Month: June 2020

Popular Eye Care Treatments Today

Factors To Look For When Choosing The Right Optometrist

Generally, one would think that with aging, eyesight will begin to deteriorate. But with the advent of smartphones, people are becoming victims of poor vision no matter what their age is. The stress on the eyes and nerves has made it difficult to keep perfect eyesight. There is no point in ignoring any eye problem. Sooner or later, you would have to visit an optometrist. Then why delay the much-needed appointment? The important thing is choosing the right optometrist.

Unwavering Reputation Throughout

What do you do when you look for a new service or product? Read its reviews online, right? This helps you know what is best for you based on other’s opinions. Same goes for choosing the right optometrist for you. Search for optometrist near you and go through the Google reviews

Go The Referral Route

Before knowing how to choose an optometrist, one should know the difference between an optometrist and ophthalmologists. An optometrist would conduct an eye exam and prescribe you glasses and detect eye issues if any. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, would treat your diseases. Before going for an eye exam, you should be clear on their differences.

Qualifications Matter A Ton

If you have looked through a list of optometrists and are confused as to which one to choose, check for credentials of the optometrists. The qualifications ensure that the optometrist is the right doctor to consult. The doctor should have an eye specialty degree to start with

Affordability That Adds Convenience

Eye checkups are an important eye exam you should not skip. One needs to check in advance as to what an optometrist charges. It is better than paying through the nose later on

How to choose an eye doctor

Choosing an eye care provider is an important health care decision. After all, you will be trusting your eye doctor to safeguard your precious sense of sight and help you maintain a lifetime of good vision.

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Optometrists examine eyes for both vision and health problems, and correct refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some optometrists also provide low vision care and vision therapy.

Optometrists also may participate in your pre- and post-operative care if you have eye surgery performed by an ophthalmologist. With a few exceptions, optometrists in the U.S. are not trained or licensed to perform eye surgery.

An optometrist generally must complete a four-year college degree program in the sciences, plus four years of post-graduate professional training in optometry school. In this regard, the educational requirements of an optometrist are similar to those of a dentist.

What is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery. They also write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Tips for Choosing an Optometrist

Get Referrals

Optometrists give eye exams, prescribe vision-correcting eyeglasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and treat eye diseases and conditions. For more complex conditions or when surgery is necessary, optometrists refer patients to ophthalmologists (medical doctors who treat eyes). If you need a new optometrist, ask your family, friends, and perhaps your primary care doctor for recommendations. Take the time to research the doctors’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. You can also search the American Board of Optometry’s website.

Research the Optometrist’s Credentials

Education tells you an optometrist has the necessary training and skills to treat a variety of vision and eye problems. Optometrists must complete four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degrees, in addition to four years of undergraduate college. Also confirm the optometrist has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the eye doctor’s optometry school, training, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

Consider the Optometrist’s Experience

Experience matters when you’re facing eye problems or conditions that could affect your vision. The more experience an optometrist has with a condition or procedure, the better your results are likely to be. Ask how many patients with your specific condition, such as glaucoma, the optometrist has treated. A few states allow optometrists to perform certain types of eye surgery, such as LASIK. If you need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the optometrist has performed. Ask the eye doctor about complication rates—complications the optometrist has encountered, as well as your own risk of complications.

Evaluate Communication Style

Choose an optometrist with whom you are comfortable talking and who supports your information needs. When you first meet the optometrist, ask a question and notice how he or she responds. Does he or she welcome your questions and answer them in ways you understand? Find an optometrist who shows an interest in getting to know you, who will consider your treatment preferences, and who will respect your decision-making process

Review Patient Satisfaction Surveys

Reading what other people have to say about an optometrist can provide insight into how a provider practices eye healthcare, as well as how his or her optometry practice is operated. Patient satisfaction surveys typically ask people about their experience with scheduling appointments, wait times, office environment, and office staff friendliness. You can learn about how well patients trust the eye doctor, how much time he or she spends with their patients, and how well he or she answers questions.

Tips for Choosing an Ophthalmologist

A Personal Decision

Seeing an ophthalmologist for early treatment or preventive eye care is the best way to reduce the risk of permanent eye damage and vision loss. Your ophthalmologist will guide you through many decisions about protecting your vision or treating an eye condition. How do you find the best ophthalmologist who is right for you? Here are some important factors to keep in mind.

Get Referrals

Start with a referral list from your optometrist or primary care doctor. You can also ask family, friends and other healthcare providers for recommendations. Take the time to research the doctors’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. Keep in mind there are many different ophthalmology subspecialties including those who specialize in treating glaucoma, or diseases of the cornea or retina. As you narrow down your list, call each ophthalmologist’s office and ask for a consult appointment to meet and interview the doctor.

Research the Ophthalmologist’s Credentials

Board certification is one of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing an ophthalmologist. It tells you that the doctor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide the best ophthalmic care.  Subspecialty fellowship training is especially valuable. Also confirm that the ophthalmologist has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the ophthalmologist’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

Consider the Ophthalmologist’s Experience

Experience matters when you’re facing eye problems or conditions that could affect your vision. The more experience an ophthalmologist has with a condition or procedure, the better your results are likely to be. Ask how many patients with your specific condition the ophthalmologist has treated. If you need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the doctor has performed and find out about complication rates—complications the doctor has encountered as well as your own risk of complications

Consider Gender

It’s important to feel comfortable with your ophthalmologist’s gender because you will need to openly discuss personal information. When it comes to eye diseases and conditions, your own gender is also an important consideration. Ophthalmologists are becoming more skilled in caring for women and men differently. Ask the ophthalmologist about his or her recent training and experience specifically related to your condition and your gender.

How to choose an eye doctor

It may be human nature to surround ourselves with people who see things the way we do. But we should also include a few who see things a little differently. This applies especially to your eye doctor.

The person you choose to provide your annual eye exam should be as much an ally as an expert. Above all, he or she should be able to tell you what you need to know about your vision health — even when you don’t see it coming

Eye care experts generally recommend a comprehensive eye exam every year or 2, depending on age or vision needs. And with roughly 60,000 optometrists and ophthalmologists operating in the U.S., there are plenty of choices. Here are 6 considerations we recommend when deciding on the best eye doctor for you.

Get a read on your network

More than 87% of Americans with vision benefits intend to get eye exams within 12 months.3 Many carriers, including EyeMed, offer online portals that enable you to search by proximity, and get a feel for the mix of in-network independent and retail providers. Remember: Staying in-network translates to lower out-of-pocket costs — that means more money in your pocket.

Know the O’s

Eye care professionals fall into three categories.4 Be sure to see the right one.

Optometrists are primary healthcare professionals for the eye. Doctors of Optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors, licensed to diagnose and treat all eye diseases, as well as perform surgery. Think about optometrists and ophthalmologists like your family doctor and a surgeon — except within the vision world, ophthalmology is a specialty within a specialty.

Opticians are technicians who fit frames and lenses that have been prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to correct the patient’s vision

Ideas For An Inexpensive Kitchen Remodeling

Choosing Kitchen Materials

Before you shop for appliances and choose the material for your countertops, make sure you have a well-thought-out plan for your kitchen renovation. You should identify goals and priorities, with the help of your completed Day in the Life of Your Kitchen Questionnaire and Kitchen Goals Worksheet. You also should have a clear vision of what your new kitchen will look like, after exploring various kitchen designs and layouts. Finally, you should carefully plan out space and storage.

Now it’s time to drill down to the details of your kitchen remodel. It’s best to choose all of the appliances, materials and finishes down to the hardware before the project begins. That way, you will have a truly realistic idea of how much the project will cost. (Allowances can quickly get out of hand.)

As you choose among fixtures and materials, visit specialty design showrooms for appliances, lighting, flooring, cabinets, etc. You’ll get a real feel for what’s available in the market, and you can talk to the professionals who work there about your ideas and what products will achieve your goals.

Cabinets form the backbone of the kitchen. Configure the cabinetry to make the most use of your kitchen’s size and floor plan. Consider different layouts and looks.

Base cabinets get the most attention, whereas hanging wall cabinets are sacrificed for aesthetic features—windows, dramatic backsplashes—to create atmosphere and a living room appeal in the kitchen. That said, base cabinets are moving away from doors and toward drawers. Drawers make storage more accessible for more people.

Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

The right kitchen cabinetry can make or break your kitchen’s functionality and style — not to mention your budget. No pressure, right? Don’t stress yet — Houzz’s kitchen cabinet guides can walk you through the process, from start to finish. Resource guides covering everything from Shaker to flat panel, from corbels to aprons, from glass knobs to recessed pulls, are all listed here in easy-to-access fashion.

Door Styles

Shaker, flat or inset? Your cabinet door style is important — it may be your biggest kitchen expense, after all — but choosing it doesn’t have to be stressful. See which of these popular cabinet doors fit with your home’s style.

Hardware Styles

Of course, once you have your cabinets chosen, you have a whole other task ahead of you: choosing hardware. Even if you’ve got simple Shaker cabinets like these, your choice of drawer pulls and knobs makes a big difference in your finished look.

Colors and Finishes

Colorful kitchen cabinetry has made a big comeback. Try pretty palettes to give your kitchen flair.

