The Best Locations and Positions to Place Security Camera Systems

The Best Locations and Positions to Place Security Camera Systems

If you are reading this article, then chances are you already know or want to know about the importance of security camera systems. Security camera systems keep your property safe from burglars and other mischievous perpetrators who damage or vandalize your property. They have become very much prevalent and you can find its usage in both residential and commercial purposes. Whichever security camera system you choose for yourself, placing it correctly is the primary aspect that will define its effectiveness. While installing the security cameras, one of the key factors that you need to take into consideration is that it should be placed well so that it covers the maximum area.  This article will summarize the best locations and positions to place your security camera system to maximize its effectiveness.

Right Place to Install A Security Camera System:

#1. Near the windows that are situated off-street - Place a security camera system near the windows that are facing towards the street, it will deter the burglars who mostly prefer to use a rear window that is cut off from the view from the street that protects them from getting caught. A security camera system will keep those windows and thereby your home safe from thieves and vandals.

#2. Near the main door - The most important placement for your security camera systems is the main door of your home. Not only does it saves you from burglars entering through the front door, it can also act as a peephole and let you know who is at the door so that you can get some time and safe distance to decide whether or not you want to open the door for the visitor.

#3. Near the back door - It is one of the most vulnerable areas where the burglars are going to enter your home. Hence, you must also take this place into consideration. Installing security camera systems at the back door is a must for the independent homeowners. As suggested before, keep your cameras out of human reach and keep it protected from the possibilities of things being thrown at them.

#4. Other places to cover - After you have protected the front and back door and the off-street windows, you may consider making your house even safe by placing your security camera system in some other places in your property’s vicinity.

• The garage

• Driveways

• Second floor

• The basement

Common Mistakes That Should Be Avoided While Placing Your Security Camera Systems

#1. Do not forget to secure your security camera systems - Security camera systems can be easily tampered, stolen with or even damaged by perpetrators if not secured properly. The camera should ideally be placed 9 feet above the ground to keep it out of trouble’s reach. Also, make sure that the outside cameras are well protected from the harsh weather conditions.

#2. Avoid choosing the highest point for camera placement - Although placing the security camera systems at the highest point in your property will give it a better view, a detailed look of a perpetrator’s feature will not be evident from such heights. You might not be able to identify the criminal at all. To know the best place to install the cameras, you  must consult the seller . They will assess the place and will also help you in the placement of cameras.

#3. Do not forget to provide proper lighting - Irrespective of how well your security cameras systems are placed, they will be rendered useless in dark places or during the night without proper lighting. There must be ample lighting such that the security camera systems can get a clear recording and picture. Security camera systems are fast becoming a necessity of every household given the increase in crimes in recent years. Keep this article in mind while placing your security camera systems for them to work effectively and you to have peace of mind.

Guest Contributor, Jessica Curry

Building an Eco-Friendly House 101: From Hiring a Contractor to Decor Styles

Building an Eco-Friendly House 101: From Hiring a Contractor to Decor Styles

Great architecture and clever design has always been on high demand, but what if now we can take the best practices of residential design and apply them with sustainability principles? Many local governments are supporting eco house designs and floor plans that allow homebuilders to use advanced construction technology and create sustainable and low-impact homes. Eco-friendly practices can be applied in a variety of ways – through reducing waste during the construction, choosing sustainable and locally sourced materials, or even orienting your home to make the most out of passive cooling and heating. If you want to make your new home more sustainable, here are some ideas to consider.

Designs that Reduce Energy Use

A well-designed home has many ways of reducing its dependence on coal-powered electricity. This may include increasing the natural light with skylights or highlight windows, using energy-efficient LED fixtures, as well as WELS rated water fixtures and hot water-saving systems. Also, no matter how sustainable your building materials, a larger home will always have a worse energy footprint. This doesn't mean you have to restrict yourself at all costs, just be more thoughtful about the space that is available and that you need. Planning your eco house design with your lifestyle in mind is probably the best way when shopping for the design.

