What Packing Services Are Included In Contract Packing

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How to Choose the Best Contract Packaging Services

A contract packaging service, also known as a co-packer, is an organization that provides supply chain services such as warehousing pick-and-pack, equipment rental, and more. These companies can provide businesses with total turnkey solutions, or labour. Outsourcing your packaging and warehousing operations with a custom packaging company can benefit your business in many ways. But, before you settle on a co-packing company, it is important to make sure it is aware of your needs. By informing the contract packager of your goals, you’ll be able to discuss and identify if they are the right team for you to work with. Here are three important aspects to consider when choosing a contract packaging company.

Flexibility and Co-Packing of Packaging Service

Packaging and repackaging in the supply chain will always go through changes, and the co-packer should be able to guarantee their ability to respond quickly and make adequate changes to prevent any problems along the way. It is important to ask and find out how the company would meet challenges such as changes in planning, scheduling, and management. Many packaging companies will charge extra for last-minute or rushed projects, which you should expect. It is more important to focus on their ability to adapt to changes.

Capability and Location of Contract Packager

The company you desire to work with should never take for granted aspects such as maintaining machinery and the workspace required. You should ask your contractor what equipment they would use for your project, and request a walk-through of their recommended process. They should also have headquarters in close proximity to where your project will be the most effective. You should be able to reach your end customer or distribution centre as easily and quickly as possible. This will save you costs in terms of shipping and packaging. It will also help you build stronger relationships and explain your expectations clearly to your partner company.

Quality and Cost

Cost may be an important aspect to consider for your business, but it is not the most important factor that influences a successful packaging partnership. You should be budgeting 10% of the total cost for packaging, but be aware that this budget includes materials as well as paying your service vendors. Once you have considered the other factors, then you can negotiate your price with the contract marketing manufacturers as long as they are reliable, resourceful, and responsive to your needs

Hire a Contract Packager from the GTA

If your business operates in the Greater Toronto Area, you could benefit from working with a reliable company that has warehouse locations and provides operations management within that area. If you’re looking for the right company to partner with that meets your needs as a business, Lean Supply Solutions is the answer

How to Choose a Pick and Pack Fulfillment Service That Saves You Time

Are you spending hours fulfilling orders to your customers? Your process is probably slow and laborious. Even after all the time you spend, you can still make costly mistakes like using a wrong shipping address.

What is Pick and Pack Fulfillment?

Pick and pack fulfillment is part of the supply chain management process. It’s the process of picking sold product, packing it, and then affixing a shipping label and invoice to the product.

Why You Would Want to Use a Pick and Pack Fulfillment Service

A streamlined picking and packing process isn’t an easy feat. Inventory must be on-hand, organized, and tracked. This way you know you have enough inventory to ship and track what your customer received.

Products must be properly packaged to be delivered safely to your customer. This means knowing the required box size and needed packing material. Shipping labels have to be generated and placed on the right packages. A system must be in place to validate that customers received the correct order.

Provided Services

First and foremost, you need to see what all services they provide. At the minimal, they should provide basic pick, pack, and shipping capabilities. That’s why you’re using them. Depending on your business needs, however, you might need more.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Packaging Company

Packaging is important. Without it, your products have no way to reach your customers. And without proper quality packaging, your products won’t reach your customers intact and undamaged. So how do you go about ensuring something like that? By choosing the right packaging company for your business and its shipping packaging needs. But not all packaging providers are created equally. Here’s 6 things you should consider when you’re ready to start the hunt for a strong packaging partner.

What’s your packaging budget like?

Your products and customer orders aren’t going anywhere without packaging. But if your budget is on the more limited side, you’ve got to find ways to work around that—and choosing the right packaging company will help with that. Plenty of them only sell in large or bulk quantities, and that likely isn’t advantageous to your bottom line. So, what do you do?

What’s your storage/warehouse space like?

This can be another limiter on your operation. Whether your packaging budget is sufficient or not, you may not have the space to stack and store all that needed packaging. And with some packaging providers preferring to sell in large or bulk quantities, what do you do?

Do they offer high-quality packaging materials?

When you’re choosing the right packaging company, ensure that they source their packaging from either high-quality providers or high-quality sources. Spending all that time packing up a customer order only to discover you’ve been using sub-par corrugated boxes can provide headaches for both you and your customers. A good metric for choosing the right packaging company is to see if they take part in any green, environmentally-friendly initiatives.

Do they offer a wide variety of packaging supplies?

Sometimes you’ve got to find ways to stretch your packaging budget (maybe it’s been an unexpectedly busy month, or maybe your new product’s taken off a lot faster than you thought it would). And with the advent of dim weight shipping charges, you’ve probably got to find ways to stretch that already-stretched packaging budget even more. Your packaging provider should offer some interesting, cost-effective and just-as-protective alternatives to corrugated boxes and bubble cushion. Mailer envelopes? Corrugated mailer boxes? Courier bags? These are signs that you’re choosing the right packaging company for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Custom Product Packaging

Products make the world go round. The right custom product packaging can help make a good product great. It can also give your brand the boost it deserves. Get it wrong and the effects could be disastrous.

Make sure your custom product packaging travels well

Custom product packaging needs to be able to travel from point A to point B with ease and minimal damage. It’s important for your packaging to have a killer design that says: do not ignore, I was made for you.

But product packaging boxes also need to be practical. You’ll need to focus on materials that are specifically designed for strength if it’s bulky or fragile when packaging your product. If your product is going to be sitting on a retail shelf, proud as a peacock, then you’ll need to put more effort into the outward display. This is where a superior print finish (perhaps a UV treated high-gloss, liquid-based coating) will come in handy.

Packaging that stacks well, like a two-piece rigid box will help reduce damage. Picking up and placing a two-piece rigid box in a cargo hold can be done with ease. For something a little more heavy-duty, packaging made from sturdy corrugated cardboard is worth considering. This particular material provides excellent support.

Find the right material for your packaging design

Think of packaging design as if you were an architect. You wouldn’t want to live in a house made out of cheese. Just think about the smell in the summer, oh the humanity! So why would you want your beloved product housed in the wrong material?

Tips for Good Packing

Packing a box properly is crucial when it comes to shipping. If your item is not packed well, it probably won’t stand a chance in the carrier’s fast-paced hubs full of drops and falls from conveyor belt to conveyor belt. The carriers know this and have come up with several resources to use for all the do-it-yourself packers out there.

PICK THE RIGHT BOX: Box selection is crucial. Everyone likes saving money and some do this by recycling a used box to ship their item. Recycling is great! Just make sure the box doesn’t have any water damage, rips, tears, holes, or anything else that weakens the integrity. What most people don’t realize is that boxes lose 60% of their strength after the first shipment. Keep that in mind when choosing a box!

REMOVE OLD LABELS AND BARCODES: You want your package to go to the right place, right? Make sure you remove or cover up old shipping labels so the package doesn’t get miss-sorted and go to the wrong place. Believe it or not this happens quite a bit. One time we had someone come into our store with a box that had three shipping labels on it; no one knew which one was the correct label (including the customer)!

WRAP ITEMS INDIVIDUALLY: When shipping fragile items, it’s important to wrap them separately. This can be done with bubble wrap, foam sheets, or newsprint to prevent scratching. Wrapping items individually prevents them from hitting each other with enough force to cause damage. If you put two or more items together and wrap them as one, it may protect them from other items in the package, but it won’t protect them from each other.

USE PROPER CUSHIONING: You should never pick up a box and hear items shifting around in the box–unless your shipping something like LEGOs. Severe damage can result as nothing protects the item from the edges of the box or outside forces being applied to the package. There should be cushioning in the box to prevent items from freely moving about the package.

Electrical Maintenance Courses To Change Your Career

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Electrical Maintenance

It is essentially important to carry out electrical maintenance on a regular basis; maintaining all the electrical material fittings, appliances and devices in and around your home. Maintenance enhances the smooth running of all the electricity powered items in your home, while creating a safe environment that will be free from all sorts of hazards.

Home safety is obviously one of the most dearly held goals by most, if not all, homeowners everywhere. A home is designed to be a safe haven for its dwellers, and therefore anything and everything that favors home safety should always be accorded first priority. Electrical maintenance for the home is without question, one of the foremost and sure steps towards fostering a safe home.

Importance of Proper and Timely Electrical Maintenance

When regular electrical maintenance checks are carried out for a home, various unwelcomed mishaps associated with electricity get avoided in an opportune manner. When such mishaps are avoided, it makes it easy to escape unplanned and often very high expenses of repairing, or even replacing badly affected electrical devices due to small problems that would have otherwise been detected and dealt with earlier.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) In general, having your home’s HVAC system working well is a welcomed convenience. However, there are instances where the proper working of the HVAC could mean more than just a convenience. Take for instance, a home where there are senior citizens, small children or even a sick person; for such people, extreme heat variations, whether up or down on the thermometer, can result in life threatening complications.Such extreme heat variations would only happen in a malfunctioning HVAC system, and this is something that would have been avoided altogether through properly scheduled electrical maintenance of all its components in a timely manner like say, before the onset of winter or summer.

Outdoor Lighting The outdoor lighting in your home does a lot for your home safety. For one, it ensures that your porches and walkways are well lit and thus safe for both you and your guests at night. The other thing that they do for your home’s safety is deter thieves and burglars, who always prefer to operate in the dark. The light fixtures, bulbs and lines of your outdoor lighting require regular checks and replacements because of the nature of the outdoors. Having a contracted electrician carry out such checks on a regular basis will ensure that at no point will your outdoors be dark.