Molding and Details

Adding molding is an easy way to make any type of cabinetry look custom. Whether you want to add crown molding to your existing kitchen or edge molding to new cabinets, this guide can help you envision the final result.

steps to choosing the right kitchen cabinets

Set the budget

Cabinets fall into three categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Stock cabinets start around $70 per linear foot (a typical kitchen has 25 to 30 linear feet of cabinets). Home centers sell them fully assembled or stores such as Ikea offer flat-pack versions that will need to be put together onsite; styles and sizes tend to be fairly limited. Semi-custom cabinets, which range from $150 to $250 per linear foot, come in more configurations, so they’ll fit your kitchen more precisely, if not perfectly. Custom cabinets can easily cost $500 or more per linear foot; they’re crafted to your exact specs and can include many personalized features.

Choose a style

The big decision is between framed and frameless. Framed cabinets consist of a box and face frame, to which doors and drawers are attached. Frameless cabinets, often referred to as European-style, eliminate the face frame; doors and drawers attach directly to the cabinet box. That provides great accessibility and a more contemporary look. On the downside, the absence of a face frame can compromise rigidity; better manufacturers compensate by using a thicker box—say, ¾-inch plywood instead of ½-inch particleboard. For the European look in a framed cabinet, opt for a full-overlay door, which covers all or most of the face frame.

Pick the features

Accessories can improve cabinet functionality, but they’ll also increase the cost by 20 percent or more. A pull-out trash can is a worthwhile addition. Built-in charging stations are helpful, too, because they keep the countertop clear of electronic devices. Appliance garages, those countertop compartments designed to conceal small appliances, don’t always offer the best organization. Instead, consider a lift cabinet with a spring-loaded shelf that swings up and out, providing easy access to a mixer, food processor, or other hefty device.

Lighting

“Integrated lighting has become very popular. As soon as you open the drawer, the light comes on. We also do a lot of undercabinet lighting, including LED fixtures with a built-in plug for countertop appliances and a USB port to charge your smartphone and other electronics.”—Kathleen Wilber, Ikea, U.S. sales leader for kitchens

Finish

“There’s still plenty of interest in lighter-toned cabinets. But we’re starting to see an uptick in our pebbled gray and chai finishes, as more customers go for a tinted neutral color instead of stark white.”—Tracy Riel, KraftMaid Cabinetry, manager, designer services

Choosing Kitchen Cabinets Where To Start & What To Know

Choosing kitchen cabinets is probably the biggest if not the most nerve-wracking decision you’ll make for your kitchen. It’s easy to understand since the cabinets have a big impact on your budget as well as how your kitchen looks. They’re one of the first things you see when you walk in a kitchen and have a large influence on the whole “feel” of the room

Looks aren’t the whole story however and with cabinets there is an element of ‘you-get-what-you-pay-for’. That’s because they’re made with a variety of construction techniques using several different materials in a “good”, “better”, “best” fashion. Besides that there are options to consider like full extension drawers, soft-close hinges and many others, and they can have a big impact on the overall cost.

If you’re now thinking that you’ll need to mortgage the farm to afford decent cabinets, don’t worry. You can still find good products at an affordable price and it doesn’t have to incorporate the absolute best materials or the latest organizer gizmos.

Just be aware however that cabinets generally consume about half of the typical kitchen budget so you’ll want to be sure you know what you’re getting for your money. The best way to do that is to understand the differences in construction and materials and how those elements impact their quality and durability.

The first thing you want to do is get some clarity on your goals for how you want your kitchen to look and function so that you’re ultimately satisfied with the end result. You should do this regardless of whether you’re replacing your existing cupboards (essentially staying with the same layout) or starting with a completely new layout plan.

Tips for Choosing the Best Kitchen Cabinets

It is not possible to have a functional kitchen without cabinets. They are an essential part of the kitchen. It is not possible to have an organized kitchen without cabinets. There is an extensive range of styles available on the market and choosing the style that is perfect for your kitchen can be challenging. Some of the important considerations while selecting cabinets are the color and style.

Consider the Kitchen Style

There are several kitchen styles which are suitable for traditional and modern kitchens. It is important to choose cabinets which match with the color scheme of your kitchen.

Choose the Material

There are a wide range of materials which are used for making cabinets. You can choose from stainless steel, melamine, metal, wood, or thermo foil. One of the most popular choices for cabinets is still solid wood.

Choose the Right Design

There are so many options when it comes to styles and colors of doors. There are also countless possibilities when it comes to the layout.

Aesthetics and Functionality

While choosing cabinets, you should not just focus on the beauty and look of the cabinets. You can choose the best cabinets by considering the available space. You can also add drawers under the counters of the kitchen instead of shelves

Slate Roof Installation With Hip And Ridge Joints

Roofing Buying Guide

Some home repairs, you can put off indefinitely. A leaky roof is not one of them. Cracked, curled, or missing roof shingles demand immediate attention. If you neglect them, they can lead to severe water damage that can seriously drain your savings account.

At Consumer Reports, we test asphalt shingles because that’s what most folks have on their homes. Our test results show that not only does performance vary widely among brands, but also among different product lines from a single manufacturer.

Water Will Find a Way In

Water marks on a ceiling, or worse, dripping water, may have you worried that your whole roof is in tatters. But just because there’s a leak doesn’t mean your roof will require a massive amount of repairs. Sometimes stopping it is as simple as filling a crack with caulk, replacing a few shingles, or installing some flashing—a membrane or layer of metal that provides a mechanical barrier to redirect water at corners, crevices, gaps, and other spots vulnerable to leaking.

Fallen tree limbs, hail, and even wind can loosen or remove shingles. Damaged flashing is another common culprit. Even rubberized boots around plumbing pipes, or with improperly installed satellite dishes or solar panels can cause isolated leaks. To determine what kind of leak you’ve got on your hands, first try to trace it to its origin.

Looking for Leaks

It’s easiest to find a leak when it’s raining outside. Remember that water often accumulates at a spot that’s different from where it’s entering—it generally runs down the length of a rafter or stud and only drips once it reaches a low point.

Essential Tips On Choosing The Right Roofing Installation Contractors

Your roof is the first and probably most important defense against the elements, like hail storms. Roofing installation projects also tend to be quite complicated and costly, choosing the right contractor can help ease your mind while ensuring that every cent counts.

Getting the right roof installed by the right roofing installation contractors will not only ensure that it holds up to the elements for as long as possible, but also helps alleviate most of the concerns homeowners have concerning the quality of work performed through the provision of service guarantees, and manufacturer warranties.

Experience

When it comes to roofing installation, the main rule of thumb is to always go with an experienced service provider. Hiring a roofing company that has overseen the completion of numerous projects, successfully, comes with a variety of advantages.

Reputation

Before hiring a roofing contractor, be sure to find out as much as you can about their reputation. Contact the roofer and ask them to provide you with examples of their most recent work. This will give you an idea of the type of projects they excel in.

Written Agreement

A written agreement gives homeowners, and contractor’s an official referral point in case of any disagreements on essential project details crop up during or at the end of the project. These contracts usually document important project details including pricing, quality of materials to be used and project duration among others.

Roofing Calculator – Estimate your Roofing Costs

What to Expect: In this guide we’ll cover the following roofing options: asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, metal roofing, concrete, clay, and fiber-cement tiles, natural and faux slate, and the new Tesla solar tiles that have so far proven to be more of vaporware than a real product.

Types of Roofing Materials

These most common options cover more than 95 percent of residential roofs in the United States, so unless you’ve got something unusual in mind like solar tiles – oh, wait, we’ve included those – or a vegetative green roof, the options you’re considering are likely discussed here.

Asphalt shingles

More than 75 percent of all single-family homes in the US are roofed with asphalt shingles, though that number is slowly shrinking thanks to the more energy-efficient and durable metal roofing.

There are two types of asphalt shingles:

Fiberglass shingles start with a fiberglass mesh mat that is covered in asphalt and topped with granules that provide color and reflect some of the sunlight. Shingles made with fiberglass are lightweight and resist tearing.

Organic asphalt shingles begin with paper, often recycled, that is saturated in asphalt and covered with granules. The shingles are heavier and harder to work with than fiberglass, but they generally offer better stability in high winds. Although you can still see them on many roofs, organic shingles have been mostly phased out or discontinued over the course of last decade. Why? Manufactures have stopped making organic shingles due to their tendency to dry out, become less-waterproof and more prone to excess moisture absorption.

Wood shingles and shakes

Wood delivers a natural dose of beauty to any roof. Cedar, redwood, cypress and pressure-treated pine shingles and shakes are available

Roof Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Roofing

Expert advice about how to sort through the various types of roofing to choose the best one for your home.

If you’re thinking about buying a new roof, be prepared to pick from possibilities that range from the familiar to materials you never knew existed. In this article, we’ll help you become more acquainted with your options and the features you should consider when comparing one to another. Then we’ll point you to more detailed information about each roofing material.

