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Top Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

What information does the wedding photographer need?

You’re still looking for a wedding photographer

Finding the right wedding photographer in Edinburgh can be a scary thing, because you are trusting a stranger with taking photographs of the most important day in your lives! So it’s best to employ a photographer whose work you like and who you personally get on with.

I receive many wedding enquiries and the couple simply tell me their wedding date and ask me if I’m free. It’s a good starting point, but in order to get a proper quote from a wedding photographer, it’s best to tell them a little bit about your wedding and what you’re looking for, so they can reply with lots of details.

When I get an enquiry with lots of details, I get a better feel for the couple and their plans and can provide a wedding quote that’s tailored to their wedding and can also provide additional information.

So here’s a good starting point:

When is your wedding date (the photographer can check right away, if the date is still free in their diary). Occasionally, I get a “vague” enquiry. The couple might know their wedding is in Summer next year, but they haven’t fixed a date yet. It’s best to start contacting photographers after you’ve got a definite date in the diary.

What is your wedding venue. Why is this important? Your photographer might have been there and they can send you a gallery with wedding photographs they have taken there and you can get an idea about their style.

How many people will be at your wedding. If you only have 10 people at your wedding, your photographer can provide you with sample photos of intimate weddings. If yo have 200 wedding guests, an inexperienced wedding photographer might not want to take on such a big job.

A little bit about your wedding ideas – you can give the photographer some more information about your wedding, what your plans are, your timings.

One photographer or two? Do you think you need two photographers, or would one be enough? Just because a lot of photographers offer 2 photographers in their packages doesn’t mean that’s necessary for you or your wedding.

How long do you want the photographer be there? Think about how long you want the photographer to take photos at your wedding. Do you want photos taken during the bridal preparations? Do you want photos of the guys getting ready too (this means you need two photographers – at least in the morning!)? Do you want them to stay only until the speeches, or do you want a photographer to be there until the party dancing in the evening? (you can also read about what’s normally included in a wedding photography package)

What do you hope to receive after your wedding? Are you happy with all the images on a USB stick? Or do you want a wedding album with a selection of your favourite wedding photos? Or do you want both – album and USB? Do you want to receive a large frame for your wall, do you want parent albums, or are you looking for a collection of prints which you can display around your home? 

You have found your wedding photographer – this is the information they will need

I am super organised for weddings! Like SUPER organised!! I request quite a lot of information from the couple a few weeks before the wedding as this will allow me to be very organised and can make sure that I am not the reason for things running late on the wedding day.

The Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist

Getting ready to shoot a wedding? Stay organized with our comprehensive wedding photo checklist—including a wedding photography shot list of must-have photos.

Wedding photography can be as stressful as it is fulfilling. The pressure is on wedding photographers to capture every last moment and detail of the big day as it happens, so it pays to stay as prepared and organized as possible. To make absolutely sure you don’t miss a moment, we’ve put together this wedding photography checklist for photographers. We’ll go over everything that goes into a successful wedding shoot, including a sample shot list of must-have wedding photos.

There are as many ways to do weddings—and wedding shoots—as there are couples, so this wedding photography checklist might still be needed to added to, edited, or tweaked to reflect the needs of the folks you’re working with.

Maybe the couple wants to incorporate lots of specific cultural or religious traditions—or they’ve decided to do away with half of the typical wedding tropes altogether. Maybe your couple doesn’t want any of the traditional detail shots—or they’ve been making decorations for weeks, and they want you to capture every last one.

Before You Get Shooting

If you haven’t already, make sure to get an online portfolio set up so you can show off standout shots to potential wedding photography clients. Having a great wedding photography online portfolio is one of the best ways to promote your wedding photography business and show off what you can do, as well as providing prospective customers with useful details like a wedding photography price list.

Things to Know Before Shooting Your First Wedding

If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you’re a brand new wedding photographer! Congratulations! I remember my first wedding 10 years ago and how excited and nervous I was. Before you shoot your first wedding, there are a few things you will want to do.  Here are my 7 tips to help make your first wedding photo shoot a success.

Gain Second Shooting Experience

If you have never second shot a wedding with another photographer, you may not be ready to photograph a wedding on your own. Unlike portrait sessions, there is no room for error on a wedding day. You don’t want to be learning for the first time, on the job.

Find a local photographer to second shoot with to improve your skill.

When reaching out to experienced photographers in your area, it’s important to remember: you are taking time out of their schedule and they do not have an obligation to help you.

The best chance to score a great relationship with a photographer is to follow what they do online extremely closely!  Comment regularly on their blog posts, Instagrams and Facebook posts. Don’t be creepy, but be kind and encouraging.  This will help your name to become more familiar to them.

Keep your email short – nobody wants to read multiple paragraphs.

In the email, offer something to them – perhaps that’s your assistant or second shooting skills for free, maybe that’s lunch at their favorite restaurant at a time convenient for them.  Show them you’ve done your research, you respect your time and you’d be cool to work with.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

In a recent survey of Fearless Photographers, we asked our accomplished professional wedding photographers about some common misconceptions regarding their profession. What mistaken ideas do their clients hold? What do they wish couples knew the truth about?

The Quality of the Photos Depends on the Camera

Fearless photographers agree: great photography is made by skilled professionals, not “the best” camera. When he hears this myth, Dominican Republic wedding photographer Georges Gurascier says he hands over his camera and invites that person to replicate his results.

Wedding photographer Annaleisa Friednash: “A talented photographer can make magic happen with a beginner’s camera. Someone who does not know their way around the camera can pick up the nicest, latest camera from any major brand and make a mess of something beautiful. Talent comes from hard work.”

