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Long Distance Moving Companies

How To Choose a Long Distance Moving Company.

After going through different companies, you may be wondering which one to choose. You may want to go for the most affordable option, but sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best. You may get caught in a moving scam, which is why you need to be careful before hiring.

It is recommended to hire a local company; therefore, you won’t have to deal with movers solely on the internet. Scan your area for long-distance movers and make sure to get written in-home estimates from at least three of them. Also, every long-distance mover should have a license, if the one you’re thinking of hiring does, you should check it.

Know When to Book the Movers Before You Move

The two main factors that determine how difficult it might be to book a mover are where and when. While how much stuff you have to move should also be considered, it won’t prevent you from finding a good mover.

Local Move Within the Same City During Summer

If you’re moving during the summer, book as soon as you can. Ideally, two months before your move date. Worse case, at least four weeks, but know that if you only have a month or less before your move, you’ll have a limited choice of movers. Most good movers are booked two to three months out.

Local Move Within the Same City Off-Season

If you’re not moving in the summer, then you can book anywhere from two to four weeks before your move date. Keep in mind, even during the fall, winter, or spring, good movers will book up so always try to give as much notice as possible.

Move to Another City Within the Same State During Summer

​Intrastate moves—moves that are within the same state—are less complicated than out of state moves, so booking movers 10 to 12 weeks before you move is sufficient. Because there are fewer movers who will move to another city in the same state, you should allow at least two to three months, especially if moving in the summer.

Move to Another City Within the Same State Off-Season

For an intrastate move that isn’t happening during summer, you can get away with booking four to eight weeks before the move date with two months being the ideal amount of time needed.

Is It Weird to Help Your Movers? 5 Things Movers Absolutely Love

To help move your move along, I can say from experience that these 5 areas are the best, most useful things you can do ahead of your Hybrid move. Of course, most movers will be happy to do the things on this list for you, but do everyone a favor – yourself included – and consider being mover ready if you’re looking to save the absolute most amount of money. I’ll tell them it was your idea.

1. Disconnect and unplug as many electronics, lamps, and appliances as possible

See all those cords and wires back there on the floor behind the TV stand? That dusty tangle of connections for your DVD player, Xbox and iPod portal? Nice, huh? Your movers, of course, would be happy to get down on their hands and knees and spend half an hour disconnecting that mess…but is that really what you want to be paying them for?

Tip: Make things easy on yourself at the other end of your move by labeling or otherwise organizing all those cords. Put them in Ziploc bags, or simply wrap them in newspaper and label them with a big, fat marker.

2. Get everything off of every single wall

Yes, you are already off-the-wall crazy with everything you have to do (har har). But this can be done little-by-little in five or ten second increments weeks ahead of your move.

It’s this simple: when you walk past any picture, take it down. Place it right there against the wall on the floor. Better yet, find some out-of-the-way wall space where you can lean ALL your pictures, paintings, clocks and mirrors. Do the same with all your smaller picture frames from the side tables and shelves. You’ll have saved your movers a lot of precious time.

Tip: Keep a small bag for all those nails and hanger things – you’ll want them when it’s time to start decorating your new home.

3. Strip your mattress and fold your bedding

Instantly make your bed move-ready by stripping the mattress and folding up all your bedding ahead of your move. If the movers are packing you up, they’ll only have to stick those blankets, pillows and sheets inside a box. If you are doing your own packing, then have a box ready by your bed so that you can get one box packed before you’re even out of your pajamas.

4. Take the front wheels off your bicycles

Got a bicycle? Or a few? Consider removing the front wheels. Bicycles don’t fit into a loaded truck so readily with the handlebars sticking out on both sides. Bikes are also usually among the last items to be loaded onto the truck, when there’s often not a lot of space.

If you are inexperienced you may risk damaging your bike, so be gentle with your two-wheeled buddy. Flip that lever, open the brake caliper and slip that front wheel off. YouTube is your friend.

Tip: Keep that wheel with the rest of the bike – you’ll need it later. Sounds facetious but we’ve seen that front wheel get set aside for last and then end up forgotten – almost…

Tip #2: Your rear derailleur is both fragile and expensive. Protect it by shifting the chain onto the largest sprocket. This keeps it closer to the wheel for an extra ounce of protection against getting bent or broken.

5. Make a space for anything you don’t want them to touch

In preparing for your move you’ll find a whole host of items you’ll want to keep on hand: phone, charger, maps, stuff to mail, bathroom junk, cigarette lighter…you get the idea. You might want to designate a place for all the stuff you don’t want packed or moved. A kitchen counter is usually a good choice – push all that stuff into a marked box, or in a pile against the wall where there will also likely be an outlet to keep your gadgets charged.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MOVERS

When you’re about to move to a new home, and you want professional help to make it happen. You want more than just a truck rental that comes with some strong laborers. You want strategic, experienced movers who can execute the process efficiently.

The relationship you form with your movers may not be long-lasting, but it is important. You’re going to share part of a life-changing experience with these guys and you need to count on them to have your back.

However, unless you’re an employer, chances are you have little experience with the hiring process, much less the interview process. It’s possible that the only question you’re prepared to ask your mover is, “Hi, how are you?” It may be a start of a good relationship, but it doesn’t really do much to inform you about how qualified these guys are. It’s vital to know what questions you should be asking in order to determine whether or not these movers are a good fit for your job.