Choosing the Right Electrical Contractor for Industrial Maintenance

Electrical maintenance is one of the major issues when it comes to your safety and security. For industrial sectors, electrical maintenance is the topmost priority concern from the productivity point of view. To resolve issues related to the maintenance of a colossal industrial project, you must always seek experts, who are well versed with the facts & terms of electricity.

Electrical systems need timely maintenance & constant attention, which is often a life saver & prevent occurrence of serious incidents. Neglecting timely maintenance will lead to frequent faults, downtime, and hazards, which can be very expensive in the long run.

Electrical maintenance contractor is the professional, who provides services & maintains the installation of the whole complex structure. They must have higher standards of analytical skills, so that they can easily handle the old/previously installed systems of every project. Duties & responsibilities of an Electrician may vary & depend upon the contract, which is discussed between him & his client. For complex industrial electrical services & maintenance, you must opt for the best electrical maintenance contractor, because industrial maintenance requires a very high level of professional standards & knowledge to comply with different kinds of complex circumstances that may come during work.

Selecting an electrical contractor :

The Best electrician is the one who you can handle the electrical maintenance issues properly. They are the only ones who have the proper knowledge base & experience to tackle the modern as well as the older electrical system. They help in improving productivity and eliminating downtime.

Choosing an electrician is never an easy task, so take time to find the best one. If you are looking for a reputed and fully insured electrical service provider for your industrial electrical maintenance, give a call to Aspire Electrical.

What is Electrical Maintenance?

Advances in the design and quality of electrical components have made it possible for electrical systems to run for years without noticeable problems. While wonderful feats of engineering, well-designed electrical systems can lull building owners and operators into a false sense of security—right up until the moment the system fails. It’s for this reason, among others, that electrical maintenance is such an important part of commercial building operations.

What is Electrical Maintenance?

Electrical maintenance covers all aspects of testing, monitoring, fixing, and replacing elements of an electrical system. Usually performed by a licensed professional with a complete knowledge of the National Electric Code and local regulations

Preventative Electrical Maintenance

Early identification of problems is a key aspect of electrical maintenance. For instance, should a back-up generator sit idle until needed, it may not start due to a number of factors. Old fuel clogging a fuel filter, uncharged starting batteries, or start switches left in the wrong mode can all prevent a smooth transition to backup power. These are basic problems, easily identified and addressed through preventative maintenance.

One of the major challenges to electrical maintenance is the nature of electrical wiring. It can be difficult to pinpoint the location of specific problems as the system is built into the building. Thermal imaging has become increasingly important in the industry for its ability to identify issues with both electrical connection points and equipment operation. By catching such problems early, electrical maintenance helps reduce unexpected power outages and protects equipment from damage.

What is electrical maintenance? It’s an aspect of building operations no commercial facility should be without. While large scale operations may have their own on-staff electricians, smaller facilities may find it more financially viable to contract with a licensed professional for scheduled electrical maintenance and servicing.

Steps for Proper Electrical Maintenance

With simple maintenance and prevention methods, you can feel better about the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. This includes making sure your appliances are running smoothly and all of your outlets are safe to use for everyday needs, such as charging devices and plugging in lamps.

Remember the golden rule: Safety first

You should never start any home maintenance or repair work without proper preparation and safety tools. When working with electrical items, make sure to unplug the unit or turn off the power to the specific circuit. Don’t forget that water and electricity don’t get along, so make sure to unplug anything electric before cleaning. Never use a metal ladder when performing electrical tasks.

Use electronics accordingly

It’s important to be smart about how you’re using electronics. Avoid plugging in too many things into one circuit, which can overload it and cause a power outage. Be mindful of where you place small appliances and electronics, such as toaster ovens and hair dryers. Make sure they’re not under any vents that could potentially drip on them or are too close to a source of water, such as sinks and showers. Further, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends installing ground-fault circuit interrupters for all of the outlets in wet locations, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They’re designed to turn off electric power immediately in the event of an incident, which can be a potentially life-saving feature.

Be mindful of plugs, outlets and wires

Treat your plugs kindly and don’t force them to fit into outlets. Don’t try to bend and adjust the prongs, as this could cause an electric shock. Alternatively, if it’s loose inside the outlet, it may be time to replace the cord for a fresh plug. Replace old outlets with new electric sockets with advanced safety features, such as built-in surge protectors. Unplug extension cords when you’re not using them to avoid an electric and fire hazard. When you’re outside, only use cords and electrical items that are specifically for the outdoors.

Schedule routine professional check ups

Electricity can be dangerous, so never hesitate to call a licensed electrician for help. In fact, one of the most important steps in good electrical maintenance is having a professional inspect your system at least once a year. An electrician can check your electric panel, replace damaged wires and test circuit breakers.

COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE

If you run a factory, or data center, a restaurant, or any business. You know that keeping the lights and equipment running can mean the difference between staying or going out of business. Most businesses cannot afford prolonged electrical systems and equipment downtimes. The good news is that Can Do Electric services can help you reduce or eliminate un-planned costly system failures do to faulty electrical distribution and power systems. Keep your business up and running with a proactive electrical maintenance service agreement. Can Do Electric Services, Inc. offers electrical maintenance service agreements of all types. We can tailor an affordable customized service agreement to suit your specific needs.

Protect Equipment and Extend Its Operational Life

Just like getting regular oil changes on your car, staying proactive when it comes to preventive maintenance will save you money down the road.

If you have special equipment like conveyor belts, compressors or pumps. This equipment already has manuals that tell you when general maintenance services are due. You can simply tie our service agreements in with those. But you can choose to use a different maintenance schedule interval.

Control and Reduce Energy Cost

Like with your car or other equipment, regularly scheduled maintenance will extend the operating life of your equipment and related systems.

You lower your operating cost because equipment that’s maintained will last longer, thus extending the useful life of your equipment, which means make less frequent capital equipment investments.

Recoup Cost of Maintenance Service Agreement

When you avoid unplanned electrical equipment failures, you also reduce repair costs.

The cost of a maintenance service agreement will be off-set by the savings realized by longer equipment replacement cycles.

Maintenance for Overloaded Circuits

Dealing with tripping circuits in your office? This issue is caused from overloading one specific circuit. In an office environment, it is likely that too many devices are relying on your wiring. Ignoring an issue like a tripping circuit can lead to damage to your electronics, wiring, or worse, cause fires.

Reasons Why You Should Choose Carpet Cleaning Services

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Things to Look for When Choosing a Carpet Cleaning Company

How to choose the right carpet cleaner…

Over the years, we’ve had countless phone calls from people panicking and upset after receiving a service from a carpet cleaning company that didn’t produce the results that they promised. It’s always frustrating for us to hear that another local carpet cleaner has taken the money of a customer that trusted them with their property, only to then leave them back at square one, out of pocket and stressed.

Are they professionally trained through the IICRC or NCCA? Don’t feel embarrassed to ask. If they’re trained professionally, they’ll be more than happy to show you their certificates.

Are they insured? This one is important. Find out if the carpet cleaner is insured and if they have Treatment Risk as part of their cover. If not, they’re not covered to service your property and you should look elsewhere for a carpet cleaner.

Do they have past testimonials? If the company has testimonials and reviews from past clients, it’s worth taking a look. Most good companies will have a Facebook page, Google Business page or website where you can find reviews to look at.

What equipment do they use? A professional carpet cleaning service requires professional carpet cleaning equipment. Look on their website for pictures of large, shopping trolley-sizes machinery. A lightweight machine that can be easily carried is not going to be enough for a thorough clean.

Choosing a Professional Carpet Cleaner

Maybe you have never had your carpets cleaned, and you want to make sure you choose the best company for the job, or perhaps you are just sick of choosing lousy carpet cleaners who leave your carpets “clean” but are worse off six months later. Whatever the reason, you came to the right place. Here are 5 things you should look for when you are wondering how to choose a professional carpet cleaner.

What carpet cleaning products are they using?

Cheap harsh chemicals can make your carpet look clean for a while, but these chemicals can be hazardous to your family or pets. You should ask you carpet cleaner if their products are safe for children and pets. Chemicals are not the only problem though. You should also ask if they will be using soap or detergent to clean your carpet. If the answer is yes, you will need to ask them how they intend to remove the detergent or soap entirely! If they do not remove the residue from these products, you may wind up with crunchy carpets, or worse, dirt-attracting residue in your carpet.

What carpet cleaning tools are they using?

There are a few tools that may be used for carpet cleaning, and they are not all made equal. Steam cleaners can be useful if the water and residue can be fully extracted, but this is hard to achieve, and you will usually be left with flooded carpet that takes quite some time to dry. It also leads to residue left behind on the carpet. Another type of tool is a dry cleaner. This tool first requires a pre-spray which also gets the carpet wet. Then a buffer pad is used to buff the stains out. Quite frankly it doesn’t work anywhere near as well as an extraction wand. Dry carpet cleaning methods are not approved by leading carpet manufacturers and will void your warranty. A hot extraction wand is the best option for carpet cleaning. It will run water through the carpet fibers and suck it out quickly, so you do not get flooded carpets

How is the company’s customer support on the phone?

