in almost every colour due to the variability of component minerals. Marble tiles have multiple finishes from polished to honed and brushed to tumbled, making marble an ideal choice for any room in your home.

Slate

Slate is a metamorphic rock which can be found in large deposits all over the world. Used in flooring for centuries, it comes in a range of colours, such as blue/grey, green, red, orange, or brown. There are often veins of colours running throughout the tile, meaning no tile is identical

Bathroom Tile Designs: How to Choose the Best Tiles for Your Bathroom

Durable and waterproof, tile is the perfect material for protecting the walls and floors of your bathroom from dirt and moisture. Available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and sizes, tile also offers you a lot of stylistic freedom – no matter what your design preferences are, you’re sure to find several types of bathroom tile that you’ll love. Keep reading for tips on how to choose bathroom tile colors, types, and sizes.

Consider Location

Your bathroom has several surfaces that can benefit from the protection of tile: the floor, the vanity backsplash, and the shower walls. Because tile is uniquely water-resistant and easy to clean, it’s a good idea to tile any surface that comes in contact with moisture. Once you have a location (or locations) picked out, it’s time to narrow down the types of bathroom tiles that are best suited for those surfaces.

Types of Bathroom Tiles

Ceramic: One of the more affordable and easy-to-install options, ceramic tile is great if you’re on a budget and want to DIY the installation. Basic ceramic tile is white and glossy, though it is available in a wide range of colorful glazes and painted designs.

Porcelain: Porcelain tile is denser and more durable than ceramic tile. It tends to be a bit more expensive than ceramic, but because of its increased impermeability and slip resistance, an investment in porcelain tile is well worth it. Porcelain is also available in a wide variety of bright colors. It’s important to note that, because of its density, porcelain is harder to cut and is not the best choice if you’re interested in tiling your bathroom yourself.

Glass: Pearly and polished in appearance, glass tile is a gorgeous choice of tile for the bathroom. Glass tile is lightweight and easy to install, though it tends to cost slightly more than ceramic tile.

Dog Bite Lawyer Tips for Spring And Summer

SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER IF A DOG BITES ME?

There are just over 4.5 million occurrences of a dog biting a human each year in the United States alone. Many of these are one-bite attacks. Some of those type of attacks do not require very serious medical attention, but the experience can remain emotionally traumatizing. Being bitten by an angry dog can be an exceptionally scary event. Victims of dog bites can attest to that fact. Of the 4.5 million dog bites each year, over 800,000 of them result in extremely serious medical conditions. A good number of those 800,000 serious attacks are from occurrences involving multiple dogs

When one person injures another person, the at-fault person should pay to help the injured victim recover. That is the way the law works. Allowing your dog to bite someone triggers the same legal chain reaction. It is possible to recover for you dog bite injuries without the help of a dog bite lawyer. It is also possible to stich up your dog bite wound yourself rather than going to the doctor, but I would not recommend it. You go to the doctor because he is an expert. He can treat your injury much better than you are able to. The same rule applies to hiring a dog bite lawyer. You could work directly with the homeowners insurance company that covers the neighbor whose dog bit you, but you will be shortchanged. Insurance companies are extremely successful financial because they are experts at getting their insured to pay their premiums, and they are experts at paying out as little as possible for each claim. When you do not consult an experienced dog bite lawyer, you’re choosing to go up against an entire team of trained attorneys all on your own. You are outgunned, and out-manned. I do not recommend it.

There are cases when an attorney may not be entirely necessary. Perhaps you know the person who owns the dog that bit you. After all, more than half of all the dog attacks in the U.S each year occur on the property where the dog resides. If you are on the dog’s property, you probably know the dog’s owner. Some owners may be very responsible and caring. They may realize that the laws of this great country do not let them allow their dog to attack their neighbors. They may want to avoid any claims going to their homeowners insurance at all. They may believe that those claims could result in an increase of their insurance premiums. They also may not want to force you to wait to be reimbursed by their insurance company while your expensive medical bills mount up. If that is the case, they may offer to pay you an amount out of pocket to help make up for their mistake. If the dog bite was a minor one, this may be a great route to solve the problem. Intelligent parties can typically solve problems by freely negotiating. However, if the dog bite was serious, I do not recommend this course of action. It is impossible for you to know the extent of your injuries immediately following the attack. A Utah dog bite lawyer can provide you with a free consultation to go over your rights before you agree to settle your claim.

If you have any doubt at all about how to conduct your affairs after you have been bitten by a dog, your best bet is to contact an attorney. A little knowledge can go along way. There is little worse than being victimized by an angry dog and then being victimized again by an aggressive insurance company. Don’t let it happen to you.

Selecting a Dog Bite Attorney

How do I select the best attorney for my dog bite claim?

If you’re looking for a dog bite lawyer, you may be looking for success, you may be looking for professionalism, and you look for a trial lawyer, someone that actually goes to a courtroom and makes an argument to a jury

That’s what we do. Dog bites can be a little bit touchy, particularly if there is a child involved. Parents are often incredibly worried about their child. What we do is tell them to do what the doctor tells you to and leave everything else to us, particularly when it comes to investigation. We get someone out there investigating as soon as you walk in the door. Frequently, I’ll get my investigator in the initial conference, so he can get an idea of exactly what happened, where he’s going to go and who he’s going to interview.

Dog bite cases involving a child often involve facial injuries, as well. We’ve had success in these cases. We like these cases because we can prevent a dog from ever doing something like this again. Give us a call.

Dog Bite Lawyer

would like to provide you some information about claims arising from dog bites and dog attacks. Many of us are the happy owners of loving dogs; dogs that pose no threat to others apart being the target of a friendly licking. Unfortunately, there are some dogs that are not only unfriendly, but are vicious. More unfortunately, there are dog owners that fail to properly control their dogs.

over the years we have handled many dog bite cases. Unfortunately, some of those cases have involved not just severe but occasionally devastating injuries from a dog attack. Under Indiana law, an owner of a dog must exercise reasonable care to make sure the dog does not pose a threat of harm or injury to persons or property. If an owner knows or has a reason to know that his or her dog has what is referred to as “vicious propensities,” then the owner must take steps to prevent those who may come in contact with the dog from being injured or attacked. Those steps typically involve keeping the dog contained within a yard or home or if the dog is to be taken out, keeping the dog on a leash or otherwise under control.

The old law in Indiana was what we lawyers referred to as the “one free bite rule.” That line of case held that an owner was not charged with knowledge of the vicious propensity of a dog until the dog first bit someone. That rule is no longer applies. Now, if a dog has shown vicious propensities, even without having bitten or attacked someone, the owner can be held liable for not keeping control of the dog. If a dog aggressively charges after people or angrily barks or growls at people, one can presume from such behavior that the dog poses a risk of attack upon others and appropriate protective steps must be taken to protect others from the dog.

In asserting a claim for injuries from a dog attack, one is able to recover for all medical and treatment expenses, for any loss of pay if work time was lost, for the pain and suffering occasioned by the attack and for any permanent injury resulting from the attack, including scarring and emotional trauma.

Take precautions against dog attacks

Most dog attacks are the result of insufficient control of the dog, or poor training. i.e. Bad owners. It is wise to be informed and prepared when dealing with an unfamiliar dog.

