5 Top Traits That Mark a Reliable Plumbing Contractor

5 Top Traits That Mark a Reliable Plumbing Contractor

Whether you have a leaky faucet or want to renovate your bathroom fixtures, your best option is to hire a professional plumber. But among the available plumbing contractors in your area, which one should you choose? 

There are certain characteristics that make some plumbers exceptional at providing their professional services. These people are passionate about the job and will go out of their way to provide excellent customer service. So if you are looking at getting the services of a plumber, you need to look for these five characteristics that mark a reliable plumbing contractor.

1. Certified

Plumbing is a regulated profession, which means almost all U.S. states require them to have a license to practice in their respective states. Requirements vary across states, but in general, a plumber can obtain the certification if they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to pass a state-approved exam. 

Having a license is a good indication of the expertise of a plumber, so if you are planning to hire one, ask if they have a license to work in the state. Most states have a website where you can verify their license number. Not having a license is a huge red flag and you should think twice before hiring them. 

2. Provides a clear estimate

Before getting the job started, one of the first steps of the process involves the plumber examining your plumbing system and providing a quote. This is an opportunity for you to judge the reliability of a plumber. You can tell that the plumber is an expert by the estimate that they provide. 

The job quote should be clear and detailed and should include a breakdown of the cost estimate of the materials needed. It should also include labor costs. Finally, the plumber should also specify how they want to be paid and how they will address extra time or materials needed. 

3. Puts emphasis on safety

As with all home improvement and repair projects, plumbing jobs pose a risk of injury not just to the contractor but to other parties as well. Reliable plumbers will always prioritize safety and will strictly follow safety procedures. They will follow safety guidelines to the letter to prevent damage to life and property. They will also have the right tools and equipment to do the job safely.

In addition, reliable plumbers carry two types of insurance—liability and worker’s compensation. The former protects the contractor in case something is damaged or someone is injured as a result of the job, while the latter provides medical benefits to the contractor in case of injuries. 

4. Punctual

A professional plumber provides a precise time of arrival and sticks to it. They respect the time that you have and will call immediately in case they are running late or coming in early. When they arrive, they will apologize for their tardiness, even if it is just by a few minutes. Punctuality is a reflection of their work attitude and ethic, so if the plumber you are planning to hire arrives on time for the appointment, it’s a sign they value your time and your work. 

5. Willing to fix issues

Not everyone is perfect and even the best plumbers make mistakes. There may still be issues with your plumbing after the plumbing contractor has done their job. If you notice some problems with the plumber’s work, feel free to ask the plumber about them. A reliable plumber will be able to explain what looks to be an issue, and if it is indeed a problem, they will also be willing to rectify the mistake. 

Your home is your most significant investment. It makes sense that you want repairs and renovations handled by a true professional. Look out for these top five qualities of reliable plumbers to have peace of mind when having your next plumbing job done. 

Guest Contributor, Aki Merced

About the Author:

Aki Merced is the Content Manager at Handle, where they build software that helps contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers secure their lien rights and get paid faster by automating the collection process for unpaid construction invoices.

Benefits Of Installing Granite Sinks

Benefits Of Installing Granite Sinks

The one place in the house that holds a lot of importance in our life is the kitchen. We have to make sure that has an outstanding kitchen so that we can enhance the overall look of our house. Hence one such way of enhancing the kitchen of our house is installing granite sinks. These are quite a trend in these days and can bring about a great change in our kitchen. Granite is material that is found naturally on the surface of earth and has many good properties which makes it the perfect choice for our kitchen sinks.

Not only kitchen sinks but we also find granite as tabletops in our kitchen and also as counters. Therefore, you can understand that having granite in kitchen has become customary. A good amount of money is involved so it is better advised to take help from a professional.

Let Us Now Have A Look At Some Of The Benefits That We Get From Installing Granite Sinks.

Durability

One of the major reasons why we find most homeowner installing granite sinks in their kitchens is that they are extremely durable. This means that you can easily take a break in the kitchen and sit on the counter tops without having to worry about breaking them. This also is great as the kitchen is the place in the house which is more exposed to a lot of wear and tear. Having a durable countertop and sink may actually work in our benefit. This is also a great advantage in the face of heavy usage in the kitchen. We also find that granite is the perfect material for our sinks as granite sinks can also withstand heat and different chips and dents. Now you know why they are the best option for our usage.