Wedding Photography is an Easy Job

Long days, heavy gear, constant motion, intense attention to detail, non-stop problem-solving (before, during, and after the big day)? The job of a wedding photographer is anything but simple-even though the great ones make it look that way. As Jonathan Gibson observes, “Perhaps when an expert is engaged in their craft it looks easy-but this is only greater evidence of their mastery.”

Illinois wedding photographer Christi Chambers: “After shooting many different genres of photography professionally, I can safely say that wedding photography is the most challenging I’ve done.”

Wedding Photography Tips for Brides and Grooms

Before You Book a Wedding Photographer

Your choice of wedding photographer will play the biggest role in how your wedding pictures turn out. There are a couple key elements that go into selecting the perfect wedding photographer

Work together on your wedding planning.

First up – we often see the ladies taking the majority of the responsibility for planning the wedding. While we get the guys are not always into it – it’s important to keep in mind how big of an event this is to plan.

Talk about what you both want from your wedding photography.

As you set out to find a wedding photographer that will work with you, it’s important to nail down what you actually want.

For sure – some couples don’t care too much, and any photographer will do. In other cases, couples realize that their wedding pictures will be the one thing they can turn to years later to remember their big day. So their choice of wedding photographer is really significant for this reason.

Find a wedding photographer who has a style you both connect with.

Building on our last wedding photography tip for brides and grooms, your photographers style is one of the single most important factors that will go into whether or not you will like working with them.

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Five Signs It’s Time To Call An Exterminator

What’s Bugging You?

Insect Control

Insects are the largest and most common group of pests to invade residential or commercial buildings and include things like: fleas, ticks, bedbugs, flies, product pests, cockroaches, ants, spiders and other crawling or stinging insects.

Rodent Control

Rodents which commonly invade residential or commercial buildings include several species of mice and rats. We understand species behavior, and can implement effective control measures to permanently remove them

Wildlife Management

Wildlife encompasses essentially all intruders which are not insects or small rodents. We have a strict no-kill policy and pride ourselves on our humane and effective approach to wildlife control.

Environmentally Friendly Pest Control – Things You Should Know

What You Need to Know About Environmentally Friendly Pest Control. Do you know how many bugs live in your home? Most people see the typical roaches, ants, and/or spiders. Humans have created an urban ecosystem for other organisms to survive alongside us.

A study on American homes found that they contain between 32 and 211 species of bugs. While not all of these are harmful, there are the usual suspects like bed bugs or cockroaches that can cause harm. You need to get rid of these safely and effectively.

Environmentally-friendly pest control is always a good choice to keep them out. If you’re not sure about these methods or unfamiliar with how it all works, we’re here to lay it out for you.

What Is Environmentally Friendly Pest Control?

Insects and rodents are infamous for being unwelcome house guests. They don’t only bring destruction to your property. Most harmful pests like ticks come from rodents too.

If you’ve tried to use pesticides before, you know it has side effects that can cause a different kind of damage. Not only do they cause health problems but they can also damage other living organisms in the home. Your plants or pets may have suffered some of the toxic effects of pesticides.

Pest Control

Here at Natural State, getting rid of household pests quickly and efficiently is our specialty. Our expertly-trained and highly-experienced technicians can provide you with long-lasting pest relief from common household bugs!

Home Pest Control Services

While many other pest control companies might make you wait days or even weeks for pest control services, we believe that you should never have to wait for relief from pesky, invasive insects

Effective Results from Expert Exterminators

exterminators are specially trained to take care of your pest control needs and are passionate about providing you with a pest-free home.

Ultimate Pest Protection That Lasts

Here at Natural State, we know that it takes more than just one treatment to keep pests out for good. That’s why we employ state-of-the-art treatments using the latest technology and techniques to provide you with a pest-free home for the long-term

Bed Bug Treatment

Bed bugs are difficult to get out of homes, as they are small, breed quickly, and can easily infest an entire home once they enter. When it comes to bed bugs, you don’t want to rely on DIY methods to get them out

Pest Control

Do botanical products really work for pest control?

Botanical products have made excellent progress in the pest control industry. They are, by nature, botanical and they do not last as long as other products.

The vast array of insects we have here in our region is also incredibly diverse!  Botanical products are more focused on maintenance around a home or structure.  If a client has a specific tough issue they are challenged with, many times we have a specific product for that insect. 

Expectations must also be understood and continuously communicated when relying on botanical products for pest control.  The botanical products have a naturally occuring active ingredient and may have a stronger odor, although pleasant smelling to most, than the non-botanical products.  These products may take more time to work and may not work as well and will break down outside quicker than the non-botanical options.

Botanical products can certainly enhance the protection of your home from pests. The service may need to happen more frequently throughout the year because the botanical products do not last as long as other products we have access to.

Some are not but many are.  The products are certainly a key component in the overall success in managing pests.  However, the training and expertise is what is the true difference when hiring an experienced and well managed pest control firm to handle your residential pest control service

Things You Need to Know About Tenting a House for Bed Bugs & More

While tent fumigation, or “tenting,” is usually a last resort for pest infestations, it is also something that sometimes cannot be avoided. If your pest control expert has told you that tenting is in your future, here are some things that you need to know about how fumigation works.

Prep Work for Tenting Is Extensive

Whether you are tenting a house for bed bugs, cockroaches or termites, the work that goes into preparing your house to be fumigated is extensive. There is more to it than simply getting you and your kids and pets out of the house. House plants need to be moved out temporarily. You’ll need to make sure that the doors in your house, big and small, are open. Take all of your bed linens out of the house. You also need to get all of your food and food prep items out of the house as well. You’ll need to make sure that all of your appliances are off and that any gas flames and pilot lights are out.