Make Your Roof Cooler

The materials you use for the roof can make a huge difference in your homes energy dependence. You should choose a product that reflects the suns energy from the roof, cools faster at night, and holds less heat for less time. Slate, terra cotta, white tiles, and special reflecting membranes, as well as metal roofing, are often cited as popular eco-friendly options. They are typically more expensive upfront, but you’ll recoup those costs through energy savings. A living roof allows you to hold plants that grow on the roof to catch and filter rainwater while providing excellent insulation to your home. While these green roofs are nowadays mostly used in commercial buildings, they are suitable for residential roofs as well.

Choose an Optimum Insurance Package

Although sustainable homes are in many ways different from regular ones, they are still liable to more-less the same insurance obligations. Some argue that finding the right home insurance is even more important in passive homes, as the value of advanced products such as smart home technology, and even rooftop solar panels need to be covered. Much of the sustainable materials you’ll use inside are naturally-sourced, which are often neither fire-proof nor watertight. When shopping for the right insurance package for your passive home, choose a provider that allows you to tailor your policy to your needs and budget.

Apply Passive Design Principles

Passive design refers to a set of sustainable building measures that rely on local climate and site conditions to maintain a comfortable temperature at home. While in traditional homes about 40% of the household’s entire energy usage is dedicated to heating and cooling, with passive design principles, this amount can be reduced to almost zero. This means that first and foremost, careful attention is given to the home’s position and orientation. In the southern hemisphere, eco houses designs and floorplans make most of the north aspect, harnessing the power of the sun. While in the summer this can be moderated with various shadings and overhangs, in winter this orientation allows deep sun penetration. To keep inside temperatures more stable, homeowners might use elements of higher thermal insulation, such as double- or triple-glazed windows, or natural cross-ventilation.

Use Sustainable Materials

To build and furnish a more sustainable home, you should consider materials that are recyclable, reconstituted, or sustainably harvested/produced. Aluminum takes a lot of energy to produce but can be recycled over and over again. It’s important to extend the sustainable theme beyond the construction and make sure that every part of your house including cabinets, counters, insulation, floor covering, and even furniture is environmentally friendly. Some eco-conscious furniture manufacturers use reclaimed or recycled wood, glass, and iron. Wood is a popular reclaimed material as it retains its durability over the years even if mishandled. Other sustainable materials include bamboo, cork, and linoleum, all of which are natural, highly-renewable materials.

By their very nature, homes aren’t very environmentally friendly – a lot of energy is wasted in hauling the materials to the site, not to mention the construction waste, and all the industrial-grade materials that go into an average home. However, each of us can make an impact and minimize our footprint by using design, products, and practices that are sustainable, and created with water and energy saving in mind while reducing wastage and pollution.

Guest Contributor, Tracy Clayton

Make Plumbing More Eco-Friendly With These New Technologies

Make Plumbing More Eco-Friendly With These New Technologies

As all of the world’s industries tend to shift to a more eco-friendly approach, it is logical to expect that plumbing jumps on the “green train” too.

Besides the obvious benefits for the environment, greener technologies are in high demand. So if you’re a plumber, working with them will give you a competitive edge over companies who don’t.

On the other hand, if you’re a homeowner who wants to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint, you too will like what you’re about to read.

Today, I’m going to discuss how you can make plumbing greener and why you should do it. If this is something that you might be interested in, please, read on.

The Benefits of Greener Plumbing

In this section, I’m going to try to explain just how exactly can optimized plumbing be good for the environment.

You see, new technologies in this field focus on two interconnected things: energy efficiency and reduced water consumption. What many folks don’t realize is that using less water also means using less electricity or gas, which is a great way to cut one’s energy bills. However, there is another, more significant impact of green plumbing. As fossil fuels are required for water processing and delivery, reducing the amount of water we use will automatically lower the usage of the fuels that we extract from the Earth. To sum up, eco-friendly plumbing means less energy use, which results in lower bills and reduced fossil fuel expenditure. It is a win-win situation for you and the planet.

The Leading Green Plumbing Technologies of 2019

Now that you’ve realized the value that greener plumbing could provide you with it’s time to check out some of the latest technologies that plumbers use to achieve this goal. Let’s put those wrenches to good use!

