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Party Planner A Bachelor Party

How to Start a Profitable Home Business as a Party Planner

There are several opportunities to make money in the event planning business to include selling party supplies, renting equipment, and even decorating the venue.

If any of these ideas sound appealing to you, then keep reading to learn how you can start a successful home-based business as a party planner in five simple steps.

However, before getting started in this business you’ll definitely have to consider your current skills and qualifications.

A few skills that are required for success as an event planner include being able to multi-task, excellent communication skills and time management.

If you’re confident in your abilities to work under pressure and meet deadlines despite obstacles, then a career in event planning can be very fulfilling.

Below you’ll find additional steps required to help you jump-start your party planning business.

1. Gain experience by volunteering.

If you lack experience in party planning, you can build a portfolio pretty quickly by volunteering as an event planner for your local non-profit organizations and charities.

By volunteering, you’ll be able to really gauge your interest in pursuing event planning as a full-time gig plus you’ll receive invaluable hands-on experience that can really come in handy when organizing larger and more complex events later in your career.

2. Get certified.

Although formal education isn’t required to become an event planner, becoming certified will definitely give you an edge when competing against your competitors and marketing your services.

You can become a certified meeting professional through the Events Industry Council (EIC).

3. Create a business and marketing plan.

Before you begin to market your services, you’ll want to create a business plan on how you’ll want to operate.

Your business plan should included details on marketing, required tools and resources as well as the prices you’ll need to charge to reach your financial goals.

Having a clear cut plan detailing how to attract and keep clients is a wonderful start to any business, especially event planning.

4. Build a network.

Make it a goal to create a list of reliable contacts of individuals and companies that will supplement your business.

DJs, caterers, florists and photographers are just a few of the people that you should always have on call when planning events.

Go out of your way to introduce yourself to other event planners in your community as they can be a valuable source of opportunities especially if they have a full schedule and are unable to book events for themselves.

5. Get involved in your community.

If you want people to know that you’re in business, you have to be involved in your community.

Attend town hall meetings, fundraisers and school events and come prepared with marketing materials to hand out.

Seize every opportunity to introduce yourself and your services. You never know when someone may be in need of your help and being present may be all it takes to get your first client.

How to Start a Party Planning Business with Little to No Money

Come to terms with unavoidable party expenses

First, the reality: at minimum good party has entertainment, food and drinks, decor. All of these things cost money. You may also need capital to secure a venue and for certain small-business expenditures like insurance and licensure.

Write down every expense you can think of and put them in order of priority. This will help you streamline and strike out any “nice to haves” you can add in later, once you start making real money.

In the initial planning stages, your party-planning budget might be half-baked, but even projections or estimations are better than nothing.

Write down realistic revenue projections

Defining the value of your event means putting it into dollars and cents. Your revenue projections are your proofpoint that your party planning business will make money.

Will you be selling tickets? If so, how many do you think you can sell per event? Consider a pricing strategy that includes different types of tickets, such as early bird tickets, VIP tickets, and tickets to “after parties.” Using an event ticketing platform will give you easy access to your ticket revenue for each party you throw, and for your overall business.

Make sure you consider any other income streams your parties will bring in. For instance, will you be selling merchandise? Will there be a cash bar? Will you charge for food?

Make a pitch for initial funding

Once you know your numbers, you may realize you have tone down the level of Gatsby at your first party. Or — better idea — find investors to help you pay for it. These might include sponsors, partners, or your crazy rich aunt.

Regardless of who you are trying to convince, you’ll need some numbers to prove your idea — a comprehensive list of all your expenses, also known as a budget. Use facts and figures to convince investors that your first soirée has the chops to evolve into a full-fledged party planning business.

Invest the revenue you have wisely

Play it right and you may only need to raise funds for your very first party. Then, reinvest the revenue you make from that event, in growing your party planning business to stretch every dollar further.

Use your ticket revenue to:

  • Pay vendor bills in a timely way: Your catering and floral art can make or break your party. Keep your relationships with vendors in good standing by paying them on time.
  • Put money into your marketing: Let more people know about your parties, and you sell more tickets. Sell more tickets, and you have more money to put into your marketing. It’s a virtuous cycle.
  • Lock in the next event: Competition for venues can be intense. Use your earnings to put a down payment on your dream venue for next year so you can start party planning early.

Unlock the true potential of your party planning business

Never let a lack of cash flow squelch your party planning dreams. Your initial financial planning will pay off as you scale up your business to celebrate with more and more guests.

Financing Your Party Planning Business

Starting a party planning business can be cost effective especially if you choose to run the business from your home, share office space with a friend or make use of virtual office. Securing a standard office is part of what will consume a large chunk of your start – up capital, but if you choose to start the business on a small scale with an office from your home, you may not have the need to go source for fund to finance the business because you can finance the business from your savings.

No doubt when it comes to financing a business, one of the first thing and perhaps the major factors that you should consider is to write a good business plan. If you have a good and workable business plan in place, you may not have to labor yourself too hard before convincing your bank, investors and your friends to invest in your business.

Here are some of the options you can explore when sourcing for start – up capital for your party planning business;

  • Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
  • Raising money from investors and business partners
  • Sell shares to interested investors
  • Applying for Loan from your Bank / banks
  • Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from donor organizations and angel investors
  • Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.

Choosing a Suitable Location for your Party Planning Company

Even though you can operate your party planning business from your home, it does not mean that a location has little influence on the success of this type of business. If you have taken your time to study the event planning cum party planning industry, you will realize that party planning companies are always located around busy business districts especially party planning companies that specializes in corporate parties and big time clients.

So, if you are looking for a location for your party planning company, ensure that it is a place that is located in the hub of business in your city, a place that is visible and easily accessible. Of course you would not want to locate this type of business in the outskirt of town. Your clients should be able to drive down and locate your office with little or no difficulty.

Having said that, these are some of the factors that you should consider before choosing a location for your party planning company;

  • The demography of the location
  • The nature of business activities in the location
  • The purchasing / spending power of the residence of the location
  • Accessibility of the location
  • The numbers of event planning or party planning companies in the location
  • The local laws and regulations in the community / state
  • Traffic, parking and security et al

Marketing ideas and Strategies for a Party Planning Business

People and organizations will hire your services as a party planner to help them handle all their parties if they know that they are going to get value for their money which is why you should have done your proper homework and be ready to deliver excellent party events when contracted.

So, when you are drafting your marketing plans and strategies for your party planning company, make sure that you create a compelling personal and company’s profile. Aside from your qualifications and experience, it is important to clearly state in practical terms what you have been able to achieve in time past as it relates to helping people and corporate organizations handle their parties from the planning stage through to the execution of the party.

This will help boost your chances in the market place when sourcing for contracts from corporate organizations and government agencies. Please note that you when you bid for contracts from corporate organizations, you will be called upon to defend your proposal, which is why you must add presentation skills as part of your marketing skills.

Here are some of the platforms you can utilize to market your party planning company;

  • Introduce your business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to all the corporate organizations and businesses in the United States ( if you are just starting out as an independent event planning business, you may want to concentrate on individual clients)
  • Promptness in bidding for party planning contracts
  • Advertise your business in relevant entertainment magazines, local radio stations and TV stations (make yourself available for related talk shows and interactive sessions on TV and Radios)
  • List your business on local directories / yellow pages (both online and offline)
  • Attend relevant event planning expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
  • Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets
  • Leverage on the internet to promote your business (when you blog regularly on key issues as it relates to party and event planning, people will consider you an expert in the field and would want to do business with you)
  • Join local chambers of commerce around you with the main aim of networking and marketing your services; you are likely going to get referrals from such networks.
  • Engage the services of marketing executives and business developers to carry out direct marketing for you especially if you can afford it.
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Should You Really Bundle Your Packing Services

Packing Service

You’ve decided to move, and you’ve sold your home. Congratulations! Now’s the time to hire a packing and moving company. has been offering professional packing and moving services realize that packing can feel overwhelming. When it comes to moving out of a home, packing is one of the most time-consuming, emotional and stressful chores on your to-do list. Leave the work to us. We have helped thousands of people move over the years.

We’ll pack up your entire home if you choose our full-service packing. We’ll take care of everything from closets to kitchens, and we wrap all your fragile items. We have special training in moving antiques

commitment is to make sure your belongings get packed safely and make it to your new home in one piece. When you rely on our moving and packing service to take care of the entire process from start to finish, you can relax and focus on making the adjustment to your new home. All of your items will be safely handled by our packing team.

Packing involves more than putting all the items you own into cardboard boxes and hauling them across town or across the country. First, you’ll have to come face to face with the amount of stuff that has accumulated over the years. Secondly, you’ll need to ensure that none of your valuable belongings gets lost or damaged during the move. And third, you want to know where everything is when you need it again, so you can easily retrieve it.

offer a full-service moving experience. Here are some questions we commonly hear:

“Will movers pack everything?” Yes. Leave all your packing to the professionals. We are quick, tidy and well-organized. Customers are amazed by how fast this aspect of the move goes when you leave it to the experts.

“How should I pack plates and glasses for moving?” In the moving industry, we have a term for the type of special box for moving dishware and plates. It’s called a dish barrel. Essentially, it’s a cardboard box with extra padding for dishes. Place a layer of paper at the bottom of the box. You can also use tea towels to protect dishes from nicks.

“How much do packing and moving services charge?” Our professional packing services start at $88 per hour. For $88 per hour plus a travel fee, we’ll send two crewmembers to your home to pack for you. For $132 per hour plus a travel fee, we will send three professional packers and get the job done in less time.