Prep Work Isn’t Just Inside

While the fumigation gasses are going to be centered inside of your home, some are going to leech out via gaps in the tenting or around the bottom seals. This means that you’re going to need to make sure that you prepare the landscaping that sits close to your home. You’ll need to trim things back so that they are at least a foot away from the structure of your home. This helps keep them protected and keeps unruly shrubs or trees from preventing the tent from fully covering your home.

There are Different Types of Fumigation

Tenting does not get rid of all termites or wood beetles. There are subterranean termites too and those pests will need their own treatment. This extra treatment helps set up a barrier that keeps them from getting from their nest and back into your home.

The Time for Tenting Varies

Some homes only need to be tented for a few hours to solve an infestation problem. Other homes need to be tented for as long as a week. How long your home needs to be tented is going to depend upon the size of your home and the extensiveness of the infestation.

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Dermatologist Services For Patients

Voted The Best Dermatologist

We Care For Your Skin

Your skin is the first thing people see. We help you look your best. We are a full-service dermatology clinic providing comprehensive patient-centered care for all skin concerns whether medical, surgical or cosmetic in nature. Providing personalized care for all of your dermatology needs, our health care professionals offer solutions for skin disorders such as rashes, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, warts or other chronic skin conditions. We provide acne treatments, full body skin checks, biopsies, and comprehensive skin cancer treatments including Mohs surgery. During every visit, you will be evaluated, treated and cared for by board-certified providers that take time to listen, explain things and address your personal concerns.

Enhancing patients’ natural features, we use the latest advancements in aesthetic technology such as Botox to treat age-related concerns for glowing results.

Restore your confidence with Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, Chemical Peels, Hydrafacial, and Laser Treatments to help eliminate wrinkles, brown spots and red spots.

the latest technology used to eliminate excessive underarm sweat, odor and hair. Specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology for the whole family, our practitioners are your skin care team dedicated to providing top dermatology care. Making your skin look and feel the best it’s ever been with customized care in a calm

Things You Didn’t Know a Dermatologist Could Do

When visiting a dermatologist for the first time, many people are surprised by just how many services are offered for their patients. This is because most people assume that a dermatologist’s services purely revolve around treating skin cancers and severe acne, when in reality, they offer much more than that.

Hair Transplants

Many people are often shocked to find out that hair transplant procedures fall under the task-umbrella of a dermatologist. While not every single dermatologist is going to offer this service to their patients, there are many dermatologists that will. Better yet, these dermatologists can give their patients hair transplant options by offering both Artas Robotic Hair Transplants or hair loss treatments. For decades, dermatologists have been trying to perfect hair transplantation, and thanks to new technologies, hair transplants have never been more successful.

Birthmark and Tattoo Removal

When a person gets a tattoo that they regret, they are usually inclined to seek out a tattoo parlor for tattoo removal. However, this complex job can also be carried out by a dermatologist. Dermatologists have state of the art laser removal machines and are trained in the removal of tattoos, birthmarks, sun spots, and many more. Depending on the darkness and severity of these marks, patients may be required to book dozens of appointments, but they do so knowing that they are in experienced and professional hands

Chemical Peels and Skin Rejuvenation

If there is one thing that every dermatologist wants, it’s for everyone to have healthy and happy skin; unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many dermatologists offer their patients a large range of chemical peels and skin rejuvenation procedures. These procedures can help lessen the signs of aging, acne scars, and many other skin conditions.

Some Cases of Plastic Surgery

Believe it or not but most dermatologists can take on plastic surgery cases. While more severe cases may need to be carried out in a hospital setting, many can be taken on by dermatologists. Those looking for procedures revolving around liposuction, botox, breast augmentation, face lifts, neck lifts, microdermabrasion, tummy tucks, and more, can benefit from contacting their dermatologist.

Common Procedures Performed in Dermatology

This section describes the most common procedures performed by dermatologists to treat skin cancer and noncancerous and precancerous growths. Various treatment options are available and, depending on your diagnosis, your dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Following is an introduction that outlines the order of the information presented in this section. Review the introduction, then scroll down to read any topics of interest or select the topics recommended by your dermatologist.

There are many factors influencing the choice of treatment:

Type of skin cancer or noncancerous or precancerous growth

Location, size, number, and aggressiveness of the tumor

Patient’s general health

Side effects, possible complications, benefits, and cure rate of a procedure

Dermatologist’s experience and familiarity with a particular procedure

During the office visit, your dermatologist will discuss with you your medical history, examine and diagnose your skin growth, explain what could happen if left untreated, and then describe treatment options and follow-up care. In most cases, your dermatologist will determine the most appropriate procedure and perform it during this visit. However, if the examination indicates the possibility of skin cancer, your dermatologist may take a biopsy and schedule you for surgery at a later date.

Following are some questions you may want to ask your dermatologist before treatment begins:

What type of skin cancer do I have?

What is the stage of my skin cancer?

What are my treatment options and which one do you recommend for me?

What are the benefits and side effects of each type of treatment?

Will I have pain after surgery?

Will I have a scar?

Will treatment affect my normal activities or my work? If so, for how long?

What is the follow-up care?