CHOOSING A DOG BITE ATTORNEY

A long-time client contacted our firm recently. His son had been bitten by a dog in the neighborhood, and he wanted to know how to select an attorney who can represent him in a dog bite case. When it comes to dog bite cases, it is very important to select someone who has years of experience in the courtroom, who’s not afraid to go to trial and who is not afraid to zealously advocate on behalf of their clients.

Out of Town Legal Resources

We primarily help people, but we are constantly looking for quality attorneys and online resources that can help people in other areas. We found a personal injury lawyer that handles dog bite cases and provides a lot of great online educational content

If you have found your way to this page, you are probably suffering from a dog bite injury. We understand that you are feeling a lot of things. You are most likely in a lot of pain from the attack, you might be worried about your finances, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you were struggling to return to your life as it was before the attack.

Dog bites happen far more frequently than you might think. Experienced dog bite lawyer is highly experienced in handling these cases because of this sad fact. As many as 750,000 people in the United States need medical attention because they were attacked by a dog. And in some most unfortunate cases, people can lose their lives due to their injuries.

Liable Party in a Dog Bite Case

At some point, everyone who comes to this page has the same questions. Do I have a dog bite claim? Who is liable for this dog bite?

How Can I Find The Best Dog Bite Lawyer

There’s an old saying among journalists that “dog bites man isn’t news; man bites dog is news”. You unfortunately know all too well that “dog bites man” is more than enough news for you and your family. If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury at the jaws of a dog in Wisconsin, it’s time to begin your search for the best dog bite lawyer for your personal injury claim.

It’s important to remember during your search that the ultimate decision is yours. You need to find an attorney with the qualifications necessary to obtain a successful result, paired with a personality and work style that you are comfortable with. The best dog bite lawyer in Wisconsin for you may not be the best Wisconsin dog bite lawyer for someone else.

You can’t squeeze water from a stone and you can’t obtain compensation that doesn’t exist. It will be up to your attorney to identify sources of compensation that can provide you with the financial resources to cover your medical bills, rehab, psychological counseling, lost earnings and more.

Dog owners are not always responsible for damages. Compensation often comes from insurance policies such as homeowners insurance. Compensation in some cases can be obtained via the insurance policy of a dog keeper. A “keeper” is a person who “must exercise some measure of custody, care or control”. This differs statutorily from an “owner”, which “includes anyone who keeps or harbors a dog.”

Double Damages For Repeat Canine Offenders

If the dog in your case has attacked someone in the past it may be possible to obtain double the damages for your dog bite claim. According to Wisconsin statutes, an owner is responsible for twice the damages in cases involving permanent physical scarring or disfigurement if they were previously notified or knew the dog had committed such an attack previously.

The Benefits Of Employing Packing Services

Methods of Freight Shipping via Ground

Most freight is transported via ground freight. The three most common ground freight shipping methods are:

  1. Truckload (TL)
    Also referred to as Full Truckload, TL shipping is used when the load is too large for LTL shipping, when the shipment is too unwieldy to share space with other cargo or when a specialty vehicle such as a flatbed or drop deck truck is required.

    TL shipping is very straightforward and much less complicated than LTL shipping. Since truckloads do not accommodate more than one shipper’s cargo, the load can frequently be picked up by the truck that will immediately deliver it to its destination.
  2. Less-than-Truckload (LTL)
    As the name suggests, LTL shipping is for freight shipments that do not require an entire truck. Instead of one shipper using an entire truck, multiple shipper’s share the same truck, thereby reducing costs for all of them. The biggest benefit of LTL shipping is price. LTL shipping is the most popular mode of shipping in the United States.

    There are several processes involved with LTL shipping. Freight gets picked up from each shipper’s location by local trucks that deliver these shipments to a terminal or hub. From there, all freight is placed on a truck that carries it for the long haul to the destination terminal. At the destination terminal, the shipments are unloaded, reorganized, loaded onto local delivery trucks and sent out to the destination location.
  3. Partial Truckload
    Partial truckload could be considered a hybrid between LTL and TL shipping. It’s used for six to 18 pallets of freight with a weight range of 8,000-27,000 pounds. Advantages to using partial truckload can include faster delivery and a lower price.

    The downside to partial truckload service is there is very limited capacity for it. Ask your freight agent whether it’s better for your load to ship as a partial truckload or as two LTL shipments.
  4. Intermodal Rail Freight
    Intermodal railway freight shipping involves the combination of freight shipping by rail and truck. Almost always, a rail shipment will need the help of a truck. The truck takes the freight from the rail hub to its final destination.

What can I ship using PTL?

PTL stands for partial truckload. It can be considered an option under very specific circumstances. For instance, if a shipper needs significant space inside the truck but without filling it entirely, PTL becomes a suitable option.

Finding a PTL carrier is ideal if you require more volume than you would normally need for LTL shipping but still not enough for a full truckload. PTL freight companies use the same truck for the pick-up and the delivery of the shipment, thus making the transportation faster than LTL shipping.

Advantages

  • Shipments are being picked-up and delivered by the same truck
  • No need to declare the class of your shipment

Disadvantages

  • Not all shipping companies offer partial truckload services

Best use

  • Suitable for small-medium businesses

When To Use a Combination of LTL and TL Shipping

There are other situations where you can actually blend an LTL shipment into TL.

Typically, your decision on whether to use LTL or TL will be based on an individual shipment. For example, if you have a few different pallets each going to different destinations, LTL will be your best option. But advancements in freight consolidation are now making it possible to somewhat mold LTL into TL for non-recurring, long-haul shipments.

Sometimes, it may be best for a company to order a full truck to ship a lot of product to a single destination. Long-term TL shipping may not make sense if the destinations of delivery will evolve, which would make shipping more expensive. In these instances, the shipper can use freight consolidation through TL shipping to get their products sent along the same route to the various distribution centers along the way.

Once things reach this point, you can typically transition from consolidated TL to LTL shipping, which allows shippers to operate in local markets. You will have to do your homework here to make sure you’re doing what makes sense for your budget and needs, but as the needs of your company change, it may be a good option for added flexibility. This is another reason that using third-party logistics can save you some real headache when it comes to choosing your shipping method.

Breaking down common Shipping Types

To understand the differences between LTL and PTL shipping, it’s paramount that we outline the three main types of shipping in so that you understand the terminology, and why a certain type is typically chosen.

TL

Full truckload shipping is a type of freighting which means a single truck is filled with a single company’s shipment. Not only the costliest type of shipping, but it’s typically the most efficient. The reason is that the transit time is less, and the shipment isn’t unloaded before its destination, being that there are no other unloading stops. This type of shipping is typically utilized by established companies that require a hefty amount of shipping. They tend to use TL if they’re shipping 20,000 pounds or more and don’t mind paying the extra cost for faster delivery time.