Fashionable

As said previously the look of our kitchen may make or break the interiors of our house. Hence you shouldn’t be surprised to see that that people are willing to go extreme lengths to have the perfect kitchen look to match with the interiors of the house. Having granite sinks may actually work in our favor in this respect. This way we can also select the best one for our kitchen without compromising anywhere. We can also get the granite sinks in many shapes and sizes which also add to the benefit of customizing it according to the needs of our kitchen and house.

Maintenance

Despite all talk about fashionable stuff and good looks the one main ingredient that has to be present in the kitchen is something which is easy to clean. We have to ensure that we find only materials that are extremely easy to clean off without much trouble. It should not surprise you that one of the most easy to maintain materials is granite. The granite sinks are very easy to clean and hence this makes them the perfect choice for our kitchens.

Affordability

We should also not forget the fact that granite sinks are very cheap and are affordable in their rates. This is a low expense way of making sure that we have good looking kitchen. A great benefit that we get from having installed granite sinks in our kitchen makes us feel that the purchase was worth the money.

These are some of the important benefits that we get from installing granite sinks in our kitchen. Hence this is a major advantage that we get from installing granite sinks in our kitchen.

Guest Contributor, Lara Buck

Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Secure

Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Secure

No matter where you live and how safe you think you are, the chances are you probably aren’t as safe as you feel. There are lots of threats that could put your family and your home in danger, and fighting these is the only way to stay protected. From burglars to weather disasters, making your home more secure is a must, so here are a couple of simple ways to do that.

Focus on the front doors

This is the main point of entry for potential burglars, which is why your front doors need to be as protected and safe as possible. Securing them is a must, and some of the ways to do that include installing a deadbolt, adding a strike plate, or, if you’re a fan of smart technology, upgrading to smart locks that perform better than your traditional locks. Hire someone to inspect your front doors and determine how secure they really are, and, if necessary, replace them as soon as you can.

Check the windows

The windows are another easy way for burglars to enter your home, and this is quite a big problem for people living in old houses with outdated windows. These do basically nothing for your safety, which is why installing new windows is needed. Alternatively, you can reinforce the glass with some security film, add window bars, and install sensors that alert you if something bad is happening.

Change the locks

This is another amazing way to make sure nobody enters your home without you knowing it. Changing the locks on all your doors – from the front doors to the garage doors – and giving the key only to the members of your family is crucial. If you have kids, teach them how to be responsible and never lose their key, but don’t worry if that happens anyway. You just need to figure out a way how to solve the situation, which is why you might want to find reliable locksmiths in your area and call them if you get locked out. Changing the locks is a simple solution that goes a long way, so take it into consideration straight away.

Invest in a security system

While this may not be your favorite way to spend money, investing in a home security system is one of the best ideas when it comes to taking the safety of your family and property to a whole new level. These systems are easy to install and maintain, but the level of safety and a sense of security they bring with them is amazing. You can even install them on your own and customize your security system so that it fits your specific needs, which is why this is a project you should definitely look into.

Purchase a safe

No matter how much money you make, having a safe in your home is a must. However, not every safe is good enough, and you should make sure it’s waterproof, fire-resistant, and protected enough to keep your valuable items safe against burglars. Find a place to hide it – your attic, your walls, your stairs, and even your floor are among the most popular hiding places – and you can be sure your safe will never be found, even if burglars somehow manage to enter your home.

Some of the other ways to stay safe in this day and age include installing some motion-activated lights in your backyard, using a smart garage door opener, purchasing smoke alarms and installing them in every room of your home, and making sure you always lock all your doors and windows whenever you’re leaving home or going to bed.

 Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

5 Safety Tips for Summer Home Maintenance Tasks

5 Safety Tips for Summer Home Maintenance Tasks

Home maintenance is a high priority in the hottest season of the year. With rising temperatures and sudden storms, you want to secure your property against the perils of summer weather. Beyond a broken HVAC system, a small leak in the roof could cause untold amounts of water damage to your ceiling and walls.

This is the perfect time to schedule inspections and make the necessary repairs. Fortunately, you can handle most maintenance tasks on your own with the right tools and a positive mindset. It's easy enough to clean your gutters, wash your deck and attend to similar duties — as long as you remain cautious.