Crazy Things Your Dermatologist Has Seen

“Dermatology is a thoroughly fascinating specialty in medicine,” says dermatologist Vermén Verallo-Rowell, MD, who founded VMV Hypoallergenics. “Unlike all the internal organs, our skin is out in the open for us to touch, smell, and see.” And apparently also to dye, bleach, shave, inject, pick, pluck, pierce, over-tan, and over-treat. We collected some of the strangest, most out-there things derms have seen or been asked to do. You’ll feel so much better about that time you turned your palms orange with self-tanner.

“A patient came in and he was completely blue from head to toe. He had been drinking an elixir made of colloidal silver in order to keep from getting sick. Despite his blue appearance, he was thrilled that he hadn’t had a cold in 15 years!”

“More than once over the years, I’ve seen patients come in looking orange. Usually they’ve gone on juicing programs that require eating a lot of carrots, which turns their skin orange—a condition called carotenemia. The color fades over time when they decrease the carrot juice.”

“A man came into the office complaining of a bluish discoloration of his thighs, shins, and calves for about a week. I was prepared to take a skin biopsy and do blood work, but as I cleaned off the skin to prepare, the blue cleaned off, too. The man had bought a new pair of dark blue jeans that he wore before washing. The blue was dye from the denim.”

Unlikely Souvenirs

“One patient had a scalp lesion that hadn’t responded to antibiotics. I was sure it was caused by a fungal infection, but I had it tested anyway. Turns out, this fungus is found only in Africa, so I asked the patient if he’d recently traveled there. He hadn’t—but his hat had. The patient had been buying knit caps from a Nigerian vendor on the street.”

Questions to Ask a Dermatologist

No question is too small when it comes to your skin.

Skin is the body’s largest organ, and even small skin changes may have major health implications. Dermatologists – doctors who specialize in treating skin disorders – are eager to share information about treating skin problems and keeping your skin healthy.

However, if you have a chronic skin condition – such as psoriasis or eczema – you probably already know how difficult it can be to make a dermatology appointment. With a continual shortage of dermatologists, locating a nearby practice or finding one taking new patients is often challenging. But be persistent, especially in seeking attention for new or worsening skin issues that require prompt attention.

I have a new or changing skin growth – what could it mean?

Skin growths or changes are often benign, but in some cases, they could be cancerous or precancerous lesions. From freckles to moles, ask and tell your dermatologist when anything changes with your skin.

How does my family and personal medical history affect my skin cancer risk?

A close relative has been diagnosed with skin cancer, and you’re understandably concerned. It’s important to bring this up with your dermatologist. “Patients should always indicate if they have a family history of skin cancer such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma,” Cohen says

Why do I need a full-skin exam?

You came in for a rash on your elbow – so why is the nurse handing you a gown and asking you to change behind the screen? A full-skin exam helps put isolated skin changes in context

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Move In Cleaning Company Search Manual

Things To Consider When Calling For Move In Cleaning Services

Moving is enough of a hassle that those moving don’t need more stress. That’s exactly what you get, though. After all that packing, stacking, and loading the moving truck, you have to not only clean the house you’re leaving but the new one as well.

Cleaning the old house allows you to (hopefully) get back your deposit. It also leaves a good impression on the buyers. No one wants to move into a new house that’s dusty or the windows are dirty. So you have to clean the new one, too.

You’re understandably tired. If moving funds aren’t too tight, it might be beneficial for you to hire professional cleaning services. They typically use “green” cleaning supplies, do everything on your cleaning checklist, and do it in a timely manner.

If professional cleaners aren’t in the budget, you’ll have to clean both houses yourself. To that end, here are a few tips you’ll need to know.

1. You’ll need a bucket filled with cleaning supplies. White vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for cleaning surfaces. Ammonia for window cleaning. If you’re leaving furniture behind, you’ll need olive oil to mix with lemon juice as a furniture polish. You’ll need dust cloths, scrubbing sponges or cloths, cloths to dry things, a broom and dustpan, mop, vacuum, gloves, and a step stool. Keep these supplies separate and make sure they’re not loaded onto the truck. They’ll go in the car with you to the new house you’re going to be cleaning before you unpack any boxes.

2. As one room is emptied, clean it. Wipe down the tops of the doors and windows, dust the baseboards, vacuum or sweep and mop if the floors are hardwood, dust for cobwebs, and wash the windows. If you’re leaving furniture in a room, dust it and clean the upholstery. Close the door on the way out to signify the room is empty and clean.

3. As you’re cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen, remember to dust the light fixtures and bulbs. Clean the tops of doors and windows. Remember to wipe down shower walls and clean glass shower doors with white vinegar. Close the door when it’s clean.

4. Make sure the tops of the kitchen cabinets are cleaned as well as the tops of the doors and windows. Cabinet doors get just as greasy as the backsplash, so wipe them down with white vinegar before polishing them with the olive oil and lemon mixture (one cup olive oil to one half cup lemon juice.)

The living and dining rooms are simple to clean. Just dust the door and window tops, dust the baseboards, vacuum or sweep and damp mop hardwood floors, and you’re done. Leave the keys on the kitchen counter, lock the doors and windows, and it’s on to clean the new house.

things to declutter before you move

Furniture

Furniture is by far the bulkiest thing you’ll move. It may cost far more to move a couch or large bed than it would to replace it on the other side. Plus, you may find that you don’t have enough room in your new place or that you’re happier with new items. You’ll save money on the move AND have fresh new furniture.

Large appliances

Your fridge is probably even heavier than the couch! If you can avoid taking along the fridge, washer and dryer, you’ll save oodles of space in the truck.

Includes: fridge, washer, dryer, deep freeze

Small appliances

Do you really need that juicer, the extra crockpot or the food processor? Now is the perfect time to pass those things along to a friend or even donate them to a thrift store.