LTL

Geared towards smaller-medium sized business, less than truckload shipping is a type of freighting that fills a truck with multiple shipments. The weight is usually somewhere from 0 to 10,000 pounds per shipment and LTL isn’t keen to onboarding cargo with pour dimensional weight (when the package is voluminous but the contents themselves on the lighter side). By filling a truck with different shipments all heading to the same destination, carriers are able to save shippers money by offering a reduced price. The downside is that—taking into account all the stops, onboarding, and unloading—the contents have a higher propensity for damage because they pass through multiple hands. Then, the multiple stops are a time drain, and they tend to increase the total transit time.
Still, LTL shipping is commonly the go-to for smaller-medium sized businesses because it’s cost-efficient, flexible, and offered by most freight carriers.

PTL

Partial truckload shipping is a different type of freight altogether, being something of a hybrid between LTL and TL. It’s only considered an option if a shipper needs a truck for 8,000 to 27,000 pounds, or somewhere between 5-22 pallets. This very specific prerequisite is why it’s not a common type of shipping. However, PTL is usually a straight shot, meaning the same truck which picks up a shipment is the same one that’s going to deliver it. This means that with PTL shipping the cargo has less of a propensity for damage. Additionally, being that it’s one truck and there aren’t any connections, the transit time is typically smaller.

The key differences between parcel and LTL.

Parcel shipping and LTL shipping have some clear differences. 

Here’s a look at some of the major differences between these shipping types:

1. Damage risk and loss prevention

Each option comes with risks and benefits. With parcel shipping, the chance that a package will become lost or damaged is higher than with LTL. An LTL shipment is often secured by pallets and placed in a space that is designed to prevent damage to the freight. 

Parcel shipments are smaller, therefore able to be packed in higher volumes. While this is a nice advantage, it could absolutely lead to a greater risk of loss or damage.

2. Ease of tracking and checkpoints

Another key difference between parcel shipping and LTL shipping is ease of tracking. Parcel packages go through several different checkpoints, so parcel carriers are updated with shipment location more frequently than LTL shipments. On the other hand, fewer checkpoints allow for greater security with LTL. 

LTL also allows for zone skipping, the process of bypassing a parcel carrier’s zones, letting the shipper evade charges from crossing multiple zones in a single trip. Essentially, the fewer checkpoints and transfers a shipment has to go through, the safer that shipment will be. 

3. Cost advantage

The cost advantage of parcel shipping comes from the higher volume it offers. Since LTL packages are larger, they take up more space and result in a slightly higher price.

This is not always an advantage of parcel shipping. Parcel carriers have their own set of additional charges. Things like correcting an address to a Saturday delivery could cost you extra with parcel shipping, whereas LTL carriers could hit you with charges for not having a loading dock.

Steps To Choosing The Right Electrician Services Company

Starting an Electrician Business

If you are a qualified electrician with plenty of work experience under your belt and like the idea of being your own boss, then setting up your own electrical contracting business could be ideal.

There are a number of things to consider when starting your own electrical business from qualifications and legislation, to registration and finance. But once you have set up, chosen and business name and have started trading, how can you make sure that your business endeavour is successful?

Here are some tips to help make your electrical contracting business a success and get past those general contractor problems.

Build your brand

The way you present your brand is crucial to the success of your business. As a contractor, your clients will be trusting you to enter their home, so they need to know that they are choosing a trustworthy professional. You may be a new business, but that doesn’t mean you should look like an amateur. To look the part, design a company logo and use it consistently on your website, social media, business cards, flyers, adverts, branded transport and uniform with custom patches.

Choose good suppliers

While it may be tempting to choose the supplier who can offer the lowest price parts and equipment, sometimes the cheapest option may not be the best. As a startup business it is essential that your profit margins are healthy, but you also need to be able to provide your customers with a good, long-lasting service. Therefore, pick a supplier like The Electrical Guys who offers high quality reliable products at competitive prices, so that you can do the best job while maintaining profits.

Protect your business

When building a new business, it can be all too easy to focus on bringing in customers and funds, but don’t forget to safeguard your company. You need to be able to protect yourself and your business should the worst happen, which means you will need to purchase the correct insurances to cover the likes of injuries, accidents and damage. Without insurance, you could face costly financial and legal situations.

Clients, clients, clients

Without clients, a business simply cannot function. As the owner of an electrical company, your clients are your bread and butter without which you cannot survive. Make sure you invest time in attracting new clients, by building an online presence, cultivating reviews on trades websites and setting aside a budget for marketing. It’s also a good idea to reach out to past clients, which will show your customers that you care and may generate additional work.

Get insurance

Accidents and unforeseen events do happen, even to the most diligent workers. So, as a business owner, it’s vital that you have adequate insurance to protect you and your business should something go wrong, as well as any property, equipment or third parties involved.

You may want to look at a tailored electrical contractor’s insurance package including cover such as:

  • Public liability insurance – protects you against a claim if a member of the public injures themselves as a result of your work or at your workplace, or if you accidentally damage someone’s property.
  • Professional indemnity insurance – protects you if a customer claims they have suffered a financial loss due to work you completed or advice you gave.
  • Employers’ liability insurance – if you have any employees this is a legal requirement and will cover you if they get injured or fall ill while working for you.
  • Electrical contractors’ insurance – if you have any sub-contractors working for you on a supervised basis this is a legal requirement and will protect you against a claim if they get injured or fall ill while working for you.
  • Specialist tool insurance – to cover the equipment you use for your work.

Investing in materials – The cost to set up an electrical business

Unless you already have your own equipment, an initial investment in materials is going to be your biggest outlay. While the administrative costs of setting up a business are fairly low, you’ll need to invest in a vehicle. A reliable used van or ute can set you back as little as $5000 if you shop around, but a brand new one could be northwards of $50K.

That said, there are some great financing options out there, so you won’t necessarily need a huge stash of cash to drive away in a new Ford Falcon. Equipment costs will also vary pretty significantly, depending on your need and preferences. This isn’t generally the best place to cut costs, as cheap tools are unreliable, and will deteriorate much faster than their sturdier counterparts. Brands we’ve tried, tested and trust include Klein, Knipex, Ideal, Greenlee, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Bosch.

Costing up your initial outlay can be daunting, but remember that both your vehicle and your equipment are assets, not liabilities. All can be resold if necessary, or added to the total value of your business if you decide to source capital based loans or funding.

Accounting, taxes, and government regulation

As a small electrical business, the last thing you want to do is get on the wrong side of the tax man. Guaranteed, he’s going to come knocking eventually. And when he does, you could get hit with hefty back payments, interest rates and fines that could cripple your venture. Avoid this by playing by the rules right from the start. Find an accountant, and cash in on big time savings in the form of both time, and money.

Think about it this way… you sell your time for $65 per hour. If you do your own taxes, it takes you two hours of mucking around per week, which equates to a cost of $6760 a year. Plus, you’ll probably miss out on a heap of opportunities to maximise your rebate. Pay an accountant and maybe you’ll spend around $2000, but will free up two extra hours a week, which will earn you back that $6760 a year. Remember, two things in life are definite – death and taxes. You can’t avoid either, but a good accountant can take the sting out of your number crunching.

ELECTRICAL BUSINESS PROFIT MARGINS 

As a small business owner, you’re responsible for the financials of your company. Below, we’ve introduced a few key financial terms that are essential to running a business.