Luckily, we have a few questions that might come in handy when you want to find the right team for your move, and we’re not opposed to sharing. Here are a few that you may want to ask your mover.

1. Do the movers have references for their services?

References are the equivalent of customer reviews for the moving company. They come from non-biased sources who are looking for pretty much the same things from a company that you are looking for yourself, and you’re likely to get more of a relatable and down- to- earth story from reading them. Ask your company if they can provide online testimonials from past customers or look for reviews yourself if you feel they are more trustworthy.

2. Do the movers charge any additional fees?

Ah, those little “read between the lines” fees that you don’t know about until you end up paying for them. Sometimes companies charge extra for hard-to-handle items or if the building you’re moving from or to isn’t easy to access.  Ask about fuel or distance surcharges as well. You don’t want to be slapped with a bigger bill than the one you were expecting.

3. What’s your rate and how is it determined?

Most companies charge a rate based on weight and distance and take it as a red flag if they charge you by cubic feet. If you’re moving long distance, rates must depend on poundage. For shorter distances, an hourly rate may apply. Make certain to get an estimate in writing including all costs you and your movers will be responsible for, and be sure that it is signed by both parties.

4. What does the movers’ insurance policy cover?

When people move delicate and heavy objects by themselves across long distances, stuff happens. Moving is an injury prone line of work, and when an employee drops your wedding china tripping over a box, you want to know who’s picking up the tab. Find out about the company’s insurance policies for property damage, injury, and commercial auto to make sure you won’t be left high and dry if the unexpected happens.

5. What packing services are available?

They don’t call them precious belongings for no reason. If you’ve got some, you may want to ask a few questions on how they’re going to be protected and labeled. Some companies include these services in the cost, others charge extra. Get a line on how your company works and also how your items will be labeled. You may be expected to take care of appliance service charges if the mover needs to disconnect and reconnect the appliances. 

Types of moving estimates

  • Binding moving estimate: If the mover gives you a binding estimate, they’re required to honor the price they provide you as long as nothing changes. If you only move the items listed on the inventory sheet, the final price should match what appears on the binding estimate.
  • Non-binding moving estimate: A non-binding estimate is merely a document with the mover’s best guess of your moving cost. The final price is determined by the weight of your shipment and the services provided. Although the actual bill may go much higher than the non-binding estimate, your mover can only require you to pay 110 percent of the written estimate at the time of delivery. You’ll be billed for any remaining charges later.
  • Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate: A binding-not-to-exceed estimate is the same as a binding estimate except that you’ll pay less than the quoted price if your items weigh less than what’s estimated.
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Fun And Themed Party Bus

PARTY BUS RENTALS

Limousine Services

The party doesn’t have to stop because you’re on the move. With party lighting, lavish interior decoration, great sound, and room for champagne,

Tri-State Area Limousine Services

Luxor’s party bus is a distinctive way to transport big groups without hailing fleets of cabs, while the bus’s sleek exterior is ideal for making an entrance.

Limousine + Cupid = Romantic Things Around The City

It’s the season of love! A very chilly season indeed, but is there a more romantic date then the celebration of Valentine’s Day every year around? From young couples, newlyweds, senior people everyo ne strives to make this day a special one for them and their partner. Well, if you are slowly running out of the ideas – why don’t we share some interesting city activities that might just ”spear your heart” for this special occasion. Of course, like strawberries to chocolate, this works in the perfect way only with the ”help” of our lavishly decorated limousine.

A Day With Kids

The holiday season is over, and all the presents are already opened, played with and some even broken. But since January is an ideal time to travel, or spend a day touring around after a while – we suggest that you book yourself one of our spacious, cozy vehicles and make a great afternoon with your children and other family members!

New Year’s Eve in the style

The end of this year is the beginning of a whole new decade. Time sure flies and what better way to celebrate a whole new start – while doing fun things around the city in one

Bachelorette Party Ideas

Mix and match many Different entertainment ideas to create the perfect bachelorette party. From spa pampering and wine tasting, to VIP nightclub bottle service and private male exotic dancers, remember the #1 ingredient for any bachelorette party is definitely a VIP party bus from Imperial Partybus!

“Naughty”

Bachelorette Party Go traditional with a “naughty” themed party. Get the bride some scandalous gifts, and play Pin the Macho on the Man, Don’t forget to get tons of phallic items! And remember: what happens at the bachelorette party stays at the bachelorette party!

Scavenger Hunt

Host a scavenger hunt full of outrageous tasks. Take pics of each task, then share all of your pictures with each other at the end of the night. Award prizes to the fastest team, team who completed most tasks, and the most creative picture. Print a free scavenger hunt here.

Casino Night

Make a visit to “Poto” and test your luck. The food and drinks are good, and its a great starting or ending point for your groups day of fun!

Brunch

Who says a bachelorette party has to be at night? Meet at your favorite brunch place for good food, unlimited mimosas, and fun conversation. Call ahead to make a reservation for a large table or back area so you’re guaranteed to get in at a reasonable time! Don’t want to go out? Host brunch at your place! Make waffles, bacon, fruit salad, and have an omelette station set up while you wait for the bus!