Clothing

Now is the perfect time to unload all the clothing you never wear. Research shows that we wear about 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. That means you can safely declutter up to 80% of your wardrobe!

Lawn and garden equipment

Things like rakes, shovels, and hoses tend to multiply over time. Take a hard look at which tools you find yourself using and declutter the rest.

Things Your Housecleaner Secretly Wants You to Know

Don’t have unrealistic expectations

Don’t ask me to clean your five-bedroom house and then say you need it done in two hours. Make sure you give me enough time to clean everything properly

Make sure you have all the cleaning products I will need

Sometimes I show up and my clients have nothing for me to use. You know best what kind of cleaners you want used in your home; some people want only organic cleaners, some are picky about brands, and others have allergies.

Don’t forget that I need equipment

One of my bosses kept forgetting to get me a mop so I had to wash her floors on my hands and knees with a cloth. For weeks she did this. It’s really inconsiderate.

Be reasonable

Please do not ask me to sew on buttons, clean the wheels of your bike, scrub out your mailbox, or pull out the refrigerator in order to clean behind it.

It’s helpful if you soak dirty pans

This way I can clean them more easily when I get there. Once the dishes are clean, scrubbing the skin is the next step

First Things To Buy For A New Home

Things to buy for a new house checklist

Asking yourself, ‘what do I need when moving in to a new house?’ We’re here to help first time buyers. There are some things you should have bought, or sorted, before move in day.

Set up utilities

Always take meter readings when you first move in to avoid paying for energy previous owners have used. Remember, switching providers can help you save money on utility bills. If you can, try and set this up before you move in.

Set up broadband

Want WiFi as soon as you move in? Get your internet connected beforehand. Ensure you find out everything you need to know about the broadband speed in your area.

Cleaning supplies

It’s a good idea to have some basic cleaning supplies to hand on moving day. You may want to freshen up your new home as soon as you move in.

Smoke detectors

Don’t forget to ensure these are set up before you move in. Depending on the size of your home, there should be one on every floor.

Move out Checklist for Renters

If you have followed the advice on the TTV pages in this section your moving out day should be completely stress-free, given a small margin for error for events that might occur which are outside of your control, such as the removal service being late. There will be lots of things to monitor and check on the moving out day and if you have made a checklist it will be a lot easier.

Review all aforementioned documents. Find out how to properly end your tenancy, using the correct procedure. Find out how to cancel all relevant subscriptions and services you use at this address. Some of them can be transferred. Check out if this serves your interest or if you need to look for a better deal at some other provider.

It’s very important that your deposit is protected to ensure fair and unbiased judgement on any dispute at the end of the tenancy. If you want that deposit money back in full, you need to prepare to fight for it. If the landlord has not properly protected the deposit, they are liable for up to three times the amount in courts. If you have not received prescribed information, your landlord is again liable.

Consider all possibilities that presents themselves to you. If you start early enough you should have enough time to wait out for the perfect property, research extensively and even turn down a few offers before you find the right one. Good properties at a decent price are rare, but do exist

You want to start clean in your new property. Face it, you have way more things than you put to use in your everyday life. While some of them deserve a place on the shelf, many of them can go easily. Clear your belongings for an easier move.

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A Home Electrical Safety Inspection Checklist For Home Buyers

ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS

It is not that electrical installations are potentially dangerous per se. Yet, there are certain instances where malfunctioning electrical appliances of all kinds can contribute to large scale problems. In an electrical safety inspection, we are going to be going through all of your wiring and breaker boxes. To ensure that the entire system is running properly. If we are to spot any loose wiring or potential situations that could be deemed a fire hazard or something of that nature we will be sure to take care of it accordingly.

Electrical Code Corrections

An electrical code issue is not only going to put your family more at risk, but it can also lead to some legal trouble. The has particular guidelines that need to be met. In order to deem your home fully safe from potential electrical malfunctions. This may not be an issue in your everyday life. It can be a major problem if you are trying to sell your home though. Well-intentioned buyers are going to want to ensure that everything checks out on the electrical side of things. Therefore, you can never go wrong with a timely electrical safety inspection!

How Often Should I Have My Home Inspected?

Speaking of a timely inspection, we understand that certain people may have not even had the notion that this was something that they needed to do in their homes. Because of this, we get a lot of questions with regards to how often, it would be a good idea to get a home inspected. The go-to answer is usually to say that yearly inspections are a good idea. The thing is, if you have older equipment and wiring at home you could be more at risk. If that is the case, you may want to consider getting more inspections per year or just outright changing your wiring and overall appliances.

Electrical Safety Inspection

Just like a regular checkup at the doctor’s is good for your health, a regular electrical safety inspection is good for your home and family’s protection. Whether you have just moved into a new home, or you’ve been in the same house for years, an electrical safety check from Scott Comms is affordable peace of mind. Most potential electrical hazards aren’t immediately obvious, but we’ve built a reputation on being thorough. If there’s an issue to be found we’ll find it, and give you confidence knowing exactly what’s what in your house’s electrical system.

When’s The Right Time To Get An Electrical Safety Inspection?

Before you purchase a house, it is important to investigate the electrical components and identify any potential faults that need attention, lest they give you a headache or burn through your wallet later. Safety should be your number one priority, yet this is easy to overlook when you’re thinking about a million other things- like who gets the biggest bedroom. It’s really a little thing that can save you a lot.

Another important time to consider getting electrical safety testing carried out is after a big storm. is known for wild weather in the winter time, and sometimes big weather and the electrical surges and power cuts that come with it can burn through cabling or fry fuses. If you’re unsure, we can test your smoke alarms, install surge protectors, circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs) beforehand, and check water damaged appliances and wiring after.