OVERHEAD COSTS

These are ongoing business expenses not related to labor or raw materials. Examples include rent, insurance, and utilities. These expenses remain the same every month regardless of the sales you make. They’re also known as fixed or indirect costs.

Calculating Overhead Costs:

  • Add all the ongoing indirect business expenses that keep your business running. Don’t include direct expenses like wages and raw materials as they belong to the Cost of Goods (COGS) category. You want to cover all your fixed costs.

Once you know what your overheads are, you can begin to chart out your break-even point.

BREAK-EVEN POINT ANALYSIS

The Break-Even Point is a time in your business when your sales are covering all expenses. Break-Even is a significant milestone, as it’s the point when the business begins turning a profit.

What you Need to Become an Electrician

Education

You only need a high school diploma to become an electrician, but you will need to complete a four year apprenticeship which includes classroom and hands-on learning. You can get this training through one of the electricians’ unions like the National Electrical Contractors Association. Training to be an electrician includes learning how to read blueprints, how to understand electrical circuits and how to adhere to vital safety procedures. You’ll also learn skills like soldering and wiring outlets.

Electrician License

In most states you’ll need a state-wide electrician license to work as an electrician, although some states leave it up to each city to enforce licensing. Getting your electrician license generally involves taking an exam, completing some paperwork and paying a fee.

Once you’ve got your electrician certificate you’re considered a journeyman electrician. You can get specialist electrician licenses in different sub-topics of electrical work like refrigeration, heating and air conditioning units or elevator systems.
If you want you can complete additional skill building to become a master electrician. Master electrician requirements are different in every state, but generally you’ll need 4-8 years of experience, letters of reference from happy customers and to sit the master electrician exam.

You’ll also need a business permit and business license to run your own electrician business, depending on your local regulations.

How To Rodent Proof Your Home

DO ULTRASONIC PEST REPELLENTS REALLY WORK?

Ultrasonic electronic pest and insect repellent devices claim that their high-frequency soundwaves are intolerable to rodents and insects.

However, simply plugging in one of these devices probably won’t end your pest woes. It’s important to understand exactly what these devices can do before investing in one.

These products are by no means a quick fix, and none of them claim 100% effectiveness on any pest, so they need to be kept in perspective as a possible contributor to an overall pest management system, not as a magic weapon.

If you’re thinking of adding electronic repellents to your pest-control system, follow these guidelines:

  • Keep Trapping: The best results for both rodents and insects come from using ultrasonic pest repellents along with trapping. Simply put, soundwaves cause the pests to scurry around, which drives them right into your traps.
  • Expect Diminishing Returns: Pests such as rodents become accustomed to the sound from ultrasonic devices over time, so results may only be temporary.
  • Have Realistic Expectations: Even the successful research on ultrasonic pest control devices shows a percentage of decrease, not a total elimination of rodent and insect pests.
  • Device Location: Soundwaves from ultrasonic pest control devices are short-range and very weak, so they’re easily blocked by furniture, walls and corners. To test out the location of your device, place a lamp next to the device, turn off all the other lights, and note the beams and shadows from the lamp. The repellent sound waves will pretty much only be active where the light reaches.

How Electronic Pest Repellers Claim to Work

These devices, which you plug into an outlet like a nightlight, are supposed to repel pests by emitting an irritating sound. The frequency of the ultrasonic sound waves they produce is too high for human ears to detect. But bugs and rodents, such as cockroaches, crickets, mice and rats, can hear this high-frequency sound.

The theory behind these devices is that the sound will make pests uncomfortable, disrupt their eating habits and cause them to leave the area—whether it’s your living room, basement, or garage.

But studies have shown mixed results.

So, do they really work?

The short answer is no, ultrasonic rodent repellents don’t work. Some homeowners have noted an immediate effect at first, but over time the rodent problem will continue to persist. Mice are fairly resilient and adaptable, so while the sound may bother them at first, eventually they will grow accustomed to it or find an alternative route. The frequency of most also don’t travel very far from the device, usually about 10-20 feet.

The real reason you may have a rodent problem has to do with structural issues, which this product alone will not help treat. Rodents are often invited indoors through gaps in the exterior of your home such as vents, damaged roofing, drain pipes, cracks in the foundation and even slipping underneath doors.

Prevention Tips

Even though ultrasonic rodent repellents ultimately don’t prevent rodents, prevention is key to eliminating rodents in your home. Here are a few reliable prevention methods:

  • Use door sweeps to limit rodents’ ability to slide underneath.
  • Keep potential hiding places (firewood, outdoor furniture, etc.) far from your home’s entrances.
  • Cover vents with mesh to block entrances.
  • Look for holes in the exterior of your home, especially where cables or pipes enter your home. Some of these spots are large enough for mice to sneak through. A good, quick fix is steel wool or caulking these areas.

Are These Devices Safe?

The weak sound waves and limited range are safe for the people inside the household. Human ears cannot detect the noise of a pest control device. On the other hand, pests such as a rodent, insect, and other little critters have a more sensitive hearing and will not get used to these sounds.

However, other pets can hear high-frequency sounds and get irritated too. Other animals keep ignoring the ultrasonic sound waves, but if it’s too loud, they might get frightened or annoyed.

Though no physical harm is at stake, when using these pest repellers, just try to strategically place these devices away from your pets to make them feel comfortable.

A good feature some of these devices would even promote safety because of its LED light, and it can help as a night light.

Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away?

Mothballs are seen as a DIY mouse control method because they contain naphthalene.

Naphthalene is a pungent smelling white, solid substance. When it is inhaled or consumed it can cause blood cells to lose their oxygen-carrying properties. This is why it was/is believed that moth balls would be an effective rat and mouse repellent.

It is believed that by placing mothballs near a mouse nest you will get rid of your rodent problem. However, this is not the case:

  • The amount of naphthalene found in mothballs is a small dosage. The levels of naphthalene needed to repel mice and rats is the same needed for humans. There have often been cases where mice have walked over the mothballs paying no attention to them whatsoever.
  • Even if rats and mice were bothered by the smell from mothballs near their nest entrance they would soon find another. This would be either by fitting through a gap the size of a R5 coin, or gnawing at a surface to create a new passage.

Contingency Car Accident Lawyer

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Finding a reputable car accident lawyer to work with is more important than you might think. If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident, you’ll want a car accident lawyer who can represent your best interests, so you can focus on recovery. A good accident lawyer will be able to make sure all the right paperwork is filed, provide general legal advice, determine an accurate settlement estimate, collect evidence to strengthen your personal injury case, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and represent you in court, if necessary.

Clear Communication

A good lawyer will make it easy for you to understand what they will do to help you with your case. They will provide you with clear information about their process, fees, values, and more. If you have any questions, they should be direct and to the point. You should not leave their office with more questions than answers. If they are unable to provide clear insight into their practice during your initial conversation, there’s a good chance you’ll have issues with communication further along the line if you hire them

An engaged conversation

A good lawyer should be interested in your case. A lawyer that’s not engaged will only put in the minimum amount of required effort. You can end up getting a smaller settlement than you could have gotten because of this. How can you tell if a lawyer is engaged? They should ask you many detailed questions about your case and what your legal goals are.