“Will movers do the unpacking?” Yes. As a full-service mover, we are here to take care of any service you request. No matter the situation, we’ll work with you to customize a move that works for you, your family and your budget.

Packing Services

There are a few options to consider when moving, do you have time, patience and equipment to properly pack your whole house. If the answer is NO we can help. We can do a full pack so you stay in your home living comfortably until a few days before you move, or you can let us take the responsibility of packing your fragile items whilst saving your selves some money packing the rest.

Removal Boxes

Having good removals boxes is the first step to ensuring your packing and removal day goes well. We will advise you on boxes for your removal at the time you book to ensure you have enough of the right cartons for your needs. Even if you’re not moving with us, you can purchase removal boxes and packing supplies through ourselves at any point.

Self Packing

Our customers frequently choose our full packing service, but many also choose to self pack for their removal to make the move more affordable. Packing your belongings can be a way to save a bit of the cost of moving – but only if you do it correctly. If you don’t pack your belongings well, they may break or become misplaced, costing you more in the long run through buying replacement items. And, of course, some things just can’t be replaced.

Packing Services

Moving & Storage offers professional packing and unpacking services for your local or long-distance move. If you are planning a move, let us give you an estimate on how much easier life can be with professional packers taking the stress away.

professional packing services include:

Taking an inventory of your belongings.

Deciding on the proper size boxes and packing material to keep items safe during transport.

Crating for specialty items, such as flat-screen TVs, mirrors and artwork.

Unpacking services are available too!

You have finally arrived in your new home! There may be something that you cannot live a day without. After a long day of traveling and moving, you just want to relax and listen to music. If you cannot find your stereo equipment and it wasn’t properly labeled, it may take a long time to uncover.

Taking inventory and writing down everything you have is important for making sure you can find your favorite things after you have settled in. A misplaced item may take weeks to surface.

Hiring our professional packing services is a great way to reduce the stress and mental anguish that comes from moving. We’ll not only pack your items, but we’ll label the boxes, place them right where you want them in your new home, and can even unpack for you!

Packing Services

Packing an entire household is tedious and time-consuming. For those of you who simply don’t have the time, we offer full packing and unpacking services as well as discounted packing supplies to help make your move go as planned and on budget. We know how to properly pack all of your precious belongings, relocate them to your next home and unpack them for you. You have the option to pay by the box or go with an all-inclusive flat rate for packing and unpacking services. Fill out a quote request or call now for pricing

Some shippers may choose to pack themselves, while others want the help of professional movers. Either way, we can tailor our packing services to fit your budget and all of your belongings. No matter which option you choose, when bundled with our full-service moves, we’ll take care of the loading, transportation, and unloading.

Once everything has arrived in your new home, our movers can unpack each item and help to get it placed in its new home. If you want your bookshelves set up exactly as they were in your old home, not a problem – our movers have it handled. If you want to completely redecorate, just let us know. Our mission is to set up your new home in a way that when you walk in, you feel comfortable and settled in.

Self Unpack

You Unpack Everything

We place every box in the right room

We place your furniture where you want it

You take your time from us if you need them

Partial Unpack

We Unpack Some Items

We place every box in the right room

We place your furniture where you want it

We unpack what you request

Packing Services for Moving

Packing can take longer than moving.

If you have a large home, packing up everything, from dishes to doormats, can take many hours. And packing correctly can take days. For those who don’t have time to spend on packing, there are packing services that specialize in packing for moves. They’ll come to your home and prep, pack, package and seal your stuff into moving boxes for moving day.

Types of Moving Packing Services

There are four types of packing services for moving: (1) moving companies, (2) packing services, (3) contractors, and (4) delivery services.

Moving Companies – Many moving companies offer packing services in addition to moving services (i.e. loading, driving). If you need help packing, ask your moving company if they offer packing services before you sign the contract.

Packing Services – You-pack companies and truck rental services do not offer packing help. If you are using one of those services, you might need to hire separate packing help. Fortunately, there are many companies out there who specialize in just packing. Try searching for “[city] packing service” and see what you come up with.

Contractors – There are many independent contractors out there who can help you pack. You can find them in online classifieds, in the phone book or through a friend. In each case, you’ll set a price, and they’ll come pack for you.

Delivery Services – will pack your items for you on a small scale. If you want to ensure your computer is soundly packed, you might contact one of them.

What Packing Services Will Do for You

Packing might seem simple, but it’s not. Packing services do a number of things when providing their services.

Survey – A moving packing service will first visit your home to establish what needs to be packed. This will determine the price and time estimate.

Pack – When work begins, packers will put your stuff into the right type of moving boxes.

Disassemble Furniture – Packers will disassemble your furniture where necessary, and package it to protect it for the move.

Label / Separate – Labeling is an important part of packing, and a packing service will do it in a professional manner. They’ll also separate goods as per your request; so, if there are things you want to take with you personally, they’ll make sure you are able to.

Prep – Finally, packers will prep your boxes and items in an area for easy loading on moving day

How to Find Packing Services

You can find packing services much the same as moving services, or any other service for that matter: by researching. Get on Google, Yelp and Yahoo!. Also, check out your local classifieds, and talk to friends, family and coworkers about it. Check here for tips about how to find reviews on a moving service.

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Ceiling Fans Installation To Quell The Summer Spell

DIY CEILING FAN INSTALLATION GUIDE

A ceiling fan adds beauty and cool air to any room of your home, but installing one yourself might seem like a challenging task. With a few easy steps and a bit of patience, you can perform your own ceiling fan installation in no time. Read on for some steps that will help you perform your very own DIY installation so you can enjoy the perks of having a ceiling fan in your favorite space.

Gather Your Tools

Before you can perform any ceiling fan installation, you’ll need to make sure you have some basic tools. If the fan doesn’t include a support brace, you can find one at most home improvement stores.

Other tools you’ll need will include a ladder, some wire cutters, and a screwdriver. Make sure you read the instructions that come with your ceiling fan thoroughly, as they typically include a detailed list of all the tools you’ll need. Before you prepare to install the ceiling fan, make sure that the electricity is turned off in the room. You can do this by finding the breaker labeled for the room and flip it to the off position.

Never install any light fixture or other hard-wired device without turning off the power first. If you have family members who come in and out of the home, leave a note in bold letters telling them to leave the breaker alone while you’re working.

Use a Ceiling Support Brace

Ceiling fans are heavy, so you’ll need to install a support brace between the ceiling joists before installing the fan. Most ceiling fans weigh up to 50 pounds. If you don’t have access to the joists from the inside, you may need to get to them through the attic. Most of the time, you’ll probably install your new fan in a spot where a different light already existed. If not, you will need to cut a hole in the ceiling drywall to accommodate the fan.

Ceiling Fans

Scope

Install efficient ceiling fans such as rated ceiling fans, to provide efficient supplemental cooling.

Follow local code requirements.

Measure the room and select an appropriately sized fan for the space.

If the fan will include a light kit, install energy efficient LED or CFL bulbs.

Provide ceiling fan documentation to the home owners to ensure proper operation and maintenance.

Two-thirds of American households now have ceiling fans. Sales to do-it-yourselfers account for a brisk and growing business at home improvement centers. A 2011 Home Energy Magazine article claims that it is not uncommon for builders to install ceiling fans in nearly every bedroom and living area of many new homes.

Ceiling fans are electrically powered, ceiling-mounted fans that create air movement which can encourage evaporation and make people feel cooler. Research has shown that, during warm weather, the thermostat can be raised as much as 4°F with no noticeable reduction in comfort if a ceiling fan or other source of air flow is present

Ceiling fans can supplement traditional HVAC systems, but cannot duplicate the wide range of functions HVAC systems perform. While they can circulate the air, they cannot heat, cool, filter or dehumidify it, and they do not provide ventilation.

Ceiling fans can be installed in rooms with ceilings that are at least eight feet high. For optimal airflow, they work best when the blades are 7 to 9 feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. They should be installed so their blades are no closer than 8 inches from the ceiling and 18 inches from the walls.

Ceiling Fan Installation Guide And Tips

In case you are about to buy a new ceiling fan for your home, then you are on the right track. When you start comparing all the options that are available to you, you may end feeling very helpless due to many decisions available. In addition to that, installation part also waits for you. But with the current technology, you need not worry so much. All information is always available for use.

Below are basic tips that will help choose the best ceiling fan and some tricks of installing it.

Size of the room to install the fan

One of the principal things that you have to consider is the span of the room where the fan will be installed. You additionally need to think about how possible it is that you will install one of these things outside. Indoor fans are not going to have the capacity to be used outside, so you have to get one that is appraised for that purpose specifically. It will help it to confront any climate and lessen the likelihood of serious problems happening as a result of overabundance dampness or different difficulties related to a presentation of the components.

How high is the ceiling?

In case you have a tall ceiling, you can either install the fan near the ceiling itself, or you can get an expansion with the goal that it hangs down nearer to the living zone. If you have a low ceiling, you truly should be wary about installing a fan that will stick too far down into the room. Nothing very damages like putting your hand not yet decided and having your knuckles raked with the blades of a ceiling fan. They have a few fans that are available for this purpose install near the ceiling and will keep them up and distant generally.

Who will require the fan?

When you are finishing your kids’ room, it is critical that you let everything match perfectly well so that the tyke feels more at home and appreciate the room that he or she will rest in. It is likewise vital that keep your tyke’s room very much ventilated while as yet ensuring his or her security at all circumstances. These are the things that make it so natural to see that installing a decent and durable ceiling fan can spruce up your children’s rooms.