The Dos and Don’ts of Party Bus Rentals

Planning a party involves a lot of coordination, especially when it comes to your transportation. You may find that instead of forcing guests to drive their own vehicle or carpool to your destination, a party bus rental will streamline everything and make for an even more festive time. But before you call up the first company you find and reserve a vehicle, you might want to heed the following dos and don’ts. They’ll make sure everything goes smoothly and that you’ll make a great decision

Ask questions: A flashy website or a well-known name might help you whittle down the list of potential companies to choose from, but these won’t tell you everything you need to know. Remember to about how long they’ve been in business, the certifications of drivers, and their insurance and safety records. You should also find out more information about the condition and age of their vehicles. While 60% of limousine companies have fewer than five cars in their fleet, these vehicles might not always be up-to-date. If the company cannot provide you with satisfactory information on these topics, you might want to move on down the list.

Visit them in person: There’s only so much you can glean from a website or online reviews. Seeing the vehicles, as well as the company’s physical offices, in real life can answer a lot of questions for you immediately. You’ll be able to assess whether the party buses are top-of-the-line or in need of major repairs, as well as whether the vehicles can accommodate the number of people in your party. And if everything looks good to go, you’ll be able to feel confident in your choice.

Get a written contract: To ensure both you and the limo company are protected and understand the terms of your agreement, it’s best to get everything in writing. This should include the price of the party bus rental (including the deposit), tipping policy, cleaning fees, what else is provided, and what’s not allowed during the ride. This literally spells everything out so that there’s no confusion about costs or permitted behaviors. You can then pass this information on to others in your party to ensure everyone will adhere to the rules.

Wait too long to book: When booking a party bus, you need to do so in advance. Waiting until the last minute will put a lot of stress on you, leave you with less time to make payments, and limits the variety of buses and packages that might be available to you. This is especially important to remember if your event takes place during busy times of year (e.g., prom or wedding season). Make sure to do your research early and put your plans in place as soon as possible to make it less likely you’ll be left in the lurch.

LimoBus

If you’re looking for a limo bus in NJ and need a company you can count on to deliver high quality service, Limo Bus is the choice you’ve been waiting for. We’re dedicated to bringing you to your destination safely, in comfort and in style. Whatever the occasion may be, all you have to do is sit back and relax while our experienced chauffeurs worry about everything else.

What Makes Our Party Bus & Limo Company Unique

Based in Fairfield, our party bus and limousine company believes transportation should be built upon three main ideas: Professionalism, customer service, and luxury. At Limo Bus, our trained and highly qualified drivers will get you and your group safely to your destination as well as provide the utmost courtesy to your guests. We understand that first impressions are a big deal, so why not impress your friends, family or business partners by arriving in style in a first class party bus? Whether you need a luxury car, coach bus, limousine or party bus in NJ for your next event, we guarantee you a free and accurate estimate every time.

Limo Bus Service You Can Count On

Limo Bus was founded with just a single limo bus and a business model based upon excellent customer service and attention to detail

PARTY BUS RENTALS – WE TAKE CARE OF YOU

TOP VALUE

We offer excellent rates! provides top value without sacrificing service quality. So, let party bus be your chariot for a GREAT TIME!

PREMIER SERVICE

understands the finer points of service excellence; from our happy and skilled drivers, to setting an overall tone for a stellar ride experience

FLEET

aim is to provide YOU, our client, with a safe, comfortable and pleasurable ride experience including amenities like—totally plush & VIP interiors, amazing light displays, flat screen TVs with DVD players, premium sound systems, wet bars, dance poles, and more

YOU NAME IT… REASONS TO RENT A PARTY BUS

No matter the type of occasion, will be there to provide your party bus rental needs. There are countless ways you can enjoy a Party Bus — birthday parties (teens & adults), night out, bachelor/bachelorette parties, graduation, Coronation/Prom, wedding party transportation, church groups, holiday excursions, tailgating & sports events, and so much more

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Choosing A Car Dealer Can Be A Tough Deal

How to Get a Good Deal on a Used Car

Depreciation is Depressing

Why should you buy a used car? A new car will depreciate about 10% the moment it leaves the lot and another 20% within its first year. After three years, the average car is worth about 60% of what it was when new. That might be depressing news for the original owner, but it represents a screaming deal for the prudent used-car buyer.

A model that is one to three years older will likely still be under the manufacturer’s warranty, and unless it has been abused, it is likely to offer many more years of good service. Also, consider that the used car marketplace is huge—about 43 million used vehicles change hands each year, dwarfing the 17 million in new car sales.

Research First

So, how do you make sure you get a good deal? “Do everything you can before physically going to buy the car,” said Philip Reed, a senior consumer advice editor at automotive review site Edmunds. That means researching what make and model you are interested in and how much they sell for in your area. By researching specific vehicles that have the features and mileage you are looking for, you introduce competition to the car-buying process. A seller might not match the lowest price you find, but it cannot hurt to ask.

Edmunds is a good resource for auto shoppers. It, along with Kelley Blue Book and National Automotive Dealers Association, track new and used car purchases to provide granular pricing information. “We collect tens of thousands of transactions per week from wholesale auctions, dealers both large and small, vehicle registration data, listing data and other sources,” said Alec Gutierrez, a senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book, of his organization’s process. “This data is then cleansed, normalized and run through a statistical modeling process.”