Optimized Sprinklers

It is impossible to imagine having a green and enjoyable yard without a sprinkler system, so you know just how important these things are. However, sprinklers use up a lot of water, and the new technologies aim to change that. The new systems are all about efficiency, and they manage to use less water due to their optimized water delivery methods designed in a way that’ll spread water more evenly across your lawn. As I’ve mentioned earlier, this decreases your water and energy bills and has a positive impact on the environment.

Solar-powered Water Heaters

This is a big one, as all of us need large amounts of hot water every single day. In case you haven’t known, standard water heaters use up quite a lot of electricity, and solar- powered heaters are the polar opposite. The latter presents one of the most energy-efficient technologies utilized by plumbers today. To be frank, some parts of the world do not get a lot of sun, except maybe in the summer, so they might not experience great benefits from these systems. However, those who live in warm and sunny places should not think twice about using solar energy to heat up their water.

Water Heating Without a Tank

The usual water heaters with a storage tank require a lot more energy than their tankless counterparts. As a matter of fact, some estimates have shown that, in the long run, tankless heaters could lower energy use for more than 30%. This is a huge number, and although installing these systems is more expensive than going for a traditional tank, it pays off. If you want to know how they work, these systems use a device called a heat exchanger to provide your home with hot running water, thus removing the need for water storage.

Recycling of Greywater

Take a moment to think about how much greywater you produce every day. Now imagine if all that water could be recycled and repurposed, instead of just going down the drain. Well, this can be done with some of the latest plumbing technologies. Water from our showers, sinks, and appliances doesn’t contain as many dangerous bacteria as the water from the toilet, so it doesn’t require a lot of treatment to be suitable for reuse. Sounds great, right? It sure is, and the only problem with these systems is pinpointing the exact cost, as it depends on a lot of factors.

Conclusion

As you can see, you have a lot of options on how to use up less water in your household and become more responsible towards our planet. Having all four systems installed right away might be too much of a financial hit for some, but I’m sure that most of the readers could start with at least one. Like I mentioned earlier, these might seem like big investments in the beginning, but be absolutely certain that they will all pay off in the long run.

About Ethan: Ethan Johnson is a mechanical engineer with a passion for all things DIY. He is the mastermind behind Manoffamily.com, a blog that’s going to teach you anything you want to know about home renovation, woodworking, gardening and more.

Guest Contributor, Ethan Johnson

Life-Changing Upgrades for Your Old Home

Life-Changing Upgrades for Your Old Home

There’s no denying that older homes have their own charm and character that makes them attractive to a wide range of buyers. However, they often come with a number of issues that need to be tackled in order to be kept practical, functional, and more importantly, safe. Some problems may pose minor inconveniences or slightly affect the cost of your monthly utilities. On the other hand, serious issues such as aging pipes, leaking roofs, bad repairs, or outdated wiring are just accidents waiting to happen. While tackling both major and minor issues is a must, it’s important to prioritize. Here’s a list of four life-changing upgrades that will make your home look and feel as good as new while also saving you money in the long run.

Updating the old and dated plumbing

The thing about old homes is that they were built using materials that aren’t used nowadays or the pipe system isn’t configured in the most optimal way. Some materials that were used in the past may even cause harm (e.g. lead pipes that were used to carry waste from the house) which calls for modern and safe replacements. Also, to be able to meet modern-day building codes, vents need to be installed near drains, which usually isn’t the case with old homes. To prevent any plumbing disaster from causing damage to your household (and making a dent in your wallet), be sure to update the old, out-of-date plumbing as soon as possible. Rely on experienced, licensed professionals to do the work properly and ensure your plumbing is modernized and brought up to date.

Having your roof repaired

Having a roof over your head is a necessity, but what’s even more important is keeping that roof functional. There is no point in upgrading your interiors if the old, worn-out roof fails and destroys all the items you’ve invested your hard-earned money into. Roofs, like all things, have their lifespan, and it’s important to keep them up-to-date in order to get the most out of them. Extreme weather changes that are more apparent in countries like Australia have many homeowners updating their roofs to ensure durability and resilience, with many turning to experts for roof repairs in Sydney as a way of providing a safe structure for themselves. With the help of these roof specialists, they manage to preserve the existing structure for years to come.