Parts and components of the room

One other thing that you can consider is the different elements that will be available on the ceiling fan itself. For instance, would you be able to utilize a tiny bit all the lighter in the room? If Thus, there are light units that are available on numerous ceiling fans that are as of now available. You likewise have different styles, hues, some blades thus a wide range of options that you are certain to discover one which is perfect for your living zone. For whatever time that you make sure that it is practical as well as helpful, you are certain to be content with the decision that you make.

Period of the year like summer

Ceiling fans in the late spring should be spun subterranean insect clockwise. Ceiling fans don’t make the air cooler, yet they make the air feel cooler by making an indoor breeze. Ceiling fans flow the air in the room, disposing of that stuffy feeling. The ceiling fan may allow you to kill the AC through and through. The air movement around your room can make it feel cooler.

Purpose of the ceiling fan

Ceiling fans can be vitality savers. Since warm air is somehow light than cool air, the warm one ascends. This implies in the winter; the truly necessary warm air is up close to the ceiling. In the winter months, attempt to run your ceiling fan in a clockwise heading. The fan will drive the warm air up against the ceiling, and down the dividers, beating up the air in the room, along these lines, making it hotter. Since the fan is turning clockwise, it won’t cool the room beneath with any draft. Winter time ceiling fan clients have been known to spare 10% on their warming during the winter months.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Ceiling Fan?

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost

The average cost of ceiling fan installation is $75 to $150 with most homeowners spending around $150 to $350 for both parts and labor. Hiring a handyman costs $50 to $80 per hour to install ceiling fan and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. If a professional is needed, an electrician’s hourly rate averages $85–$100 per hour and it will usually take two hours or more for new wiring.

If you need to cool a room in your home without huge expense, a ceiling fan will help considerably by moving stale air and introducing breeze at a reasonable price. Let’s go over the cost factors that will affect the cost of installing a ceiling fan.

Cost To Replace Ceiling Fan

With a wide range of ceiling fan products on the market, you can a spend little or a lot depending on the features you want and the brand you choose. Ceiling fans are not always increasingly more expensive as the blade span increases in size. You can find more ornate, higher-end 36” fans for the same price as a more entry level 72” fan. Entry level 29” ceiling fans start around $30 and can go as high as $1,100, and on the other end of the scale, 72” fans can start around $180 and go as high as $1,300.

Ceiling Fan Types

Standard – This is the most common fan found in residential homes. Standard ceiling fans usually have 5 blades and come with a built-in light fixture. Average costs range from $50 to $300.

Low Profile – Low-profile fans are suitable for a home with ceilings 8’ or under and keep the blades close to the ceiling. Also known as flush mount or hugger-fans. Like standard fans, average costs range from $50 to $300.

Hanging Propeller – This fan is built for ceilings 9’ or higher and is hung down from a downrod, which keeps the blades at around 7’ from the floor. Typical costs range from $150 to $550

Directional – Similar to a standing fan, directional fans can be pointed in any direction you would like. They can cost anywhere from $150 to $800+

Rotational – Rotational fans are dual-motor fans with dual-heads. Each head rotates on a downrod axis and can be pointed in any direction. These fans cost $200 to $1,500+ on average.

Installing Ceiling Fan With Downrod

The standard minimum distance between the floor and the blades of a ceiling fan is around 7 feet. Most homes have an 8-foot ceiling height, so homeowners will either have the ceiling fan mounted flush with the ceiling or with a low-profile 3” to 6” pole called a downrod. For ceilings with a height greater than 8 feet, installers will use a pole to connect the motor housing of the ceiling fan to the ceiling mount. Depending on the size and finish you need, your costs will land somewhere between $6 for a 3” and $80 for a 72” rod.

CEILING FAN INSTALLATION

Ceiling fans are both functional and decorative. They are particularly useful in the summer, since they effectively reduce energy usage while creating a cool breeze. They can also be used in the winter to gently pull heated air away from the ceiling where it tends to collect. Light kits can be added to increase the usefulness of many ceiling fans. A wide range of both fan and light kit styles is available, providing choices that will contribute to the beauty of any room. This how-to provides general instructions for installing a ceiling fan and should give you a feel for what is involved. Remember, however, to always consult the manufacturer’s instructions during actual installation.

Before You Begin

To ensure that your fan is securely mounted to the ceiling and for your safety during installation, read all of the instructions packed with your fan. Since ceiling fans are usually used to replace existing light fixtures, the wiring to the fan should already be complete. Installation is not difficult, and only requires that you pay attention to the instructions included with the fan. If additional wiring must be done to install your fan and you are not familiar with wiring, consult a professional electrician. All wiring must conform to local and national codes.

When working with electricity always:

Turn off the power.

Test the wires to ensure the power is off.

Lock the panel box, so no one can accidentally turn the power back on while you are working.

Check with local authorities to see if a permit is required.

Have your work checked by an inspector.

Wear eye goggles and a dust mask.

To avoid overloading the circuit, consult a licensed electrician.

Read all instructions and safety information completely. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use the fan with any solid-state speed control device or variable speed switch unless specifically designed for use with a ceiling fan. Do not mount the ceiling fan to a plastic electrical box. Use a metal box securely fastened to the building structure.

An appropriate junction or outlet box securely attached to the building structure is required. Replace the old box with one labeled as approved for ceiling fans or ceiling suspended “paddle” fan installation. The box and its support must be able to support the moving weight of the fan. Use the installation hardware recommended by the junction box manufacturer. Fans of over 35 pounds, with or without accessories, require additional support independent of the outlet box.

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Basic Information On Criminal Defense Attorney

It Is Important To Hire The Best Criminal Defense Attorney To Win A Case

When charged with any serious crime or felony in a state court, you would definitely want to have the best criminal defense attorney working for you. It is of no use hiring a lawyer who is just practicing criminal law. What you want is talent and respected professionalism from the criminal defense attorney who has lots of experience handling your sort of cases.

So this shows that you need a criminal defense attorney that has a winning reputation. A well-educated lawyer is the first point to take into consideration about the criminal defense attorney. Although the law school in which the attorney had studied does not make much difference, it is the better law schools that produce criminal defense attorneys having a better understanding of the criminal law. This in turn makes them a better choice on making arguments to help persuade the judges in your case!

The lawyer having a good presence and respect in the courts is always the better criminal defense attorney to choose. This is because the more respect the attorney has in court, the better the chance he has of negotiating with the judge to win critical motions and get rulings in your favor. In fact, lawyers with a good reputation provide the prosecutors and judges in the court with a clear picture of the case just by the way they handle the case.

It is always better to choose a lawyer who has many years of practice if you are charged with a serious felony like vehicular manslaughter, murder, child molestation or rape. The more experience the criminal defense attorney has, the better will be his capacity of analyzing your case. Moreover, he is more adept at understanding your case with more accuracy than the criminal defense attorneys will less experience. As there is a high possibility that the criminal defense attorney may have come across similar cases in the many years of experience he has, he will know better moves and rules to implement at the right moment of your case!

Choose the criminal defense attorney who has the most experience in your kind of case. If you are charged with rape, it is better to hire the criminal defense attorney who has handled and won many rape cases. So the more cases he has won, the higher is the possibility of him making you win in your case too!

Every town and city will have an experienced lawyer that is well catered to your needs. You may have to do some searching around for the right criminal defense attorney. Although it may sometimes prove to be beneficial to ask friends and relatives for the right choice for a lawyer, sometimes asking them may lead you to the services of their friend or relative who is criminal defense attorney! You may never know how capable they are at fighting your case! Remember, you have to be comfortable with your criminal defense attorney so that you can relate your incident, and give all points related to your case to help the attorney find the loophole to get you out of your situation!

However, in case you don’t find the right criminal defense attorney in your town, you should venture into the city to find the right attorney. This may prove to be expensive for you; however, considering the better chance you have of winning the case with their experience, it would be worth spending the money to hire them!

What To Do If You Are Arrested And Are Innocent

Innocent people do get arrested. You may have been misidentified or just unluckily in the wrong place at the wrong time. In addition to calling an attorney, you need to follow a few simple rules. It is important to know your rights when you are arrested, even if you didn’t commit the crime.

You Have The Right To Remain Silent

First, and this can’t be stressed enough, do not give a statement to the police until you talk to an attorney. You’ve probably heard the words on TV shows and movies, but you do have the right to remain silent.

While the law says you are innocent until proven guilty, you may feel like you have been assumed guilty upon arrest. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to refuse to implicate yourself when charged with a crime. However, that doesn’t mean the police will ignore it if you do, so don’t say a word until your lawyer is present.

You may think you can talk your way out of the situation. You may think asking for an attorney will make the authorities think you are guilty. It’s more likely that by going it alone, you will make the situation worse. And think about it. If you’ve been arrested, they already think you are guilty, even if you are not.

Stay Calm And Be Polite

It’s normal to protest and even get a little bit out of hand when you’ve been accused of and arrested for something you didn’t do. And when the police question you, they are not always calm or polite. Their aggressive questioning style can be scary and frustrating.

No matter, remain calm and be polite. Do not resist arrest or try to argue with law enforcement officers. They have heard it all. Resisting will make them think you are guilty and could cause additional charges to be filed against you.

Do Not Post Bail Until You Speak To An Attorney

You or your loved ones may want to post bail right away. This may be a bad idea. You should first speak with your attorney, who can help you decide what to do. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review your case and assess the likelihood of bail being lowered or waived. Your attorney can also let you know if the charges are likely to be dropped at arraignment. If that happens, the accused would be released soon without having to pay bail.