Check It Out

Once you have determined what you want to buy, and what they sell for, it is time to check out the car, take it for a test drive and make sure everything the seller says about it is true. Get the vehicle history report (Carfax and AutoCheck are two popular choices) to confirm the odometer reading, ownership history and reports of accidents and flood damage

Buying a used car

There are steps you can take to help you avoid buying a car that’s been badly damaged, stolen or illegally altered. They’ll also simply help you get a car that doesn’t break down.

If you’re buying from a trader (a business that sells cars) you should:

look for an established firm with a good reputation

look for a trade association sign (for example, the Retail Motor Industry Federation or the Scottish Motor Trade Association) or a sign that says they follow The Motor Ombudsman’s code of practice – this means you can act through a trade association if something goes wrong

look for a trader whose cars have been inspected by an independent engineer or motoring organisation

Buying from an auction

Auctions are probably the riskiest way of buying a used car. You probably won’t have the legal protection that you have if you buy through a trader (for example, the right to returns and refunds).

Check a car’s history

Doing some simple checks will reduce your chances of buying a car that’s being sold illegally or has had major repairs. You can also find out if the current owner still owes money on the car.

Ask the seller for the car’s:

registration number (on the number plate)

MOT test number

mileage

make and model

Things to Look for in a Used Car Dealership

Yes, we certainly have a bit of a bias when it comes to used car dealerships, but our years in this business have taught us some things. First, among them is the fact that not all used car dealers are equal. We’d like to tell you that every used car dealership is just as good as the next, that you can find used cars for sale anywhere and rest easy knowing you found the best option.

In reality, however, that’s just not the case – some dealers have subpar inventories or use tactics to make a sale that is less than forthright. If you need to find the best used cars for sale, but you’re not sure how to pick the right dealership, then you should keep these things in mind. No post like this can be totally comprehensive, but if you check all of these boxes, then there’s a good chance you’re at a dealership that cares about you and puts your needs first

Look for a Diverse Inventory

Inventory might not be everything when you’re looking for used cars for sale, but it is definitely important. Think of it this way: with a brand new car, you can choose packages and options to customize a vehicle, so there are a lot of ways to make changes. With used cars for sale, you really can’t make those kinds of choices – your options come with the variety of models that are available. And that variety at any particular dealership comes down to the size of their inventory; larger inventory means more options for you.

Look for a Convenient Website

This might seem a little strange, but it really is important. When shopping for used cars for sale, pay attention to the website of any dealership you consider. A good website will let you sit at home, where you’re comfortable, and peruse their inventory so you can start shopping for your next car before you visit them.

Look for Special Offers and Programs

One of the main reasons to choose used cars for sale over brand new models is to save some money – sometimes a lot of money. Good used car dealerships often have specials and programs going on to help you save even more money, or to put more value into the vehicle you choose. For example, a lot of dealerships will have sales and incentives going on around the holidays, but you might be able to find additional special offers any time of year.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can save you lots of cash compared to a brand new. Whether you’re after a cheap runaround or a dream machine you’ve lots of choice on the second-hand market.

But with murky histories and hard-nosed salesmen, it can be a minefield. This guide is filled with top tips and checklists (we’ve created printable versions so you can bring them with you) to minimise the chance of any nasty surprises.

Year old cars are MUCH cheaper than new cars

So picking a year-old model will dramatically slash the upfront cost. There are exceptions if you’re picking a plush model. Brands that hold their value best tend to include Mercedes and Porsche – so you won’t see too many year old luxury car bargains out there.

Revealed: The cheapest cars to run

To save you time and energy trying to work this out, car experts have already done this research. You can compare running costs of different models, including the ones you’re looking to buy, on several sites, including Parkers and What Car?

But, follow these rules to home in on the cheapest cars:

Smaller engines can be cheaper. The choice of a 1.0-litre or a 2.0-litre engine isn’t just about pure horsepower. A large engine will usually burn more fuel than a smaller one. So engine size is a vital consideration if fuel economy is an important factor in your decision.

Of course, this depends on how you use the car. A small engine is most efficient when it’s used as intended, such as to pootle around town. If a small engine is used a high speed, it’ll need to work much harder to keep the car moving – burning more fuel.

Buying A Used Car Checklist & Tips

In the market for a new vehicle? Then why not buy a second hand car. It makes sense considering your budget. It makes sense considering your needs. And it makes sense to buy a second hand car from a dealer.

Sure. You may find a slightly better price from a private seller. But you’re really rolling the dice. With private sellers, there’s no statutory warranty when buying a used vehicle. Drive away and five minutes later the wheels fall off? You’re out of luck. And out of options.

In NSW, there’s a dealer guarantee on all used vehicles (excluding motorcycles) less than 10 years old and driven less than 160,00km. You’re covered for 5,000km or three months after the purchase. Whichever comes first. With private sales, a clear title of the vehicle isn’t guaranteed either. So any faults found won’t be covered by Fair Trading. And you’re stuck with no legal backup.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE BUYING A USED CAR?

You’ve been visiting the local dealerships and strolling the used car lots.  You spend time looking at all the different types of cars, from full size family cars to pickup trucks and crossover SUVs. Then finally, something catches your eye.

Engine Check

When taking the used car for a test drive, you’ll want to make sure that the engine runs smoothly (and quietly) when driving and when idling. Check the oil dipstick too. You’ll want to see nice, honey-coloured oil. Unless it’s a diesel, where black oil is normal. Ask to see the service book to confirm that the car has been serviced regularly.