If you live in an old home, or suspect some DIY wiring has been implemented in the past, it wouldn’t hurt to have an inspection carried out. can test your home quickly and efficiently, and provide a full electrical safety certificate at the end.

Our Electrical Safety Inspections Cover:

Testing of switches, lights and fans.

Smoke alarm testing/installations

Testing of main power lines and outlets

Energy inefficiency investigation (high power bills)

Investigating kitchen faults (Stove, oven)

Ensure general wiring is up to date and safe

Complete Electrical Safety

How We Ensure Electrical Safety

Code Inspections: This allows us to evaluate your home’s safety and to fix any issues that we may find. Give us a call if you have any questions about this service!

Completing Any Necessary Electrical Repairs

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: This is extremely helpful in detecting the harmful gas, carbon monoxide. Without the carbon monoxide detector, you will not be able to know if you are breathing in the lethal gas.

Smoke Alarms: Almost half of home fires happen in homes without smoke alarms. Installing smoke alarms better your chances of taking care of fires before they get carried away.

we recommend having the aforementioned alarms and detectors installed in every home to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones, as well as preventing your house from burning up and destroying non-replaceable items.

A home electrical inspection is a thorough examination of your home’s electrical wires, systems, and appliances to ensure that your home’s electrical components all meet legal safety standards. A report is then drafted to the homeowner detailing any areas in need of attention and suggested upgrades.

homes need to have the following, by room:

Bathroom:

Combination fan/light/heater has its own 20-amp circuit

All outlets are GFCIs

Light fixtures in shower or tub are covered and moisture resistant

Laundry Room:

Washer and dryer each have their own 20-amp receptacle

Electric dryer has its own 240-volt circuit

SIGNS THAT YOUR HOME NEEDS AN ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTION

Electricity is one thing we cannot do without, and most of the gadgets and appliances that make life easier will not work without electricity. As much as we know how important electricity is in our day-to-day activities, we hardly pause to access how efficient our electricity system is. To be sure that your electrical system is safe and efficient, there is a standard test used to assess this. This assessment is also important to ascertain whether your household is safe.

Most times, the electrical home inspection standard is usually strict. The fact is, if it has been long you had an inspection, you will need to update a few things.

Some very common faults are:

Weak and outdated fire and smoke detector

Installing new appliances into an old wiring system

An extremely old wiring system

Using unspecified outlets for major appliances

Overcrowding of wires and many more

You did it a long time ago

There is a standard interval for electrical inspections for business and residential buildings. However, because things change very fast, it is best to invite electrical contractors

Incessant Light flickering

When you have an old wiring system, there could be an issue of light flickering; you should inspect your electrical wiring system in this case.

Reasons to Get an Electrical Safety Inspection

Protect Your Family & Your Home’s Integrity

When you want a relaxing evening after a long day at the office, or when you want to throw a party for your closest friends and family  members, we hope that you’re able to look to your home as a place of safety, comfort, and peace of mind. If you’ve been experiencing electrical troubles, such as tripping breakers, outlets that emit a foul odor, defective lights, or frayed wiring, it’s difficult to love where you live. You can restore the affection you once had for your home by enlisting the help of a licensed professional to complete an electrical safety inspection

Why Should You Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection?

Per the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), 51,000 homes electrical fires occur every year across the United States, resulting in nearly 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries. While it’s impossible to completely prevent a fire from occurring, there are measures you can take to decrease the likelihood, one of them being having a licensed electrician complete a home safety inspection.

What Does an Electrician Look for?

An electrical safety inspection will provide you with added security and peace of mind.

reasons as to why you should schedule an inspection, if you haven’t already done so!

We will ensure that your electrical system runs safely, efficiently and effectively.

We will identify any vulnerable areas within your home as well as areas that aren’t up to code.

We will identify any outdated wiring, such as copper or tube, as well as outdated components.

We will inspect your electrical panel to see if breakers and fuses are sized correctly.

We will locate visible and invisible fire hazards.

We will identify areas that waste energy.

After we complete your inspection, we will go over the results with you in detail so that you can better understand your home. Should you choose to move forward with us after we complete your inspection, we will ensure that your home is safe and up to code. We can replace your wiring, help you reduce energy costs, or install new breakers or an electrical panel. Our goal is for you to feel completely confident in the integrity of your home so that you can tend to the more fun things in life.

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How To Choose The Best Ceiling Fan For Your Needs

Why Does My Ceiling Fan Have A Reverse Switch?

Ceiling fans are great to have during those Summer months, but what most people don’t know is that they have a setting for Winter too. Changing the direction that your ceiling fan spins can help keep you more comfortable during all months of the year. Not only that, but you can give your furnace or air conditioner a break.

Summer Ceiling Fan

In the Summer, make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise. This direction pushes cool air down to the floor, which is where you are. Have you ever noticed how cool wind can be when you are hot? That is because the cool air meets the perspiration on your skin and creates the wind-chill effect. Setting your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise in the Summer months will help you save a little money by reducing how much you use your air conditioner. Ceiling fans are not restricted to indoor use either. You can add a cooling effect to your outdoor patio by adding an outdoor ceiling fan

Winter Ceiling Fan

In the Winter your ceiling fans should spin clockwise at a low speed to pull the cool air up and away from you. This updraft pushes warm air down along the walls back down to the floor. Hot air rises, but by pulling cooler air up the warmer air needs somewhere to go so it is pushed back down to where you are. This allows you to save money by reducing your furnace running time. One exception to this is if your ceiling fan is mounted on a two-story ceiling. The fan may to too high to make a difference and can stay in the counterclockwise rotation all year around.