This may seem like a strange one, but a phone call can tell you all you need to know about working with a carpet cleaning professional. When the company answers the phone, are they polite and professional? Alternatively, did you get just a hello, if you just got a hello you may have reached someone on their cell phone. Now, this does not immediately make their service terrible, but it may not be as professional. Regardless, ask some questions about your needs and verify if the person on the other line is excited to be helping you or bothered by your questions. If you sense bothered, time to call someone else. You want to make sure you are getting your carpets cleaned by someone who will listen to your concerns and get the job done the way you want!

What are customers saying about them?

You have to be careful when you look at reviews, a few reviews can be faked, but it is hard to make up many reviews on a reputable website, although even this is possible. The best thing to do is look at reviews from multiple sources like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. It is also essential you read some reviews, do not just take into account the star rating. What were the customer’s problems and concerns, what did the customers like about the carpet cleaning professionals? Reviews are a quick and easy way to get some insight about the quality of the carpet cleaner. If you want a pro tip: use the ctrl+f feature on your computer to look for specific reviews for your need. For example, you may have pets and want to see what other pet owners thought. Use ctrl+f and search “pet” then those reviews will be highlighted making it easier to find relevant reviews for your needs.

How to Choose the Best Carpet Cleaning Company

A home without a good carpet cannot be considered to be complete. It is the carpet that gives it that attractive look that makes one feel like they want to spend most of their time indoors. Despite the fact that carpets are useful, if they are not kept in good condition, then there is a possibility that might not be very interesting to look at.

Experience

Choosing a carpet cleaning company that has been in the cleaning industry for a long time places you in a good position of getting quality services. This because if a cleaning company has done the same job for a long time, then it means they have explored all the methods that can be possibly used and they, therefore, know the best ones to employ for your work. Also, the company that has been in the cleaning industry for a long time is not likely to make silly mistakes.

Facilities

You also need to consider the kind of equipment that the cleaning company will be using to cleaning a rug or rugs  that you intend to assign them. Good cleaning companies need to have modern equipment that will make it possible form to leave your rugs spotlessly clean. Some companies tend to use cheap cleaning methods and facilities to do the cleaning. The effect of this is that they end up interfering with the quality of your carpets and lowering their value.

Accreditations

Most homeowners treat the cleaning services as casual work and they, therefore, do not expect the services providers to have any formal education. That is a casual notion that you need to dispel from your mind. You need to make sure that you are dealing with professionals who are accredited to offer the cleaning services. Ask them to show you all the necessary certifications that make them legitimate.

Reputation

Sometimes you can know the quality of the services that you are going to get by looking at the reputation of the company. For instance, if the cleaning company in question has been offering quality services, there are chances that you will also get the same if you hire them. The reverse of that is very true.

How to Choose a Carpet Cleaning Company

From super  low prices and high pressure sales to unqualified technicians and near worthless methods. How do you ever find a qualified, competent professional carpet cleaner?

I will give you an understanding of the importance of correct carpet cleaning, not just for appearance, but to insure your family’s health and that your carpet will not be damaged as well. You will be able to make a more informed and intelligent decision.

Reputation

Check references to find out what others have thought of the service delivered by a company. This can be found by searching the internet for reviews. Another place to look is to use social media websites. This will give you an indication of the general reputation that a company has developed while being in business.

Education

Sadly, there are lot of people doing carpet cleaning that have not had any formal training in how to correctly clean carpets. In Australia, it is not a requirement to have any certification before operating. It then falls on you as the person hiring a carpet cleaner to ensure that the person arriving to clean your carpets knows what they are doing. There is a certification system which will give you an indication that carpet cleaners know what they are doing. This is the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)

Experience

In addition to having been trained correctly, there is a lot of value in experience. Over time, a technician will hone what he has learnt while putting his knowledge to practice. The only problem is if a technician does not have the correct knowledge to start with, experience is of little value if he has never been able to produce an effective product in cleaning carpet

How to Choose the Right Carpet Cleaning Company

In today’s modern world the internet is most people’s go-to when looking to hire a service. You will find the internet saturated with carpet cleaning companies, however not all are reputable, trained, or honest. It is essential to be informed before making a decision on who to hire

Choosing a carpet cleaner based on equipment alone.

Sure proper equipment is necessary to do a good job, however if the operator is not properly trained the best equipment in the world won’t do what it is supposed to do. The best way to know that the carpet cleaner have been properly trained is to make sure the cleaner has been certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Before you choose a carpet cleaner, ask to see written proof of the company’s and the technician’s IICRC certification.

Choosing a carpet cleaner based on low price.

Lowest price could mean a very costly mistake in three ways:

Low price is the bait that gets you to call & schedule the appointment. Once in your home, you are pressured into a more expensive job.

Lowest price can be for  a ‘single-process’ Once explained, the customer is pressured to purchase the more expensive “dual/deluxe process ” (Illegal “bait-and-switch”).

Lowest price probably means the carpet cleaner has minimal skills, will be using the cheapest chemicals and inferior equipment – you could actually be paying them to ruin your carpets or soft furnishings!

Choosing a carpet cleaner based on a single telephone call.

As with choosing any service provider it is always a good idea to check the credentials of the carpet cleaning company before you invite them into your home. How long have they been in business? Do they offer firm, written quotations prior to performing any services? Make sure to get references & read comments from current clients. These are all important considerations to avoid becoming the victim of high-pressure sales tactics when the technician steps into your home.

Choosing a carpet cleaner that doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee.

Inexperienced cleaners have all kinds of reasons why they would never offer a guarantee: “What if the carpet is 20 years old and has permanent stains? – I’ll lose my shirt.

How To Tell If You Have Swarmer Termites And What To Do About It

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Choosing a Professional Termite Pest Control Company

Choosing a Professional Termite Pest Control Company

Make sure the company offers a guarantee, understand the terms and conditions and how long the guarantee is offered. A good reputation in the market is a good indicator of good service. Check your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Agriculture, to see if complaints have been filed against the potential company you have in mind.

Verify that your selected firm is a member of your state pest control association and the National Pest Control Association. Membership in the National, and state or local pest control associations is a good indicator that the company has access to modern technical information. In the area of termite pest control, their commitment to further education is important, particularly with the newer termite baits and baiting techniques on the market.

It is important to request the plan of work revealing sites of termite activity and treatment procedures. Ask for written information on chemical treatment procedures, bait station placements, repair of wood work, warranties, and copies of insecticide labels.

Compare bids before making decisions. Ask about liability insurance.

Follow-up inspections should be included in any termite treatments. Extermination contracts should include annual or semi-annual inspections to verify that a treated home is not reinfested.

Seek at least 3 different proposals.

Annual Termite Pest Control Contracts:

Many people think that an annual contract means that the pest control company re-treats your house every year. But this is not the case unless there is evidence of termite activity in the house, annual treatments are illegal under both state and federal law.

The pest control company provides an annual termite inspection of your home in the annual contract. If you or the company find evidence of termite activity, (and you are under contract) then the company is liable for termite treatments. In most cases, the termite treatment in your house carries a one-year guarantee from the pest control company. After the year ends, and the contract is up for renewal..it is always a question of a need to renew the contract or not.

The cost of a renewal is typically between $150-$400, depending on the size and construction of the house.

If you are planning to sell your home within a couple of years, a contract would be advisable. It will include a clearance letter for mortgage companies in the event of a sale. If termites are discovered at this time of inspection, the pest control company is liable for termite treatments.

You do want to consider whether the pest control company will allow their contract to be transferred to a new homeowner or does it terminate the contract.

If you are not selling your home in a few years and you feel comfortable doing Home inspections, you wouldn’t need the annual contract. However, upon finding evidence of termites, you would need to either do your own termite treatment or look for a termite service company at this point.

Choosing a Termite & Pest Control Professional

When you have a pest problem, you want to know that you are going to get quality service from your Pest Professional and that they are going to provide the professional service that you need. You expect the best, and you need it taken care of as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In order to get the quality service you need from our Pest Professionals in Arizona, you will want to use the following steps to ensure you get the best:

Find out if the pest professionals have experience with your type of pest problem. Some pest control companies specialize and you will want a company with expertise for your specific pest problem. Best practice – get references; there really is no substitute for this. Go with one that comes with referrals from your friends or relatives that have used the company. Find out if the Pest Professionals are trained and licensed. Look to see if there are any guarantees.

If they are dealing with termites, you also want to know if they have liability insurance. Get a few estimates before you buy; then compare services offered and price before you choose one. Find out how long the service is good for by reviewing the contract. It will state how many months they will service your home or business. Learn what chemicals the Pest Professionals in your area use and how they are distributed in your home or business. Note that warmer climates may require a wider usage. Understand how often treatments are repeated and how many treatments are covered in the contract. For termite contracts, find out if the damaged wood will be replaced, and when inspections will be performed. Ask about the type of chemicals being used read the labels.

Find out what the Pest Control Company will do in the way of prevention, how long it will take, and how often they need to return for inspections, cleanup, etc.

Depending on the particular pest, your service professional should always perform the services as covered in the Agreement. Do not expect anything to be done for you if it is not in print. Make sure that you understand all aspects of the Agreement, too, before you sign anything. Ask questions if you need to.

Termite Exterminator Tips

Pests can be a major problem for your home, especially if you don’t know how to properly dispose of them. One of the most destructive invaders is the termite. These pesky little insects can find their way into your home and quickly destroy beams, walls, floors, and furniture. The problem with these sneaky intruders is that they are hard to detect. If you suspect that you may have a termite problem or want to be sure you are protected against them, the best way to go about it is to consult a pest professional

Termite Knowledge

An exterminator should have a thorough knowledge of his craft; this means knowing all there is to know about pests like termites. There are many different termites: Drywood, Dampwood, Formosan, Subterranean, Conehead, and Desert just to name a few.