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Commercial Cleaning Services Helping Your Business

Top Office Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Your business keeps you busy. High among the list of things you don’t have time for office cleaning. These easy cleaning tips are sure to give you back at least a little time in your schedule every week!

Professional Cleaning Tips for Your Office Equipment

Among the best cleaning tips and tricks were ideal for keeping office equipment clean and in top working order. Spray canned air on keyboards, telephones, and any equipment control panels with buttons, to dislodge any particles. Use a soft cloth, preferably microfiber or other lint-free substance, and an anti-static type cleaner to gently wipe off all plastic surfaces of office equipment. Finally, clean monitors and display pads using distilled water on a chamois or microfiber cloth.

Commercial Carpet Cleaning and Care Tips

Office carpet takes a beating, but you can help extend its life and keep it looking sharp using these quick tips. Even if you have daily janitorial service, someone is bound to send the contents of the 3-hole punch raining down on the copy room floor like a ticker-tape parade. Keep a little rolling push sweeper in the office, to make quick work of the confetti. Spray anti-static spray (like Static Guard, or make your own in a spray bottle using 2 tablespoons liquid fabric softener to 1 cup of distilled water) on office carpets every few days (daily during the winter and other particularly dry weather). This will help the sweeper or vacuum do its job, cut down on static electricity shocks, and even extend the life of the commercial carpet.

Office Kitchen Cleaning Tricks

Now for the room that probably needs the most help. Any commercial office cleaning company will tell you that the office kitchen is the biggest challenge. Just a few quick cleaning tips and tricks though, and that challenge becomes manageable. Rather than scrubbing that coffee carafe to remove the brown coffee scale, pop two Alka Seltzer tabs and some water in and let it sit for 20 minutes. The scale should wipe out easily. This will also work for water pitchers, vases, or other glassware with mineral build-up.

Forget the baking soda in the fridge, and use activated charcoal tablets to control odors. Use the baking soda in the sink drain instead, chased by white vinegar, at least once a week. This mixture will also do an effective job of cleaning appliances, countertops, and the inside of the refrigerator as well.

How To Speed Your Property Sale With House Cleaning?

Giving your property a professional deep clean before you let potential buyers in can work wonders. Genuine house buyers are looking for a nice clean home, a place to live happily, have children etc. Dirty and… neglected houses will not show their full potential and most likely will be underestimated. In other words buyers will be “running away scared”. That is not what you want, is it?

If you don’t have the time or if you are lazy, just call a reputable cleaning company to carry out a full house deep clean. You are looking at a price higher than your average weekly cleaner’s job but the results are impressive. They will sweep, dust, wipe, vacuum, wash, polish and sanitise all surfaces in your house. If you have carpets – carpet cleaning is a must. Put some nicely smelling fresh flowers all over the place, take out bulky sofas and junk lying arround in corners, free space. If it is cold outside put the heating on and make some freshly ground coffee just before the potential buyer arrives.

Spending on a good and thorough deep house cleaning (a.k.a. end of tenancy cleaning) sometimes can add thousands to the value of your property. How? If a buyer falls in love with a clean freshly smelling house that suits his needs he won’t be putting offers on the house but he’ll try to acquire it ASAP. Even if he does put an offer it will be a sensible one.

TIPS FOR SPEEDING UP COMMERCIAL CLEANING JOBS

“In the carpet cleaning industry, time is money. Charges are based on the amount of area cleaned, so the faster a job can be completed, the more profitable it is. This is especially true in commercial carpet cleaning,” the company says in the release.

seven things to consider before beginning a commercial job in order to improve efficiency are:

Work order: Prepare a work order listing all areas to be cleaned, when to start/end work, emergency contact information as well as all of the items listed below.

Parking: If using a truckmount, locate a parking space where the vehicle can stay parked or, at the very least, moved less often.

Hookups and hoses: Locate water hookups inside and outside the facility, as well as the safest areas to run hoses both into and within the building.

Fill and dump: Filling and dumping tanks are usually the biggest time wasters with conventional portable extractors; along with water outlets, know where soiled water can be dumped.  If using a recycling carpet extractor, this will be less of a concern.

Carpet mapping: Map out the entire carpeted area to be cleaned; note partitions and furniture that cannot be moved, as well as trouble spots where there are spots, stains or excessive wear on the carpet; if possible, place a piece of tape on trouble spots for quick identification.

Corner guards: Installing corner guards around cubicles, wall corners, posts, etc., ensures the hose does not get snagged, which can slow down cleaning.

Ever-working wand: In most commercial cleaning jobs, there will be two technicians using one portable machine; if one technician must take a break, make sure the second tech is ready to take over.  Always keep the wand working.

Effective Commercial Cleaning Tips to Keep your Office Clean

Office is where you spend a major chunk of your day. It ought to be clean and hygienic, just like your home. This would ensure that you stay protected against bacteria, germs, and infections of all kinds. Besides your health, which of course is the prime driving factor, a clean office definitely speaks lots about your image. Your visiting clients are sure to get impressed and it’s a win-win situation, after all.