Willingness to provide references

Always ask a lawyer for a list of references you can contact and speak to. These references should speak to the reputation of the lawyer. Even if you don’t contact their references, you can have confidence in the fact that they provided them to you. A lawyer that doesn’t have references or won’t provide you with any should be avoided.

An organized office space

The more organized their office looks, the more organized they probably are. Keep an eye on how their staff does their work and how tidy the lawyer’s desk is. If they have to shuffle through piles of paper in order to find what they’re looking for while their staff struggles to handle incoming calls, they’re probably not very organized, which doesn’t reflect well on their ability to handle your case.

How Do I Choose the Right Auto Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident or have been injured in an accident and want to pursue a personal injury claim, finding the right auto accident attorney can make or break your case. You would need to find one that is experienced in auto accident cases and experienced in handling cases similar to yours. It is also important to choose one that you trust and is affordable. You need to be sure that you choose the lawyer who will best represent you in your auto accident case by looking at several factors

Why Do I Need an Auto Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in an auto accident and you have suffered damages, it is very important to hire an auto accident attorney to assist you in your case. An auto accident lawyer can make all the difference in how your case plays out. This is the main reason to make sure you find the right attorney for your case. If you are informed and know what to look for in an attorney, then the process of choosing a one will be easier and can save you time and money.

When Do I Need an Auto Accident Lawyer?

Once you have been involved in a auto accident and have suffered injuries, you may pursue to file a lawsuit on your own behalf or hire an attorney. The best time to hire an attorney after an accident is early on to avoid any costly mistakes that can harm your potential damages. The deadline for filing a personal injury claim varies from state to state, but because your medical expenses and lost wages might add up, the sooner you contact an auto accident lawyer the better

What Should I Look For in an Auto Accident Lawyer?

Choosing the right legal help can make or break your case

What Should I Ask when I Meet with a Lawyer?

When you meet with a auto accident lawyer you should have as much detailed information and facts about the car accident and any injuries or financial losses as possible. It is also important that you feel comfortable with him/her. If you feel that you cannot have a positive relationship with them, find another one. There are many lawyers who are happy and willing to help you so be sure to find the right one.

Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are never pleasant. The injuries that result are often times emotionally devastating, physically debilitating and, in the worst scenarios, fatal. Almost everyone is affected in some manner – the victim, at-fault driver, family members on both sides, and even witnesses. In the event of significant physical injury, medical bills pile up quickly, adjustments must be made to daily life, and property has to be repaired.

The car accident attorneys at AttorneyClientMatch.com understand that each client’s situation is unique and deserves to be treated that way. We understand that some accident victims need compensation immediately to make up for lost wages and pay bills, while others may be in a position to wait to see the long-term impacts of their accident. In all cases, we will do what’s right for you.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle

The circumstances of each auto accident will vary almost as much as the resulting damage. Our car accident attorneys handle all types of accident cases. In addition to cases which simply involve violation of traffic laws, we also handle complex cases,

In large cities like Atlanta, Houston, and New York, commuters and pedestrians battle traffic congestion on a daily basis. This increases the chance that even the most careful driver will at some point be involved in a wreck. Getting the right help and advice is the most important thing you can do for your future.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY?

It is easy to find a Maryland car accident attorney in your area; however, it may be difficult to find the best car accident attorney for your case. It is important that you choose the right car accident attorney for you in order to maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Choosing the wrong attorney could mean you leave money on the settlement table. An experienced car accident attorney understands how to value a claim and understands the best strategies to use to protect the client’s best interests

Where should I begin searching for a Maryland car accident attorney?

The first step is to find out as much as possible about the attorney you are considering hiring to represent you in your claim. This can be done by looking up the attorney online and visiting their website. Referrals are one of the best ways to find a good attorney, especially if you trust the person who is giving the referral. However, many people have never been represented by a lawyer before and therefore cannot give referrals. Luckily, there are other ways to learn about an attorney’s reputation. You want an attorney who handles car accidents; however, if you know an attorney in another area of law, ask that attorney whom he would use if it were his child’s car accident claim. Another good way of checking the reputation of an attorney is to ask staff members; secretaries know everything about what is going on in their office and therefore are good people to ask. Court personnel are also good resources because they know which attorneys show up for hearings and which ones always reschedule

You should also check with local and state bar associations to verify if the attorney has any pending or past complaints. As always, when searching for any professional, check with the Better Business Bureau and private companies such as Angie’s List and Avvo. A quick Internet search will also be helpful and may give you some valuable information about the prospective attorney.

What questions should I ask when I meet with an attorney?

Remember that this is essentially an interview—you are interviewing a prospective contractor to determine if you feel comfortable with this person and whether or not you can trust him or her. Interview several attorneys and law firms as you are searching for a car accident attorney.

Do you need a Maryland car accident attorney?

If you have been injured in a Maryland car accident, do not let the insurance adjuster convince you that you can settle your case without an attorney. This is in the best interest of the insurance company. It is in your best interest to meet with an experienced personal injury attorney who handles car accident claims. Your attorney will protect your legal rights and fight the insurance company to ensure your settlement is fair and just.

Secrets to Finding a Great Personal Injury Lawyer

Choose a Lawyer Who Does Personal Injury Law Exclusively

Personal injury law is intricate and involves many specialized rules and practices. Attorney’s who handle divorces, wills, trusts or bankruptcies can be Jack of all trades but Masters of none. They do not try cases and insurance companies lowball accordingly. You risk the quality of your representation if you choose an attorney that does not specialize in personal injury law.

Select an Attorney Who Has a History of Taking Cases to Trial  if Necessary

Many if not most attorneys who advertise they handle personal injury cases have never seen the inside of a courtroom. They take your case, try to pressure you to settle for a pittance.  Insurance companies are very aggressive. If they know your attorney doesn’t go to trial, that he’s afraid of the courtroom, they will take advantage of this and make ridiculous offers or make little or no effort to settle your case. They know your attorney is shooting blanks and that he will fold his hand and pressure you to fold too when he sees the insurer isn’t going to budge. If your attorney isn’t willing to put the case before a jury, the insurer knows it..and it will hurt you.

Select a Personal Injury Lawyer with a Proven History of High Verdicts and Settlements

If you have a large case with serious injuries, it’s important to know that your attorney can deliver a large verdict or settlement. Ask your attorney how many million-dollar verdicts or settlements he has had. Is he a member of the Million Dollar Advocates? The Million Dollar Advocates is a renowned organization of attorneys who have settled or tried cases worth a million dollars or more. Not every case is worth a million dollars, but if you have that kind of a case, make sure you have an attorney who can deliver the goods.

Hire an Attorney Who’s an Active Member of State and National Trial Lawyer Groups

Serious personal injury attorneys collaborate with and learn from other excellent personal injury attorneys. In today’s very difficult environment where insurers are not hesitant to use dirty tricks and underhanded methods to make injured people look bad, it’s critical to be up to date and to know what the insurers are up to.

