Modern Living

A Few Words about Unoccupied Insurance

There are many situations when a property can be unoccupied. When you live in your home and you don’t own another property, you might not think about such situations often or even at all, but it all changes once you inherit a property, become a landlord, or when you want to renovate your property and need to move out temporarily. After getting over the shock of becoming a landlord, you need to understand your legal commitments are and how you can protect your property with insurance. This is  particularly true when the property is empty.

Below I am going to give you a few examples when unoccupied insurance is the best type of insurance to get when for one reason or another nobody lives in a house or apartment:

1.I am sure that you have heard that somebody living closed to you died and left their property empty. Things like this happen all the time and there might be actually a lot more unoccupied properties out there than you might think. When a situation like this occurs, the property becomes subject to probate. It is then up to lawyers to determine who the right owner of the property is and who should inherit. Of course, it is in the best interest of the relatives of the deceased to ensure that the property is insured when not occupied as various things can still happen to it.

2. A property is awaiting let. In this day and age, there are many properties that actually stay empty. This might not be the case in London and generally the South of England, I have seen many properties stay empty for a long time while living in the North West of England where the properties are generally more affordable and landlords consider it a good investment. When a situation like this occurs, landlords insurance does not come into effect. This is why if landlords suspect that their property might stay empty for longer than 30 days should be the right type of cover. Such cover can be very basic, but also very safe in case something happens to the property.

3. A property can also be vacant while undergoing renovation. The type of insurance you will need will depend on your situation, but it generally depends who is conducting the repairs. If you decide to do everything yourself, you might need a different type of cover than if you wanted to hire a contractor for the job. This is all due to different types of safety measures and regulations as well as the qualifications of your contractors.

As you can see, there are many situations when a building can stay unoccupied. It is in the best interest of its owner to make sure that it is always covered by proper insurance.

How to Resolve a Dispute in the Construction Industry

As the owner of a construction business, you are the one others hold responsible for problems that may occur on the job site. These issues can include those that arise as the result of improper installation of products, accident that involve your employees and problems that occurred because of subcontractors or others you hired to perform certain tasks. Working with construction claims consultants can help you resolve any type of dispute that occurs after an incident on a job site or with other problems that you encounter.

Negotiating After a Dispute

One way you can resolve a dispute is with negotiation. A negotiation is an agreement between you and the person or persons involved in the dispute. It may result in you going back and doing more work or with you paying your former clients the amount needed for another company to do the work. A consultant will help you determine if you are at fault and if you should accept responsibility for the problem. Though your consultant may not be there on the day you meet with the client, your consultant can coach you on what to say and do during the negotiations.

Types of Construction Disputes

The most common type of dispute that affects the construction industry is when a client disputes the amount of work done. A former client may claim that your employees did significant damage to the home when building an addition or replacing plumbing, or a client may claim that you deliberately did not do everything you needed to do when working on the home. You may file a claim against a subcontractor for taking money and not performing a job, or you might file a claim against a manufacturer for products that did not work as promised.

Why Hire a Construction Claims Consultant?

Though you do have the option to file and work on claims yourself, there are some benefits of working with a professional. A construction consultant has a deep understanding of construction claims and the court system. Your consultant can help you settle claims before those disputes go to small claims court or the civil court in your area. You’ll also learn what you need to do to maintain your good reputation without former clients and others dragging down your company. When you find yourself facing claims from others, consider working with a professional consultant.

Should You Get Engineered or Natural Hardwood Flooring?

Wood flooring adds a very classic and sophisticated element to any interior. But there are options when it comes to wood flooring: you can choose either engineered or natural wood flooring. Which one is right for you?

Natural Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a fantastic choice to add style and value to any house, but how long it lasts depends largely on where and how it is installed. Solid wood floors are manufactured as one entire piece of wood. It’s important to note that wood expands and contracts when the level of humidity in the air changes. However, this is compensated for by leaving a tiny expansion gap between the floor and the wall which will be covered by the baseboards.

Strip flooring is the most popular choice for natural wood, and ranges between 1.5” wide to 3.25” wide. Plank flooring is usually wider than 3.25”, and parquet comes in 6” x 6” squares.

Only consider solid wood flooring if the environments can be controlled for moisture. Your best bet is to schedule a design consultant appointment to help you make this important decision.

Engineered Wood

This type of flooring is actually sheets of wood that are layered on top of each other in opposite directions. This cross-layering offers a dimensionally stable floor that puts up with moisture a lot better than solid wood. Engineered floor planks range from 1/4″ to 9/16” thick, and from 2.25” to 7″ in width.

Thanks to its moisture-resistant characteristics, the majority of engineered floors can be nailed, glued or stapled down. Even though engineered wood is a little pricier than solid wood, it is usually guaranteed for 25 years.

At Floor Coverings International, we have a host of flooring options for you to choose from. Visit www.phoenix.floorcoveringsinternational.com for more information.