Though most maintenance tasks seem pretty benign, no one plans for an accident. They happen without warning, when you least expect it, and you can potentially harm yourself if you don't take precautions. What should you do to mitigate the risk of injury when working around your home?

Here are five indispensable safety tips for summer home maintenance.

1. Only Work With Chemicals in Well-Ventilated Areas

Even a common task like cleaning a bathroom with chemical solutions is potentially harmful without proper ventilation. Other jobs, like repainting your interior or refinishing your floors, can also cause respiratory issues.

When you're working with chemicals in an enclosed space, open the windows to release any trapped fumes. Wear a respirator, safety goggles, gloves and sturdy footwear to avoid any chemical burns or eye injuries. Protective equipment will vary from project to project, so use your discretion.

2. Follow the Standard Protocol When Using Ladders

Your gutters play an important role in protecting the siding, doors, windows and foundation of your home from water. Naturally, you have to keep them clear of debris, but it isn't as simple as climbing the general-use ladder you store in your garage.

It's best to avoid orchard or wooden ladders, as they tend to wobble. Opt for an aluminum ladder instead. Examine it beforehand, checking for dents, defects, and loose bolts or screws, and ask someone to spot you if possible.

Remember these tips for ladder safety as well:

·     A stepladder will suffice for a one-story house, but if it has two or more stories, you'll need an extension ladder.

·     If you lean an extension ladder against your gutters, protect it by placing a short 2x4 inside.

·     Fiberglass ladders are also adequate for this type of job, but they're heavier and only good for shorter periods of work.

·     The ladder should have a shelf sturdy enough to hold a 5-gallon bucket secured with a lanyard.

·     Make sure to extend the ladder fully until the arms lock in place.

·     Keep your hips squarely between the two rails and try not to lean over the sides.

·     Stay off the top two rungs.

3. Choose the Correct Protective Equipment for the Job

You should also give thought to your gloves. You might own a cotton or leather pair, but these can cause problems. Cotton has a tendency to soak up dirty water and bacteria, and leather ones are often inflexible and shrink when they dry.

Thick, suede gloves are your best option. They'll ensure your safety and improve efficiency while cleaning, perfect for gutters.

4. Clean the Work Area After You're Finished

After you've finished a task, you'll need to clean up your work area. This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but it's all too easy to rush as you're storing tools, equipment and various items.

·     Seal containers of sensitive liquids and materials.

·     Remove power tool leads from any wall sockets.

·     Place power tools in an area inaccessible to kids.

·     Roll up extension cords, ropes and lines.

·     Fold and stow ladders in a safe location.

·     Collect and discard remaining debris.

Whether you're completing a maintenance task or working on a DIY project, these steps are essential.

5. Acknowledge Your Limitations and Ask for Help

As mentioned earlier, you can handle most tasks on your own without the help of a professional. However, it's critical to acknowledge when you need to contact someone with more experience. Many projects fall outside the category of a DIY project, and recognizing that will reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.

For example, you should leave major jobs involving gas lines, electricity and roof work to professionals. They have an informed understanding of these areas, and though you may want to save money, your safety comes first.

Choose Safety This Summer

Home maintenance is a high priority in the hottest season of the year, and now you can manage it safely. As long as you follow the five suggestions above, you can feel confident as you complete tasks around your property, secure in the knowledge you've taken the necessary precautions.

Guest Contributor, Holly Welles 

Holly Welles is a home improvement writer who believes anyone can make the most of their space. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

Preparing Your Buy-To-Let Property for a New Tenant

Preparing Your Buy-To-Let Property for a New Tenant

When a tenant moves out of a rental property, that’s your chance as the landlord to make improvements and changes to the property without having to work around those living there. If you do it right, you can even ask a higher price out of the next tenant. However, there are right and wrong ways to do it. You want to clean the property up and bring it up to date with current trends, all without breaking the bank.

Cleaning Up

It’s common sense (and common courtesy) to clean up your property when a tenant moves out. Good tenants will likely try to clean up as much of their mess as they can, but there are many things that residents overlook, such as unclogging drains and scrubbing down appliances. If the previous tenants damaged anything on the property, you’ll have to go about fixing those things, as well.