Bringing your insulation up to date

Another important aspect of functional home is proper insulation. Heat loss during colder months translates to higher utility bills, which is why you need to bring insulation of your old home up to date and into the 21st century. Old houses often have unfinished or unconditioned attics, so consider laying insulation batts and combine them with blown-in cellulose insulation for maximum effectiveness. If there is a basement, you can use the same method to insulate the floors above. By applying the same insulating technique on the stud bays of the floor joists, you’ll ensure your floors feel more comfortable throughout the year.

Upgrading old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones

In addition to insulating the attic and the floors, some other areas that may require insulation are doors and windows. Old ones often leak air and the result is cold air sweeping through the house, thus increasing your heating bill. Not only will you have to pay more, but you will also be letting in moisture as well as uninvited guests and critters through these uninsulated spaces. Upgrading your old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones will help save some money during heating and cooling seasons, but you can also try weatherstripping, re-caulking, or applying window film to draught-proof your existing doors and windows.

Charming, quirky period details and attractive, rich architecture – there are many reasons why many people fall in love with pre-war homes and decide to move into one. However, there are a couple of nuisances that come with moving into an old house, but if you manage to resolve these issues effectively, not only will you be able to trim the costs of living in an old home, but you’ll also help bring it up to standards needed for a modern lifestyle while still preserving a piece of history, which is in itself priceless.

 Guest Contributor, Chloe Taylor

7 Things To Do Before You Move Into A New House

7 Things To Do Before You Move Into A New House

Moving to a new place can be quite a stressful task. Anytime you move it comes with a lot of changes which can be uncomfortable. This is why it is crucial to put some things in place before you pack up and move. Doing these things would make you better prepared and would also make the new place you would be moving to more comfortable. Florida realtor, Danny Margagliano with 30a Local Properties (https://destinpropertyexpert.com) says, "Many of my customers that are moving asked me my number one piece of advice. Every time it's the same thing, you can't have enough of boxes." Here are some of the things you can do to prepare you for moving easily and stress-free.

Get proper supplies for moving

It is important to get appropriate supplies when moving so that your things do not get damaged during the moving process. Getting strong and adequate boxes for whatever item you want to pack is necessary. For instance, using a weak box to move dishes or valuable artwork is just calling for trouble. After sorting items and putting them in their proper boxes, the next step is to label all the boxes. When doing this be mindful that fragile items would be handled carefully. Reducing the risk of damaging them en-route.

Get a moving company

Moving can be quite a tedious task. Therefore it is essential to make sure you enlist the services of a trusted, licensed, and fully insured company. This way, you can rest assured that your property is in the hands of competent people.

Forwarding the mail 

As you would be moving to a new place, it is important to forward your mail before leaving your present house. You can get in touch with your local snail mail provider service and choose the day you would want to start receiving your mail at your new address. Neglecting to do this would make you miss out on receiving valuable letters or packages.

Transfer or cancel all utility service

 A few of the primary utility services to keep in mind includes electricity, gas, telephone, heating services. If you don't cancel it or transfer them to your current location, it could lead to several issues. First and foremost, it could delay service from being transferred to your new residence. Secondly, both services may remain on, and you will be paying for someone else's utilities. Either scenario is not a good one for you.

Look for suitable schools around

If you have children that are still going to school, the best thing to do would be to look for suitable schools and register them before-hand.

Finding new healthcare providers

If you would be moving very far away from your current health care provider, look for another one close to your new place of residence. You can ask your current health care provider to refer you to another Doctor. Be sure to verify that the new physician accepts your current health insurance. Alternatively, you can contact your health insurance company directly to find a doctor that is in your network of providers.

Clean up your new house

Before moving day either perform a walk-through yourself, I have your realtor do one for you. This way, you will know whether or not the home is clean and move-in ready. In some cases, the former residents will have taken care of cleaning the house for you, and in other cases, it will be up to you. Cleaning a space when it is still empty is much easier than having to clean it when it is filled with people and pieces of furniture.  

Final thoughts

There are still many other things to be done like painting the new space, changing the locks of the new place for security reasons, cleaning out your former home, sending out moving announcement to friends and family members, changing some electrical fixtures if necessary, hiring internet services, equipping the new place with fire extinguishers, and looking for a new pharmacy. The list can seem endless. If you follow the tips above for moving into a new home, the entire process will be a smoother one.

started on the moving process.