How To Keep Your Coffee Company Growing

These days, the coffee industry is booming as people from all walks of life enjoy getting a great cup of cappuccino, espresso, or some other delicious caffeinated drink. If you run a coffee company and want to make sure that it remains competitive in the face of immense, intense competition, you need to develop systems and strategies that will ensure your professional success. Here are three of numerous techniques you can employ to keep your coffee company growing:

1. Invest In Water Monitoring Services.

Running a coffee company necessitates that the water you use be as pure and pristine as possible. To ensure that it is, you should invest in water quality monitoring services. As you search for the ideal company from which to purchase these services, consider McNab Inc. This company has been in operation for decades and is known for providing business owners with client-centered, results-driven services that work.

2. Connect With Your Target Market Online.

Another great way to keep your coffee company growing is by connecting with your target market online. These days, java lovers are quite fond of using online channels like social media to shop, talk about coffee, and lounge. As such, you should do all that you can to interface with these individuals via channels like Facebook and Twitter. Doing so will optimize and expedite the brand recognition process and thereby increase the likelihood of conversion. In addition to using social media channels to connect with your target audience, you can use other online marketing platforms like blogging, e-newsletters, and Share Buttons to build your brand in the Internet sphere.

3. Be As Cutting Edge As Possible.

In a world that is rapidly changing as a result of factors like perpetual technological advancements, coffee companies that want to retain a competitive edge need to be as cutting edge as possible. When you remain cognizant of industry advancements, digital progressions, and consumer trends, you are much more likely to appeal to contemporary audiences. As such, you should make a point to be on top of what’s going on both within your industry and the world at large.

Get Growing Now!

If you’re ready to take your coffee company to a new level of excellence and expedience, you can get growing now. To make it happen, consider the value of investing in water monitoring services, connecting with your target market online, and being as cutting edge as possible!

Keeping Your Deck or Patio Clean After a Storm

Storm damage is a major problem for people in more ways than one. In addition to downed tree limbs and damaged siding or eaves, many people have decks or patios that are full of debris. While you want to get these areas as clean as possible, it’s important to avoid using cleansers or other items that may damage things further.

Who Should You Call?

A pressure washing company is usually your best solution. The top experts in this field use unique methods that provide a good clean, without causing further damage. Before you choose someone to do a power wash, make sure you find out more about the methods that they use.

Why Should You Avoid Traditional Power Washing?

Although effective, traditional power washing can cause unintended damage. Some traditional methods, if done incorrectly, are capable of causing gauges in deck material and concrete. You want to avoid these situations because the damage can be permanent.

Using a Safe Cleaning Method

One of the keys to safely cleaning a deck or patio is having the process start with a pre-soak material. This step uses a foam that gets embedded dirt out in a gentle way. The pressure wash phase follows next, effectively getting the dirt out. A protective coat helps seal out further dirt and grime.

How These Steps Help After a Storm

When a recent storm has involved flooding, it is likely that the flood waters contain bacteria. Pre-soak foam products for patio use help kill the bacteria, keeping your patio a healthy, safe place for gatherings. Because this method is gentle on plants, you don’t need to worry about damaging plants that are possibly already stressed from the weather. The protective coat will help avoid further damage.

When your patio or deck has some a lot of wear due to recent storms, a good cleanup is just what you need to get things back in order. You’ll enjoy having your favorite outdoor area looking just like new. Knowing that you will also be able to help prevent further damage is another good reason to consider these cleaning options.

Clean Your Home Like a Pro

If you want your home to be deep-down clean and fresh, but you don’t have the budget to hire a professional service, we have some good news for you. You can get your home clean like a pro, and it won’t take long with the right techniques and equipment.

Take a Top-Down Approach

Gravity ensures that everything will fall eventually, so you want to take a methodical approach when you’re cleaning. Dusting should always begin at the highest point, before you vacuum, and work your way down. The same goes for washing windows. Wet the thoroughly with a mild soapy solution, then either use a small window squeegee to go across the top, then use a downward motion across the surface. If you’re using a cloth, use a circular motion from left to right, top to bottom.

Don’t overlook places like ceiling fans and the tops of doors and shelving. Just because you can see it, doesn’t mean the dust isn’t there.

Use Environmentally Responsible Products

Harsh chemicals don’t; necessarily clean better, and they will affect the quality of your indoor environment. Natural cleaners like baking soda and white vinegar are just as effective, and they’re gentle on your surfaces. They also act as a natural disinfectant. Do not use these products on wood or other porous materials, however. For daily dusting, a plain soft cotton cloth is fine, for cleaning an conditioning, use an oil. You can make a great, natural polish by combining equal parts olive oil and lemon juice, and apply it with a soft cloth.

Invest in Quality Supplies and Equipment

As far as vacuums and other cleaning equipment, this is a place to invest more money for quality, if possible. Cheaper equipment that’s low quality may not do as thorough a job, and it has a much shorter useful life. Brooms should be angled, with split bristles at the end. Natural straw or a man-made fiber are more a matter of taste than function. Sponge mops are absorbent, and provide friction than the old string mops; just make sure that you buy the kind with a detachable head the can be washed and sterilized.