Service and Recommendations

A pest control expert should not only be knowledgeable, but they should be well-known for impeccable service. Cleansing your home is a process and it should be as painless as possible. A good termite exterminator will inspect your home thoroughly before drawing up a treatment plan.

Spot and Treat an Infestation

A quality pest control expert will be able to pinpoint possible areas of infestation and any entry spots that your home may have. If you have a possible infestation the right exterminator will give your home a thorough investigation assessing areas like cracks in the cement, walls, floors, attics and even furniture. Before any treatments can be done, your property must have an inspection; termites can be difficult to spot by the untrained eye

Know Different Treatment Options

There are multiple ways an exterminator can treat your home. Depending on what you are looking for, it is a good idea to find a pest control specialist who will provide many options

Dos and Don’ts of Choosing a Termite Company

Finding a bunch of termites lurking around your property can be disheartening to say the least. If you are dealing with any unwanted pests, you need to turn to the help of a licensed pest control company who can get rid of the termites for you. However, it isn’t always easy to find a company that is going to work for you and your needs. As you prepare to find a termite control company, there are a few dos and don’ts to bear in the back of your mind.

Find out what type of insurance the company offers.

This is especially important when it comes to dealing with termite infestations. You homeowners’ insurance policy isn’t going to cover problems with termites or repairs, which means you have to be proactive in finding a reputable company who knows what it takes to get the termites out of the house and prevent additional infestations from creeping in. If there is a damage clause in your service contract, you need to make sure you have a thorough understanding of what the warranty covers and what it doesn’t.

Only hire someone that can meet the licensing requirements for your state.

Licensing requirements are going to vary from one state to the next. Some states are a lot stricter than others when it comes to what they require from contractors. You want to make sure that the company you are looking to hire has the proper licensing in place for your state. Ask to speak to some of their other customers to see what they think about the company and the job they did for them. See if their termite problem ever returned or not.

Have the company explain how they would handle the problem for you.

Ask the company what their process is like if they were to come out to your home to get rid of the termites. Do they use chemicals, baits, exclusions or traps? Have them give you a plan in writing so that you have it for your records. This lets you compare their quote with that of other termite control companies. Knowing what you are getting is crucial to determining which company to hire.

Make sure you read through the fine print.

When you sign a contract with the termite control company, you need to go through everything and make sure that the service you need is covered under the contract. You want to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of what the company is going to do for you. Don’t go with a verbal agreement. Written contracts are always the preferred choice.

Always Hire the Best Termite Company

When you pick a Termite Company, choose the best termite company carefully. Your relationship may last for years and years.

Many of us view Termite Company inspector/salesmen as we do a used car salesman. Talk fast, say believable things, choose which questions to answer. Get your signature on the bottom line. Believe me, not all are like this, but those types are out there. If you don’t feel comfortable with your inspector/salesman and his presentation, say thank you and simply move on.

Having a termite company hassle is just not worth the seemingly best upfront deal, ask questions, be prepared. Know your company, at least a little, before signing on the dotted line. Follow my plan below to help you get the best fit when hiring a termite company

Ask questions when hiring a termite company

During your first face to face contact with a potential company you need to be prepared to ask a few questions. Hopefully the answers you get will allow you make good decisions when hiring a termite company.

Annual Guarantee Renewal

You should have the opportunity to renew your annual guarantee for at least 5 years or more at a fixed yearly premium rate. If you decide to hang on to your coverage, and you probably should, you need to pay the renewal fee each year on or before your treatment anniversary date. Most termite treatments are guaranteed for a one year period with the option to renew for an additional 4 years or longer, that’s up to individual companies..

Home Renovation Loans

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Choosing the Right Project for Your Home Renovation

Before the national housing collapse of 2007, home renovation decisions seemed far simpler and much more profitable for homeowners than you see with today’s market. Today, the value of home renovation projects is a whole new ballgame. That’s why you should carefully research any potential fix-up project you’re planning for your home

Aim to cover your costs. Pre-housing crash, people were investing heavily in their homes and seeing returns greater than 100 percent on their spending. In 2016, the cost and return at resale for the projects listed in the report averaged 64.4 percent for a home sold within a year of the upgrades. Making a profit on a renovation isn’t guaranteed, so aim instead to tackle projects that will allow you to recover your costs at the highest possible level.

Smaller projects focusing on essentials can provide better returns. A decade ago, it was an upscale outdoor deck or a gourmet kitchen. These days, new doors, which can cost under $500 to replace and install, are one of the most popular projects. A high quality fiberglass entry door replacement can recoup an average 82.3 percent of costs; a garage door replacement can return over 90 percent.

Upgrade rooms and spaces, but keep it modest. A minor kitchen remodel including upgraded cabinet fronts, new hardware and the addition of one or two energy-efficient appliances averaged a return of more than 83 percent of original cost compared to the 65 percent for the gut jobs.

After assessing the national and regional averages, you’ll need to evaluate your personal situation, local home market and the type of homes that are selling in your neighborhood.

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST BUILDER FOR YOUR HOME RENOVATION PROJECT

When you are planning home renovations, your choice of builder will be one of the most important decisions you have to make. But with so many different building firms to choose from, how can you be sure you are getting it right?

WORD OF MOUTH RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

If someone you know has had some building work completed and they recommend a house renovation contractor, this is advice worth listening to. Remember, people tend to be very quick to complain about something they are not happy with, while they need to be seriously impressed to offer praise. If they recommend a particular contractor for home renovation, this is something you can take seriously, as it means the work must be outstanding in their opinion.

DO YOUR RESEARCH ONLINE

Online research is an important step when it comes to choosing a builder for your home reno. 90 percent of consumers now use online reviews and testimonials to help them make purchase decisions. As selecting a builder for your home renovation is an extremely important decision, it makes sense to find out what other customers are saying about them before you go ahead.

LOOK AT SOME OF THEIR PREVIOUS WORK

If a building firm is local to your area, the chances are they will have already completed some house renovation projects in your neighbourhood. It is worth asking around and finding out if you can take a look at some jobs they have already completed, so you can see the standard of their work for yourself.

CHECK THEIR REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE

For any home renovation, it is essential to choose a reputable builder who is fully licensed and insured. When you first get in touch with a house renovation contractor, you should ask for details of their license and insurance. The most trustworthy builders are often also members of a professional body, so you should also ask about this. Asking questions is important because it gives you a much stronger degree of protection in the unlikely event of anything going wrong during your home reno

tips for renovating for resale

Everyone has an opinion on how to achieve the best result in terms of adding value to a home; after all, we Kiwis are fanatical renovators

The main thing to remember is no matter which areas you decide to focus on, make sure your renovation budget is relative to the overall value of your house. If prices are modest in your neighbourhood, for instance, there’s no point in installing a new state-of-the-art kitchen or a fancy outdoor fireplace.

Consider your street appeal

‘Street appeal’ is a term much loved and there’s no doubt that the first, outside impression of a home can dramatically influence its saleability. Start by cutting back overgrown trees and replacing tired plants (including the lawn) to make the property look fresher, lighter and more spacious.

Renovate the kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of a home for many of us and improving its appearance can seriously lift the value of your home. However, think carefully before replacing the whole thing as the next owners may want to put their stamp on the kitchen. It may be better to just give it a facelift by replacing the benchtop, handles, taps and splashback.

Upgrade the bathroom

A second bathroom and toilet is almost compulsory these days so finding space for these is pretty much a given for savvy renovators. Adding a second toilet is the very least that most buyers expect. However, don’t feel you need to spend a fortune on expensive fittings – there are many products available for those with a limited budget.

tips for buying a house to renovate

You want to buy a renovator’s dream but how do you make sure that the restoration doesn’t send you over the edge and way over budget?

Location

Nicolas Jarvisto and his wife discovered one of the key buy-to-renovate rules when they bought their first home, an 1915 Queenslander, in Bulimba, Brisbane.

Look beyond first impressions

Another rule of buying a house to renovate is that “you have got to have the vision to look through the ugliness” says Bevan. “Things like off-putting tiles and carpets do not matter. I always find the uglier the better as it puts off most people.”

Budget

“Renovating should be an excel spreadsheet not a dream” says property expert Chris Gray, from Sydney buyer’s agency, Your Empire. Gray has renovated 14 properties himself and oversees renovations on behalf of his clients.

Avoid structural work

Choose properties that need mainly cosmetic work and do not take on structural alterations. “Avoid properties with structural damage, as this is often when expensive problems occur,” says Gray.

How to Choose the Right Renovation Company

People are becoming increasingly aware of how to achieve that luxurious, statement home when new construction is not an option – that’s right, it’s home renovations! There are so many advantages of house renovations, starting with the improved comfort and increased value of your home.

For most, it makes complete sense that the final outcome is going to vary greatly and depend on the experience and workmanship of the renovation company you choose. If you want all the benefits listed above, plus some, choosing the right home renovations company is imperative! For others, cheaper is better… but unfortunately this is usually where the “renovation nightmare” stories originate.

Be ready! There’s no point jumping on Google and contacting endless amounts of contractors and building companies if you don’t have a plan. Know what you want and when you want it. It’s also much easier, and wise, to set a budget for your home renovations too.

Obtain quotes. All the best home renovation companies offer free quotes. Extensions offers a FREE, no obligation consultation with one of our specialist design consultants.