Some roofing materials, such as slate, wood shakes, and copper, have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. But a considerable array of other roofing materials have joined them, from the perennial favorite, asphalt-fiberglass, to newer products made from fiber cement, concrete, and plastic composites. Most of these have been developed over the past couple of decades with an eye toward greater durability, easier installation, lower cost, sustainability, and other features homeowners want

What to Consider

It’s easy to fall into the pattern of just replacing your existing material with a newer version of the same thing. Though this often makes sense because you know that the existing material worked okay until recently, you may be missing an opportunity to upgrade the look and functionality of your home’s roof

Weather Barrier

Because your home’s roof is the primary barrier between you and Mother Nature, it’s critical to choose a material that will shelter your home reliably. It must shed rain and snow, hold up in wind, and endure the sun for many years. Depending upon your climate and the shape and orientation of your home’s roof, some materials will do this job better than others.

Roof Slope

The slope of your roof’s surface is a consideration that may eliminate some some roofing possibilities, especially if the slope is low. A roof’s slope is the number of inches it rises for every 12 inches of horizontal “run.” For example, a roof with a “4-in-12 slope” rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run.

HOW TO CHOOSE A ROOF FOR YOUR HOME

From natural materials like slate and wood to manmade products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers, there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from today than ever before.

Pros and Cons

Some types of roofing may be better suited for your house than others. Factors such as the slope of the roof and strength of the framing could limit your choices.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing for homes, comprising over 80% of residential roofing market.

Materials: Made of either an organic paper fiber mat (better for cold weather and wind resistance) or fiberglass (more fire and moisture resistant) impregnated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules.

Appearance: Available in traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated “architectural” shingles.

Eco-Friendly: Petroleum-based product that’s not eco-friendly. Can be recycled, though often taken to landfills.

Durability: Not very durable. Algae-resistant shingles are available in humid climates to prevent staining.

Weight: Moderate in weight.

Slope: Can be used on low to steeper-sloped roofs.

Fire & Wind: Good fire resistance, fair wind resistance.

Cost: Inexpensive to moderate.

metal roofing lasts longer and is more wind resistant.

Materials: May be composed of steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc alloy. Steel roofs come with either a zinc coating or painted finish. Copper roofs are installed unfinished and acquire a protective green patina with age.

Appearance: Available in sheets or in shingles that resemble other materials. Can be installed with the fasteners hidden (standing seam) or exposed.

Eco-Friendly: May be made from recycled materials and can be recycled when replaced. Absorb a third less heat than asphalt.

Durability: Fairly to very durable, depending on the material.

Weight: Lightweight.

Slope: Available for low or steep sloped roofs.

Fire & Wind: Good resistance to both fire and wind.

Cost: Moderate (steel) to expensive (copper)

A Wedding Photographer’s Guide To Choosing A Wedding Photographer

Mistakes To Avoid Choosing A Wedding Photographer

Some brides make the mistake of selecting their wedding photographer without researching what they’re really getting for their money. “You get your negatives” sounds great, but when do you get them? The original price sounds great, but how much are extra prints? So often, brides buy a package knowing they don’t want everything in it, but they think they’re getting a deal because it’s all together. Nope, sorry, photography is not like buying a “value meal” at McDonald’s! To be sure, you must research before you decide. Visit as many studios as you can. As a courtesy, please call them first and set an appointment. If they’re friendly or if they call you back quickly, they’ll most likely have better standards of service. Ask if they have any information they can mail or email to you. Meet the photographer. Search through their website with a fine-toothed comb. Do you see any loopholes or issues? The biggest reason people make mistakes in hiring photographers is that they don’t have experience doing it! They’ve never had to hire photographers, and most likely their last experience with a professional photographer was a friend’s wedding, and the grumpy, sweaty, old guy was either a bore or an annoying jerk.

Find someone who cares more about your wedding images than they do about their own packages and policies. Someone you know will help your wedding run smoothly and efficiently. Choose someone that you can communicate with someone that truly understands how you want your wedding to feel. How do you know? When you talk to her, she’s more interested in learning about you than describing all of the print sizes and prices

Is this someone that will add to the fun and emotion of your wedding? Remember your friend’s photographer, the grumpy, sweaty, old guy that was a boring, annoying jerk? Steer clear of that! Get someone that will make the work of posed pictures fun, memorable, and exciting! How can you tell who’s cool? When you talk to the photographer, ask how she feels about your family members taking pictures over her shoulder! If she stays relaxed, then everyone will have a good time.

Look for someone who has some flexibility in styles. See what they have to offer. Some of the styles you may want to consider are Traditional, Black & White, Candid, Romantic, or Photo-journalistic. Check to see how they handle both indoor and outdoor situations. Can they do fine portraiture as well as a truly candid style? Find out what they have for you. Remember that the photographer’s creativity and personality (and your rapport with him/her) is what makes your wedding images unique, and your expressions more genuine!

Find someone who has as few restrictions as possible regarding packages, number of prints, limiting locations, and limiting the amount of film they shoot. Prepaid, pre-designed packages limit the creativity of the photographer. Creativity does not come from a pre-packaged album containing, for example, 24- 8x10s. If you’re paying for an album, it should look and feel like a storybook! Think of it, not like a photo album, but an illustrated storybook that uses no words to tell the story. In most cases, packages are NOT a good thing because the photographer “knows” beforehand what he needs to shoot and will only strive for those images.

STEPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

When choosing your wedding photographer, you want to ensure they create the wedding album you’ve always dreamed of. We’ve spoken to the professionals to get some key insight on how to find the right wedding photographer.

Your wedding photographer should capture every detail of your big day. From your place card holders to your hair accessories and your makeup applications, it’s your photographer’s responsibility to capture it all. This way, you don’t have to rely completely on memory

It pays to have the best

While you can get a good deal with a photographer who’s new to the industry, you do need to find someone you trust to get it right. Perfection comes with experience.

Browse your photographer’s portfolio

Look through the portfolio of any photographer you’re considering. You won’t just be looking for examples of the weddings they’ve captured. You’ll also be looking at their different styles and approaches. When you find the photos that resonate with you, you’ve found your style and photographer.

Decide on the right style

A professional photographer distinguishes all the subtleties of shooting a wedding. They’ll know exactly when to photograph your groom as he first sees you walking down the aisle, how to achieve the perfect confetti shot, and what to do in the event of rain. A creative and flexible approach often results in the most breathtaking and brilliant wedding photographs.

TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

So, you have a dress, the suits, flowers, cake and a band….but what is the one thing that will remain an everlasting memory of your wedding day? Your photos should be a beautiful and timeless account of the most important day of your life and should help every bride and groom to re-live the romance and excitement allover again.

Image quality/style

The quality of a photographer’s portfolio should be the first thing that captures your attention. A good photographer should be able to offer clients a variety of styles, capturing the personalities of the bride and groom and showcasing the happiness and fun of the day. Be clear on what style you would like and make sure the photographer can provide this in their portfolio.

Personality

As a bride and groom, you put a lot of trust and faith in your wedding photographer. In order to get the best images and a true account of the most important day of your life, it is imperative that you feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence

Value for money/cost

This can often be a deciding factor for a lot of brides and grooms and although it is a vital element, it should not be the basis for your decision. High-end prices do not always guarantee the highest quality but likewise, reasonable pricing does not always depict low quality

Experience

The experience a photographer has will play a large part in the organisation and structure of the day. I am sure many photographers will agree that they have often played the role of coordinator, photographer, master of ceremonies and children’s entertainer. Taking the photos is just a small part of being a wedding photographer and without the necessary experience and the ability to perform under constant pressure important moments can be easily missed

Tips When Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

You’re engaged!   Time to celebrate and then start talking wedding plans.  If you are having a wedding there are a lot of little details to think about.  Where do you start?  Maybe you know you don’t want to have a large wedding and instead are planning an intimate destination elopement.  Hopefully you’ll want to have a photographer to capture your elopement as well.  No matter how large or small your wedding celebration is, hiring a professional photographer to capture all the love, emotion and in-between moments during your celebration will be well worth it to have images of your celebration to hold onto forever.

Time to Research

Once you’ve set a date it might be time to start researching wedding photographers.  Generally speaking photographers are booked 6 months to one year out.  I know from experience narrowing down a photographer can be tough.  There are so many creative, talented individuals in this industry and I had a huge list of potential photographers to choose from.

Where are They Cutting Corners

I don’t want to claim all inexpensive photographers are not good at what they do; everyone has to start somewhere and many do have a great eye but as you determine where you need to cut corners on wedding planning maybe those insanely cheap photographers are also cutting corners somewhere too.  When you hire an experienced wedding photographer, you aren’t just paying someone to be a warm body to click the camera.  You are paying for the experience.  Their experience shooting weddings and THE overall experience from start to finish.   Your wedding day is going to be filled with amazing moments, emotions and don’t forget those little imperfect moments too…..  one of those imperfect moments should NOT be worrying about your wedding photographer.

Have a clear idea of the STYLE you like.  This will help you narrow down the selection of photographers.   Are you attracted to more traditional photography, posed images and pretty smiles starting at the camera?  Do you prefer a documentary feel where the photographer goes unnoticed with no posed images?  Is a candid style that captures the big emotions and little details to tell the story of the entire day your preference?  Are you looking for someone who is going to unnaturally pose each image, interrupting the natural moments from happening or someone who is going to go with the flow, capturing the dirt on your dress while you walk through a mountain field, quietly soaking in the beauty of day?