Why Should You Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney?

Criminal defense is much more than standing up in court and arguing a case. Most of the actual work involves researching, writing, filing paperwork and clearing procedural hurdles before the case ever gets to trial. Missing a deadline or following an incorrect procedure can greatly jeopardize your case, even if you have a strong one.

Generally, only attorneys know how to access the vast amount of information that goes into a case: statutes, judicial opinions interpreting those statutes, reports from police and various agencies. An attorney has a network of people upon whom he or she can rely to find witnesses, gather evidence and do the real legwork of building a defense.

Would you know how to find the answer to questions like these:

  • Was that DUI checkpoint legal?
  • Did the police have a right to search the vehicle for drugs during a traffic stop?
  • Did the police need a warrant to search the house or do they have a valid reason for not having a warrant?
  • When should a defendant accept a plea bargain?

The list of questions that comes up in criminal cases is never-ending. Answering them requires time and resources that most people simply do not have. Your future is far too important to take the risk of going it alone. Equip yourself for a fight by teaming up with an experienced lawyer who will be on your side when no one else is.

Steps Your Attorney Will Take

Once you retain a lawyer, he will take a number of steps to develop the best defense strategy for you. He will:

Investigate Your Case

Your lawyer will investigate the facts surrounding your arrest and the evidence the police have against you. He will also interview witnesses and collect evidence that will support your defense. Depending on the issues you face, he may decide to hire an expert witness to help dispute the evidence against you. These steps will assist him mount a strong defense to the charges you face.

Explain the Court Process

Your lawyer will explain the criminal court process and his defense strategy to you. He should also be available to answer your questions. Depending on your charges, your attorney may ask that you take certain steps to help in your criminal case such as:

  • Refrain from using drugs or alcohol
  • Enroll in a substance abuse treatment program if you have been charged with a drug or DUI offense
  • Take an anger management class if you have been charged with domestic violence
  • Attend traffic school
  • Attend Court Hearings

Your attorney will help you decide what plea you should enter to the criminal offenses you’re charged with and attend your arraignment with you. He will also represent you at any other court hearings. He may file motions, such as to suppress improperly obtained evidence against you, and will represent you at your trial if this becomes necessary.

Negotiate a Plea Agreement

Many criminal cases are resolved through a plea agreement with the prosecutor where the charges are reduced to a less serious offense, the sentence is reduced, or both. Once your lawyer investigates your case and determines what defenses you have, he may be able use this information to negotiate a favorable plea bargain for you.

What are the Advantages of Hiring an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney?

There are a number of excellent reasons to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney when accused of a crime. Many cases are won or lost on technicalities. You’ll want to make certain your attorney knows the law inside out.

An experienced criminal defense attorney is connected to others within the legal system. Your case won’t be his first trip to court. He knows the procedure, the courtroom personnel, the judges, the jury selection process and the loopholes.

  • Experienced attorneys know know how to strategize, and how to optimize your chances for winning your case.
  • Experience helps attorneys spot inconsistencies that can work in your favor.
  • If the accusation against you involves drugs, you will want to look for an attorney with a successful track record with drug cases. If you’re charged with a white collar crime, there are attorneys who specialize in that, too. The same is true when the death of another human being is involved. It cannot be over-emphasized: Hire an attorney who has proven he can win the kind of case being levied against you.
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Effective Mold & Mildew Prevention, Mold Inspection, & Removal

Mold Testing Services

A typical Mold inspection service will consist of the following elements:

A thorough Inspection of areas of concern, emphasizing areas of water intrusion, if any.

If required, moisture levels in the building materials in the areas of concern will be tested.

Collection and Analysis of required Air-O-Cell samples or other air sampling methods inside and outside the building to measure the mold spores in the air.

Final Report consisting of all findings and recommendations

Bulk Sampling: Mold Swabs and Bio Tape

The sampling process using either Swabs or Bio Tape is primarily to confirm and identify mold or any other indoor air condition that may cause discomfort for the occupants in a building. Generally, when excessive moisture accumulates in certain parts of a building, mold growth will occur. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; however, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling indoor moisture.

Air Sampling: Air-O-Cell and Agar Plate

Using Air-O-Cell cassettes or Agar Plates, air samples can be collected and analyzed by an accredited and licensed laboratory, to confirm the presence and identification of mold spores. Generally, the presence of mold spores in the air in a building, at levels greater than the outside, indicates a mold source inside the building

Mold Abatement Monitoring and Testing

Although no regulations exist at present for the Remediation of Mold in Buildings, Environmental LLC will use, at a minimum, recommendations based on the following documents, to establish remediation procedures and re-occupancy criteria:

EPA Document EPA 402-K-01-001”Mold Remediation in Schools & Commercial Buildings”

US Department of Labor / OSHA “A brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace” and

NYC Department of Health – Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology –“Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments”

HOW MUCH DOES MOLD INSPECTION COST?

Smell a musky odor when you walk into your basement or attic? Is there odd looking black spots appearing on your ceilings and walls? Are your allergies mysteriously acting up? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you could be looking at mold infestation within your home which leads you to the same question as MANY other people; how much does mold inspection cost?

Being that mold is not only destructive to a home, but potentially also destructive to occupant health (health issues can range all the way from runny noses to respiratory illnesses), it’s important to take a suspected mold situation seriously.

Generally speaking, a situation such as this will begin with a mold inspection and, if mold is indeed found, proceed with a mold remediation. In this post, we’ll take a look at what you can expect to pay for each of these services – as well as the factors that go into the cost.

HOW MUCH DOES MOLD INSPECTION COST?

A mold inspection consists of a qualified inspector coming to your residence and analyzing it for traces of mold growth. Often times, mold is easily spotted, like if it’s growing in the attic or permeating drywall.

Other times, however, mold-like substances may need to be tested to determine whether or not they are, in fact, mold. In the case where there’s no visible mold growth, inspectors may have to use specialty devices like IR cameras to help them detect where there’s the moisture that could lead to mold growth.

What Effects the Cost of a Mold Inspection?

Cost is largely dependent on the size of the area being tested, how many samples need to be tested and what type of equipment needs to be used to locate and test the mold. The key is finding a reasonable mold inspection company with high credibility and simply asking them how much mold inspection costs.

Do You Need A Mold Inspection?

Places for Mold Inspections

Ceilings and Walls

Hardwood Floors

Vinyl Flooring

Doors and Windows

Hot Water Heaters

Sinks

Shower and Tub Surrounds

Toilets

Bathroom Rooms

Laundry Rooms

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

Basements

Crawlspaces

Attics

HVAC

What Takes Place During a Mold Inspection?

mold inspections include a thorough examination of the property grounds, building exterior, crawl space, attic and interiors. We assess the property to determine indicators of excess moisture and water damage, identify active growth and take samples.

Mold is microscopic.  By the time you see mold a 1” square contains 65 million spores according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association.  So what about the  “invisible” or microscopic mold you cannot see?  Our inspections are designed to look for indicators of these microscopic spores.  If you have mold in one room how do you know the spores have not traveled throughout your HVAC system into other areas of the structure?  These are all important considerations in a proper, complete mold inspection

Mold needs a combination of oxygen, food and moisture to grow, and since it can eat almost any porous surface, moisture and high humidity levels are usually what triggers the growth. During the inspection, the inspectors seek out the cause of this excessive moisture and identify any active growth and sample potential infected areas

Inspections, testing and remediation are all completely confidential. Our inspectors will arrive in unmarked cars, as we do realize that having mold in your home is not something that you would like for your neighbors to know.

Common Causes of Attic Mold

Bathroom mold, kitchen mold, basement mold, these areas tend to get all the hype, but there is another area that property owners need to be aware of, too, the attic. Mold found in attic areas can be challenging at times when trying to pinpoint the exact cause and source of mold growth. However, there are some common conditions that we routinely find during our mold investigations that are leading contributors to mold growth in attics.

Roof Leaks

Yes, you guessed it, at the top of our list is roof leaks. Several issues can occur around the flashing or the area where the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a vent or a chimney. Missing, deteriorated, or improperly install flashing among other penetration points and inadequate roof repairs are the most common causes of roof leaks. Water seepage also occurs when the roof is beyond the end of its life span. An annual inspection of your roof by a roofing specialist and routine maintenance can prevent leaks in a roof system, effectively reducing the likelihood of mold growth in your attic

Inadequate Roof Ventilation

Without adequate ventilation, moisture-laden air can remain in attic areas. Often, this will cause elevated moisture conditions around the roof framing and roof sheathing. During cold winter months, for example, condensation can occur on the cold roof sheathing creating this damp environment. You may think otherwise, but it is important to keep your attic cool during colder months.

Another common cause of inadequate ventilation is when your soffit vents are blocked by debris. This could be debris from trees, roofing materials, birds’ nest, or insulation – when it is blown into the attic. If proper care is not taken during this time, the insulation can end up blocking the soffit vents. Soffit vents are critical in a passive ventilation system to circulate air from the lower portion of the attic (intake vents) to the upper roof vents (exhaust vents).

It is possible to help improve and correct inadequate roof ventilation conditions by adding more ventilation ports or a powered roof vent. If it is safe to do so, you should also inspect your soffit vents as part of routine maintenance, or hire someone to inspect your attic.

Bath or Kitchen Exhaust Fans Vented into the Attic

Exhaust fans should be vented directly to the exterior of the home, and surprisingly we often find this is not the case. When an exhaust fan is missing its exhaust duct, or if the duct has become separated, the exhaust is then vented directly into the attic space, similar to the situation above meaning the warm damp air is trapped creating the ideal atmosphere for microbial growth. In this case, it’s important to correct the issue an re-route the vents to the outside.