Ceiling fan switch direction – up or down?

Locate the direction switch on the motor housing (in some cases, the switch may be located inside the switch housing or switch cup), and flip the switch in the opposite direction. Directional switches may move vertically (up and down) or horizontally (side to side from left to right).

Note: If you do not find a switch on the motor housing and you do not have a remote, please jump to how to change your blade pitch below.

How To Switch Your Ceiling Fan Blade Direction

For vertical direction switches, flip the switch down for downward airflow or flip the switch up for upward airflow.

For horizontal direction switches, flip the switch to the left for downward airflow or flip the switch to the right for upward airflow.

Use the steps below to change the direction of your ceiling fan:

  • Shut off the ceiling fan and wait for the blades to come to a complete stop
  • Using a ladder or step stool to reach the motor housing, locate the direction switch
  • Flip the switch in the opposite direction
  • Step down and turn the ceiling fan back on
  • Verify the ceiling fan blades are moving in the right direction

Counterc lockwise fan direction for cool summer savings

In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down to the floor. The cool air evaporates perspiration and creates a wind chill effect, which makes you feel cooler without affecting the room temperature. This allows you to set the thermostat at a higher temperature without forfeiting comfort.

So, how you can you tell if your ceiling fan direction is set for summer? Turn on the fan, stand directly under the fan blades and watch the blades rotate. The blades should move from the top left, then down to the right, and then back to the top. Looking for a more telltale sign? You should feel air movement while standing under the fan. If you do not feel air movement, the fan is spinning clockwise.

Cooling comfort is just a small benefit of using a ceiling fan in the summer. Homeowners who use ceiling fans during the summer can save as much as 40 percent on air conditioning bills.

Don’t confine your comfort to the indoors. If you enjoy spending a sunny summer afternoon outside, choose an outdoor ceiling fan for your patio, porch, or favorite outdoor spot. An outdoor fan not only helps you keep cool, but it also keeps insects and other unwanted pests at bay.

CLOCKWISE FAN DIRECTION FOR WARM WINTER COMFORT

In the winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise at a low speed to pull cool air up. The gentle updraft pushes warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, down along the walls and back the floor. This makes a room feel warmer, which allows you to lower the thermostat temperature and decrease the use of heating devices. Homeowners who use ceiling fans during the winter can save as much as 15 percent on heating bills.

So, how can you tell if your ceiling fan direction is set for winter? Turn on the ceiling fan, stand directly under the fan blades and watch the blades as they rotate. The blades should move like a clock’s hand – from the top to the right, then down to the left, and back to the top) at a low speed to pull cool air up.

Exception: If your ceiling fan is mounted on a two-story cathedral or a vaulted ceiling, the fan is too high to create a discernible wind chill, and therefore, can stay in a counterclockwise setting all year round.

Why not just raise the thermostat?

Every time you raise the temperature on the thermostat, you raise the price of your energy bill. In fact, lowering the thermostat by just one degree saves you around 3% on your gas bill, so relying on the direction of ceiling fans to produce heat will help you save energy and money in the long run.

Once you do decide to reverse the ceiling fan direction, be sure to adjust your thermostat accordingly. You’ll no longer need to set the temperature as high now that you’re being energy-efficient! As always, when you leave the room, be sure to treat the ceiling fan as you would any other electric device and turn it off when it’s not in use.

Now that you know this tip, it all comes down to remembering to do it! According to SplendidFans a great way to remind yourself to set the direction of ceiling fans in reverse is to do it every Daylight Saving Time. Because Daylight Savings falls on dates in the spring and fall, these are the perfect times to adjust your ceiling fan to move in the reverse direction before the peak of winter, and then back to the forward direction before the heat of summer hits.

Changing the direction of ceiling fans in your home is a simple solution to saving you money and helping you find comfort in your home even during the coldest of months!

What is the purpose of the reverse switch on ceiling fans?

ceiling fans are intended to circulate air “up” or “down”, depending on the seasons. When trying to keep the lower (‘living space’) portion of a room cool, pulling air “up” keeps the warmer air “up” and cooler air “down”. When trying to keep the lower portion warm, pushing air “down” ensures the warm air remains low, as warm air naturally tends to rise, of course.

It’s really all in the “pitch” (angle) of the fan paddles (blades). As they rotate, they slice through the air, ‘pulling’ or ‘pushing’ it up or down.

Keep in mind also that these literal sounding “up” and “down” air circulation terms are not necessarily all that precise. In other words, each space, as well as adjoining spaces, plays a role in exactly how air circulates throughout a particular room layout.

With that in mind, there might be times when pulling warm air “up” during heating season, or pushing it “down” during cooling season is prudent, as it all has bearing on the overall circulation

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All About Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

Immigration BestLawyer

We choose to exclusively practice immigration law so we can dedicate 100% of our resources to providing superior immigration services to our clients.  Many of our competitors practice numerous areas of law and cannot provide the same level of immigration service

on top-menu bar to view short videos featuring Attorney Gail Seeram.  In our busy world, we know you need ImmigrationINFO quickly so watch our short videos on current and popular immigration topics.

Live Chat 24/7 – Nationwide & Worldwide

Our immigration law firm offers a FREE Live Chat with the Immigration Lawyer – select the “Click to Chat” button on the lower right-hand corner of your screen.  Our legal staff will respond to your questions or concerns instantly via live chat.