Microfiber dust mops are a great addition to your cleaning supply cabinet. They protect surfaces from scratches during cleaning, they’re absorbent and the last a long time; some reports state that a good-quality microfiber will last through 500 washings. That’s a good ROI on your cleaning investment.

Music at Home

My home matters to me a lot. I spend so much time in it that I want everything in it to be absolutely perfect. For example, when I buy an items such as amp knobs I want them to fit perfectly with the rest of my accessories at home. In order to be able to accomplish this, I need to be able to browse the large selection of similar items on the Internet.

How To Get The Very Best Energy Plan For Your Money

If you are the owner of your own home, you should already be aware of just how difficult it is to manage all of the various expenses that come with being in such a position of heavy responsibility. There are all sorts of bills that need to be paid, from homeowner’s insurance to property fees. The last thing you need to do is add on a whole slew of charges for services that you rarely, if ever, make use of. This is why it’s so important to get the best possible deal for your money when it comes to energy services.

Taking The Needs Of Your Spouse And Family Into Full Consideration

When it comes to making sure that you get the best plan for your home or business, there are a number of considerations that must be kept in mind at all times. For example, it’s a good idea to consider just how much time you actually spend in your home. If you are a bachelor without a wife and children to consider, it may be a good idea for you to spend as little money as possible on energy, since you are rarely at home anyhow.

On the other hand, if you do have the needs of a family to consider, it’s important to get a full and accurate picture of just how much energy is being consumed in your home on a daily basis. For example, you can read the energy meters and gauge their progress on a daily basis, in order to chart the times when energy usage costs the most. Or you could do it the easy way, and make use of the Internet in order to compare and contrast the services of various providers until you come upon the energy plan that works best for your specific needs.

How To Go About Getting The Best Energy Services Plan

When it comes time to find a new energy plan, there is a wealth of information available on the Internet that can help you make all of the necessary comparisons in order to arrive at the deal that best suits your budget. The very best energy provider will be the one that is most honest and straightforward regarding the use and cost of their services. Use your freedom of choice to find the one that you will be best served by.

Why Do Basements Leak?

Anything can go wrong with just about any component of a home, including the basement. In fact, leaky basements tend to be a common problem in households across the country.

Pressure Created by Water in the Surrounding Soil

This is by far the most common reason for basement leakage, and comes in two forms:

Hydrostatic Pressure – Water is present in the ground everywhere, even in dry spots like the Southwest. The level at which this ground water is found is referred to as the “water table.” When heavy rain or snowmelt happens, water is absorbed by soil near the surface.

When the surface soil gets saturated, the water that is not absorbed causes the water table to rise, thereby creating hydrostatic pressure against the home’s foundation that can force water into the basement and create leaks. In these situations, many times a polyurethane injection system can rectify the problem.

Lateral Pressure – The soil that surrounds a home’s foundation between the surface and the footings can absorb water. While certain types of soils (like sand) drain rather quickly and don’t absorb that much water, others (like clay soil) don’t drain as well and usually absorb quite a bit of water.

When the soil expands as a result of this absorption, it creates lateral pressure against the foundation wall, and can damage it and create leaks in the basement.

If you notice any leakage in your basement, be sure to visit www.murrellswaterproofing.com to book an appointment to have the problem fixed right away.

What Does Deregulation Mean to You?

Texas Senate Bill 7 was approved in 2002, granting independent power supply companies admission to the state’s energy market. The bill established a committee to oversee the project, and guidelines were established to allow the market to open in phases. Today, many areas of the state are deregulated, and that means consumers now have a choice when it comes to the company supplying their energy. They also have a choice when it comes to the type of energy they want to consume. If you live in a deregulated area or your area may open to competition soon, keep reading to see what this new development means for your budget and your lifestyle.

You Get to Keep Your Energy Distributor
The utility company that has produced and distributed electricity in your area for generations isn’t entirely cut out of the deal when you decide to switch to a competing service like Reliant Texas or Stream Energy. While you will start receiving energy produced by the supplier of your choice, your utility company will still maintain and operate the grid that delivers your energy.
This means that you can switch to an electricity supplier with more affordable rates without changing the reliability of your service. In fact, you shouldn’t notice any difference in the consistency and strength of your power once you make the switch.

Competition Empowers Consumers
When energy companies held monopolies over the market, they had no incentive to offer the most affordable rates possible. They weren’t even driven to maintain their equipment, ensure that their plants operated efficiently, and invest in green technology because consumers had no alternative but to accept their services despite their lack of responsibility to the environment and the customer. Deregulation turns all of that around by bringing in competitors willing and able to supply consumers with higher quality and more affordable energy on demand.
This means that you can now enjoy cleaner energy from better production facilities, and you often get a much lower price when switching to a competitor. You now have more power, and you get to vote with your loyalty to one chosen service provider.

No Limitations
You also aren’t limited to electricity now that Texas providers are investing heavily in green energy. Consider solar and wind power as two alternatives growing in popularity and dropping in price year by year.