Get to know your photographer.  Do your personalities mesh well?  Your photographer is going to spend a greater chunk of the day with you…. make sure you can tolerate them and maybe even like them.  ?  Just because your family feels obligated to use the local photographer you have known since you were a child…. doesn’t mean you need to.  I saw this happen once and said photographer ended up passed out drunk under a tree before the reception started.  NO JOKE.  It’s your wedding day.  Pick someone who’s work you are drawn to.  I love getting to know each of my clients better — doing this creates great rapport which is actually important when creating images filled with REAL emotion.  When you look at a photo, I want you to feel something.

Advice For Choosing A Wedding Photographer

With all of the excitement and anticipation that comes with planning your wedding, the day finally comes and passes more quickly than you’d even imagine. While you should savor each moment, one thing is for sure: you’ll want to relive it forever. The best way to draw value out of all you put into your wedding day is to make these moments tangible. So we’ve asked a handful of our favorite pros for their best advice on choosing a wedding photographer to document this day.

Land on a budget

There are several things to consider when coming up with your number, and once you have it set, many ways to apply it toward the services you need most.

“The first thing I would suggest when setting your initial budget is get into research mode! Find a few wedding photographers in your area that post rates publicly on their websites, just so you can get a general idea of what things cost and start with a realistic jumping off point. The other big factors can be timeline and shot list expectations—for example, I offer a sliding scale depending on the length of hours I would be needed on the day. If you are trying to save money, but photos of the prep and getting ready aspect of the day are important to you, perhaps you’ll be willing to cut some time off capturing the reception. Things like adding a second photographer will also contribute to the final quote. Just be ready to think about those kind of decisions and communicate with your partner about what is important to you both!”

Know your style

Find not only what appeals to you now, but will for generations to come. Looking beyond photography trends will lead you to discover your true taste.

“Even for the couples who aren’t photography savvy, I’d suggest making a collection of your favorite wedding photos that you’ve seen, and ask yourself why you like them — is it the editing, composition, their ability to capture emotion? Then find a photographer that does that thing really well, and show them your collection to get aligned.”

Convert Attic Space For A Useful Residential Electrical Remodel Project

Tips for Finding & Hiring an Electrician

Looking for an Electrician for Hire?

Whether you’re doing a home remodel or simply fixing a flickering light, you’re probably looking to hire an electrician. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to confidently hire a licensed professional. You’ll learn about how much electricians charge and why they cost what they do. You’ll understand the difference between an Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Electrician. There are some excellent tips to keep the project cost down while also diving into what projects they do and which you may need a specialist for. Maybe most importantly, you’ll learn what questions to ask your electrical contractor before a job starts and after it ends.

Common Electrical Projects

Every home needs electrical repairs from time to time, but because of the dangers involved, these repairs don’t make safe do-it-yourself projects. Most folks will be better off hiring professional electricians.

How to Hire an Electrician

Knowing how to hire an electrician involves a little reading and research combined with knowing the right questions to ask.

Read this article.

At the very least, go through the list of questions, tips and FAQ’s we’ve included. Arming yourself with the best information gives you the tools and confidence to get the right professional for the job. Understanding basic electrical wiring will help you understand the problems in your home.

Research Costs.

Familiarize yourself with the typical costs per hour for electrical work below. But don’t stop at this article. Dive into specific costs unique to your project. Knowing what charges to expect puts you in a better spot when the bids and bill come in.

Consider These Things for Your Electrical and Lighting Plan

After giving a general overview last week of what’s needed for the specifications for the plumbing, mechanical and electrical subs, I thought it would be helpful to go into more detail about the lighting and electrical plan that you will have to give to the electrician.  There is so much to consider.  I’ll give you a list of suggestions that you can use as a checklist to help you develop a pretty complete electrical and lighting plan before you even meet your builder or electrician for the lighting walkthrough. 

The lighting walkthrough typically happens in the rough-in stage, after framing is complete and before the drywall goes up.  Usually the homeowner will walk through the framed house with the electrician and/or builder and discuss where fixtures, outlets and light switches will go. 

But thinking through the electrical and lighting plan well before you do the electrical walkthrough will allow you more time to consider exactly what features and outlets we want, and where. This decreases the chances of you forgetting an outlet or light switch somewhere.  It will also give you an opportunity to develop more detailed specifications so you can get more accurate electrical bids before construction even begins.    You may want to do a walkthrough by yourself a time or two when developing your lighting plan, just so you can get your thoughts together and not feel rushed when you do the official walk through with the electrician and/or builder.

It’s probably best to make a written, room by room list of fixtures and features plus mark your house plan where the electrical fixtures, outlets and light switches will go.  You can use different colored dots or symbols for light switches, outlets, recessed can lights, under cabinet lighting, and lighting fixtures, such as wall scones, table lamps, floor lamps and chandeliers.  For example, you might symbolize all recessed can lights with black dots and light switches with red dots. Outlets could be blue and lighting fixtures could be green.  If you really want to be helpful (and a little Type A), after you figure out what exact lighting fixtures you want to go in each room, you paste a photo of the fixture to a paper copy of your house plan.  Paste each lighting fixture photo on the diagram of the room where it will go. That will serve as a master guide for your electrician when he installs your fixtures toward the end of the build.

Now about these electrical and lighting plan suggestions… most likely, not all of the suggestions will work for your family, house and lifestyle.  Use what works for you and leave the rest.  And keep in mind, these tips should go to into your preliminary lighting/electrical plan. You’ll want to go over the preliminary electrical plan and marked up house plan with your electrician and/or builder to see if they have any additional suggestions that would make your lighting plan more functional or more economical. 

Lighting and Electrical Considerations

There are many things to learn whenever you renovate your house. Our decisions are incredibly crucial to making sure we can enjoy living in our homes. Electricity is an essential element in everyone’s home these days. Making bad electrical choices is something one cannot afford.

Having an experienced electrician by your side when planning for your home renovation would be a great idea for saving time and money. You will easily be able to avoid future regrets by making these important changes

ever Over light

Overlighting the interiors is one of the most commonly made mistakes you will find in most home renovations. Considering function is really important in lighting design. Please don’t purchase light fixtures without doing this first! Always start by defining how your room will be used. Second, choose light fixtures that fit that purpose and match your home interior design style.

Mix it Up

Using conventional lighting options and techniques time after time is one of the biggest reasons why most people are never satisfied with their lighting. This reason is why we suggest you mix it up and give your house a new look simply by changing the way you light it.

Do Not Use Outdated Lighting

Using outdated lighting inside your residence is a surefire way to make it look bad. Although illumination is a primary purpose of every light, there is much more to it than that.

electrical and lighting things to consider when building

I can safely say that every day of this home build journey I am learning something new. From small things like discovering new products (who knew door handles could be so exciting?!) to the bigger picture of understanding the building process

The decisions we make now will have an impact on how we live in and enjoy our home so I’m taking them pretty seriously… That’s why it took three hours of careful deliberation before finalising our electrical and lighting plan! Thankfully our electrician and lighting expert were incredibly patient and helpful!

Do not over-light your interiors

The other week we published ‘How to design a lighting plan for your home‘ and in that post, lighting expert James talks about understanding the function of each room before deciding how much and what type of light to fill it with. As we went room by room through our house, James would constantly ask me ‘What will you do in this room?’ and ‘How will you configure your furniture?’ before suggesting any lighting options. Start with function and adapt your lighting depending on the needs in the space to avoid over lighting your home — and put a dimmer on every interior light!

Consider mixing lighting solutions

James is a big believer in using as little ceiling light as possible so he suggested all sorts of other lighting solutions — wall washes, low hallway wall lights, floor lamps, pendants, step lights — and when we did talk about ceiling lights he suggested some new products, like ‘extrusion’ lighting which is a more sleek and commercial looking product. If you won’t have an expert to help you plan your lighting, I suggest taking the time to research all the lighting options out there before meeting with your electrician so you can develop a plan that works and will add interest to your home.

Be careful not to date your house with lighting that’s so 2015!

As you all know, I’m a massive Block fan. So when I asked whether or not strip lighting along the kick of the kitchen was a good idea, or if we should put some under the island bench and I got a strained look from James… it was pretty clear the answer was no, he he. He said we could do whatever we wanted — it’s our house after all — but that he wouldn’t recommend putting lighting in these places where it serves no real purpose as he thinks this lighting trend will date quickly. In a few years time you don’t want people to say ‘That’s so 2015!’.

ELECTRICAL REMODELING CONTRACTORS

Whether you’re remodeling your home or place of business, we’re here to help every step of the way. Choosing the right electrician for your remodeling project can mean the difference in achieving your goals in a timely and cost-efficient manner. When it comes to remodeling projects, it is vital that your electrician is extensively experienced so that you end up with your desired goa

When you choose the expert electricians at CMC Electric for your next remodel, you’re choosing a team that will take the time to learn your needs and plan a system to meet them completely.