Besides what we mentioned above, there are a few more things you’ll want to look out for when cleaning up the property:

●      Change the locks

●      Ensure all the plumbing is functioning correctly with no leaks, clogs, or strange noises

●      Verify that all appliances, utilities, and lights work

●      Remove any stains, if possible

●      Clean underneath counters, appliances, and other objects

●      Get rid of any lingering unpleasant odors

●      Look for any forgotten belongings or things left behind

●      Make sure windows and doors are in good working order

Optimizing Your Property

Once your tenants have moved out, you’ll have as much time as you want to make improvements to the property. This can be anything from repainting the walls and replacing any old, stained carpet to installing modern fixtures and finishes. If you have the time and the money, it can sometimes be a good investment to renovate any old styles in the property at this point, too.

Newer buildings can almost always demand higher rent, so if you’re smart about your spending, you might be able to make a return on the investment right away. As a landlord, you’re allowed to pass on the costs of your renovations to your tenants, too, so if you play your cards right (i.e., don’t make your rent costs egregious, or no one will move in), there’s really no reason not to renovate.

As a landlord, getting as much return on your property investments as you can is probably one of your priorities. Besides the necessity of cleaning up between tenants, adding a few modern technological features here or there like smart appliances and electronics, in addition to updating finishes, colors, and décor can go a long way towards boosting the value of your property.

Guest Contributor, Cindy Trillo

Age-Friendly Home Remodeling Tips

Age-Friendly Home Remodeling Tips

Although there are many senior homes and communities for the elderly to move into, most seniors still decide to stay in their own home and take care of themselves for as long as they possibly can. However, not many of them have thought this through carefully enough. In order for them to stay safe inside their own home while going through physical and mental changes that their age is bringing, it’s necessary to do some remodeling and adjust their living space to their needs. Here are some tips on how to do this.

Reconsider the stairs

At a certain point climbing up and down stairs becomes too difficult, making this one of the first issues to address in a home of an elderly person. In case it’s only a short set of steps, it will probably suffice to add a ramp with a handhold, but if it’s a two-floor house or an apartment building, perhaps a better idea would be to install an elevator. If that there isn’t enough room for a standard elevator, or even a smaller one, there are also several versions of stair lifts that you can choose from, so make sure you get all the relevant information before you make any decisions.

Find place for a guest room

This is one of the changes you should make to give your elderly relative some peace of mind and to make them more cheerful. Unfortunately, many elderly people are lonely, which can even lead to depression, so having guests and somebody to talk to will always cheer them up. If there’s a room for such guests in their home, it provides them with an option to spend a few days with their aging host. The room doesn’t have to be too elaborately decorated. A comfortable bed, a cupboard or two, a chair and a table will do. Add an oil burner and some natural scented soy melts to make the place warmer, more inviting, but also fresher. And if at any point the elderly person needs a professional caregiver, this room can prove to be a very practical asset.

Replace the doorknobs

When an elderly person’s mobility is decreased or they suffer from arthritis, the common round doorknobs can prove to be very difficult to handle. The lever-style ones can be easier for them to use, so consider replacing the regular doorknobs for those. Similarly, you should switch the round faucet knobs with the lever ones as well, to give the person more independence and make everyday life a bit less complicated for them.

Change the flooring

When it comes to flooring in an aged person’s home, there are some things you should definitely avoid. The most dangerous one is slippery flooring, which can easily cause an accident and a serious injury. When renovating their home, remove any tiles that are too smooth and polished. In case changing the flooring is too much of an investment, make sure you add rugs to the slick areas of the floor, to create some traction. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, then you should either install hardwood or laminate flooring, or cover the floors with vinyl tiles. If you opt for carpeting the floors, make sure that the pile length is as low as possible and that the carpets get firmly attached to the surface underneath it.

Install automatic lights

Another way to prevent an aged person from falling or bumping into something and hurting themselves is by installing automatic lights. These can have a timer to switch them on or off in accordance with your loved one’s habits, or they can even be controlled through an app on their smartphone, so that they don’t have to look for the light switch in the dark. Also, it might help to add a few more lighting fixtures to make moving around in the evening easier and safer for them.