Find an Attorney Who Has Sufficient Resources to Take Your Case Seriously

When you hire an attorney, look around. Does he or she look like they are successful? Does their office look like they are doing well? Does the attorney have a line of credit or personal assets necessary to properly prepare your case? Serious personal injury cases are expensive to prepare. Many experts are necessary to properly prepare a case. Often many doctors must have their depositions taken and must later appear in Court. Other experts such as economists, biomechanics, accident reconstructionists, vocational rehabilitation specialists and life care planners must be hired. The expense in a single case can often exceed $100,000+ if properly prepared. Make sure your attorney has enough money to play with the big boys

Protect Your Health With Mold Remediation

Toxic Mold Remediation Company Tricks to Avoid

If you have actually experienced a flood or other type of water related damage, you might find yourself worried about the possibility of mold growth and the health dangers connected with it. Although there are credible business that concentrate on mold cleaning and remediation, there are also those that use the worry of toxic mold contamination as a way to perpetrate rip-offs. These kinds of rip-offs typically cost 10s of countless dollars and sometimes, individuals have in fact lost their houses as a result. Here are some common signs of a possible mold removal fraud and suggestions on how to prevent them.

1) They provide you complimentary mold screening

Trustworthy mold remediation business charge for their services and utilize independent testing labs or a licensed commercial hygienist (CIH) to perform air and/or surface testing for mold. Anybody in the mold remediation service that provides to perform mold inspections free of charge, may be using this chance to fabricate incorrect test results that program alarmingly raised mold spore counts or the existence of hazardous black mold such as Stachybotrys. The fear of hazardous mold contamination is the most common tactic scam artist use to develop extremely pricey mold remediation jobs.

2) The same business provides to do the mold testing and removal

This is another tactic that gives unscrupulous mold removal companies an incentive to discover mold. Mold testing and assessments must constantly be carried out by independent labs or hygienist’s that have no individual or monetary interest in the results.

3) They provide a final air quality clearance free of charge

Remember, the health and welfare of you and your household is on the line, so be sure to have an independent screening lab or CIH carry out the final clearance which it passes, before you spend for removal work.

The final action in the mold elimination procedure is a post-remediation survey known as a last air quality clearance test. Check the mold inspection Tampa service. If you permit a remediation company to evaluate their own work, you will have no method to tell if the work was done effectively or if the test results are factual. An unethical removal company will not fail their own tests and they definitely will not want to incur the expenses to re-clean your house if their clearance test fails.

Do-it-yourself Mold Remediation: 3 Steps For Your House Clean-up

Mold is undesirable in the home. It darkens the corners of the bathroom, stains the walls, grows in between tiles. It’s a very unpleasant sight which feeds and rots damp wood. Mold can accumulate and can be hard to remove over time. Aside from it being a disgusting sight, different types of mold also cause respiratory diseases and is generally bad for our health. Mold releases spores that can cause allergic reactions. These allergens may be invisible to the eye but can cause serious health problems. Hiring a professional may be costly, that’s why it’s important to know these Do-It-Yourself Mold Remediation steps so you can perform the cleaning by yourself in your own home.

Get the right cleaning products

A DIY mold remediation product that mold specialists usually recommend is borax – a white powder which you can purchase from the grocery, at the detergent or laundry section. To clean mold using borax, mix the powder in one gallon of hot water. Apply the solution on the surface affected by mold and scrub the area with a rug or brush until the mold disappears. There’s no need to rinse it off because borax will keep the mold from coming back. However, do not use this cleaner on porous surfaces like drywall. Such materials absorb water easily. This could aggravate the problem because as you know – mold loves moist environments. Some other safe yet effective products you can use to kill mold are baking soda, vinegar, Tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, and detergent. If you’re using vinegar, simply put it in a spray bottle. No need to add water. Spray the vinegar on the surface and leave it for an hour.

Wear the right clothing

Make sure you are properly geared before you start with your DIY mold cleanup. Wear gloves, goggles, and loose clothing especially if you’re using a chemical. After cleaning the mold, dispose of your clothing and gears or thoroughly wash them. Mold spores can easily spread within your house as they travel through the air. When it comes to black mold removal, it is better to ask professionals to do it. Black mold is a dangerous type of mold and can have a hazardous effect on your health.

Dry the surface

The last and most important part of how to remove mold is drying the surface. Take note that moisture is the main cause of mold build-up. These fungi love the humid, damp environment. Since you will be cleaning mold with water, the surface will be wet for a period of time. Aim to speed up the drying process by ventilating the area. Open doors and windows if possible and run a dehumidifier. You can also use air movers to quickly dry the surface.

How to Eliminate Moisture

Mold and mildew grow best on porous surfaces because porous surfaces have the ability to hold moisture for long periods of time. In order to effectively remove moisture from a porous surface, you will need to use a concentrated approach, since towels and cloths will not do the trick. For damp surfaces, turn on a dehumidifier, which draws out the moisture. For extremely wet carpets, use a wet/dry vacuum, which you can rent at some home improvement stores. For movable surfaces such as clothes and furniture, use sunlight outdoors. For other surfaces, try using a space heater or hair dryer.

Here are 3 household solutions for cleaning mold:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial solution that kills mold effectively on a variety of materials such as kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, floors and walls.

To kill mold: Pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Saturate the moldy surface completely and leave it to sit for 10 minutes.

Next, scrub the area to remove all of the mold and mold stains. And finally, wipe the surface down to remove residual mold and spores.

  • VinegarVinegar is a mild acid which can kill 82% of mold species. (Baking soda is often used along with vinegar for killing different species of mold).

To kill mold: Use white distilled vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle without watering it down. Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave it to sit for an hour. Finally, wipe the area clean with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell from the vinegar should clear within a few hours.

  • Baking SodaBaking soda is a mild, white mineral powder, that can be used to kill mold in your home, plus it is safe for your family and pets. Besides killing mold, it will absorb moisture to help keep mold away.

To kill mold: Add one quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake until it has dissolved. Spray the moldy area with the baking soda and water solution, then use a scrub brush to remove all the mold from the surface. Next, rinse the surface with water to remove any residual mold on the surface.

Finally, spray the area again and let the surface dry. (This will kill any left-over mold and prevent the mold from returning).

Can You Sell A House As-Is With Mold?

You can sell a house as-is with mold, however you must disclose. When in doubt, just disclose! Make sure you do so in writing. This will help relieve you of potential liabilities, however if you’re in doubt make sure to contact a professional. When selling a house with mold as-is, the most likely buyer will be a cash buyer. Lenders typically will not lend on houses with mold.

Spotting Mold

If you see black spots developing on a wall in a poorly ventilated room, for example, you are probably noticing the beginning stages of a mold problem.

Mold is all around you, generally in airborne spores searching for an ideal place to land and develop. In small amounts it is not a problem, but when it finds a moist place in your home and you fail to notice it, it can quickly develop into a serious problem.

Lower Price

Undoubtedly, a buyer will lower their price, often substantially, if mold was discovered. Most of the time, buyers just revoke their offer.

Brides Guide To Choosing The Right Wedding Videographer

How to Get The Best Wedding Video Ever

Wedding videography packages range from $1,000 to more than $15,000, and the styles are just as varied. Use these tips to help you find the perfect pro to get a video that’s so good you’ll watch it on repeat well past your first anniversary.