How do you test for mold in your house?

If you see mold in your home, testing is not required, but may be necessary in certain situations.  For example, you see mold in your basement, but is it affecting your child’s bedroom on the second floor?  Is it in my HVAC system moving throughout my house?  Is it under my wood floors, carpets, or behind my walls?  These are all pertinent questions and should be addressed and the only way to find out is by conducting a mold test.  The question is which mold test should be used?

Mold Tests

A brief description of the available tests will help you decide which you should choose… Home Testing/DIY home mold testing kits are readily available at the local hardware store. Homeowners collect samples of mold according to the kit’s directions, and then send the samples to a laboratory for testing. The problem with home mold testing kits are that they are extremely unreliable.  It’s hit or miss that some mold might land on your test kit and as a result, may indicate that you have a problem which you really don’t, or worse that you don’t have a problem and you do! Very unreliable

Surface tests use samples collected from swabs, tape, and other methods from household surfaces. The samples are tested to determine the amount and type of mold growth in the area. The results can vary because the spores aren’t evenly distributed across the area and the testing procedure is not standardized.

Bulk tests require collecting samples of materials from the affected area, sending them to a lab and examining them under a microscope. Observing the mold particles helps determine their concentration, but that is about all.  The surface concentration is only one of several elements to consider and is usually not relevant to what you are breathing.

Air tests take samples of air from the suspected areas via an air pump. The samples are sent to a lab, examined under a microscope and a report is created that names the genus and a suspected count.  Works relatively well, but does not help with the source of the mold and the margin of error is extremely high.

Culture tests take longer than the others do because they involve allowing the mold spores to mature long enough to be identified.  These tests do not count or give any indication of mold source.

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Seeking Bookkeeping Assistance

Basic bookkeeping for the small business

While keeping track of business records can be a daunting activity, basic bookkeeping will help you to stay on top of your business income and expenditure – and in control of your finances. In this article, we’re going to cover bookkeeping basics such as the management of business loans, business finances, financial transactions, income tax and other assets liabilities.

What is bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping is the first part of the accounting process. It concerns the way in which financial transactions are recorded and organised into your company accounts.

For example, every time a supplier is paid or a customer makes payment this information needs to be tracked and recorded. Doing so accurately, will help you keep track of your business incomings and outgoings and, in turn, ‘balance the books’. However, unlike accounting, bookkeeping doesn’t go into reporting on and interpreting financial data.

Why is bookkeeping important?

Bookkeeping involves the organised processing and storing of your business records and financial statements. It is important to ensure that you are up-to-date with the financial affairs of your business. Such as: accounts receivables, accounts payables, corporation tax, liabilities and equity and other financial activities. There are a number of business bookkeeper guides available online for small business.

Having adequate bookkeeping systems in place will help you:

  • know when to pay suppliers and when payment is due
  • allow you to keep track of customers that owe you money
  • process sales invoice documentation
  • review the cash flow of the business – such as paying bills
  • prepare profit and loss accounts and balance sheets
  • prepare business finance reports
  • forecast and set projections for the future.

As a business owner you are required to keep and store accounting records for a minimum of six years.

How to work with your bookkeeper

One of the benefits of hiring a freelance bookkeeper is that you can work with them remotely. Many bookkeepers work from home or online, which will help you keep your business overheads down.

Here are some tips for building a good working relationship with your bookkeeper:

1. Work out the terms of your arrangement

Whenever you start working with someone, discuss the responsibilities and expectations of both parties.

Discuss the tasks you need done and ask for an estimate of how much that will cost you. They’ll probably want set boundaries around their working conditions and how available they’ll be for your business on a weekly basis.

2. Find out how you prefer to communicate with each other

Good communication is crucial for any professional relationship to work.

Whether you prefer to communicate via email, text message or phone call is something you should discuss with your bookkeeper.

As your business grows and their role in it evolves, keeping communication open and honest will help maintain a good working relationship.

3. Have semi-regular catch ups

Even if they work from home, having face-to-face meetings, either in real life or via video call, will go a long way towards making sure you’re both on the same page.

Consider catching up every fortnight or once a month.

Top 3 takeaways

  • Bookkeepers are involved in the day-to-day financial running of a business. They typically record revenue and expenses, prepare wages and maintain accounting systems.
  • One way to remember the difference between bookkeepers and accountants is that bookkeepers record business data and accountants analyse the data.
  • Consider hiring a bookkeeper as soon as you start your business to get your financial records right from the start.

Bookkeeping Basics for Beginners

1. Assets

Assets are the things the business owns.

Tangible and intangible assets are part of the Balance Sheet. Intangible assets include royalty and goodwill, while tangible assets include the following:

  • Cash Account – This is the cash on hand and cash on banks.
  • Marketable Securities Account – This covers all cash equivalents such as government or corporate bonds.
  • Accounts Receivable – This is the money to be collected from customers for the products they purchase and services they purchase or avail. Bookkeepers carefully track and update this to ensure they send accurate invoices or bills on time.
  • Inventory – These are the products not yet sold, which business owners should always keep track of. Previously recorded inventory should be regularly reviewed against the current inventory on hand through manual counting.
  • Fixed Assets (i.e., properties and equipment)

2. Liabilities

Liabilities are what the business owes. This includes short- and long-term debts: accounts payable and loans payable (current and non-current):

  • Accounts Payable – This is what the business owes to its suppliers. Bookkeepers need to work diligently to pay suppliers on time or even earlier, which can qualify the business for a discount.
  • Loans Payable – This account keeps track of the current and non-current loans the business incurred. These loans are usually when the company borrows money to buy property, equipment, or vehicles necessary to operate.

Liabilities are also part of the Balance Sheet.

3. Equity

Equity refers to the ownership of the business owners and investors in the company. In the Balance Sheet, the equity accounts cover all the claims they have over the company.

Equity includes the investment the business owner/s put in as well as the other investments the company made.

Owners’ equity monitors the amount the owners and investors put into their business.

4. Single-Entry Bookkeeping

The single-entry system is one of the two main types of bookkeeping. This works for sole proprietors and small business owners who deal with minimal and uncomplicated transactions.

In single-entry bookkeeping, you record earnings and expenses upon incurring them. The following documentation also comes with this type of bookkeeping:

  • Cash Disbursements Journal – Where you record the expenses the business pays for
  • Cash Sales Journal – Where you record the business’ revenues
  • Bank Statements – The documentation you use to check transactions to avoid error in the journal entries

5. Double-Entry Bookkeeping

The double-entry system is the second type of bookkeeping. This works for any business size with complex transactions.

In this system, each transaction has at least two entries: debit and credit. Bookkeeping software, such as QuickBooks, uses the double-entry system.

What follows is a basic overview of what bookkeeping for a small business entails:

  • Prepare source documents for all transactions, operations, and other events of the business.

Source documents are the starting point in the bookkeeping process.

  • Determine and enter in source documents the financial effects of the transactions and other events of the business.

Transactions have financial effects that must be recorded — the business is better off, worse off, or at least “different off,” as the result of its transactions. The bookkeeping process begins by determining the relevant information about each transaction.

  • Make original entries of financial effects into journals and accounts, with appropriate references to source documents.

Using the source document(s) for every transaction, the bookkeeper makes the first, or original, entry into a journal and then into the business’s accounts. The journal entry records the whole transaction in one place; then each piece is recorded in the two or more accounts that are affected by the transaction.

  • Perform end-of-period procedures.

These procedures are the critical steps for getting the accounting records up-to-date and ready for the preparation of management accounting reports, tax returns, and financial statements.

  • Compile the adjusted trial balance.

This balance (a complete listing of all accounts) is the basis for preparing reports, tax returns and financial statements.

  • Close the books.

Bring the bookkeeping for the fiscal year just ended to a close and get things ready to begin the bookkeeping process for the coming fiscal year.

Whether you do your bookkeeping yourself or hire someone else to do it, here are a few useful tips:

Hold on to your receipts and invoices

HMRC requires you to keep them for up to 6 years. Keep them safely and securely for your own records as well, in case you have a disagreement with a client or a customer.

Do your job

Even if you don’t do your bookkeeping yourself, you will still need to do a minimum of filing. Invoicing your customers or clients and gathering all proof of your expenses is part of your job.

Number your invoices and receipts

This will make things easier to track down, especially if you do your bookkeeping yourself.

Photocopies can help with organisation

Although it is not exactly environmentally friendly, photocopying receipts and statements to put them in different filing categories could save you time in the future if you are looking for them.

Put aside time to do your bookkeeping

It can be an hour per week or 10 minutes per day. Whatever way suits you best, reserve some time on a regular basis to do some basic bookkeeping. This will both ensure your accounts’ accuracy and avoid having them snowball into an unmanageable heap by the year’s end. When it comes to accounting, procrastination is definitely not your friend.

Separate your personal banking from your business one

Open a business account which will only handle your business transactions. Use a business credit card and a business cheque book. This way your bank reconciliation will be easier and faster and you will never mix your personal finances with your business ones. It will also give you a clear idea of how your business is doing.

Keep track of cash payments

They can be easy to forget and a nightmare when it’s bank reconciliation time. Even if it is in manual format, register your cash payments.

If you use an accountant, send them all invoices the moment you issue them. This means you won’t have a massive list of unregistered invoices at the end of the financial year. And it also means that you will have reported all your income, thus avoiding being accused of tax evasion.