No matter what kind of setup you want in your home or office, we can plan it and make it a reality quickly and accurately. We can handle anything from installing recessed lighting to give your new space a modern look to installing fans and ventilation systems to make sure you’re always comfortable. Considering making a room into an office? We can easily plan and wire a room for easy access to multiple power sources—perfect for getting work done! Plus, when you choose our Raleigh electrical remodeling contractors, you can rest assured that if we run into any complex issues, we’ll solve them along the way

Easy-to-Understand Pricing

CMC Electric will always give you a guaranteed cost before starting any project. We don’t come back to you with an inflated invoice because of unforeseen items. No matter what type of electrical remodel work is needed, our friendly technician will give you an upfront, firm cost/quote so there are absolutely no surprises at the end

Increase Your Selling Chances With A Pre Listing Home Inspection

How to Select a Home Inspector

Choosing a home inspector is part of the home buying process, a decision that can have a significant impact on your satisfaction with your future home. The home inspector is responsible for telling you the things you need to know about the home you are interested in. His or her ability to spot potential issues is vital for you to make an informed purchase, one you will be happy with over the long-term. Knowing how to select a home inspector becomes paramount, especially for first-time buyers.

You only need to do a quick search for home inspectors in your area to find numerous options, but as with so many professions, some inspectors are better than others. The following tips will help you find a home inspector that you can be happy with, someone you can trust to provide you with all the relevant facts about the home you want to buy.

Get a reference from your real estate agent.

One of the best resources for picking a home inspector should be your Realtor. Do you know your real estate agent well and trust them? Do you feel they have your best interests at heart and are not more concerned about their pocket book? If you can confidently answer these two questions in the affirmative, then there is no reason not to trust your Realtors advice on who to select as a home inspector.

Look for a company that is bonded and insured

Whether you go with a big company or a single inspector working on his or her own, you want to make sure that whoever examines the home is bonded and insured. Finding out about insurance is one of the most important questions to ask when interviewing a home inspection.

Verify that the inspection company only does inspections – not home repairs and renovations.

Hiring someone that just does inspections is an important tip for finding the right home inspector! Home inspection companies that sell other services – such as roofing, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom renovations, etc. – have a conflict of interest. The fact that they sell repair and renovation services means they are more likely to see problems where there aren’t any.

How to Choose a Home Inspection Company

When a house is bought or sold, a home inspection is a necessary procedure that alerts both homeowners and buyers to the condition of the property in question. If you are selling a home, it is important to have an inspection conducted so that you will be aware of any potential issues with the home you are selling. If you are buying a home, you should have a separate inspection conducted to be sure there are no hidden issues, and to negotiate the contract with potential repairs or problems in mind.

Be prepared for the cost. The average fee for a home inspection is between $350-$500, but the information received from an inspector is priceless. It could be the turning point between a sale and a buyer going back to searching for the perfect home.

Understand the actual inspection. Home inspectors enter a home and analyze all of the major components that make up a house purchase. Home inspection companies document the safety and overall condition of a home at the time of the inspection. Home inspections usually take about 3 hours for a minimal inspection, and 5 or 6 hours in order to arrive at a thorough, proper assessment. Depending on how old or large a house is, it may take longer or less time to complete.

Know what will be inspected. A home inspector must thoroughly conduct a review of the inner and outer areas of a house

Be prepared for bad news. It is a home inspector’s job to find any existing or potential problems with a house. They can lose their license if they fail to report issues, so although it might feel like they’re purposely giving bad news, be thankful for the information.

Finding the Right Home Inspector

If you are buying a home, an inspection could reveal problems you never would’ve noticed. An inspection can require the seller to fix what needs fixing before you buy the home. You could also find issues that make you decide not to buy. If you’re a seller, an inspection can help you find problems before you put the house on the market, letting you make the repairs without wrangling over the cost with a potential buyer. Learn why you should get an inspection before selling your home.

What to expect on inspection day

On the day of the inspection, the inspector performs an initial site evaluation. Then the inspector takes you on a tour to point out the assets as well as any potential problems. Pay attention, watch, ask questions and learn. A thorough inspection can find problems related to water entry, roof leaks, insect infestation, unsafe wiring, failed septic systems, poor plumbing, wet basements, mold and mildew, and safety hazards

At the end of the inspection, you receive a written report detailing all the findings. The report should contain photographs and descriptions of any damage or defects found during the inspection as well as details on the location of damage. Pictures help you understand the scope and location of the damage, and visual proof makes it easier to get repair estimates

So how can an inspector have expertise in so many different things? The simple answer is: Some don’t. That’s why it’s important to check an inspector’s background and references. Most home inspections are thorough, but even the best inspectors might not catch everything. “The condition of the home is the ‘snapshot’ of that day,” says John Palczuk of Carolina Inspections. “The home inspector is not going to find every possible thing wrong or that could go wrong. That’s an unrealistic expectation.”

Here’s how to find the right home inspector:

Look for an inspector before you shop for a home. If you choose a home first, time is critical and you may feel pressured to pick the first inspector you meet.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

Would you call a retail store and ask “How much do you charge for a TV?” Probably not. You’d have to do research and decide what you want to buy before asking for prices. One of the toughest calls that I get as a home inspector is “What do you charge for a home inspection?”

Home buyers often ask me this because they’re trying to find the inspector that offers the best deal. When buyers are only concerned with the price of a home inspection, they have already made an assumption that all home inspectors offer the same thing, and they assume they’re comparing apples to apples. This just isn’t true.

Here are a few key things to research before deciding on a home inspector, and to help make sure you’re making a fair comparison when it comes down to price. This is all information that home inspectors typically list on their web site (yes, I’m assuming they have a web site).

When reviewing a sample report, there is much more to look for than just photos and illustrations. Watch out for useless report writing that is designed to cover the home inspector’s butt, not yours. A bad report would contain a lot of phrases like “This was observed, recommend further evaluation and correction by a licensed blah blah blah”.  With this type of writing, you could easily have an inspection report that recommends a dozen additional inspections.   If further inspections are needed, that’s fine, but these recommendations should never be made lightly, because additional inspections require more time and money.

When I first started inspecting, I was told by a home inspection instructor that this was the best way to write a report. As I’ve written more and more reports over the years, I’ve come to realize that home inspection schools teach this style only to protect the inspector. This doesn’t provide a service for the client.  A good home inspection report will clearly state the problem, explain the significance of the problem if it’s not obvious, and will give a recommended course of action.

Why You Need to Know How to Find & Choose a Home Inspector

Choose carefully. The right home inspector can save you from buying a money pit. And that’s just one reason you need to know how to choose a home inspector. Find out more below.

Of all the various professionals involved in the homebuying process, probably the most underrated is the home inspector. As the buyer of a home filled with unknowns, a qualified home inspector can be your best friend. He or she can highlight any significant flaws in the property and give you an opportunity to have them repaired before closing.

What Exactly Does a Home Inspector Do?

A home inspector’s job is to determine the integrity of a home, and its various components. In inspecting a home, they’re looking to determine its safety, livability, and the utility of its systems. A qualified home inspector will do a thorough inspection of the home

Why You Shouldn’t Take the First Referral or One Referred by Your Realtor

If you’re working with a real estate agent, he or she will be anxious to provide a home inspector. There’s a reason why this is true; some real estate agents prefer home inspectors who don’t make a habit of reporting conditions that will “kill” their deal. That kind of inspector will be good for the real estate agent, but not for you as the homebuyer.

Credentials You Should Look For

Unfortunately, home inspection is something of an open field. People from different backgrounds consider themselves to be home inspectors. It could be a carpenter, a former real estate agent, or even an appraiser who does home inspection on the side. None of these backgrounds indicate the person is qualified as a full-service home inspector.

How To Get Rid Of Sugar Ants

How Much Do Ant Exterminators Cost? (A Simple Guide)

Outdoors, ants are a friend to us humans and to the environment. Inside our homes, however, ants are among the worst pests you’ll ever encounter.

So if you’re thinking about calling an ant exterminator, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you everything there is to know about contacting an ant control company—from when you should make the call to how to what to tell your neighbors, and everything in between.

Should You Call for Professional Ant Control?

Ants have been classified as social insects, meaning that they live in large nests or in clustered groups known as super colonies. They don’t stray too far from their home, so if you see a few ants scouting across your kitchen area, chances are that they’ve already established a colony inside your home’s structure.

Why Make the Call?

​Ants move in trails and they don’t shy away from human presence. Although they may seem like a snap to deal with on your own, an ant infestation is something that needs immediate professional attention.

When to Call for an Ant Exterminator

​The presence of ants inside your home doesn’t pose an immediate and serious threat to you and your family’s health.

HOW DO I MAKE MY HOME ANTS PROOF?

Although tiny and defenceless, ants do need to be controlled and removed when your home or business has an ant nest housing an army of ants. The army will usually consist of an ant that reproduces other ants, and also the common worker ants that find food to support the reproducing ant. Ants are crafty creatures and enjoy being together. You will rarely see an ant alone as they usually trail behind each other in single file.

You might think that killing a few ants that you see will solve the problem. Despite short-term gratification, however, ants are clever and leave behind pheromones which provide other ants with guidance as to where to travel. This means that ants can spread far in a short amount of time. Even if you break up the pack, they will be able to find their friends within their colony.

CAN ANTS CAUSE HARM?

Certain types of ants can cause harm to humans should they sting the person. However, common household ants are usually attracted to odours that emanate from food items, rotting food and dead plant matter, animals and insects. Household ants are unlikely to be attracted to humans and will not crawl after you.

HOW TO PREVENT ANTS IN HOUSE?