There are always ways to improve an aged loved one’s quality of life, and remodeling their home to fit their needs is one of them. However, don’t forget about their mental health and don’t let them feel lonely and forgotten. Visit them frequently or hire somebody to keep them company and help them with whatever they need. 

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

An Insight Into Different Types Of Vinyl Flooring

An Insight into Different Types of Vinyl Flooring

As much as we all simply adore the old and charming hardwood floor, stone and ceramic, we can’t ignore the fact that these materials are very expensive. Quite often they aren’t very comfortable, require high maintenance and a lot of our energy.

Vinyl flooring has become popular again for the simple fact that it’s very cost-effective, durable, resistant to slips, street grit, high heels and messy spills. It’s not surprising then that it’s finding its way back into many homes and here are the basics you need to know.

Vinyl sheet anatomy

Vinyl sheets are created layer by layer which allows the manufacturers to produce a great variety of floors in terms of thickness, colour, pattern and texture. Typically, there are six layers. The base at the bottom supports all layers and is followed by fibreglass that keeps the sheet flat. Then, there's the cushion layer for texture and bounce, the pattern layer that gives the floor its colour and appearance, the wear layer to safeguard the pattern and finally, the top coat that adds sheen and provides protection.

An average vinyl flooring price in Australia that includes installation ranges from $26 per square metre to $35 per square metre. The same goes for warranties – it can run from five years to several decades, depending on your maintenance.  

Types of vinyl floors

Vinyl flooring has changed a lot over the past decade and the current vinyl flooring trends in Sydney will make you forget everything you thought you once believed about it. It’s an excellent choice for commercial application due to its high resilience, durability, versatility and attractive looks.

Sheets flooring is installed very fast and rarely has any visible seams. It’s combined with various materials to improve its quality: PVC for toughness,foam gel for comfort, texture, and insulation, fibreglass for stability, and urethane for durability. Due to its lightweight, it can be loosely laid over a subfloor or glued down for more stability and permanence.

Tiles and planks are slightly harder and stiffer than sheets. During installation, they should be glued down, or joined at the edges and allowed to "float" over the subfloor.

Composition tiles are produced with a mix of vinyl and ground limestone and are quite tough so they’re often used in schools and other institutions. These tiles have to be glued down and since there’s no grout, it needs to be done perfectly.

Finally, woven vinyl are actually strands of fibreglass that are encapsulated in vinyl and woven into soft, textured sheets. They can be glued down or laid loosely. Woven vinyl is naturally springy, stain resistant and easy to clean. It’s also very durable, so even if left outdoors, it won’t deteriorate.

Vinyl styles

Contemporary vinyl flooring offers a large versatility in style so there’s something for everyone and therefore, can easily fit with the rest of the home décor. Styles range from textured seagrass strands, tiles with grout lines mimicking ceramic tiles, limestone, multicolour stripes that give it a woven appearance, quarried slate with colour and texture of stone, wood block and wood planks, metallics shine, and simple flooring in vibrant colours like sky blue.

Health benefits and versatility

Owing to its versatility, vinyl flooring is suitable for kitchens, hallways, basements, bathrooms, utility rooms and kids' playrooms. There are multiple ways to install vinyl which can be done as a DIY project or left to the pros as the best end results depend on the floor preparation.

One of the major selling points of vinyl floors is their low maintenance, which is an obvious health benefit. In addition, some vinyl floors are produced with antimicrobial coatings or embedded wear layers with particles of silver which is a potent germ killer. To make sure your indoor air quality remains at a high level, choose floor-certified coverings and adhesives which abide by the industry’s highest standards.

Knowing the basics and perks of high-quality vinyl, you’ll have no trouble picking what is best for your home.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

A home invasion is one of the scariest occurrences that can happen to a homeowner. Even if you’re not at home when the invasion happens, it is still completely terrifying.

If you are at home when it happens, you can forget about sleeping ever again, or at least for a long time. Of the estimated three million burglaries that happen yearly, only around seven percent included a violent altercation. If this isn’t setting your mind at ease, we don’t blame you.

Before you resort to installing a barb wire fence, we’ve got a few tips for keeping your home safe from an invasion. It’s not as hard as you’d think!

Invest In A Security System

Let’s face it, there is no better protection for your home than a security system. Having a security system installed by a professional and reputable company proven to get results will deter any potential burglars from your home.