Guest Contributor, Daniel Margagliano

Common Home Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

Common Home Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

Every homeowner faces a few home emergencies that end up in expenses and repairs. This happens regardless of how well maintained your home is. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared for them as much as you can be prepared for an unexpected repair.

There are two main components of such preparations. Firstly, you need to have some money put aside to be sure you could purchase spare parts or hire a professional to make the repairs for you. Secondly, every homeowner should know how to do a few basic repairs quickly and have the proper tools to do so.

A power blackout

There’s not that much that you can do to prevent a blackout since it’s usually a problem with the power grid. That’s why it’s best to prepare for a blackout by preparing the supplies that you’ll use while the power is out.

If this happens every once in a while, you might want to invest in a generator that will keep your home powered through the blackout. The emergency kit for a blackout should artificial lights, some water and food, a supply of medication, and a way to communicate with emergency services.

A blocked toilet

A blocked toilet is one of those unpleasant emergencies that you need to react quickly upon without waiting for the professional to come and to make actual repairs. The first step to fixing a blocked toilet is to shut down the water supply coming to it. That will prevent the toilet from overflowing and give you time to make actual repairs.

This is where it’s best to call the plumber to help you out since it might require you to take out a pipe to remove the clog within it.

Small fires

It’s crucial to be prepared for small fires, especially if you live in a large city such as Sydney. That often means that you need to alert the authorities right away since it might be difficult to evacuate quickly.  It’s best to hire an electrician from Northern Beaches to install a small smoke detector. This is useful in the most sensitive parts of the home such as the kitchen.

It’s also useful for a home to have a small fire extinguisher and for you to learn how to use it before it’s ever needed.

Damaged roof

A damaged roof is probably the most serious emergency on our list and it will require a rather costly repair. Things are made even more difficult if the leak happens during the winter when you need to close it right away.

The best way to go is to inspect the roof on a regular basis. You may need to rent scaffolding and inspect the roof for damage or leaks at the start of every season. It’s easier if you catch the problem before it starts damaging your ceiling or requires the whole roof to be replaced.

Water leaks

Water leaks aren’t that big of a problem to fix, but they can be rather complicated to find or even notice. It’s usually noticed only when you figure out that your water bills are getting higher or that you’re losing water pressure somewhere in the house. 

When you notice the problem in the first place, it’s best to cut off the water for the whole home to avoid the waste. That’s where you need to hire a plumber to replace the busted pipe and install a new one.

Small home emergencies happen regardless of how well maintained your home is. That means you need to take the time to prepare for them, to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

How to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive

How to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive

Your decorating budget doesn't have to be big to create a luxurious bathroom. If you know how to match and contrast colours, if you are the master of accessories and you know how lighting can bring the best out of existing features, you can spice things up without breaking the bank. Here are the most effective ideas.

Inexpensive luxuries

Although not many bathrooms feature specialised seating, having one is indispensable for larger families. Instead of perching on the side of the bath, bring in a classy stool that you and your partner can both use, while a pair of upcycled garden chairs can prevent kids from fighting at the sink when the toothbrush time comes. Swapping boring bath mats with Persian rugs, or custom linoleum patchwork doesn’t cost much, especially since it saves you from having to replace the old tile floor.

Nature indoors

If you couldn’t make those luscious ferns and philodendrons take root in the dry, air-conditioned environment of your home, keep in mind that they will thrive in the bathroom. Tropical plants trailing down from windowsills can spruce up the element of luxury in any bathroom, while bundles of eucalyptus branches, exposed to shower steam, release the plant's natural therapeutic oils. If you're aiming for a clean and classic hotel finish, consider potted orchids, which also thrive in humid, low-light conditions. Even a few well-placed succulents like aloe can bring a sense of vitality to your bath space.

Mirrors and lights

Have you ever wondered why everyone looks better in hotel bathroom mirrors? It all boils down to lighting. If you illuminate mirrors evenly on both sides, you can eliminate shadows. You can use rather rectangular wall lamps or hanging brass bulbs. If you have a penchant for glowy, low-lit, spaces swap simple bulbs for recessed LED lights hidden in alcoves or behind opaque bath panels. Although at the end of a stressful day nothing really beats a relaxing bath under candle lights but instead of a modern mood lighting considers soft, dimmable floor spotlights.