Now commercial office cleaning is slightly different from the cleaning techniques followed at home. And the best part is, you don’t always need to hire the services (which can be pretty costly) of professional cleaners. But in case you needed to hire one

Yes, they do the job really well so your office looks sparkling clean. However, you can go in for slightly more affordable choices by employing the help of professional cleaning products. This way you can end up having a clean and hygienic office space while taking care of your pocket too.

Here are some of the best office cleaning techniques to follow by using professional cleaning products and solutions. They are fairly simple to use, effective in results, low on cost, and work for all kinds of commercial office areas. Take a look.

Thorough clean your carpets

Offices are germs’ best friends. Lots of people walking in and out the door all day long, wiping off shoes on the carpet – it definitely needs to be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. Do it preferably over the weekend so work and client movement doesn’t get affected. Vacuum them for sure and also try Water Extraction Carpet Cleaner solution for deeper cleaning.

Practical Safety Tips for Janitorial Workers

No matter what job your employees are performing, an accident can happen. Safety in the workplace should be a concern for everyone. Lost time can mean lost wages for employees and higher insurance costs for the employer. Following a few safety guidelines can help keep your employees on the job and your costs down.

Lifting can be a common cause of back injuries. Lifting should be done by bending the knees and not twisting or turning the back. Lift belts should be worn when moving heavy equipment or furniture. Slide materials to the back of a truck before attempting to lift them. Items should not be lifted over truck walls or tailgates.

Avoiding slips and falls. Employees should wear rubber soled shoes that have good traction. Look for obstructions, boxes, furniture, etc. that may be in the way before starting to work. Never leave cleaning tools, supplies or trash bags in walkways. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Place hazard signs out in areas before cleaning floors or stairs with chemicals or damp mops. The edges of floor mats should lie flat on the floor.

Safety on stairs. When using stairs employees should use hand rails. Employees should not carry anything on stairs unless they can see over the object they are carrying. Avoid running up or down the stairs. Broken hand rails should be reported to a supervisor.

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Learn How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Ways to Unlcog Your Garbage Disposal

1. Check for Stuck Food and Other Debris

Even if you’ve turned the disposal power switch off, don’t be tempted to put your hand down into the unit. Instead, use a flashlight to peer down into the disposal to see if you can determine what’s causing the problem. If you can see something, shut off the power to the unit either by unplugging it from the wall, turning off the breaker, or pulling the fuse. Then, use pliers, tongs, or a wooden spoon handle to remove the item that’s caught.

If the flywheel is jammed, you may be able to free it using the supplied tool or wrench that came with the unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about where to insert the tool and how to turn it.

2. Reset the Unit

If you can’t see anything obstructing the disposal, the unit may have overheated. Try pushing the reset button which is usually found under the bottom or on the side of the main disposal unit (under the sink), and turn the unit on again.

3. Avoid Chemical Cleaners

Don’t be tempted to use commercial drain cleaners. The chemicals used in these cleaners can harm disposal parts. Instead, try pouring a kettle or pot of boiling water down the drain to break up clogs. It may be necessary to repeat this several times to free the clog.

If plain boiling water doesn’t work, try pouring a half-cup of baking soda followed by a cup or two of white or apple cider vinegar down the unit. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes or so, then try pouring boiling water down again. You can repeat this process as many times as needed.

4. Use a Toilet Plunger for Difficult Clogs

For stubborn clogs, a toilet plunger may do the trick. Place the plunger over the disposal opening, and run enough water over the plunger to create suction. If you have a double sink and one plunger doesn’t work, get two plungers and ask someone to help you. Have one person use a plunger to seal off the second sink side while the other person plunges the disposal side.

5. Run the Dishwasher

If you have a dishwasher attached to the main line that runs to the garbage disposal, you can try running the dishwasher to see if that helps clear the clog.

Preventing a Clogged Garbage Disposal in the Future

Of course, the easiest way to deal with clogs is to avoid them! When using your disposal, remember to run water during use and for at least 20 seconds after you turn off the unit. Read your manual carefully and avoid disposing non-food items or foods that are known to cause problems. Some common clog culprits include potato skins, carrots, celery, corncobs, artichokes, bones, and congealed grease. Feed food slowly into the disposal, and avoid dumping large amounts in at one time.

If you can’t unclog the garbage disposal, or if your unir isn’t working correctly after clogging, you’ll need to call a qualified repair professional.

If the disposal is still clogged, follow these steps:

  • Turn off the power and insert a long dowel, a wooden spoon, or a broom handle — never your hand — into the drain opening.
  • Push the bottom end of the wooden probe against the impeller (the blades that grind up the garbage) and rock it back and forth to free it.
  • When the impeller moves freely, wait 15 minutes for the motor to cool, turn on the power, and push the reset button.

Some disposal models come with a large L-shaped hex wrench. If you have such a model, turn off the power, insert the hex wrench into the opening in the center of the disposal’s bottom, and turn the wrench back and forth until the impeller is freed. Again, wait until the motor has cooled, press the reset button, and then try operating the disposal.

Safety Guidelines Before Fixing A Clogged Disposal

Every plumber knows at least a few horror stories where people have injured themselves cleaning a garbage disposal. But are garbage disposals as dangerous as they seem? The answer is no, not really. Just like any other piece of homeware, disposals are as safe as long as the user is responsible and takes precautions.