The firstsecurityservices.com website says that systems come in a variety of packages that are tailored to every budget, so you are able to access home protection that works with your budget. Video surveillance, alarms and lights are all common when it comes to security system installations.

There are also many ways in which to trigger a system, whether it be by cracking a lock, opening a door when the system is armed or breaking a window. Deciding what will work for your family is what is most important.
For example, someone with small children might find a more sensitive security system to be obnoxious. The options are plentiful, and you’ll be able to find one that exists in harmony with your lifestyle.

Keep Expensive Items Out of View

A great start to protection from burglaries is making sure that your home doesn’t show any weaknesses. You can call the local police station to perform a test by walking around your house from the outside to look for such weaknesses.

 A weakness can be anything from faulty locks to visible electronics. If a thief can easily spot a brand new laptop charging on the counter, you might have a problem.

There’s no need to completely change the look of your home just because you fear a burglary, and you’d like to keep expensive items hidden. Take a stroll around the inside of your home and make little changes where it’s convenient for you, such as switching up the charging spot for that laptop!

Stay On Top Of Your Landscape

All trees, grass, shrubbery and other landscaping around the entrances and walkways to your home should be kept short and trimmed. Not only does it give off the appearance of the homeowner consistently being around, but there will be no place for potential burglars to hide.

You could also build a fence! A six foot privacy fence is a great way to deter any sort of nonsense from coming into your yard. That includes raccoons and people who want to steal your things.

Fencing is relatively easy to install yourself, and there are many options available that don’t involve digging or pouring concrete. Also, fencing doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. It can be a wonderful, budget friendly option to significantly lower the chances of a break in. Just make sure you keep your gate locked!

Motion Sensor Lights

An easy home installation to keep your property safe from burglaries are motion sensor lights. Whenever they sense motion, typically from a certain range, the lights will click on.
The great thing about a motion sensor light is that thieves have no idea if the light is a motion sensor light, or if it’s been turned on by someone they thought wasn’t home. They will rarely take the time to hang around and find out.

Keep Your Keys To Yourself

We know it’s hard, but try not to leave a spare key outside. Doing this only gives thieves a really easy way to get into your home. If you need a spare key, keep it in your vehicle, or better yet, a neighbor you trust. Leaving it in a fake rock, on top of the door frame or under the mat is a recipe for disaster.

Speaking of neighbors, they are your best resource for home protection when you go on vacation. Let them know when you’re leaving, how long you’ll be gone and ask them to collect any packages and mail that builds up. Not only are they doing you a favor, they will be warding off burglars by making it look like you’re home!

Always Lock Your Doors

Many people consider their neighborhood safe and leave without locking up. While this may be true, even the safest neighborhoods can have issues with some sort of crime, breaking and entering included.

When you leave your home, lock up every door and window every single time. Burglars tend to be on a time crunch, and they’re looking for a quick way in, especially during the daytime hours. Locking up prevents that possibility. It might seem like common sense, but locked doors prevent many burglaries.

Better Safe Than Sorry

There are many ways, some of them completely obvious, that you can protect your home from potential thieves. It’s not about looking for the bad, but more about setting yourself up for the good.

Taking the first steps to home security might seem a bit ridiculous to anyone who has never had an experience with crime in their neighborhood. It’s important to remember that crime, even in gated, affluent neighborhoods, can pop up. If you’ve taken necessary measures to protect your home and your family, you can prevent burglaries without even knowing it.

At the very least you’ll sleep better at night.

Guest Contributor, Tom Masters

Senior-Friendly Bathroom: The Essentials

Senior-Friendly Bathroom: The Essentials

For ageing adults, performing basic everyday activities and using facilities, such as the kitchen or the bathroom, is becoming increasingly difficult with each passing day. Not only that but being able to take care of their daily activities safely and effectively can also be compromised by their diminishing health and mobility.

This is especially true when bathrooms are concerned, as they pose one of the highest safety-risks in any home. That’s precisely why people – as they get older – usually opt for a bathroom remodel, aiming to create a safe environment they can later use without any major hindrances. With that in mind, here are some senior-friendly bathroom essentials you should definitely keep in mind.