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How To Post Construct Cleaning

Post Construction Cleaning

The importance of commercial office cleaning

Did you know that:

The average employee loses nine working days a year to sickness, some of which may be attributed to a lack of workplace hygiene.

A typical office keyboard can carry up to 7,500 bacteria at any given time.

Viruses such as the flu can linger on unclean surfaces such as work desks or electronic equipment for 24 hours.

60% of absences from work illnesses are contracted from dirty equipment in the office such as e-coli, staph and bacteria.

With 65% of office workers sharing phones and computers, and with a whopping 25,127 germs per square inch found on just a telephone, employers need to take cleanliness seriously.

How clean offices can help workplace productivity

Increased focus: In a clean working environment, you are less likely to be distracted by cluttered objects, and that greater level of concentration leads to more and better work being done.

Less time wasted: A lot of time can be squandered when searching for documents in a messy workspace. In cleaner, well-organised offices, paperwork can be tracked down easily and quickly.

Less stress: A cluttered desk can result in you trying to focus on too many things at once, which lowers your stress threshold.

Greater profitability: Instead of wasting time looking for documents, workers in a clean office get more work done, which helps with profitability in the long-term.

Post Construction Cleaning

Pre-Written Services Section

Writing about what you do is hard. How much is too much? Will the client understand it? Completely valid questions and ones you don’t need to worry about now. In this post construction cleaning proposal template, the page detailing the work you’re going to do is done, the structure is laid out. You just need to add a few client specifics when you use it.

Process and Timescales

Explaining the post construction cleaning process can be difficult. You want to give enough detail but not so much it seems overwhelming. Fortunately, this has been battle tested and is the perfect amount of information. You can tweak it to suit your exact process.

Case Study Example

The number of cleaning companies that simply put examples of their work in their proposal templates is shocking. It’s not enough. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to show that you understood the client’s issues and came up with a solution that was successful. In this post construction cleaning proposal template, we’ve set out an example case study. All you need to do is replace our example with one of yours and use the structure we’ve used.

Pricing

Getting pricing right in the cleaning industry is difficult. In this automatically calculated pricing table, all you do is put the numbers in, type a quick 1-line description of the service and the quote part of your proposal is done. If you want to charge per hour, sell in quantities or have optional up-sell products, you can do that too.

Next Steps with Digital Signing

One of the biggest reasons businesses don’t win work is they don’t give clear instructions on how to buy from them. This proposal template comes with a ‘Next Steps’ page which you shouldn’t need to alter at all. Simply detail the next steps your client will go through and ask them to sign digitally by typing their name and clicking Accept.

Going Through a Remodel or Building a New Office Space?

Don’t move in without our construction clean-up services.

Whether your construction project is big or small, it never fails – they always leave behind a layer of dust, debris, and dirt. And that’s not even mentioning the weird smells that can often linger for weeks and even months!

construction clean-up services to handle the post-construction cleaning and get rid of the mess, so they can get back to work in the environment they envisioned when the project began. Construction clean-up isn’t easy, but we’ve got 15 years of experience handling the job and we know how to do it right and do it fast.No detail is too small!

Post Construction Cleaning Services Include:

Dusting, scrubbing, and stain removal

Cleaning all surfaces – including walls, trim work, and furniture

Cleaning desks, drawers, and cabinets inside and out

Sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens

Cleaning appliances, counter tops, and sinks

Cleaning bathtubs, shower stalls, toilets, and shower doors

Polishing stainless steel and fixtures

Cleaning, waxing, and buffing floors and tile

Vacuuming carpets

Cleaning window frames and sills

Cleaning and polishing glass and mirrors

Dust removal from ceiling pipes, duct work, vents, and light fixtures

Dust Sweeping stairs, landings, walks, decks, patios, and garages

Ready to Handle Any Special Construction Cleaning Services

post-construction cleaning services don’t stop there – we’re prepared to take care of any special clean-up needs that may arise because of your remodel, renovation, or new building as well. construction cleaning experts will visit the site in advance to learn about any special instructions or safety concerns and develop a customized approach for your construction clean-up project. If necessary, we have personnel trained in operating lifts and using scaffolds to access hard-to-reach places, ensuring that every nook and cranny is spotless.

Construction cleanup services

This article discusses the taxability of the special cleanup jobs referred to herein as “construction cleanup.” Construction cleanup generally occurs after major construction or remodel of a building is complete and before the premises are occupied. Construction cleanup is considered to be the final phase of construction. The recurring cleanup services that take place after construction cleanup has been performed generally fall within the definition of “janitorial services.”

Construction cleanup

Charges for construction clean-up services are taxable like many other services related to construction. That is, the taxability of the service is dependent on the nature of the construction itself.

Custom construction

Custom prime contracting is when a contractor is hired by a landowner (or a person having the rights of ownership, such as a lessee or easement holder) to complete an entire construction project. The custom prime contractor may perform all or a portion of the construction or hire other contractors (subcontractors) to perform all or a portion of the work. Amounts charged by a custom prime contractor to the landowner are subject to the retailing classification of the business and occupation (B&O) tax and the retail sales tax applies to such charges.

Speculative building

Speculative building is when a person makes improvements on land he/she owns (or has the rights of ownership). Charges for construction cleanup services performed for a speculative builder (landowner) are subject to the retailing classification of the B&O tax. In addition, retail sales tax applies on the cleanup charges. A speculative builder cannot use a reseller permit for construction cleanup services.

Janitorial services

The recurring cleanup services that take place after construction cleanup has been performed generally fall within the definition of janitorial services. Janitorial services only maintain the existing condition of the newly constructed or remodeled home/building. Janitorial services do not generally improve or repair a structure. The charges for such janitorial services are not subject to retail sales tax. The service provider reports this income under the service and other activities classification of the B&O tax.

Post-Construction Cleaning

One major cause of complications during the handover of a newly constructed cleanroom is not having a clear post-construction cleaning scope of works (SOW). Builders are responsible for delivering the facility cleaned, ready to meet a certain standard, but you as the room owner are responsible for these contaminants being removed prior to certification.

Failing to eliminate particles and residue generated during the construction phase could result in these contaminants remaining in the environment for years to come. Just cleaning away visible debris is not sufficient for a cleanroom clean. Particles must be removed to the sub-micron level (smaller than the eye can see).

Builders, along with general cleaners, lack the specialist cleanroom cleaning expertise, methods and equipment necessary to clean surfaces to the required ISO Class level. By using incorrect equipment, they could possibly even damage cleanroom surfaces and make them more likely to harbour bacteria and particulates. What can you do to minimise the risk of a less-than-successful post-construction clean?

A builder needs to work with someone familiar with cleanroom cleaning who can develop an SOW specifically for post-construction cleaning. Because you have the ultimate responsibility for production in the room, which also incorporates cleanliness, you need to review and approve this document. This SOW differs from the standard operating procedures written by facility staff for a fully operational cleanroom.

In a post-construction clean, a two- and sometimes three-stage procedure is required, depending on the ISO Class of the room. The first phase focuses on removing gross contamination left from construction. The second (and possibly third) phase addresses fine contaminants and prepares the facility for pre-validation and sterile cleans.

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Tips From A Chiropractor

Why does my back hurt worse after going to the chiropractor?

Nothing is more debilitating than having a back that’s out of whack. From picking up your child to bending over and grabbing the newspaper, your back is integral to everything that you do. A sore back just makes life harder! The natural solution to curing a back that isn’t feeling quite up to par is to visit a quality chiropractor. What if you use that correct logic but after your adjustment, your back still hurts just as much, if not more?

This could include:Pain after getting a chiropractic adjustment

  • Significant soreness
  • Difficulty with overall movement
  • Pain sufficient enough to deter otherwise easy daily tasks

Chiropractic Goals and Possible Effects

Should patients feel more pain in your back after receiving chiropractic care? When it comes to the spine, and back specifically, the goal of a successful chiropractic session is to eradicate inflammation and reduce overall pain. The areas of relief mainly focus on joints, ligaments, and muscles.

The intention is to achieve this well-being through the use of:

  • Massaging
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Spinal manipulation

It’s important to note that common side effects of chiropractic adjustments are tiredness, minor headaches, and slight discomfort in adjusted locations. Your body may be used to being out of alignment. So, when your spine is back in alignment, it will take some getting used to, which may cause you to feel sore. So what else has occurred to hinder the success of your chiropractic visit and leave you in a significant amount of pain?

Two Main Reasons for an Increase in Back Pain After Visiting the Chiropractor

1. Disc Herniation

If the annulus fibrosus, basically the tough, outer layer of your discs that compose your spine, is torn or stretched too far you have a disc herniation. Once the annulus fibrosus has torn the softer, interior part of the disc can seep out and negatively affect surrounding nerves. There are multiple common names for a disc herniation that may be more familiar, such as a pinched nerve or slipped disc.

Symptoms of a disc herniation can create pain and numbness that you may actually feel more in areas surrounding your back like neck or legs, however, the root of the problem is located in your lower back. Important note: a disc herniation is not caused by getting a chiropractic adjustment. Common causes that lead to a herniated disc are repetitive lifting, improper lifting techniques, and contact sports. Also, it is believed that when informed of the herniated disc your chiropractor is able to create an individualized treatment using heat and ice therapy and manipulation to reduce pain and discomfort.

However, if you or your chiropractor were unaware of the pinched nerve, during a massage or other spinal manipulation technique it is likely the disc herniation was heavily aggravated. This could easily lead to aches and pains that affect more than just your back. What if it is less serious, despite still being an unpleasant pain, than a herniated disc?