Hire the Person Whose Style Most Closely Matches Yours

Just like photographers, videographers take different approaches to their craft. Documentary-style videos present the events chronologically, without many special effects, while a cinematic film is generally more dramatic, using interesting angles for a Hollywood-movie feel (these are just two options of many). “You don’t want to select a cinematographer with one style and send them clips from another videographer with a totally different style

Take Finding a Videographer As Seriously As You Do Your Photographer

Unfortunately, hiring a videographer seems to get pushed back somewhere between welcome bags and favors—and it’s just too important for that C-list slot on your long list of to dos. “By that time, there will only be a handful of studios left to choose from, and most likely, you won’t be able to hire your first choice,” says Julie Hill, owner and creative director at Elysium Productions, an international videography firm.

Subscribe to Video Websites

There are plenty of places to find wedding videographers, but Vimeo and Love Stories TV are the preferred spot for most A-list picks to post their recent work. Aside from the big videography communities, you can easily search by location and even wedding venue to find clips from your reception venue and get ideas.

Embrace the Professional Referral Factor

People like your photographer and wedding planner have worked with videographers in the past and will be able to suggest filmmakers they’ve liked or that they’ve heard good things about through previous clients.

How to Choose a Wedding Videographer: The Essential Guide

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life and the memories of it will be cherished by you and your partner forever. However chances are, no matter how sharp your memory is, you won’t remember every single detail of it off by heart – which is why a lot of couples nowadays are opting to have wedding videography.

From that breath-taking moment that you glide down the aisle in your wedding dress, right down to the evening party where your Auntie Sandra pulls out her best dance moves after one too many glasses of champagne, having this all captured on film means that you can relive the day in all its glory for years to come.

What Does Wedding Videography Involve?

Forget the dreary, out of focus and wobbly videos you may have seen in the past, the new breed of wedding videographers are producing high quality and imaginative wedding day films.

Using digital camera technology and editing techniques, a variety of filming styles are now available and can be supplied on DVD or even streamed onto the web – whichever method is most convenient for you and your partner.

Is it Expensive?

There are of course many different wedding videography companies to choose from and they all vary in cost, quality and style. As with all of the other services that you use for your special day, you are likely to get what you pay for so do some thorough research before you commit to a company.

How to Choose a Wedding Videographer

The weather was rough for filming, but as a wedding videographer, I knew I had something special once I saw the raw video. I spiced it up with one of my favorite Velvet Underground songs, and did my editing magic. When the final one hour wedding video was edited and delivered, Vicky confided in an email to me: “I laughed and cried watching the wedding video. Love it!”

COST OF A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

Wedding videography packages usually range from $1K to more than $15K. Most wedding videographers charge a rate based on the amount of time they render their professional services. Others out there offer a preset package which also includes other pieces such as an extra shooter or a same-day edit. Even if you are just planning to buy a standard package, it is very important that you run through the other offers and what’s included. Some wedding videographers will also base their pricing on the number of guests and venue of the place.

Most newly engaged lovers out there do not have much experience when it comes to finding the best wedding videographers that are affordable and easy to work with. It’s good to remember that every wedding videographer in the industry has their own style in terms of shooting as well as editing. Finding the perfect artist that fits with your tight budget can be a tough task to do. Aside from the cost, there are other factors that you must take into consideration such as, the style, creativity, equipment, experience and packages that are being offered in the world of wedding videography

STYLE

The styles of wedding videographers can vary. With this being said, it is quite tricky to find someone who can meet your expectations. Wedding videographers, just like the photographers, take different approaches and style to their craft. Documentary style wedding videos present the events in a chronological manner minus the special effects. They tend to lean on interviews of the guests and montages overlaid with snippets of conversation and catchy quotes

EXPERIENCE

Although expert wedding videographers are preferred, up-and-coming, or new artists in the wedding videography industry will not do you any harm. If they have the equipment and you’ve identified you’re preferred style of wedding videography, then it’s matter of finding the right match!

Choosing a Wedding Videographer

Even more than photographs, a wedding video truly captures the spirit and magic of your big day—in living color. And, thanks to advancements in digital technology, the quality of these videos has improved dramatically over the years. Instead of using the large, obtrusive analog (VHS) cameras that were standard 10 years ago, most videographers now shoot with small, discreet digital video cameras

Basic Service

“Point-and-shoot” videographers, as they’re known, provide only elementary documentation of your day, so they’re your least expensive option (around $1,000). If you’ve seen any of your friends’ wedding videos…well, you get the picture.

Tips on Finding The Right Videographer For You

The best way to find a reliable videographer who works in the style you want is to get recommendations from friends and family. Your wedding photographer might be able to provide you with a list of names, too; some photographers may even offer videography as part of their services

A New Twist: Documentary-Style Video

Want a wedding video that plays like a stylish HBO documentary or an independent film? Some videographers hold degrees in filmmaking or broadcast journalism, and they’ll strive to shoot your wedding like a “fly on the wall,” thoughtfully recording the event with a storyteller’s understanding of real, dramatic moments as well as a cinematographer’s eye for beautiful images.

The Ultimate Splurge: 8 or 16 mm film

The “couture” option is to have your wedding captured on motion picture film—8 mm, or even 16 mm, the format in which most of those lush, silky-looking Hollywood movies (think: The Aviator) are shot. While a “film version” of your wedding day is as glamorous as you can get, it’s also a luxury product—an hour’s worth of this type of film can cost the filmmaker as much as $2,000. In addition to covering the cost of the film itself, you’ll also pay $3,000 or more for the filmmaker’s time and talent. But the expense may be worth it to you, because these films are astounding, utterly gorgeous works of art.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

Times have changed when it comes to filming a wedding. Back in the day it was Uncle Bob and his VHS recorder getting some zoom shots wherever possible (he’s still around by the way, he just uses an IPAD now) but now with the availability of lightweight professional DSLRs/cameras, the birth of social media and advances in mobile tech; wedding videos have become the new and refreshing way to share/memorise your big day.

Budget

Your low range videographers are likely to be new to the game, inexperienced, ill-equipped and/or still exploring the market. That’s not to say they’re not any good but you shouldn’t be expecting the same quality of work/content of a high end videographer. If there is no portfolio of work then you need to be happy to take the risk that your wedding video may have been best left to Uncle Bob but on the flip side of the coin you may bag yourself a talented individual who is charging low prices to break into the industry. If that’s the case, it would be important to at least see something they’ve shot, it doesn’t have to be wedding but it should at least reassure you that they know how to operate a camera and record some sound.

Your high end videographers however, should have a strong portfolio of creative work and are likely to have a very unique style (something else you need to consider). They will probably have years of experience with some pretty impressive (probably multiple) cameras, high end equipment and a strong track record of delivering exceptional, possibly even award-winning videos.  But understandably, and very fairly, all that experience and investment will come at a cost – but you are guaranteed to look like a superstar in your own movie.