Keeping your property inside and outside clean is essential. Although ants are small and seemingly vulnerable, they can penetrate the home from any location with the slightest opening. It is important that you seal your home or business completely and ensure that no rubbish, food, or plant matter is left lying around the property. Ensure that your property has no odours and areas of dampness.

BEST WAY TO GET RID OF ANTS

It is wise to call a professional to get rid of ants. Ants are crafty creatures. Even if you sight a trail of ants and try to kill them with household means, such as soapy water, you will rarely target the nest which houses the colony. Professional ant controllers have the experience, tools and knowledge to be able to locate ant nests and terminate the breeding process with special treatment products that are proven to work effectively

Get Your House Back From Ants With Our $25 Off Ant Control Offer

PCI Pest Control has been around for over twenty years! That is twenty years of helping families protect their homes, and get rid of creepy crawlies. We understand how important protecting your family is, since we are a family company ourselves. The home is a special place for families to gather together and create memories, not pests. Let us help protect your home from pests for good.

Ant Inspections: There are many ant species in Western Washington – do you know which one you are dealing with? Make an appointment to have on of our trained technicians come out, so you know exactly which ant species is infesting your home. Different ants require different programs to control and prevent activity, so we want to provide the most specific treatment possible to make your home ant-free.

Ant Prevention Treatments: Ants are the #1 nuisance pest in the Pacific Northwest and you should expect activity at your home! But with the help of PCI Pest Control, you can get rid of these annoying ants because we offer preventative programs that will protect your home year round. PCI Pest Control exterminators will come to your home quarterly, bi-monthly, or even monthly if you desire to make sure your ant issues are taken care of.

Ant Infestation Treatments: If the ants have taken over your home, our infestation treatments will do the trick.  The ants will get kicked out of your home, for good.

Why Choose PCI Pest Control?

Here at PCI, we care about all of your pest control needs. Not every company cares about their clients, but at PCI Pest Control, we will treat you like family. As a family-owned company, family is a priority to us, so automatically, you are a priority as well.

ANT CONTROL

WE’LL SHUT DOWN ANTS BEFORE THEY COME MARCHING IN

Ants are highly social creatures — seeing one ant likely means more are nearby. And killing some ants won’t take care of the problem. Effective ant control often requires finding and treating the colony.

YOU NEED THE STRONGEST PEST PROTECTION YOU CAN GET

Pests never stop trying to get into your home. Terminix® never stops working to keep them out. With more than 90 years of experience killing termites and pests, we are America’s leading provider of termite and pest control services.

Ant indentification

With more than 700 species in the United States, ant identification can be quite a challenge. Start by looking for trails. Ants very rarely travel alone and are usually spotted when they’re hunting as a colony along paths that have been well established. When you’ve found a trail, look at the sizes of the ants. Are they identical or do they vary in size? Also observe when the ants are active—during the day or at night? Look for nests at the end of trails—especially in areas with soil. Soil nests have distinct shapes or patterns depending on the ant species.

Ant facts

Ant infestations tend to happen fast. Regardless of whether your ant problem is an annoyance or an all-out infestation, you may be surprised to learn how fascinating these little creatures actually are

Ant behavior

Ants are social insects that live in colonies and have several different types or castes of individuals. Each caste has a different function or job in the colony.

HOW TO GET RID OF CARPENTER ANTS

Getting rid of carpenter ants isn’t easy without an experienced service technician on your side, but there are some steps you can take on your own. Just be aware that even with a pest management professional, killing carpenter ants is a difficult task, and often requires quite a few attempts, due to the manner in which carpenter ants nest. So how do you get rid of carpenter ants? Here’s a helpful checklist.

HOW DO YOU FIND CARPENTER ANT NESTS?

Carpenter ant nests come in two forms: parent nests and satellite nests. The parent nest is where the queen resides. When resources in the parent nest become limited, satellite nests are settled and the colony expands. Nests can be indoors or out, so finding them is the key to getting rid of carpenter ants. These ants follow scented trails to travel back and forth between food and the nests. You can use this trailing behavior to your advantage to find the nests. Since they are most active late at night, place a few drops of honey or jelly on the backside of masking tape each night. When the ants feed on the honey, don’t spray or kill them. Instead, follow them back to their nest. This takes some patience.

WHERE SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR CARPENTER ANTS IN HOMES AND OUTSIDE?

Indoors, carpenter ant nests are usually located in areas where there is moisture-damaged wood. Prime nesting locations include wall voids, behind dishwashers, near sinks and tubs or other areas with high levels of moisture. The ants often access their nests via baseboards, electrical outlets, door casings or cracks in the walls. If the ants are just foraging in your home and their nest is outside, you will often find colonies in tree stumps, dead or dying trees, and other wood with a lot of moisture damage

HOW DO YOU DESTROY THE NEST?

While it’s highly recommended that a reliable pest management professional destroy carpenter ant nests, some homeowners attempt carpenter ant treatment themselves. For nests indoors, carefully drill one-eighth of an inch wide holes in the wall, every 6 inches or so. Do this 3 to 6 feet on either side of the suspected nest location. Carpenter ants love to travel on pipes and wires. As such, their nests are often located near wiring and piping, so be careful when drilling. When the holes are drilled, puff boric acid powder into them. The powder will disperse inside the wall voids and kill the ants right in their nest. Don’t seal the holes right away – you will likely have to repeat the treatment a few times since killing carpenter ants isn’t easy. If the nest is outdoors, it can be drenched in an insecticide such as carbaryl, diazinon or chlorpyrifos (these may not be legal in every state, so be sure to check first). However, this can be dangerous to children and pets, so it’s highly recommended that all treatments are handled and performed by a pest management technician.

WHAT’S THE BEST FORM OF CARPENTER ANT CONTROL AND PREVENTION?

to avoid having another one develop. Fix all leaks, including plumbing, roofs and drainage systems. Areas with high moisture levels should be evaluated and corrected to reduce moisture. If possible, eliminate any places where wood meets the soil outdoors. Clip tree limbs and brush that touches or overhangs the house as these are bridges for carpenter ants to enter your home. Seal all cracks in the foundation, including where wiring and utility pipes enter the structure. Get rid of any wood lying around the house. If you have a firewood pile, store it away from your home, elevated off of the ground.

Back Pain Treatments Under A Chiropractor

What to Look For When Choosing a Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a profession with a wide range of practice philosophies and techniques, which can make it difficult to select the top chiropractor. Because the treatment process involved in chiropractic is a physical process, you should seek a doctor you feel is competent and trustworthy.

What to Look For Before Choosing Your Chiropractor

There are a variety of techniques and joint manipulation styles in chiropractic practice, with no two being exactly alike.

Potential Red Flags and Chiropractic Techniques

While on your search for your ideal doctor, it’s also important to look out for unsafe or risky techniques that you may come across while seeking potential candidates.

Examples of techniques you should steer clear from:

The chiropractor claims to be the only one with a “special new technique” that no other chiropractor can use.

The chiropractor claims to be able to cure multiple conditions such as asthma, heartburn, infections, diabetes, or some other chronic condition. While using corrective chiropractic treatments to help “better,” these conditions is normal and commonly practiced; however, for a chiropractor to claim he can cure these conditions is not likely. 

The chiropractor recommends a long-term treatment plan, for example, 4 times per week for 6 to 12 months, then 3 times per week for another 6 to 12 months, then 2 times a week for 6 more months and so on.

The chiropractor requires a significant prepayment for unlimited treatment for 6 months to a year.

The chiropractor recommends the same type of therapy for almost every patient, regardless of the patient’s condition.

The chiropractor continually recommends ongoing, “never ending” care. There should ultimately be an end point to your treatment when goals are achieved or a change in treatment if improvement remains stationary.

Seeking Medical Treatment at the Chiropractor’s Office

Now that you have criteria to evaluate potential chiropractors and the best corrective chiropractic care, the best thing to do is narrow down your choices

How to Choose a Chiropractor

Because chiropractors can vary so greatly in their personalities, treatment options and techniques as well as philosophies, it is important to know what to look for when choosing one. How to choose a chiropractor has much more to do with simply receiving a flyer from a community practitioner and going over there. There are several things to take into consideration, after all, your experience and family’s wellness depends on it.

Who do you know who uses a chiropractor or has? Would they recommend that person? What is the chiropractor’s online reputation?

Remember that people’s opinion is subjective and their idea of a “good” chiropractor may not be the same as yours. Ask why they feel they are good and see if that matches your ideas. These are the answers that will get to the heart of the experience. Were they treated well? Is the chiropractor knowledgeable? Does the chiropractor listen?

now what your needs are

You may only know that you have pain and that you want it to stop. You may have had previous experience with a chiropractor and know already what you like and don’t.

Learn their philosophy of care

As many chiropractors as there are, there are almost as many philosophies. Read their Mission and/or Vision Statement. Ask why they got into this business. Discover what makes them different. If that matches your goals and makes sense to you, then schedule an initial visit and meet the staff.

Visit and learn more

Plan on an initial consultation visit to see what you think of the office and chiropractic experience they offer. Look for credentials and testimonials. Ask about additional services they may offer both in and outside the clinic.

How Can I Find a Qualified Chiropractor?

The best way to find a qualified chiropractor is through another provider’s referral or through a personal referral from a friend. The advice of someone with first hand experience is always valuable when choosing a healthcare provider.