2. Irritated Ligaments and Muscles

Remember, the focus and goal of a chiropractor is to heal painful joints, muscles, and ligaments with noninvasive methods. Through massage and manipulation of the spine, chiropractors try to realign and straighten your body and alleviate curvature imbalances.

The problem arises when the chiropractor attempts to perfectly straighten the spine and meets heavy resistance from your body. Once a person has reached adulthood, it is very likely that any sort of curvature that has developed over time is as good as permanent.

Hurt worse after seeing the chiropractor

At this point, even the greatest of efforts provided by your chiropractor will bring minimal long-lasting results without the use of passive traction devices like these. What is happening in return is your muscles and ligaments are being shifted in ways that have become unnatural, despite being considered “aligned.” This could result in greater pain than initially described or even pain in areas of the body that had otherwise felt perfectly fine.

Chiropractors Explain Soreness After Adjustments

After a spinal adjustment, you may have some soreness or achiness. This is a normal part of the process and should go away over time, usually a very short period. Chiropractors explain that many patients feel soreness, and it is not an indication of a bigger problem.

Soreness

Soreness is a normal side effect after a spinal adjustment. Some people experience minor aches in the parts of the body that are adjusted. In general, chiropractors try to use a gentle approach to treat alignment problems. However, any type of alignment can create some aches. Previous injuries, past traumas and other things can affect a person’s reaction to treatment. You may feel soreness in the muscles and joints.

Time

Usually, the soreness does not last more than 24 hours. Some patients share that their soreness goes away faster and only lasts a couple of hours after an adjustment. Chiropractors explain that regular treatments may decrease the soreness completely. This means that you have some soreness after the first spinal adjustment but seeing a chiropractor regularly can reduce it.

Safety

Chiropractic visits are safe and not invasive. There are no needles, surgeries or medications involved in the process. Chiropractors point out that having some soreness after an adjustment is a normal part of the treatment process and not a major concern.

Heat and Ice

Your chiropractor may recommend using an ice pack or heat source after an adjustment. This may decrease soreness and aches. Make sure to talk to the chiropractor before using a home remedy. Chiropractors have specific reasons for suggesting certain home treatment options, and it is important to follow their advice.

Why am I sore a couple days after an adjustment?

The reason you are only sore for a day or two is because your body starts fixing the problem. Have you noticed that you may be sore after the adjustment, but then two days later you feel ten times better than you did the first day you came in? Two things happen:

  • Your muscles start gaining muscle memory of the new position of the joint. Getting regular adjustments helps keep your muscles toned, and helps remind the muscles how they are supposed to hold the joint in place.
  • Your bones actually start laying down new bone. Wolf’s law is a theory developed by the German anatomist and surgeon Julius Wolff (1836–1902) in the 19th century that states that bone in a healthy person or animal will adapt to the loads under which it is placed.” When you get a chiropractic adjustment your chiropractor puts pressure on the bones of the joint, and the joint adapts and changes.

Not every patient has pain after a chiropractic adjustment. There are many variables and factors that contribute to pain after an adjustment, for instance how lax or taut your ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the joint are. If you have decreased range of motion due to tight muscles you may experience more stiffness and soreness after a chiropractic adjustment.

Can a Chiropractor Hurt Your Back?

Chiropractic therapies, often known as spinal manipulation, involve the application of pressure in a manner that relieves back pain and makes your spine and the whole back feel more comfortable. Besides these and many other benefits that come with spinal manipulation, it also has its own risks, among them being spinal injuries. A chiropractor can hurt your back because of several reasons. This article looks at some instances when a chiropractor can hurt your back.

A Quack

Although they rarely do occur, accidents and risks are possible from a chiropractic therapy. These isolated cases occur when a patient falls into the wrong hands of unqualified and uncertified chiropractors. These are very dangerous since they do not know how much pressure they should apply or what techniques they should use in performing the therapy. To avoid this, you should always ensure that you check a chiropractor’s qualification and certification before allowing them to work on you.

Repeat Treatment

Sometimes cases occur where a patient gets their backs hurt by one chiropractor by using the wrong method or too much force. In case this happens, many people tend to make the mistake of looking for a different chiropractor to correct the problem. This is wrong because a different chiropractor only hurts your back even more. To avoid making this mistake, you should see an orthopedist immediately.

Too Much Force

Another mistake that inexperienced and under-qualified chiropractors make is to use so much force than necessary without remembering that the back contains a delicate spinal cord that should be handled with utmost care. A good chiropractor uses moderate force to manipulate the spine and if too much of it is used, it will instead worsen the condition.

How Chiropractors Help with Upper Back Pain

There are a few different ways chiropractors can help with upper back pain. Chiropractors typically use spinal manipulation or other unique therapies that help the spine and your musculoskeletal structure get back to its proper alignment. The goal is to let the body heal itself, so there is not a need for medications and surgeries. 

Chiropractors will manipulate certain areas of the upper back so the mobility in the affected area improves. It involves the joints and tissues in the back that have been affected due to a variety of issues like:

  • Injury
  • Falling
  • Repetitive stress
  • Improper posture

When you see a chiropractor for upper back pain they will focus their main goal on relieving pain in any of the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage around the area. Your chiropractor will go over your medical history with you and do a physical exam to help hone in on the affected area and how to best treat your specific condition.

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Exterminator Eliminate Or Control Pests

How to Prepare for Pest Control Service

Hiring a professional for pest control service does not mean you can just simply call for service, then sit back and wait. Effective elimination requires a partnership between the professional pest control operators (PCOs) and the homeowner, with both taking action to get the pests out–and them keep out.

While the preparation required of the homeowner is fairly standard, most PCOs will provide you with a list of specific prep steps to be completed before their visit. Because a lack of preparation could make a treatment unsafe or cause reinfestation of the entire home or building, many PCOs will not treat areas that are not prepared to their specifications.

Today, professionals most often use gel bait insecticides to control and eliminate cockroaches. This requires the placement of small beads of gel bait in areas where cockroaches are known or expected to harbor, travel, or feed. In addition to cleaning your home before the pest control visit, you should commit to keeping your home as neat and clean as possible for long-term success. This helps to eliminate food sources for the insects, making the bait more attractive.

Pets can get fleas from outside or from being around other animals that have fleas. Whether you purchase flea control products for your use or you choose to work with a pest control company, the home, pet(s), and yard (as applicable) must be all treated at the same time

A few of the standard preparation steps recommended before extermination include:

Washing all pet bedding in hot water or destroying it

Vacuuming carpeting and mopping hard-surface floors, including along walls and inside closets

Cleaning or vacuuming furniture, especially between and under cushions

Pest Control

Are you looking for a way to keep your family safe from pests, but aren’t sure where to begin? eco-friendly pest control services are specifically designed to treat and prevent pests that are common. We use a highly effective, family-friendly pest management approach that brings you the instant relief you expect along with the long-term protection you deserve

Why Pest Control makes sense for you

We understand how important keeping your family safe and your home pest free is to you. Our qualified exterminators use treatments that are safer for your entire family, including the four-legged members

Are your pest control products and procedures safe?

We mean business when it comes to the safety of families, pets, and property. Our pest management procedures meet the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, which is all about reducing pesticide risk in all environments. We are also proud to be part of just 1% of United States companies that are GreenPro certified, which allows you to be confident in choosing a green company

Which pests will you keep away from my house?

We can take care of almost any pest you can imagine, in fact, we can protect you and your family from over 50 different types. Our general pest control services take care of ants, roaches, spiders, rodents, and many other common household pests. We can also protect you from mosquitoes, termites, and eliminate bed bug problems.

Pest Control and Exterminator License

Business License Compliance Package

We do the research and provide you with all the licensing requirements and forms. For just $139 per location, you get the licensing and permit answers you need to keep your business in compliance. With our Business License Compliance Package, we’ll research your business so we can tell you which business licenses, permits, and tax registrations you need for your geographical location and type of business. We also include the actual applications, so you can quickly take care of your compliance requirements.

The great thing about the pest control business is: you’ll never be without customers! Until they come up with a bug spray that will kill all the bugs in the world, you’ll have more work than you can handle. But to start a business in pest control or extermination, you first need a pest control license.

Who Needs a Pest Control/Exterminator License?

If you will be involved in applying pesticides, commercial or private, you need a pest control license. Here are just a few of the roles that require this type of health license:

Private pest control companies

Commercial exterminators

Pesticide contractors

Companies that treat wood for termites

Companies that inspect irrigation systems for chemigation

Pesticide container recycling companies

Requirements for Your Exterminator License

Every state has its own requirements for becoming a licensed pest control professional. Check with your state’s business licenses, permits & tax board to find out what you need to get your business license. More than likely, you will need to be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you will need to take certain education courses or training to ensure that you know how to properly and safely apply all kinds of pesticides. Your local business licensing board can direct you to the appropriate program for this. You will need to pass a pest control license exam.

Your state may also require you to work in pest control a certain number of hours before you will quality for your pest control license.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR PESTICIDES TESTING

Due to the ongoing state of emergency declared by Governor on March 6, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and subsequent directive that provision of all in-person government services cease effective March 17, 2020, in response to the need for the use of pesticides for the production of food and reduction of pests, including the need for application of anti-microbial pesticides

Under current COVID-19 meeting restrictions, face-to-face meetings for CEU courses will not be available in the near future. All courses being approved for CEU credits are only available online. The approved courses and times can be viewed on our Agriculture and Structural CEU Schedules.