When clearing out a clogged disposal, you should make sure that everything is turned off. Check under the sink but also turn off the fuse. Test the device before to make sure it isn’t turned on before going anywhere near it.

Always wear safety gloves when handling the disposal unit. This will not only help protect you from the blades, but it will also keep your hands from any bacteria residing in the garbage disposal. When you’ve finished cleaning the product, you should make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of soup to avoid the risk of germs spreading.

Don’t Call The Plumber Just Yet: 9 Ways to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain

DIY home projects are great for saving money and enjoying a good challenge, but these household

projects are better left for professionals.

It can be a helpless feeling when the kitchen sink won’t drain. With water backing up and a counter full of dirty dishes waiting to be cleaned, it may be tempting to reach for the phone and dial the plumber. Before you do, read these easy, do-it-yourself ways to unclog that drain.

1. Boiling water

This is the easiest and least expensive solution of all, which makes it the best one to try first. Place a kettle or pot of water on the stove and bring to a rolling boil. While you’re waiting for the water to heat, remove as much standing water from the sink as you can, using a mug or small pot to bail out the water. Then, pour the entire kettle of water into the sink and wait. If the water stands in the sink and the clog doesn’t move, give the water time to cool and remove it to try again. You may need to repeat the process several times to move the clog, but this often works on many types of stoppage.

2. Disposal

Check to make sure it’s not your garbage disposal that’s causing the problem. A clogged disposal can stop up the drain, so run the disposal to see if that clears the clog. Then inspect it to make sure it’s running correctly. If the disposal has overheated, you may need to flip the switch found on the side or bottom of the unit underneath the sink.

3. Salt and boiling water

After removing standing water from the sink, pour about ½ cup of table salt down the drain before you pour in the boiling water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush with hot water to clear the mixture.

4. Vinegar and baking soda

 Again, remove standing water first. Pour about a cup or so of baking soda into the drain, followed by an equal amount of white or apple cider vinegar. The solution will bubble, but when they subside, put the stopper in and wait about 15 minutes. Next, run hot water to see if the clog clears. Repeat if needed.

5. Baking soda and salt

This is another combination that can work on sink clogs. Mix about a cup of baking soda with a half-cup of salt, and pour down the drain. Let the mixture sit for several hours, then flush with boiling water. You can repeat this process if it doesn’t work the first time.

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A Potted Guide To Installing A Flat Roof

Flat roof

Flat roof pergolas are quite flexible and relatively easy to build. And yet they are very versatile structures that allow a wide range of customisation that let you customize your outdoor extension according to your needs and preferences. Here are a few things to consider when you decide to build a flat roof pergola.

PITCH

We mentioned earlier that flat roofs are almost level. But flat pergolas should slope a little bit to one side so that water slides off instead of collecting on the roof. We call this angle the “pitch” and we recommend at least a 5-degree pitch.

DEALING WITH HEAT

Flat roof pergolas are easier to build than gable-roofed pergolas, but because of their generally lower profile, they can be extremely warm during the summer. There are a couple of ways you can offset the buildup of heat. You can line the structure with a timber ceiling to provide insulation and you can install fans to enhance ventilation

DURABILITY

Besides protecting you from the sun, your flat roof pergola should also be able to withstand the ravages of wind and weather and survive the harshest climate conditions.

COMPLETE SYSTEM

It’s not enough for water to just run off the roof surface. You need to make sure that the water taken off the roof is properly dealt with. Softwoods flat roof pergolas feature an innovative internal gutter system that works in tandem with Colorbond® gutters, caps and flashings to effectively redirect the excess water from the roof without adding to the load of your home’s stormwater system.

Things To Consider Before Replacing Your Flat Roof

WIND UPLIFT

Your roofing system experiences positive air pressure as wind passes across your roof. This suction effect pulls the roof system away from the structure. If your roofing system is insufficiently anchored when this happens, it could fail. And, if the decking underneath is inadequate; enough uplift can cause substantial structural damage. In the Portland area, typical wind speeds vary from 0 mph to 17 mph, and rarely exceed 26 mph. However, historically, the area has experienced winds in excess of 100 mph.

A flat roof membrane can be attached to the roof deck in two ways; either with mechanical fasteners or be being adhered directly to the insulation or DensDeck cement board, which is then attached to the decking. Each method has its pros and cons. In the case of a mechanically fastened system, the fasteners take the brunt of the pressure and the insulation is largely protected. In the case of a fully adhered membrane, the insulation is put under more pressure.

UL FIRE CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent testing agency, sets standards for fire resistance for all kinds of different products. They give ratings specifically for roofing systems based on their resistance to flame spread. There are three classifications of UL ratings: UL Class A, UL Class B and UL Class C; Class A being the most resistant to flame spread. As a general rule of thumb, and part of many building codes, any publicly occupied building, commercial structure or apartment building must have a UL Class A rated roofing system.

ROOF REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT

When deciding on a roof system replacement versus just a roof repair, cost is always an important factor. If you think about these expenses in terms of cost-per-year, it can help you make a smart financial decision, but you’ll need to know how long something will last. For example, let’s say a new roof system will cost $50,000 and is expected to last for 30 years. A repair for the same roof will cost $14,000 and the expected life of the repair is 5 years. Not factoring for inflation, the replacement would cost you about $1,700 per year, and the repair would cost you $2,800 per year. While the option requiring the least amount of capital is usually the favored option, cost per year can also influence this kind of decision.