Set appointments. By now you’ve checked references, compared quotes, viewed a history of their workmanship and you’ve narrowed it down to two or three of best home renovation companies. It’s time to book those first appointments and see who’s really going to deliver the goods!

The Popularity Of The Adagio With Dance DJs

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Tips To Pick Your DJ

Finding the right DJ is imperative to ensure your wedding happens just as you planned. A great DJ can take your wedding to a level you never imagined. However, a bad DJ can make it a nightmare. Below are 5 tips to guide you through the process of finding the perfect DJ for your wedding

Experience/Professionalism

One of the single most determining factors in the decision making process should be experience. You can plan every detail to the exact second, but no wedding occurs exactly as planned. There is a flow to weddings and an experienced DJ will make any change or delay appear like it was planned and rehearsed. In fact, a proactive DJ will anticipate common situations and prepare accordingly. You spent hours upon hours planning, scheduling and stressing about every single detail, the last thing you want is to do is spend your entire wedding worrying that something will be missed. A great DJ can put you at ease because he or she has all the necessary details and the ability to improvise should things change or fall behind.

Price

Deciding a budget for entertainment can be very challenging because prices can range anywhere from $300 to $3,000. Many DJ companies offer various pricing packages along with a la carte options, travel fees, and/or per hour add-ons. Similar to buying a car, you have to be aware of what the overall price will be after all the add-ons, extra time, additional audio system (for the ceremony, cocktail hour etc…), and additional fees.

You also have to consider you get what you pay for. Although often overlooked as not being one of the most important vendors, the DJ/Emcee controls the flow for the entire wedding. With all that responsibility, you need to know that he or she has what it takes to make your day perfect

Meet with the DJ and make sure he or she will actually be you DJ

Make sure to meet with your DJ before you book. You want to get a feel for his/her personality and mannerisms. Especially if you want your DJ to also emcee the event, overall appearance and professionalism is key. You should feel comfortable having conversation during the consultation.

How to Select Songs As a DJ

The true mark of a quality DJ is his/her ability to satisfy the crowd and keep people engaged. To be able to truly connect with one’s audience entails much more than playing records or doing fancy tricks. Playing the right songs and stringing them together in a cohesive fashion is the most important thing for a DJ and can be the difference between an event’s failure success. Here’s a little guide on how to choose the right songs when dj-ing an event.

Set the tone. Remember that you are creating the mood and atmosphere of the event, so think about what is appropriate. To set the tone, you should take a few things into consideration

Feel out the crowd. Now that you’ve found your starting point and have determined what genres might work best, it’s time to start honing in on what the crowd wants. The first few songs you play for a new audience are like an introduction, so it’s smart to play it a little bit safe until you get better acquainted. Depending on the crowd, top 40’s music is usually a safe bet, since most people hear these songs on a daily basis. Once you get a sense of which jams they respond to, you can decide what to play next to really satisfy them.

Build up the energy. Get them to crawl before they run. If you start off an event with too much excitement, there’s nowhere to go after that and everything else will seem a little disappointing. Also, people might not be ready for craziness right away. More often than not, folks are a little more reserved at the beginning of a party, so it’s important to use your music to stretch their social muscles and get them fully loosened up. As a DJ, you are in charge of bringing the party to its climax and sustaining it as long as possible. Make sure to build up the energy first so they have something to look forward to.

Experiment and don’t be afraid to disappoint. Once you’ve managed to figure out what works with the crowd, you can start digging deeper into their musical tastes or even get them to fall in love with something they didn’t realize was missing from their lives. But, when you are attempting to expose people to something new, it’s important that you build a foundation of trust first. That way they’re more likely to accept something unfamiliar. If that has already been achieved, then its time to really make your mark and separate yourself from the pack. Remember that you will not always please everyone, but at the same time you can’t be great unless you take chances

How To Choose The Right DJ For Your Wedding

What do you think your guests will remember most when your wedding is over? The first thing most guests say when asked about a wedding is whether they had fun or not. That means the atmosphere of your wedding is what will impact yours and your guests’ memory of your big day. Guess who controls the environment? The DJ!!

Choosing the right DJ can make or break your wedding. Hiring the first DJ available for your wedding is far from the best way to choose the right DJ for your wedding. Once you have the right DJ booked for your wedding, you can really have some fun focusing on other parts of your wedding planning.

Prepare Interview Questions

Hiring a DJ is like hiring someone for any position at any business. You want someone who is qualified and the experience you’re looking for. Would you hire a baker to make your wedding cake if they’ve never made a cake before? Probably not. This means you should come ready with interview questions

Ask Your Recommendations

If you have married friends, they are the first people you should ask for recommendations. You can even use your friends to expand your network for finding the right DJ for your wedding. Some wedding venues have a preferred vendor list that includes DJs, so you can be confident you’ll be in good hands if your venue is recommending a certain company or individual.

Read Reviews

Just like with other wedding services, there are likely reviews and testimonials online for a DJ you are considering. You may have to do some digging to find any reviews on one-man-shops. If you can’t find any reviews, that might be a cause for concern.

Tips To Choose Good Djs For Your Party

Experience/Professionalism

One of the single most determining factors in the decision making process should be experience. You can plan every detail to the exact second, but no wedding occurs exactly as planned. There is a flow to weddings and an experienced DJ will make any change or delay appear like it was planned and rehearsed. In fact, a proactive DJ will anticipate common situations and prepare accordingly. You spent hours upon hours planning, scheduling and stressing about every single detail, the last thing you want is to do is spend your entire wedding worrying that something will be missed. A great DJ can put you at ease because he or she has all the necessary details and the ability to improvise should things change or fall behind.

Price

Deciding a budget for entertainment can be very challenging because prices can range anywhere from $300 to $3,000. Many DJ companies offer various pricing packages along with a la carte options, travel fees, and/or per hour add-ons. Similar to buying a car, you have to be aware of what the overall price will be after all the add-ons, extra time, additional audio system (for the ceremony, cocktail hour etc…), and additional fees

Meet with the DJ and make sure he or she will actually be you DJ

Make sure to meet with your DJ before you book. You want to get a feel for his/her personality and mannerisms. Especially if you want your DJ to also emcee the event, overall appearance and professionalism is key. You should feel comfortable having conversation during the consultation.

Personality/Emcee-ability

You need to make sure that the emcee you hire for your wedding fits the style of wedding your looking for. One of the best clues to discovering the right person is the first impression you get when you meet. Some DJ’s try to be too outgoing, over the top and end up sounding “cheesy”. Other DJ’s are more DJ’s than anything and have a hard time making announcements and speaking in front of large groups. A good DJ/Emcee will find a healthy balance between the two. For most weddings, the Bride and Groom just want their guests to have a great time so the DJ has to know how to use the microphone effectively.

Equipment

You can find a DJ with great personality, experience, talent, affordable prices, but it is imperative he or she uses the proper professional equipment. Beginning with the sound, professional speakers make all the difference in the world. Professional mics are also important. You don’t want microphone to cut in and out of signal because of insufficient range. There are also many different types of microphones for different applications. Make sure your DJ has the right type of mic for your event. A DJ should also have backup equipment in the event of technical difficulties

How to Choose the Right DJ for Your Wedding

The DJ you hire for your wedding reception sets the tone for the whole event. They will act as the emcee, make announcements, and be responsible for organizing your guests as well as mixing the music at the right time. It goes without saying that you want a DJ with superb social skills and a great personality. Of course, they’ll need to know a lot about music. They need to entertain tastefully, and not overpower your celebration. But will they be a good fit for you? We’ve put together some tips on how to choose the right DJ for your wedding.

Get a Feel for Their Personality

Experienced DJ companies will have bios of their DJ staff on their websites. They will also have DJs of all styles, so whether you want trendy or traditional, rowdy or conservative, the more you research and communicate your personality preference with the DJ company the better. The best DJ companies will also have options for hiring specific DJs who are very popular and highly sought-after. You may find it money well spent to upgrade to reserve a specific DJ if that personalized service is important to you. Ask if they have a package that allows you to reserve one of these more popular DJs which includes a face-to-face meeting with the DJ in person before your reception.

Know Their Style and Music Preferences

The online bios from a DJ company’s website will also help you select DJs who like the same style of music as you. A great DJ company will have DJs who specialize in any music genre. Ask the DJ what kind of music they personally like. Hiring a DJ who has a similar taste in music to yours will make things easier. If you’re a fan of country music, having a DJ that also likes country will ensure that great songs are played all night. Having a similar interest allows the DJ to suggest songs that you might not know about and provide a deeper playlist to create a richer experience on your big day

Have the Freedom to Customize Your Reception

Make sure your DJ company has the option to customize your entire reception with current software. The best DJ companies have designed proprietary Online Event Planners that allow you to customize every aspect of your wedding reception. Take the time to log into a company’s sample Online Event Planner and see for yourself if it is interactive and easy to use. There is a big difference in quality in these planning tools and a little research is well worth your time. You should be able to customize all crowd participation, announcements, and music. Ask the company if you can select as little or as much music as you want. View their online music database and see if it’s organized and has tons of music you want. Ask if there is an extra charge for music that isn’t on their Online Event Planner database. Finally, make sure you have the ability to ask the DJ to stick to your custom online event planner as you have put them in writing, and they reflect what you envision for your wedding reception.

How Well Do They Communicate?