Replace regular faucets with lever faucets

Stiff joints are one of the things that are sure to welcome us once we get older. With it comes the inability to use your hands properly and, more often than not, it’s followed by light tremors and shakes. That’s why, if you’re remodelling a bathroom for your senior loved one, you should install lever-controlled faucets in order to make things at least a bit easier. These completely eliminate the unnecessary twists and turns that can be quite difficult for the elderly.

Opt for a walk-in shower instead of the bathtub

Next, having to climb into a bathtub in order to take a bath is literally impossible for some elderly. That’s why you should consider installing a walk-in shower so that they can enjoy a warm shower without having to overcome significant difficulties. Additionally, consider adding a sprayer attachment for their showerhead, so that they can detach it and hold it in their hands while showering which will make things much, much easier.

Don’t forget the grab bars and rails

Furthermore, install grab bars and rails throughout their bathroom to introduce an additional level of safety. If you provide them with something they can grab onto every time they feel unsure on their feet, you will make the entire bathroom-using experience far more pleasant. Some of the places you should definitely install these are the shower and the toilet area, but you can add them to other areas as well.

Make sure that the bathroom is light

Having lots of light in any room not only makes the room look nicer but it also makes it much safer to use. That’s why in a modern aged care facility the bathrooms are always well-illuminated and bright. Therefore, aside from the natural light, you should make sure that you introduce plenty of artificial lighting options in your senior’s bathroom to prevent any mishaps and make the bathroom safe to use.

Raise the toilet

Another thing you should consider is installing a raised toilet so that your senior loved one can use it as comfortably as possible. The reason behind this is the fact that seniors usually experience difficulties when having to sit down and get back up, so raising a toilet for just a few inches will make the world of difference.

Don’t forget the non-slip bath mats and rugs

Finally, the bathroom floor can be quite a dangerous place, especially for people whose mobility is somewhat impaired. That’s why you should make sure you cover the bathroom floor with quick-dry non-slip rugs and even cover the inside of the shower with non-slip bath mats. This way you’ll reduce the possibility of accidental slips and falls that can have some quite serious consequences.

Therefore, if you’re ever in the need to redecorate a bathroom for your senior loved one, or you’re simply thinking ahead and you want to create a safe oasis for yourself once you get older, keep these ideas in mind. The bathroom can become quite a dangerous place once you get older so taking steps to make it safer to use is always a good idea.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Why Your General Contractor Must Have Insurance

Why Your General Contractor Must Have Insurance

When you’re getting construction work done, you need to consider a lot of things. For one, you have to set a budget that you must work to stick to for the entire project. For another, you have come up with a design that will work for you. You will also have to find a good general contractor to help make your project come to life.

Finding a good general contractor can sometimes be tough, but you need to do your best to find one who does not only have the expertise, capability, and experience to oversee your construction, but also the proper contractor insurance coverage.

Why do you need your general contractor to be an insured one? Here are some of the reasons.

To confirm that the contractor is legitimate

Many individuals offer their services as a contractor but don’t actually have the license to do so. If a contractor is insured and provides proof of coverage, then you can be sure that that contractor is legitimate. Securing a license to operate as a contractor requires having insurance coverage. So if your contractor is insured, then he or she is a licensed one.

To not be liable for injuries and damages

The most common insurance policies contractors have are general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. The former pays for any claims made for third-party injuries or property damage, while the latter covers the medical expenses and lost wages of workers who suffer an injury while working on your construction project.

If your general contractor doesn’t have them, then you will in effect be the contractor, and therefore liable for the injuries, property damage, or even deaths that happen on the work site.

To lower costs in the long term

While you may be able to save money from the generally lower rates that unlicensed and uninsured contractors may offer you, you may still end up spending more in the long run. You could be shouldering the cost for construction mistakes that need to be rectified, or pay for an injured worker’s hospitalization and medications if your general contractor has no insurance coverage.

Hard pass on uninsured contractors

Their services may come cheap, but uninsured contractors could cost you more. Aside from being unsure about the quality of work because of the lack of qualifications, an uninsured general contractor can make you a target for a lawsuit that could end up bankrupting you.

So even if someone offers you such services for cheap, steer clear of them if they have no insurance. The risks are just too high, and you wouldn’t want to take them on.

Guest Contributor, Rachel Porter