TEAR-OFF VS. ROOF-OVER

Deciding whether or not to tear off an existing roofing system before installing another can be tricky. But, considering the topics discussed above can help you find peace of mind. Some situations can make the decision to tear-off for you, such as water damage, multiple existing roof systems, and extreme structural problems. Others may yield options which do not require the removal of the existing roof system. Just keep in mind that the new roof you install will only be as good as the roof system and structure that it is installed over

Want a flat roof design?

Flat roof designs first gained popularity with arrival of modernist architecture about 100 years ago. Since then they have become common practice for nearly all our large buildings today from innovative hospitals to impressive commercial developments. Traditionally, home owners had the tendency to embrace the familiarity of pitched roofing simply because of the shape of their slopes that lead water away in a practical manner, ensuring less chance for future leaks and liabilities. With changes in technology in recent years, more residents are embracing flat roof homes and are slowly making them a popular choice in both infill homes and new neighborhoods alike.

Flat roof designs present an aesthetic departure from traditional pitched roofs but the choice must be a safe and practical decision and is best made with a little bit of technical knowledge. Here’s a brief overview of the types of flat roofs styles best suited to safely providing coverage over your home and all it contains.

It is important to note that whether you choose a sloped or flat roof, the best roofing system one designed to best practices and constructed by a competent home builder. For your peace of mind, a well built flat roof can outlast three conventional asphalt shingle roofs (commonly installed on most homes) when installed correctly with the right materials. This longevity does come with some added cost as the materials of a well constructed flat roof are of better quality, but when looked at as an investment, you can expect to save on the costs on future maintenance and replacement. Flat roofs are a perfectly practical choice but it still helps to know more about type of flat roof you might choose in building your home.

A true flat roof is just as simple as it states, even and flush but uses sloped systems on top to gently control and direct water to a roof drain or wall scupper that connects to a downspout. In contrast low slope roofs have a much lower slope than traditional roofs and will still lead water off the edge into a gutter and downspout. The pitch of low-slope roofs can vary, but typically they fall between the range of a 2-12 to 3-12 slope. This means for every 2″ in height, the length of the roof will be 12″ long. The higher the first number (ie the 2) the more steep the angle of the roof. However each of these roof types requires a different method of construction to ensure they will perform correctly.

Flat Roofs

For true or ‘real’ flat roofs the best method recognized by most roofing specialists is the Warm Deck System. This system has all it’s insulation and water proof membranes on top of the exterior deck, and exposes the deck to the warmth inside of the building (hence the name ‘warm deck’)

What Goes into Flat Roof Construction?

If you need a low maintenance, affordable roofing system that’s durable enough to last you decades, then flat roof products are the obvious choice. They provide benefits for building in both the residential and commercial sector, but there are things to consider before beginning any flat roof construction. Below are some of the important questions you should ask about a flat roof solution before you begin building.

When is it needed?

For housing purposes, flat roofs can sometimes be an essential bypass if town planners won’t permit the height required for a pitched roof. From an aesthetic point of view, they’re also a highly viable option for ground-floor extensions for multi-storey buildings. Meanwhile for developers and business owners, they’re appropriate as a quick, economic solution for covering commercial buildings. Flat roofing is also useful for waterproofing warehouses or for making public building more flame-resistant among other uses.

What are the main considerations?

What material you should choose – Flat Roofing materials range from fibreglass or bituminous felt options to rubber systems such as EPDM. They each have unique benefits for certain types of construction.

The size of your project – This will obviously affect the amount of material your flat roof will require. In addition, the shape of your building should be considered, as this will affect the amount of trimming needed.

Ensuring that your ‘Flat’ Roof is not ‘Level’ – Flat systems have to ensure water can flow off them, thus which way they are slightly slanted needs to be decided on.

Deciding between a Warm or Cold Flat Roof – Essentially, a warm flat roof is packed with insulation for additional warmth, whereas a cold flat roof allows air to flow between its joists, which can be vented to ensure a continuous air flow. This choice is a factor that should be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on what you want for your project.

Maintenance Concerns – It’s best that someone is able check the roof at least twice a year to clear any debris that, if left, could cause structural damage to your flat roof. In addition, with excessive rainfall, moss can also sometimes be an issue, making maintenance considerations even more important.

Solar Panels on a Flat Roof: Things to Know

Yes, you can successfully have solar panels installed on the flat roof of your home or business. Flat roofs have a minimal slope allowance that will accommodate solar PV panel systems. A roof having a rise of 0.25 inches over a 12-inch run is known as a ¼:12 pitch roof.

These flat roofs are also commonly known as:

Low pitch roofs

Low slope applications

Design and installation challenges of flat roof solar panels encompass the constraints and considerations around valleys and ridges for drainage. To be worth it, consider the positioning and construction of various structures existing on your roof before the design and installation process begins.

You Can Do It!

Carefully considering the choices of flat roof mounting techniques available on the market is imperative. It just takes a bit of research by an expert energy engineer to get you on the right path to solar panel installation on your flat roof.

Your Solar Panels May Or May Not Be Tilted

When installing solar panels on your flat roof, the resulting product can be tilted or not. There are two most pressing factors in the design of a successful solar panel system generating maximum electricity.