Before the big day, you should have the opportunity to speak or meet with your DJ and let them know what you expect from the night. This is an opportunity to verify that they are receptive, listening to your wishes and offering suggestions to make the night run smoothly. Playing your custom song list is only part of the job for a wedding DJ. The other part is emceeing the reception and other service providers, like your photographer and venue staff. They will give verbal cues to the guests about what’s going on and what’s coming next, where to direct their attention for the cake cutting, when it’s time for speeches, and the first dance.

Motivations For Plastic Surgery Are Deeply Personal

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Top five plastic surgery myths

Many myths surround the seemingly glamorous world of plastic surgery. But in fact, plastic surgery is a lot like every other medical specialty with highly-trained physicians providing everything from reconstructive hand surgery to burn scar revisions. Here are my top five plastic surgery myths.

#5 Plastic Surgery is All About Beauty and Vanity

Although breast augmentations, Botox and facelifts get all the press, plastic surgery encompasses everything from correcting birth defects such as cleft palates to post-cancer breast reconstruction and work-related hand injuries.

Plastic surgeons care about the functional and overall results after surgery, not just the aesthetics (although we are specifically trained to optimize those, as well). When a patient does choose to have surgery for cosmetic reasons, it is often to correct areas which are not amenable to diet, weight loss or nonsurgical procedures.

#4 Plastic Surgery Patients are the Rich and Famous

If plastic surgeons only operated on the 1%, we wouldn’t have a thriving plastic surgery industry.

Most aesthetic patients are not the rich and famous, but are average people who simply wish to restore confidence, enhance their overall appearance and improve their lives.

#3 Only Women Get Plastic Surgery

Although women have been the traditional customers of plastic surgery, men are turning to plastic surgery in increasing numbers.

Less invasive procedures such as Botox, laser treatments and dermal fillers can give men a rejuvenated and naturally youthful appearance without any downtime and at relatively low costs. These, along with liposuction, are the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments for men, with many men reporting a need for a competitive edge in the workforce as the reason they have pursued cosmetic treatments.

#2 Plastic Surgery Leaves No Scars and Lasts Forever

Plastic surgeons are great at making scars look better, more refined and smaller, but all types of plastic surgery will generally cause some type of scar formation. We can often recommend the best way to minimize scarring, and give advice and treatments on how to make your scar look as great as possible after surgery.

And while many plastic surgery procedures are long lasting and can give you years, if not decades of personal satisfaction, many factors determine how long the results will last. Plastic surgery can turn back the hands of time – but the clock keeps on ticking. Great skin care, less-invasive office procedures, surgical touch-ups, and your overall health are all important to maintain your natural good looks.

#1 Plastic Surgery is the Same as Cosmetic Surgery

All plastic surgeons do not have the same training. Many doctors trained in, and board certified in, other specialties such as gynecology or family medicine have ventured into plastic surgery, causing what is known as “white coat confusion”. Yes, they are board certified – but not in plastic surgery.

Most Common Types of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery may also be used for medical purposes, such as for people who have had accidents, to restore the function of a body part, or to repair scars from surgery.

There are many procedures available, so here is a look at the eight most common types of cosmetic plastic surgery:

1. Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation refers to procedures which increase the size or change the shape of the breasts. When the size of the breast is increased, the procedure may also be called ‘breast implant surgery’. Breast augmentation is not the same as breast lifts or breast reduction, which are actually different types of procedures.

2. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion uses a specialized tool that gently ‘sands’ down the top layer of skin. Once the top layer of skin has been removed, the area heals and new skin replaces the old. The end result is smoother-looking skin.

Dermabrasion is usually used for:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots
  • Crow’s feet
  • Growths or lesions on the skin
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Wrinkles

3. Facelift

Facelifts repair sagging, loose, drooping, or wrinkled skin on the face. During this procedure, facial tissues are lifted, excess skin removed, and skin replaced over repositioned contours. Neck lifts are commonly done in conjunction with facelifts.

Other procedures commonly done along with facelifts include nose reshaping, forehead lifts, or eyelid surgery.

4. Hair transplantation

Hair transplantation surgery, also known as hair restoration, is performed to improve the appearance of baldness. In this procedure, hair is moved from an area of thick growth to a bald area.

In a single session, more than a thousand hairs may be moved. Some people may require more than one session. The hairs which are moved are permanent, which means that no long-term care is necessary. Most hair transplants result in successful hair growth after the procedure.

Preparing for Surgery

The type of preparation that will be necessary prior to your surgery will depend on what surgery will be performed and the type of anesthesia that will be administered.

Reconstructive plastic surgery may require multiple procedures done in several stages.

The following are considerations for you to discuss with your physician/surgeon prior to your procedure:

  • Ask the surgeon to explain the benefits, risks, and expectations of the procedure.
  • Discuss what type of anesthesia will be administered and what recovery time is expected.
  • Inform your physician of any medications (over-the-counter or prescription) you are currently taking, as well as any prior procedures, history of chronic illnesses, and/or allergies you may have.
  • Be sure to stop drinking and eating for the recommended time period before and/or after surgery.
  • Be sure to follow any specific pre-operative bathing, shaving, or cleaning instructions.
  • Be sure to discuss any post-operative instructions that need to be followed (i.e., changing dressings, post-op medications, follow-up appointments).
  • Do not wear makeup the day of surgery, including nail polish.
  • Do not wear eye contacts the day of surgery.

Unhappy patients keep plastic surgeons up at night

With so many wonderful patients singing our praises, we should be walking on cloud nine. But the reality is, the small few that are not happy (and may never be) weighs on us far more than all the positive outcomes combined.

During a consultation, we sometimes come across patients who we feel cannot be satisfied and we do our best to identify this group, choosing not to take them as a patient in the first place (and saving ourselves a headache).

But it’s not a reliable system and people slip through the cracks. Despite all our efforts before surgery to make sure a patient’s expectations are realistic and doing what we can to achieve their desired results, we can’t make everyone happy all the time.

Some surgeons aren’t affected by it and seem just to brush it off; others are outright mean and divert the blame on the patient. That’s not how things are handled in my or my partners’ practices. We take it to heart, probably too much, and it can be crushing.

How Much Plastic Surgery Really Hurts

No pain, no gain? Nah. New cosmetic surgery techniques are making going under the knife less uncomfortable. Here, doctors rate the ouch-factor of five popular cosmetic procedures.

Breast Augmentation

Pain Rating: 3 to 5/10

Unlike a breast lift, breast implants are inserted into the body either over or under the chest muscle. Dr. Buford, and many other cosmetic surgeons, tend to place them underneath the muscle for a more natural look—and this technique hurts more. The main discomfort that patients feel is related to stretching of the pectoralis major muscle and the resulting spasm. To reduce pain from the procedure, I perform an Intercostal Nerve Block (an injection) right before the patient wakes up from surgery, which lasts six to eight hours. Once this wears off, the pain fibers are reset and most patients report being able to discontinue prescription pain medication as early as 24 to 48 hours after surgery. And while you’ll probably feel well enough to go back to work after a few days, some mild soreness may linger for a few weeks as your body adjusts to the new implants.

Liposuction

Pain Rating: 3 to 6/10

Like any surgery, liposuction can hurt because it involves tissue injury. But that being said, liposuction is not really a painful procedure. However, having lipo on multiple body parts at one time will leave you more sore than having surgery on just one area (which is why the pain rating here could potentially reach a six).

Eyelid Surgery

Pain rating: 1 to 2/10

Since a blepharoplasty involves tightening up the muscles and skin above the eyes, it will leave you with some swelling and bruising for about a week. But patients are always surprised at how little pain they feel. If you go for a lower lid surgery too, that can increase the pain rating up to a three or four. Often those involve fat grafting to fill in lost volume under the eyes, according to Dr. Bloom. In other words, the doctor will suck fat out of your stomach or thigh and place about a teaspoon of that fat under each eye.

Rely On A Roof Inspection Professional When You Need An Inspection

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Roof Inspections

Why do I need a roof inspection?

You should inspect your roof or have a professional do it to spot damage, make necessary repairs, and discover flaws that may have occurred in workmanship. If you act before or as problems occur, you’ll extend the life of your roof and prevent problems that could affect the structure and contents of your home, as well as your family’s health.

How often should I get my roof inspected?

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends checking your roof during the fall and spring to help spot potential problems. You should also inspect your roof after a major storm that involved high winds, hail or flying debris. It doesn’t matter how new a roof is, hail can damage or even ruin it enough to require a replacement.

DIY roof inspections

Sometimes homeowners can make simple checks to their home’s roof to find maintenance needs. But some problems are easily noticed even by the untrained eye. For those who choose to do it themselves, consider these NRCA tips. If you tackle the job, take the following safety precautions

Hiring a professional roof inspector

The NRCA recommends hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof.  It’s safer, especially if you’re uncomfortable getting on a roof or if you’re not sure what to look for.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Company

Your roof is a vital part of your house, and you want to ensure that you take the best care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. You may know that you should be getting your roof inspected bi-annually, but don’t know how to choose the right roofing company for the inspection or for any other work. It can be difficult to decide on a roofer when there are so many options. And, with many of the options seeming a bit questionable, you don’t want to make the wrong choice!

ReviewsHow can a homeowner identify a quality roofer? A quick online search can often help to split the good from the bad roofing companies by the testimonials and reviews. When you are browsing a roofing company, does their site include legitimate reviews from happy customers? Happy customers are an assurance that the roofer you are considering knows how to take care of their clients.