Style

Do you want a cinematic dream-like film which makes your day appear as magically as it felt? Or do you want to belly laugh at a sneaky shot of Uncle Bob picking his nose in the corner of the room? Or do you want both? Do you want to be taken away from your guests so your videographer can direct some beautiful shots of you smooching, whispering I love you’s, having a laugh together and making you look like the stars of romantic movie or are you happy for your videographer to hide in the shadows, capturing the more natural moments as they happen so you can chill with your guests longer? Do you want speeches running over the top of your film or do you want music to be the main audio? Different videographers have different styles of delivering a wedding video, they are different artists, some are Banksy, some are Da Vinci! What style do you like? Do your research, find the videos you’re most drawn to and then find the videographers that can deliver that within your budget. Perhaps consider using key words in your searches “Cinematic Wedding Videographer” “Fun Wedding Videographer” “Naturalistic Wedding Videographer” “Alternative Wedding Videographer” “Eco-Friendly Wedding Videographer” etc etc

Personality

Your videographer is going to be interacting with your guests, with venue co-ordinators and with your photographer. If they’re an arse, you’re going to have trouble. Arrange a call maybe, just to gauge an idea of what they’re like to talk to, perhaps even push for a meet up

How Do I Repair My Tile Roof

Choosing the Best Type of Roofing Tiles for Your Home

Make the best decision for your home by considering all the features of your roof. Use this guide to make sure you choose the best roofing tile for your home. With the home median price at $187500, and showing no signs of slowing down, you must protect your property. A home is an investment that will probably last you a lifetime, which is why it’s important that you choose a roofing system will best protect it.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Tiles

Are you looking to replace your roof tiles and aren’t sure where to start? When it is time to start or repair your roof, you need to consider what you want before you call a roofing contractor. By making the right decision, you increase your homes visual appearance and its value.

Style of Your Home

The architectural style of your house will dictate the type of roofing tiles to use. For instance, some roofing tiles are best suited for historic homes while asphalt shingles are suitable for most architectural styles. Consult with your contractor to choose the roofing that matches your home’s aesthetics.

Roof Application

Are you applying the roof to a new structure or is it a replacement roof? With new roofs, your choices are not limited to the existing components such as the roof structure composition or the roof pitch.

Your Budget

As a roof of thumb, choose a roofing material that is neither too expensive nor too cheap. The price will vary depending on the material. Always avoid cheap roofing materials, as they are costly to maintain due to frequent replacements.

Roof tile selection how to choose the right roof tiles

Roof tiles come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, textures, materials and colours. Here at Marley, we offer a roof tile selection that comprises more than 80 different clay and concrete products, including pantiles, flat and interlocking designs, as well as colourways ranging from reds and browns to various shades of grey. But with so many choices, how do you specify the right roof tiles for your project?

Look around

The roof tiles you specify will have a significant impact on the overall look of the development when it’s finished, so selecting tiles with the right aesthetic is essential.

Consider the technical characteristics

While the architectural style of the building is an essential consideration in roof tile specification, it’s only part of the decision-making process. You will also need to make sure the roofing materials you specify are fit for purpose – and this can vary depending on the location of the property, typical local weather conditions and the structure of the building

Other considerations when choosing a roof tile

In addition to appearance and technical performance, you may also want to consider warranties and the manufacturer’s reputation when specifying roof tiles.

As experts in roofing, with more than 100 years of experience, Marley is known for providing high-quality and attractive roofing products that are hard-wearing, durable and reliable

Considerations for Choosing Roof Tiles

“Whether building a new roof or re-roofing, it’s important to consider style, aesthetics and long term performance when selecting roofing materials,” explained Mark Dell from Boral Roofing & Masonry.

“Roof tiles are a stylish and versatile choice, offering homeowners design flexibility to suit a range of architectural styles and specifications. They are a low-maintenance option and offer sound reduction and insulation benefits as well as fire and wind resistance properties.

Consider the roof tiles’ material

Roof tiles are available in ceramic, terracotta and concrete, and a homeowner’s choice will come down to personal preference of shape (or profile), colour and finish. Boral ceramic, terracotta and concrete tiles are built to last, with a 60 year warranty on ceramic tiles, 50 year warranty on terracotta tiles and a 20 year guarantee on concrete tiles. Ceramic and terracotta tiles are slightly smaller than concrete tiles, which mean there are differences in the number of tiles per square metre, as well as the system and pattern of aligning the tiles on the roof next to each other.

Select a tile profile that complements overall design

The profile refers to a tile’s shape and design at its cross-section. This can be either flat or shaped, with further design variations within these categories. A key consideration when choosing a profile is the architectural style of house as well as the pitch of the roof. For example, a flat profile will lend a more streamlined, contemporary look; if you are in a high rainfall area however, rain will run off faster on a steeper roof pitch

Research colour and finish options

Colour and finish can have a fundamental influence on the style, character and essence of a home. The architectural style and the home’s environment, including surrounding houses, is a major factor in choosing exterior colours and finishes. When selecting roof colour and finish, consider guttering and fascia finish of the home and, as a general rule, look for colours that are in harmony or contrast. Boral ceramic, terracotta and concrete roof tiles are available in a range of warm, cool and neutral tones.

How to Choose the Perfect Tile Roof for Your Home

Did you know that a tile roof can last up to 100 years compared to the typical 25 years? Talk about a great investment! Want to choose the right one? Not to worry. We are going to examine two different types of tile: clay and concrete. We will go over costs, look, and durability of a tiled roof.

Choosing a Tile Roof

You need to think about how the elements could affect your roof. You want to make a well-informed decision. We can help you with that.

Interested in Clay Tile?

Did you know that clay tiles bake from molded clay? The thickness of the clay depends on the temperature its heated at and the duration. Colors range from shades of brown, orange, yellow, and white

A common color is Terra-Cotta. People love this style. An alternative to natural earth tones is by adding enamels to the tile. You can make any color with this. It’s a process called ceramic. The tiles get sprayed with enamel before baking.

When you buy this type, you don’t have to worry about fading or peeling. The kiln is at a high temperature and the color bonds to the clay tile forever. You’ll have a wide variety of styles, colors, finishes, and profiles to choose from.

Which Type of Roofing Tile Should You Choose?

Ensuring the right roof tiles are installed on a property is vital. It can affect the aesthetics of the building and can make sure the roof meets the design requirements of your home. The decision about the tile used on your propriety will go on to affect a number of other important decisions. But with so many types of roofing tile available, the market can feel overwhelming. Read on for our easy to read guide covering the basics on various roof tiles available, including pros and cons as well as potential costs

Clay Roof Tiles

Many homeowners with one eye on the property market are turning to clay tiles to add real aesthetic value to their home. This attractive tile comes in a number of shapes and patterns helping to create a traditional Mediterranean look.

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete tiles can mimic the aesthetic appeal of clay and slate while also providing high levels of durability against the elements. They are one of the most common tile types on the market and extremely cost-effective in relation to their performance levels.

While the low-level maintenance makes concrete one of the best tile materials to purchase, it must be noted that the roof structure will need to be able to support the extra weight that comes with the installation of concrete tiles. In many cases, reinforced framing will be required to ensure the structure can bear the load. Concrete roof tiles can be used on moderate to steeper sloped roofs and also provide strong fire resistance

Interlocking Roof Tiles

Single lap interlocking roof tiles are typically flat or profiled smooth or granular and are possibly the easiest and quickest of all the roof tile variants to install. The combined ease of use, along with lower prices, has seen them become one of the two main tile types installed. Concrete is by far the most common material used for this particular style, although they can be purchased in clay and slate