What are some of the differences among chiropractors that I should be aware of?

It should be noted that the care recommendations you receive from one office may be quite different from those you receive from another office. In contrast to medicine, there is a much wider range of acceptable approaches and types of treatments given across chiropractic.

How much does it cost?

The cost of chiropractic care will vary in part upon where you live and the type of coverage you carry. If you have health insurance, check your insurance policies, since many insurers cover chiropractic care. Auto accidents and on-the-job injuries are also usually covered. Your policy may require you use chiropractors only within your provider network, stipulate that care must be approved in advance, require a copay, or have limits on the number of visits covered.

The cost of an initial visit normally includes an examination and often a set of X-rays. The cost of a moderate intake exam and X-rays might be about $160. The charges for more extensive examinations and X-rays will of course be higher. Subsequent visits for care might be in the approximate range of $50 to $90 per visit, again related to the number of services needed for your care

Other questions you might ask when selecting a chiropractor:

How they feel about working collaboratively with your primary care doctor

How willing they are to refer you to specialists

What services they provide in their office, such as physiotherapy

Their preferred goals of care. Ask what is typically done on a first visit (you should expect to be treated, not just assessed). Continued care to sustain wellness is good practice, but this decision will need to come through thoughtful discussions between you and your chiropractor.

How to Pick the Right Chiropractor

How do you pick the right chiropractor without spending weeks or months doing a search? It is important to find a doctor who understands your needs and can help. Consider the following ideas to make the search process for a chiropractor easier

Ask for Advice

The easiest way to find the right chiropractor is to ask other people for advice. They may have experience with good chiropractors and know someone that they can recommend. They may be friends with a chiropractor or live next to one. Consider asking friends, family and coworkers for suggestions to find a good chiropractor.

Ask Doctors for Recommendations

Ask your current doctor for chiropractic recommendations. General practitioners are often familiar with other doctors in the area and may know the best chiropractors in the city. Sometimes nurses, receptionists and other people who work in a general doctor’s office can also make recommendations. They may even be located near a good chiropractor.

Look Online

There are many review websites and other sites that offer information about chiropractors in a specific area. Consider using them to look for patient reviews and recommendations. Do some background research on local chiropractors by checking their licenses and websites. Each state has a Chiropractic Licensing Board that can provide more information

Listen to Your Intuition

Sometimes listening to your intuition can help narrow down the search. Pay attention to how each interaction with an office feels. As you ask questions and make phone calls, listen to your intuition and let it guide some of the process. Trusting the gut can take practice, but it is worth it.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Chiropractor

Wellness or maintenance care.

Too many Chiropractors put their financial wealth before their patients health.  Although regular chiropractic care is a great way to prevent future problems and improve performance it is not mandatory to do so.  Just like going to the dentist regularly is a good idea to prevent cavities it is not mandatory to do so.  Wellness or maintenance care is a good way for a Chiropractor to make extra money, and a common reason many medical doctors don’t refer to chiropractors. If you feel good and your chiropractor insists that you still need to come in, get a second opinion before continuing care.

Questionable diagnostics.

If your chiropractor tests your muscles and because they are weak diagnoses an internal problem, he or she should refer you to an internist.  On the other hand, if you have weak muscles because you are out of shape, a good Chiropractor will refer you to a therapist, a gym, or design a strengthening program for you. If your muscles are weak due to a serious disease, nerve problem, or serious structural problem your DC should refer you for a second opinion with a neurologist or orthopedist.  Muscle testing alone should not be the reason your chiropractor wants to continue to treat you if there is no pain

Silly marketing gimmicks.

Health fairs, swap meets, and shopping malls often have chiropractors giving free spinal examinations. There are a variety of gimmicks designed to procure you as a patient. The most common one is a postural analysis. If you have poor posture and no pain, a chiropractor should not just want to manipulate you, but instead should design a workout or exercise program for you, or refer you to a therapist or trainer as well.

Treating areas that don’t hurt.

When you receive treatment, three things happen. You get better, you get worse, or you stay the same. If you feel good, only two things can occur.  You either stay the same or you get worse. If you go to a chiropractor with lower back pain, he or she should not manipulate your neck unless you also have a neck problem.  There is no evidence that performing manipulation on a neck can help your lower back or vice versa. If your chiropractor insists on manipulating areas that don’t hurt without explaining the significance of doing so, get a second opinion before continuing care.

Excessive supplementation.

Chiropractors take many nutrition classes in school. Beware of any chiropractor who says his or her vitamins are the only ones that work. Beware of any chiropractor who wants to sell you large amounts of supplements without referring you to a retailer or health-food store for comparable products at a considerably lower cost.

Reasons To Hire An Immigration Lawyer

HOW TO CHOOSE AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER

Choosing an immigration lawyer can be daunting. Immigration is a complicated process: You need someone who is proactive, knowledgeable and sympathetic to your situation. The process requires time, diligence and tireless attention to detail. It is also a collaboration that involves constant cooperation and communication between you and your attorney. So before you hire an immigration attorney, learn what separates a good immigration lawyer for a great one – do your research before your first consultation.

Specializes exclusively in immigration law and has broad immigration law experience. Immigration law is very complex and is extraordinarily detail-intensive. A lawyer who claims to have immigration law experience will not necessarily have the same expertise as one who practices immigration law exclusively. Often, attorneys who practice immigration as well as other fields such as corporate or family law, do not have a great understanding of immigration law as a whole. More often than not, they have some understanding of simple petitions and may handle standard cases, but they tend not to have broad immigration law experience or expertise for more complicated cases.

Practices in a multi-lawyer firm. When you hire an attorney, you are not hiring just one person to handle your case, you are hiring a team of legal professionals. The advantage of hiring an attorney from a multi-lawyer practice is that your attorney will have an immediate pool of additional resources. No one can be an expert in everything – having a team of talented and experienced lawyers working closely together will inspire and allow your attorney to tackle a myriad of different issues.

Is well-known and well-respected in the community. Immigration law is a very specialized field and reputation is everything. Before hiring an immigration lawyer, do your research to find out if your lawyer is a respected member of the professional community. Check your lawyer’s credentials to ascertain whether he or she is authorized to practice law (i.e. has passed the Bar and remains in good standing), and research his or her track record. Your local state bar website will disclose if your attorney has any complaints or violations that have been filed against them. The American Immigration Lawyer Association (AILA), is another good resource. This is the official professional organization for immigration lawyers and can provide you with recommendations on immigration lawyers in your area. However, membership in AILA does not guarantee a lawyer’s experience or success record.

What to Expect from Your Attorney:

When you attend your first consultation, pay attention to your attorney’s demeanor with you and with the rest of the staff. Your attorney should be familiar with the law and able to answer your questions and concerns directly. The consultation should start soon after you complete any necessary paperwork. Ideally, the firm should feel inviting and professional. Company culture and relations among staff members are crucial factors in establishing a positive atmosphere. It has been proven time and again that the best law firms have professionals who can work together as a team. In our experience, a friendly work environment and true emphasis on teamwork add tremendous value for our clients.

HOW TO SELECT AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY

Immigration law is one of the most complex areas of law. Selecting the right immigration attorney can make the difference between obtaining a green card or being forced to leave the United States. Immigration Attorney Carl Shusterman, a former INS Attorney (1976-82) whose law firm has assisted thousands of persons across the US in obtaining temporary visas, permanent residence and US citizenship for over 30 years, explains what you should look for in choosing an immigration attorney to represent you

Before you visit the attorney’s website, google him to see what others have written about him or her, especially former clients and fellow immigration attorneys. Check other search engines and rating services. Has he written blogs posts regarding the specific problem that you have? Make sure that he does not have a disciplinary record with the State Bar.

Go to a Law Firm which is Professional and Knowledgeable

“Very professional law firm. We had a difficult issue and Mr. Shusterman’s office got right onto the case and resolved the issue with USCIS. Because of their efforts, me and my family were able to get our Legal Permanent Residency card. My suggestion to those trying to obtain employment based card. Don’t look for money saving attorney. They will cost you lot more in long run. Go to a law firm which is professional and knowledgeable. It pays in the long term.”

Choosing the Right Immigration Attorney for You

How much experience practicing immigration law does the attorney have? Is he a Certified Specialist in Immigration Law? Has he ever worked as an attorney for the Immigration Service?

Tips For Finding The Best Immigration Lawyer For You

One of the most important choices immigrants make is hiring the best immigration lawyer to represent them before the USCIS or in Immigration Court. The same is true for employers. We all share the urge to get the best deal we can get, but often saving money and obtaining the best representation are polar opposites

HIRE A CERTIFIED SPECIALIST

Immigrants frequently choose attorneys just because they speak their language or are from the same country as they are. Some immigration attorneys have built huge followings by blanketing ethnic newspapers with ads touting their successes. Other attorneys, including Yours Truly, are known largely through their websites

However, speaking a particular language, running big ads, or having a popular website is no guarantee of quality. Expertise and experience are far more important than “self-advertised or paid” prominence.

HOW IMPORTANT IS LOCATION?