Licensed, Insured and BondedA quality roofing company (and its technicians) will be licensed, bonded and insured. This protects you, the homeowner, and the company. If a technician hurts themselves on your property, the company needs to be insured so that you are not liable! Additionally, if you work with a company that is not licensed, you could see the consequences with your home insurance; your home insurance could cover your roof repair or replacement, but they will require you to hire a licensed company. Additionally, not working with a licensed roofing company can void your home insurance. So, if their work causes problems in the future, your insurance company can claim they are not liable to cover damage costs as you did not use a professional that was licensed.

Experienced with Insurance CompaniesYou will want to choose a roofing company that has experience handling insurance cases. Insurance companies typically follow meticulous steps for the insurance claim and expect full documentation of the entire project. Ensure that you are working with a roofing company that not only has experience handling insurance claims, but are also willing to help you work with the insurance company to get the most for your claim

Payment OptionsIt may seem obvious, but you should always discuss your payment options with any roofing company that you are considering. A great roofing company will offer free roof inspections and upfront pricing and have you sign off on all costs before they start the project. Lastly, discuss if payment will be required entirely upfront before the project begins, or if there is an option for a payment plan. A great roofing company will work with you to stay within your budget if necessary. They will ask you what your budget is and bring you material recommendations that align with what you’ve indicated.

When is the Best Time to Inspect Your Roof?

A roof inspection is one of those things we all tend to put off, but it’s an important part of your yearly home maintenance checklist.

The best time to get a roof inspection depends on your roof’s condition, your schedule, and the weather! And of course, a roof inspection is always a good idea after any unexpected (or expected) event that could cause damage, like a heavy tree branch falling on your roof.

Roof Inspections Are More Important than People Think

As long as water isn’t dripping from your ceiling, it’s easy to simply assume everything is fine. After all, you have plenty of other things on your home maintenance to-do list, right?

Should Roof Inspections Happen in Spring or Fall?

A quick Google search will tell you that spring and fall are the most popular times to get a roof inspection, and some people have very strong opinions on which is better. The truth is that the most important thing is just to get regular roof inspections when you need them, regardless of the time of year

Why You Might Get a Spring Roof Inspection

Winter rain, wind, and ice can damage your roof, and they also make it harder to identify any damage that’s there. Once spring hits and the rough weather is behind us, a roof inspection makes a lot of sense. It’s a good time to spot any winter damage and get it fixed before it gets any worse.

Understanding Home Roof Inspections

Roofing and Construction recommends that every potential home buyer get a complete home inspection before any money changes hands. It’s the best way to keep your dream home from quickly becoming a nightmare after you take ownership. The results from a home inspection will give you a powerful insight into the state of the home.

Ask the seller outright to pay for the cost of the new roof and have it installed. Prior to closing, it can be very difficult to get a new homeowner’s insurance policy on a home where the roof is damaged or too old.

Offer to split the cost. If the housing market is tough for buyers, or you think there’s competition for this particular home, then you can make an arrangement to divide up the cost of the new roof with the seller

Inspections to Maintain Your Home

Call a roofing contractor or a licensed inspector if you are curious about the condition of your home. Any new roof system is a big investment. As a result, you’ll want all the information possible if you’re considering a purchase, think you may need a new roof, or want to change the appearance of your roof to better match your home.

Roof Inspection Tips

Some of the best inspectors previously worked as contractors or in the construction industry, so you can look for that experience as a confidence booster. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask how many inspections they’ve performed, if they know what’s normal for the area and how long they’ve been in this profession.

Roof Inspection- A TOP Priority

The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests the homeowners should have their roofs inspected each year in the spring and fall.  Inspecting your roof periodically can help you prevent costly structural damage to your home.  Even the most durable roofs can show signs of weakness, especially after a season of snow and ice, like we experience in Michigan, or a season of heavy rainfall and wind

Trained Professionals

A trained professional is always your best bet for roof inspection. Roofing experts can identify damage that an untrained eye cannot see. Repairing damage before it becomes a real issue, can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

AMR Experts

The experts at Roofs understand the importance of careful and thorough roof inspection services. This is why, during our initial consultations, we provide attic and roof inspections to inform homeowners of any problems that currently exist.

With the attic inspection, we’ll be able to give you a full report of your attic’s moisture levels, mold potential, insulation levels, and more. The roof inspection will allow us to identify any problems with your current roofing system, as well as measure it accurately, so we can provide you with the best possible roofing estimate.

Points To Be Contemplated When Employing Exterior Painting Contractors

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How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors Using a Visualizer

Exterior paint colors can make all the difference when it comes to your home’s curb appeal, especially if you’re trying to sell. The color of the exterior of your house is the most public design decision you will ever make. Given the fact that it will add value and beauty to your home, outdoor paint color plays an essential role in how potential buyers will perceive your house. But with thousands of exterior paint colors available, it can be a daunting task to choose the right one. Which is the best one for your home? And how many layers of paint do you need to get the required durability? Technology to the rescue!

The Basics of Choosing Colors

Before you begin choosing the right house color, start out with helpful resources. With a home color visualizing tool, it’s important to get the basics right. For instance, consider the size of your home when planning on painting its exterior. The size can influence whether dark or light colors are more appropriate. As a general rule of thumb, light colors will make your house appear larger and will be more affected by different light conditions, whereas dark shades can make your property appear smaller and help it blend with the surroundings.

Look to a Color Visualizer Before Buying Paint

Once you get the basic idea of what you want for the exterior of your home, you can use a color visualizer to find that perfect color. You can browse by popular colors, color families, or decorator picks. Many major paint companies offer this tool with exterior options including McCormick Paints, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore. While the specific interface for each paint tool is a little different, all use similar methods to allow browsers to test various paint options. Simply by uploading exterior photos of your home, you can see what different paint colors might look like on your walls. It is a great way to virtually experiment and gets ideas and inspiration for your home’s color scheme.

Confirm Your Color Choices With Paint Samples

Now that you have narrowed your choices using a virtual tool, it’s time to confirm them with color samples in your staged home. While visualizers are helpful, there is no substitute for seeing the color on the walls of your home in real life. Buy test sizes of the paint colors you are considering and put some brush-outs on the outside. Make sure to put some color on both the south and north sides of your home as lighting there can differ dramatically. Also, visit these areas at different times of the day to get a fair idea of how the finished product will look.

Don’t Limit Your Color Choices

Ideally, an exterior scheme should have three major parts: A field color that dominates; an accent color that brings shutters, doors, and other smaller parts to life; and the trim color. Once you have chosen an appealing combination of field and trim, make it stand out with an eye-catching accent color. Feel free to go bold, but don’t go overboard.

Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors for Your House

Picking house paint colors isn’t just difficult; it can be terrifying! If you choose colors that are boring and blah, your house will seem flat and featureless, but if the paint colors are too bold, they can overwhelm the architecture or might even infuriate the neighbors. The potential rewards are substantial, though. Getting it just right by choosing the perfect exterior house color and trim combinations can change your life.

As you consider paint colors for you home’s exterior, keep in mind that the best paint colors are those that highlight the most beautiful features of your home. That’s one reason to know a little bit about residential architecture since history can tell you a lot about what colors have worked for various house styles over the years. Also remember that skillful use of color can sometimes disguise design flaws, boosting the curb appeal and market value of your home

Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

How do you find that magic color combination? Professional designers suggest 12 specific techniques. And please note that no expert ever suggests buying a paint color because it’s on sale or because your painting contractor can get you a deal!

Honor History

If you’re planning to paint an older home, you’ll probably want to use a historically accurate color scheme. One way to do this is by a simple form of archeology—you can hire a pro to dig down to old paint layers on your siding and trim to analyze them and recreate the original color of your house. Or, you can refer to a historic color chart and select shades that were common at the time your home was built.

Consider Jazzing Up the Past

In some neighborhoods, it’s common for homeowners to fly in the face of history. Instead of choosing historically accurate colors, they paint with modern colors to dramatize architectural details. Using bright colors on old architectural details can produce startling and exciting results—if your local historic commission approves. But before you buy 10 gallons of bubblegum pink, it’s a good idea to look at what your neighbors are doing. A fluorescent colored Victorian that looks splendid in San Francisco can seem wildly out of place in more conservative neighborhoods of the Northeast. The bright pink stucco that is common in Florida might truly startle neighbors in Washington State—which can be either good or bad. Remember that what’s deemed as an acceptable color scheme may be dictated by region and neighborhood, not just historic architectural style.

How to Select Exterior Paint Colors for a Home

If you’re painting the outside of your home, don’t be afraid to take a little time with the color decision. “Your interior is about your personal color tastes,” says Tom Lee, Senior VP of Consumer Marketing for Behr, “but the exterior is really about durability. It’s about protecting the biggest investment you have.” It isn’t an easy decision to redo, so don’t rush it.

Plan to spend a little more money. Investing in a premium paint such as Behr Marquee Exterior Paint & Primer in One is a wise choice. You don’t want to be climbing up a scaffold again anytime soon — or paying for someone else to do it — so paint needs to cover well, resist stains and stand up to weather.

Think about your permanent materials. If you have an existing brick or stone foundation, patio, or accents, work with their underlying tones as you’re choosing a paint shade. If you’re stuck, try pairing opposites in terms of color temperature. For example, if you have a warm red brick foundation and you want brown for your exterior paint, choose a taupe with cool gray/blue undertones instead of a peachy tan.

Take advantage of technology. You can usually bring in a sample of permanent materials to the paint store for computer color matching. Behr also offers an online tool called that lets you choose an initial color, recommends matching/coordinating colors, and helps you experiment with color combos on images of a home exterior so you can imagine the finished look.