We Win Case Approvals!  View Our Success Stories

Client Case Approvals/Wins section of our website (see blue top-menu bar) highlights our client’s success stories and displays actual family & employment visa approvals, winning decisions on waivers, citizenship, PERM approvals, granted orders to terminate removal proceedings, granted orders to administratively close removal proceedings, and much more

Immigration Law Basics

Immigration law encompasses a wide range of situations that involve a person from a foreign country coming to the United States, whether for a temporary visit or with the intent to live permanently in the U.S. (as a citizen or as a legal permanent resident). FindLaw’s Immigration Law Basics section provides a bird’s eye view of the immigration process, including a glossary of immigration terms; an overview of immigration in general; and helpful primers to help you get started with your particular immigration needs. Also provided are links to primers on getting a green card, working in the U.S. as a foreign national, helping a family member adjust his or her status, and more.

Visiting the U.S.

Those who wish to visit the United States for a short time and do not intend to work have a number of “non-immigrant” visa options. Nationals of some countries need not apply for a visa at all and are eligible to enter the U.S. as part of the “Visa Waiver Program.” Others will need to apply with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their home country in advance of their departure.

There are many different kinds of non-immigrant visas, but the most commonly used are the B1/B2 visitor visas. These visas do not permit study, employment, professional performances, work in the media, or permanent residence in the U.S. There are specific non-immigrant visas and other programs for all of these kinds of activities.

Working in the U.S.

Those wishing to work in the United States may apply for one of several different kinds of employment-based immigrant or non-immigrant visas.

Non-immigrant visas, such as the H-1B and other H visas, permit employment with a specific employer in a specific position. Other employment-authorized visas include the L visa for intra-company transferees and the O, P, and R visas which are used by extraordinary artists, scientists, athletes, educators, and religious workers. Each kind of employment-based visa has challenges that must be overcome. All of them require documentation of the applicant’s qualifications for the position offered.

Immigration Lawyers

Recognized Name

We have helped thousands of people with their immigration, citizenship and refugee matters, with experience dating back over forty years. BLGPC has a well respected and lengthy history with immigration stakeholders. BLGPC is responsible for key decisions that have shaped immigration law. It is one of few remaining law firms that focus exclusively on citizenship, immigration and refugee law.

Expertise

BLGPC has developed a unique expertise in complex immigration appeals and inadmissibility cases for persons applying for temporary and permanent residence. Aside from successfully assisting many individuals and companies each year, many of our clients are other lawyers and consultants. What our Clients Say

Experience & Reputation

We have earned successful results at every level of the citizenship, immigration and refugee process – from application stage to the Supreme Court

key things to know about Trump’s freeze on work visas, according to an immigration lawyer

The new proclamation only applies to people who were outside the US before June 22

Nair told Business Insider that she has received several calls about whether or not Trump’s ban applies to people who are currently in the US. The answer, Nair said, is straightforward: It does not.

It only applies to certain visa categories

Nair told Business Insider that it is also important to note that the ban does not apply to all visa categories. The ban temporarily suspends H-1B, H-2B, H-4, J-1, and L-1 visas.

This means you can still apply for other US visa categories in 2020, including B-1 visas, which are meant for those visiting the US for business purposes; B-2 visas, which are meant for tourists; and F-1 visas, which are meant for students. Per Nair, you can still apply for O-1, E-3, and E-2  visas.

There is still some debate over sections of the new proclamation

Nair said that the proclamation left her with questions to ponder. She said that the proclamation doesn’t clearly state whether or not the ban applies to individuals who previously had visas and are now stuck abroad. For example, she said if someone was in the US on an H-1B visa, departed the country a few months ago, and now needs to secure a new visa, she is unsure if the proclamation applies to those individuals.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Immigration?

The typical scenario runs like this:  Someone comes into our office or calls us and describes their situation. It could be a Visa refusal or they want to sponsor their mother from overseas, or apply for a work permit. After listening to their story, we will then  try to spot any legal issues that may be relevant to their case and provide some general guidance as to what may be involved in resolving their problem. These consultations are not designed to provide specific legal advice but rather to give people an idea about what is involved in their situation.

After listening to my general overview, the person will usually the ask two follow up questions: 1. How long will it take with an immigration lawyer? and 2. How much will an immigration lawyer cost? Both perfectly reasonable questions. The answer to the first, will of course depend on the nature of the case. Some visa applications take a number of months and  some number of days. The answer to the second will of course vary depending on the nature and complexity of the case.

At this point, the person hopefully has a solid understanding of their situation and what is involved in resolving it. And now for the “biggy” . The question that often is asked with some fear and trepidation: “But Sir do I really need an immigration lawyer”?, they say.

“No, you do not need a lawyer for your immigration matter”, I say.  I love watching their shocked faces. I let a few second pass to absorb the news. The person, looking like a deer in headlights, will then often and sheepishly ask “Well, why not?. I don’t need a lawyer?” To which my reply is always: “Sir or Madam, your case can be filed, argued and processed without a lawyer or representative and therefore you don’t need an immigration lawyer”. There are no rules or regulations requiring people to have representatives handle their Immigration and Visa applications. Any application can be filed or a hearing can he conducted without legal counsel.

I then go on to tell them the following, often to their relief: “Although you don’t need a lawyer, you definitely should have one. Immigration law is very complex and there are many aspects to a case that require professional assistance despite what you may read or see online. I then add that “many cases we handle are refused applications or failed hearings and appeals from people without lawyers. Such cases are much harder to resolve and more costly. It is always better to get it right the first time.  Therefore there is a big difference between needing a lawyer and should you have one.”