Immigration law is federal. Therefore, an immigration lawyer in Texas or California can represent corporate and individual clients in all 50 states. For example, during the past few weeks, attorneys in our law firm flew to New York City, Reno, Dallas, and Philadelphia to represent clients. In a typical case, however, the petitions and applications are simply mailed to the USCIS, and no interview is required.

FIND INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAWYER ONLINE

There are a host of websites that you can use to learn more about the lawyer you are interested in hiring to represent you

ARE YOU SEEKING TO HIRE THE BEST IMMIGRATION LAWYERS? HERE RE A FEW GUIDELINES TO HELP YOUR SEARCH

What Should You Look For When You Are Seeking To Hire An Immigration Lawyer or Immigration Attorney To Handle Your Immigration Law Case?

There seem to be so many people out there that prepare immigration visas and work permits and visa applications. But how do you know that they are good? Since this is a very personal process don’t you want to be sure that you hire the very best immigration attorney? How do you know if you are hiring the very best immigration lawyer(s) to assist you, your family or your employer with a process that is so incredibly complex and personal?

There are many people that purport to do immigration work on the internet. Some advertise very cheap prices. Should you shop a process like this based upon price? When you have a particular ailment do you seek the cheapest doctor you can find or do you look for the very best doctor that you can find who is capable of providing you (and your family) with the very best information, the very best service and the very best ability to respond to your medical concerns? Picking an immigration lawyer a to assist you should be no different

Going back to the issue of specialty in the immigration law field, you will want to check out the various specialties that are handled by a particular immigration lawyer or law firm. Instead of picking the largest law firm that handles a volume of cases, it may be in your best interest to find an immigration and nationality law firm that focuses on specific immigration law area. Immigration law is a very complex area and it seems to be constantly changing as immigration law is a “political football” that tends to change constantly depending upon such things as the state of the economy, perceptions on Wall Street, the need for STEM workers in the U.S., the desire for the U.S. to open its doors to Foreign National – Alien – Entrepreneurs, and/or the desire or need for temporary skilled or unskilled foreign national labor. As the area of immigration and nationality law continues to change, law firms have continued to become specialized with regard to the types of immigration law practice that they undertake.

For example, some immigration law firms concentrate their practice(s) in the area of family-based immigration law. These law firms or practitioners sometimes handle waivers and provisional waivers of inadmissibility, CSPA, Humanitarian Reinstatements and some do not. Other immigration law firms and immigration practitioners concentrate their practices in the area of business immigration law. These firms focus on assisting the employer and their Human Resources staff to understand the nuances of temporary nonimmigrant transfers such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-3 visa petitions, etc. These immigration and nationality law firms also assist with permanent transfers of foreign national to the U.S. using pre-certified green card classifications such as the National Interest Waiver (NIW), the Outstanding Researcher, Multinational Executive or Nurses in the Schedule A, Group I classification. These immigration law firms or immigration law practitioners may assist with permanent transfers of foreign nationals to the U.S. using the PERM Labor Certification process

However, now that the business immigration law arena has become much more complex, some business immigration law firms have expanded their levels of service so that they can assist employers with H-1B Site Visits, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Labor Condition Application (LCA) investigations and I-9 Form Employment Eligibility Verification Audit investigations

Tips for Choosing an Immigration Lawyer

There’s a fair bit of paperwork to get done during the immigration process, and you may feel overwhelmed when you first sit down to prepare your immigration forms. You might begin to wonder if you need to hire an immigration lawyer to manage the process. However, if your case is fairly straightforward, you should be able to manage things on your own.

There are good reasons, though, to hire an immigration lawyer to handle your case. If you run into a snag partway through the process, you might need legal assistance to work through the issue. If your immigration situation is complicated, or if you simply don’t have the time or confidence to prepare the forms yourself, you might benefit from the help of an immigration lawyer.

Get references. Ask family, friends or colleagues if they know any immigration lawyers. Even if they haven’t been through immigration themselves, they may be able to connect you with someone they know who has retained the services of an immigration lawyer. People are quick to recommend a good lawyer and even quicker to name a poor one, which can be a great help when you’re beginning your search.

Search AILA. Search for a lawyer on the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website. AILA is a national association of lawyers and attorneys who teach and practice immigration law, so you can be reasonably certain you’re dealing with someone who understands immigration law and policies. If you’re starting your research from scratch, you can search for a lawyer in your area. If you’ve been given the names of a few lawyers, you can look them up to see if they are members. While membership in AILA is not a requirement to practice immigration law, membership can be a good indication of a lawyer’s level of commitment to the practice.

Interview your short list. Interview potential lawyers to find one who matches your needs. Ask them if they have any experience with your type of case. Immigration law is a huge specialty, so you’ll want a lawyer who is familiar with your type of case. If the lawyers provide client references, use the contacts to get a better understanding of the lawyers’ work styles

Importance Of Eye Care

Why users of computers should take  care?

A job involving looking at a computer screen for long periods of time can cause eyestrain and can worsen existing vision problems or reveal previously undiagnosed problems. Using your eyes intensely for close vision can lead to the discomfort of headaches, blurred or double vision, flickering feelings or itching eyes. Productivity may well be affected.

How can a change of spectacles help?

Previously adequate spectacles or contact lenses may be inadequate for the demands of computer screen use.  The loss of near focusing ability caused by the eyes’ natural ageing may necessitate special spectacles for the distance of the screen.  Far-sighted people may suddenly find their eyes straining to maintain clear focus at screen distance.  The common problem of astigmatism may be aggravated, resulting in blurred vision.

Eye Care Essentials for Computer Users

If you spend hours each day working at a computer screen, you may experience eyestrain, blurred vision, itchy eyes, and occasional double vision.

However, studies have found no indication that working on a computer screen causes permanent vision problems. Short-term problems, such as tired, irritated, or watery eyes, do bother the majority of people who work at computers, but these problems can usually be corrected by wearing a special pair of glasses for computer work, adjusting lighting in the workplace, and altering the position of the computer screen.

Correct vision problems

One of the easiest ways to prevent eye fatigue and discomfort is to see a vision specialist.

Minor visual problems, such as astigmatism or imbalances between the eyes, can be corrected by wearing corrective lenses, and you’ll greatly increase your comfort. If you don’t have to see distant objects clearly while at the computer, wearing bifocal lenses with the top adjusted for the computer screen and the bottom adjusted for reading is ideal

If your distance vision must be clear while working at the computer, bifocal lenses with the upper part adjusted for distance and a large bottom part adjusted for the computer is recommended. As an alternative, a progressive lens with a large middle section for computer work could be used.

Some people can comfortably use bifocal contact lenses when working at a computer, but in most cases, glasses will provide greater comfort and clearer vision.

Increase your comfort

If you spend hours each day working at a computer screen, you may suffer from eyestrain, blurred vision, itchy eyes, and occasional double vision.

The following steps can help to reduce your eye discomfort and fatigue:

  • Place the computer straight in front of you, not off to the side.
  • Place the screen at right angles to any windows to reduce glare.
  • Fix the screen angle to reduce reflections from overhead lights or desk lamps.
  • Use drapes, shades, or blinds to control window lighting and glare. Vertical or horizontal blinds will direct light away from you and the computer.
  • Keep the screen brightness the same or brighter than the brightness of other objects in the room.
  • Set your computer to show black characters on a white background.
  • Use a flexible copyholder to keep reference material at the same height and distance away from you as the computer screen. This does away with the need to change eye focus when looking from one to the other.
  • Use a filter that reduces glare to enhance screen contrast and increase character legibility. Use a computer hood that has 3 sides if glare continues to be a problem.
  • Wipe the screen often with an anti-static cloth.
  • Take rest breaks. Every 15 minutes or so, look up and focus on a distant object for about 2 minutes. Blinking frequently and using artificial tear eye drops to relieve dryness and irritation can also help.

Posture and screen position

The posture is very important while using the computer as if it is even slightly uncomfortable, then you can get neck and back pains and even numbness in the hands making your work and lifestyle suffer. This even applies to the level of the screen with the eyes that have an impact on the clear vision from the screen. These elements if not taken care of, tend to make the person suffer for which there must be awareness generated from the moment a person starts learning computers. A major concern is for the eye sight that must not get damaged or altered with the use of the computer.
In jobs these days, one cannot avoid the use of computers for which you must know the most efficient way of doing it. The correct level of the screen from the eyes is a little below the eyes. The screen should be easily an arm length away which gives the optimum distance for reading and viewing from it. The ideal angle should be about twenty degrees below the level of the eyes. All of this ensures that the rays are not directly coming in contact to your eyes in a way in which it may prove to be harmful. There are other aspects such as the background lighting that also affects the vision when using computers. If any one of these aspects are neglected it will lead to the disability in viewing the screen well which will put strain on your eyes. The background light must not fall on the screen and also not be on the back for it to be reflected from the screen to your eyes.

Careful parameters
Other than the screen and the lights there are spectacles that need to be made with anti-glare coating that will prevent the eyes from taking the light that is reflected and received. These glares can be very damaging and hence you must insist on an anti-reflective coating that prevents the eyes from taking in the sheen and gives proper vision. If you keep wearing the anti-glare coated lenses while using the computers then you are surely more protect than using it without them.

Not avoiding the use of computers, exercises, cold tea bags, viewing far to change focal length after twenty minutes, and other such dietary aspects help preventing the eye sight from constant use of the computer.