Don’t forget the trim. If you want something other than the usual white, try your exterior color just a few shades lighter for a subtle, elegant effect.

How to Choose the Right Exterior Paint Colors

Are you struggling with choosing the right exterior paint color for your home? I’m here to help and walk you through each step for choosing the right paint color combination for the exterior of your home.  I’m going to make this real easy for you guys, I promise!

The number one paint question I have received over the years is about choosing exterior paint colors because it’s one of the most difficult paint decisions you can make for your home.    You want your home to have beautiful curb appeal and you don’t want to make any color mistakes. If you follow my seven steps below, I promise you will avoid the common mistakes and will be able to make exterior paint color decisions that will be beautiful! Stick with me on this!

CHOOSE YOUR SHADE FIRST

The first thing you will want to do when deciding what color you want to paint the exterior of your home is to choose the shade of a color first. When I say “shade”, I mean do you want a light, mid-tone or dark color on the body of your home? At this point, you don’t have to consider anything else except to make a decision if you want a light or white color, a mid-tone or medium shade, or do you want a dark color.

For most of you, choosing a shade is an instant easy decision and you immediately know that you want a light or dark colored home.  However, some of you may not be sure and are open to any shade and need a little help making that decision. It will help if you search Pinterest for exterior homes for inspiration to determine what shade would look best for your home. For example, if you have a ranch style home, search “ranch style home exteriors” in Pinterest search to see all the different color options to inspire you

CONSIDER YOUR ROOF COLOR (AND OTHER ACCENT COLORS)

Before you can go much further in your color decision-making, you will need to consider the color of your roof.  If you have a black or neutral gray, you don’t have to worry as much about color clashing. Unfortunately, I have a dark brown roof with slight red undertones, so colors like shades of green or blues wouldn’t work for me and would clash.  For those of you that have a roof with red, tan, green or blue gray undertones in your shingles, you will for sure need to factor in your roof color as you choose your exterior paint color palette.

Tips for Choosing the Best Exterior Paint

Summer is here and that means we can finally tackle those big outdoor summer projects! If you’re planning on painting the exterior of your home this summer, I wanted to share some important tips that will help you when choosing the best exterior paint for your home that will last years

It’s not easy deciding on a high quality exterior paint for the home because there are hundreds of different exterior paint products on the market. I know it’s seriously overwhelming and I’m gonna make it real easy for you today and help you sift through so you can zone in on the very best exterior paint for your project

NOT ALL EXTERIOR PAINTS ARE EQUAL

I have learned so much over the years about exterior paint products from my own projects, client projects and also working with paint companies. Unfortunately, I have also learned the hard way that not all exterior paints are created equal. Nothing is more frustrating than spending a fortune to have your house painted and you have to repaint within 2-3 years!

DURABILITY

The most important factor when choosing an exterior paint is durability.  You may be surprise to know that a highly durable exterior paint finish should last at least 5-10 years. Yes! You read that right! The best exterior paint that is applied properly can last up to 10 years! It is possible!

PAINT AND PRIMER (ALL-IN-ONE)

In my opinion, nothing is more important than using an exterior paint product that has primer in it. This is absolutely non-negotiable for me and the most important requirement that I have when it comes to choosing an exterior paint. The reason it’s so important to me is that unlike traditional paints, primer paint contains binding properties (fancy word for glues), which means the primer will act as a sealant.  Primer creates a binding layer (or) sealed layer on the material being painted that will increase durability making it more water and mold-resistance. Not too mention that you will have better coverage because primer will mask underlying color and imperfections better! That’s exactly what we need to have from an exterior paint.

Colors And Letters Of Electrical Wiring

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All About Electrical Wiring Types, Sizes, and Installation

Much of what you need to know for electrical repairs and remodeling involves wiring—how to identify it, how to buy it, and how to install it with proper connections. If you’re planning any electrical project, learning the basics of wiring materials and installation is the best place to start. Understanding basic wiring terminology and identifying the most common types of wire and cable will help when investigating wiring problems and when choosing the wiring for new installation and remodeling projects.

Understanding Wire Sizing

The proper wire size is critical to any electrical wire installation. Wire sizing indicates the diameter of the metal conductor of the wire and is based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. The gauge of a wire relates to the wire’s current-carrying capacity, or how much amperage the wire can safely handle. When choosing the right size of the wire, you must consider the gauge of the wire, the wire capacity, and what the wire will be used for.

Non-Metallic (NM) Sheathed Cable

Most interior wiring is done with non-metallic, or NM, cable—also known by the popular brand name “Romex.” NM cable is made of three or more wires wrapped inside a flexible plastic jacket, or sheathing. It is used for most interior circuits, such as those for outlets, switches, light fixtures, and appliances. Learn the basics of NM cable to choose the right type for your next electrical project.

Electrical Wire Color Coding

Color coding is used both on the outer sheathing of bundled electrical cables and on the individual conduction wires within cables or inside conduit. Understanding this color coding can help you identify what the wiring is used for and helps maintain consistency within an electrical system.

Understanding Electrical Wiring Labeling

Electrical wires and cable have markings stamped or printed on their insulation or outer sheathing. These markings provide important information about the wiring and insulation, including the wire size and material, the type of insulation, the number of wires contained (inside a cable), and any special ratings or characteristics of the wire.

How to Choose Electrical Wires and Insulation

Resources and description

In this video you will learn about the different kinds of insulation and conductors, and how to choose your own.

The different steps of this short tutorial will show you how to choose the right conductor size, how to determine the conductor’s core and then how to choose the insulation. By learning these three elements, you’ll be able to choose the right conductors and insulation for yourself!

Electrical Wire and Cable Buying Guide

First, understand the difference between wire and cable:

A wire is one conductor that carries an electrical current through a circuit.

A cable is a collection of wires sheathed together.

The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system provides the sizing of wires. The higher the number of the gauge, the smaller the size of the wires. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates the regulations for wires and cables that can be used for electrical applications.

Warning

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and safety. Check to see if you need a permit. Observe applicable building and electrical codes. Contact a licensed electrician if you have any doubts or questions about the connections or if your home’s wiring doesn’t appear compatible with the changes you’re making.

How to Identify Wires and Cables

Each jacket will have information printed on it to help you choose the correct product for your job. A letter code provides the attributes of the wire, along with material, gauge and voltage rating.

Naming and Taxonomy

The NEC provides a system with letters to quickly identify what a wire’s capabilities are. Some common lettering for wire includes THHN, XHHW, THW, etc.

ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY

How to Find The Suitable Size of Cable & Wire for Electrical Wiring Installation?

Whenever current flows through a conductor, a voltage drop occurs in that conductor. Generally, voltage drop may neglect for small length of conductors but in case of a lower diameter and long length conductors, we have to take into account the considerable voltage drops for proper wiring installation and future load managment.

In electrical wiring circuits, voltage drops also occur from the distribution board to the different sub circuit and final sub circuits, but for sub circuits and final sub circuits, the value of voltage drop should be half of that allowable voltage drops (i.e. 2.75V of 5.5V as calculated above)

Normally, Voltage drop in tables is described in Ampere per meter (A/m) e.g. what would be the voltage drop in a one meter cable which carrying one Ampere current? There are two methods to define the voltage drop in a cable which we will discuses below.

To find voltage drop in a cable, follow the simple steps given below.

First of all, find the maximum allowable voltage drop

Now, Find load current

Now, according to load current, select a proper cable (which current rating should be nearest to the calculated load current) from table 1

From Table 1, find the voltage drop in meter or 100 feet (what system you prefer) according its rated current

Wire Types and Sizing

When wiring a house, there are many types wire to choose from, some copper, others aluminum, some rated for outdoors, others indoors.  In general however, there are only a couple varieties used for wiring a residential home.

Romex Cables

Romex (shown in yellow above) is the trade name for a type of electrical conductor with non-metallic sheathing that is commonly used as residential branch wiring. In fact, Romex will be the most common cable you’ll use in wiring a house

The following are a few basic facts about Romex wiring:

Romex ™ is a common type of residential wiring that is categorized by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as underground feeder (UF) or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM and NMC).

NM and NMC conductors are composed of two or more insulated conductors contained in a non-metallic sheath. The coating on NMC cable is non-conducting, flame-resistant and moisture-resistant. Unlike other cables commonly found in homes, they are permitted in damp environments, such as basements.

Underground feeder conductors appear similar to NM and NMC cables except that UF cables contain a solid plastic core and cannot be “rolled” between fingers.

The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors:

They must be protected, secured and clamped to device boxes, junction boxes and fixtures.

Support devices that may damage the cables, such as bent nails and overdriven staples, are not permitted.

NM and NMC cables should be secured at intervals that do not exceed 4½ feet, and they should be secured within 12 inches of junction boxes and panels to which they are attached. Cables that do not comply with this rule can sag and are vulnerable to damage.

They are intended as permanent wiring in homes and should not be used as a substitute for appliance wiring or extension cords.

Romex is used for most lighting and outlet circuits in your home.  Romex will be labeled with “12-2” or “12-3”.  The first number indicates the gauge of the wire.  You choices are typically 10, 12, or 14 gauge.  The second number indicates the number of conductors. A 12-2 Romex will have a black(hot) and a white(neutral) wire as well as an unsheathed copper wire for ground.  A 12-3 Romex will have a black(hot), red(hot), white(neutral), and bare copper.  The red on a 12-3 is used for three-way light switches which are covered later