For structural applicators, the University of Kentucky has developed an on-line short course for Category 7 applicators to obtain their required CEUs. The program will offer CEU classes from October 23 through December 18 on every Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. You can view registration requirements at the structural CEU schedule.

PEST CONTROL SERVICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Do I Need Pest Control Services?

If you’re inquiring about pest inspection and/or pest control, chances are you’ve tried to solve the issue yourself. While taking things into your own hands is great in some instances, pest control almost always requires more strategy and attention than you can give it. More often than not, homeowners tend to lack the expertise and time to handle most pest-related situations that are commonly encountered in or around a home or business.

How Are Pests Getting in My Home?

There are numerous ways that pests can enter a home. Ants, roaches, and even mice can enter through impossibly tiny cracks and crevices as they search for food and shelter. To lessen the chances of pests intruding into your home, be sure to keep any branches, shrubs, piles of firewood, decorative rocks, and any other aspect of landscaping well-maintained.

For example, if you’ve got a pile of firewood adjacent to your home, be sure to roll around the logs every so often to decrease the chance of pests beginning to form nests in the area, or have them raised off the ground. Properly stacking any piles of firewood would also be beneficial and optimal.

Can I Get Rid of Pests on My Own?

There are several temporary solutions that may work for a short period of time, but in our experience, continued pest control is achieved through going above and beyond normal practices

Do You Use Pet and Kid Friendly Pest Solutions?

Pest Control’s first priority is the safety and happiness of our customers, as well as being as environmentally friendly as possible.  All of our materials are EPA approved and biodegradable and all technicians have been thoroughly trained on industry safety regulations and guidelines. The products we use are the same products that are used on sensitive areas, such as schools and hospitals. We take pride in providing pet friendly and kid friendly pest solutions to our clients.

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Car Dealer Secrets To Beating The Best Deal

Used Car Dealer Reviews: Do Your Homework

Like a lot of things in life, your successful purchase of a new or used Nissan (or any vehicle) requires research, a clear goal in mind and some guidance to keep you on track. To help, AutoNation Nissan Memphis has compiled a few homework tips for buying a new or used car, truck or SUV that will make your purchase journey less stressful and give you confidence in your decision.

There’s Nothing Like a New Vehicle

Everyone wants to feel like they got a great deal when buying a new car. Are great deals out there? Of course. But to get one takes a bit of homework. Buying a new vehicle isn’t something you do every day, so a little self-education will pay dividends.

Before showing up at the dealership:

  • Decide on the vehicle you want. Consider the make, model, color and options you want by reviewing vehicle specifications, photos and videos on the AutoNation Nissan Memphis website to help confirm your choice.
  • Determine what you can afford. You want to look at new vehicles and options that fit your financial situation. Be realistic about monthly payment, insurance costs and related expenses. That way your sales person can show you vehicles that will fit your financial picture, and AutoNation Nissan Memphis financing professionals can offer a great payment plan for you.
  • Find the factory price of the vehicle you want. As dealers, we make an investment in every vehicle on our lot. The more you know about the factory cost of a vehicle, the better you’ll be able to determine what you think is a fair price.
  • The best time to deal. Ask your sales person about factory-to-dealer incentives and available rebates. Manufacturers sometimes offer discounts to dealers and buying when those are in affect can result in a better deal.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

It has never been a better time than now to buy a used car. Dealerships get more used vehicles to sell than new ones, and there are several distinct advantages to buying a used car. There are more used cars than new to pick from, new cars lose value quickly, and you can find great deals on vehicles that are fairly new with relatively low mileage just because they have been driven off the lot. There are clearly many advantages – especially for your wallet – to buying used. With that in mind, you need to be aware of the best way to go about purchasing used cars for sale. In the following, we will provide you with five helpful tips that you should use to guide you in this process.

Use the Power of the Internet

Before you start your search, you should look up information on each used car dealership in your neighborhood. Keep in mind that not all dealers are created equal. I am sure you have heard horror stories from friends and relatives who purchased a used car from a less-than-reputable used car dealer. Sadly, there are many fly-by-night operators in this business, so be careful. This is where the internet becomes your valuable ally. Go through the list and make sure that each dealer has a website. The lack of a website can be a telltale sign that the dealer in question is not in it for the long run. Also, if they have a website, check to see if there are customer reviews.

Do Your Homework on Automobiles

Once you have narrowed down your search, you should do two things. First, you should read reviews on the different makes and models in the vehicle class that interests you. This will show you which vehicles are the best value for the money, and which ones seem to have problems. One place to look is JD Power & Associates, which regularly reviews and awards automakers for the best vehicles in each class. Second, you should go to the website. All the sales of used cars throughout the country to give you a ballpark figure for the sale or trade-in value of each vehicle based on make, model, year, trim, and condition. Once you have settled on the car you want, this will be a valuable tool in making the best deal with the used dealership.

Know the Difference Between Used and Pre-Owned

Every car that has had a previous owner is a used car. To be considered pre-owned, a vehicle must undergo a series of stringent tests to ensure its reliability and dependability by trained mechanics at the dealership. Also, most dealerships that offer pre-owned vehicles will provide a Carfax or AutoCheck vehicle report. This includes critical information on the prior ownership of the car, any accidents, open recalls of the model, and other data that will be necessary for you to determine the quality of the vehicle. Furthermore, many dealerships that are franchises of automakers will offer certified pre-owned vehicles. These may be the best value since only the highest quality used cars qualify for certified pre-owned programs. In addition to multi-point checks and vehicle reports, certified pre-owned vehicles often come with extended warranties and other benefits. Although the pre-owned and certified pre-owned vehicles will typically cost more than comparable used cars, they are often worth the extra money.

Inspections and Test Drives

When a car is sold “as-is,” there is no warranty and once you sign papers and drive away the seller has no more responsibility. This makes it especially important to know as much as you can about the condition of the car before you buy it. Don’t expect perfection in a used car, but don’t overlook serious defects. Be alert: some sellers are adept at masking problems, and a steam-cleaned engine and gleaming paint job are no indication of the quality of the automobile. Check the car in daylight and bring someone along to help you make a thorough inspection.

EXTERIOR: Be sure the body appears even, with no irregular spacing between the body joints. Check for rust, especially at the bottoms of fenders, around lights and bumpers, on splash panels, under doors, and in the wheel wells. Check the tires for uneven wear or signs of brake fluid leakage on the inside. Also, check the spare tire and make sure the correct jack is in the trunk and in working order. Check for paint that does not quite match, gritty surfaces, and paint overspray on chrome – a new paint job could be masking body problems. Look for warning signs of a past accident, like cracks, heat-discolored areas, and loose bumpers. Look for welded seams, which may indicate the car is “rebuilt” from salvaged parts. Look for hairline cracks and tiny holes in the windows. If the vehicle is dirty, have it washed for a better inspection.

DOORS, WINDOWS, AND TRUNK: Look for a close fit and easy opening and closing of doors. A door that fits unevenly may mean the car was involved in a collision.

FRAME AND ALIGNMENT: If you suspect a car’s structural condition, have it checked by a local tire alignment dealer. A car with a bent frame can be dangerous.

TAILPIPE: Look for black gummy soot in the tailpipe. This may indicate worn rings or bad valves.

INTERIOR: Check for badly worn carpeting or upholstery, which may be a sign of heavy use. Check the adjustability of the seats and make sure all seat belts work. If the seats have covers, look underneath. Turn on the ignition to check the warning lights, and check the brake pedal. Ask about the working order of the airbags and if they have ever been deployed. Take a sniff! A musty smell inside the car could mean the car was damaged in a flood or that rain leaked in.

FLUIDS: Pull out the oil dipstick. If it is dark and dirty, the engine may not be well maintained. If the oil is whitish or has white bubbles, it may mean there is water in the system, which can be a sign of major mechanical problems. If the transmission is automatic, check the transmission fluid to see if it is dark or has a burned odor. Check for leaks and stains under the car, on the underside of the engine, and around hoses and valve covers.

BATTERY: Look at the sticker on the battery for the guarantee date. You generally need to replace a battery after 25,000 miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Check all electrical accessories, such as the lights, wipers, radio, and horn, one at a time.

SPRINGS AND SHOCKS: Push down on the front and rear corners of the car. If the car bounces several times, the shock absorbers are worn.

Find a Reputable Dealer

This is where the internet comes back to help you again. In the past, all you had to go by when looking for a used car dealer was word of mouth from family and friends. As you can imagine, this is a minimal amount of people. With the internet, there are reviews of every dealer in the business, including those selling used cars. These reviews are aggregated, providing you with a score on each dealer. Just go on your favorite search site and start reading. While everyone’s business may make a mistake from time-to-time, reputable used car dealers will fix the error. If you see the same complaint coming up in practically every review, you should probably look for a different dealer. Also, your local Better Business Bureau will maintain a website. Look up the dealer on the BBB to see if there are any open issues with them.

Be Patient

As with anything in life, good things come to those who wait. Keep in mind that there are more used cars for sale than new ones, so you are literally in the driver’s seat. Once you have decided on a specific vehicle, get a Carfax or AutoCheck report. This will show you the vehicle’s history, including accidents, recalls, and service. Most used car dealers will even include one as part of the purchase process. If not, order one since they are relatively inexpensive. Also, if you have any concerns, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle.

Make the Deal

Most used car dealers offer you a number of options when you are buying a vehicle. You can choose between paying cash, financing all or a portion of the purchase, or even leasing the used car. In addition, you can also see about trading in a car, truck, or SUV you currently own. Make sure you go over the deal in full before signing or paying anything.