Black and white

Reinvent your bathroom with a classical and striking noir palette by choosing black and white elements, accessories and fixtures. Classy black soap dispensers, tumblers, and dishes are a great inexpensive way to accent your décor. Even bathroom appliances can help you with this décor idea since manufacturers of best washing machines today offer their front and top loaders in black or white colour schemes. If you don’t know where to start, chose a remarkable black or white centrepiece such as a freestanding stone bath with a contemporary curving design.

Neutral wainscoting

Even a simple change like painting the wainscoting a neutral colour other than white can change the mood of your bathroom completely, from nursing white to luxurious. Nowhere does it say that wainscoting and beadboard must be white. For such a painting project, first, you'll want to sample the new colours. Use a piece of wainscoting or trim to try out the colours, so you can move it around the bathroom to get a look at different lighting angles.

Scents and essences

Use essential oils, scented soaps, and multi-layered shampoos to replicate the feeling of being pampered and relaxed while staying in a luxury hotel spa. Transform the boring shower routine into a multi-sensory experience. Give your hair a full spa treatment using products made of natural ingredients, like rosemary, cucumber or green tea. This way, every shower will have the additional benefit of improving your mood.

The bathroom is often cited as the most expensive room in the house to renovate, second perhaps only to the kitchen. However, you don't have to gut everything to make your baths space feel expensive. Most of the ideas listed here are budget-friendly and easy to restore, which makes them ideal for homeowners who are renting.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

4 Factors That Make All the Difference in Your Bathroom Remodel

4 Factors That Make All the Difference in Your Bathroom Remodel

Usually, when talking about bathroom remodels, people tend to think that it simply can’t be done without a lot of patience and a huge budget in place. However, this is not always the case. The fact is that you can completely change the look of your bathroom on a budget if that is the only change you wish to make.

On the other hand, if you are looking to conduct a more elaborate remodeling project you will need to set aside a hefty sum. So, depending on what you wish to achieve with your bathroom you will need to calculate the budget accordingly. With that in mind, here are some factors you should consider beforehand to make the remodel go as smoothly and as stress-free as possible.

Know what you want

Before you actually start hiring contractors left and right and start browsing various stores in search of the items you wish to incorporate into your new bathroom, you should first decide what you want to achieve with your bathroom remodel. If it is only a new look, you are going for the entire remodeling project shouldn’t last too long or require too big of a budget. However, if you are planning on completely relocating your existing plumbing and drains, do know that it will cost you much more and it will require appropriate funds. So, make sure you determine exactly what you want to achieve before you move on to the next step.

Determine the budget accordingly

As mentioned, in order to determine the budget, you need to first define the scope of the project. If you are just changing a few things up in order to bring in a breath of fresh air to your bathroom you can easily focus solely on the cost of a new paint job, some new fixtures and a couple of new décor pieces. However, if you are looking for more elaborate plumbing upgrades, make sure you account not only for the estimated price of the project but the contingency as well. With projects like these, things can easily go wrong or you may even come across an issue you didn’t even know was there so you need to make sure that you are financially ready to cover anything that might come your way.

Know how you want to achieve it

Once you have clearly defined your project, decide how you want to proceed further. If upping the style of your bathroom is the only thing you are interested in, turn to ever-so-fashionable Aussies for some inspiration. To up the style in their personal oases, many Aussies choose to incorporate a custom made vanity from Sydney in their bathrooms. Introducing such stunning yet simple pieces in any bathroom can easily elevate the style and pizzazz of the room to an entirely new level. On the other hand, if you are after bigger projects, you will have to clearly determine the order in which you want things to be done as well as the final goal you want to achieve in the space.

Come up with a plan and stick to it

Finally, once you have all the answers and you know how you want to approach the matter, it would be wise to come up with a game plan and stick to it as much as possible. While it is easy to change your mind mid-way about the new wall paint you wish to have in your bathroom, doing so when relocating plumbing and drains can not only be extremely expensive, but it can also significantly set back the entire project. Additionally, keep in mind that the contractors you have hired are usually working on a tight schedule, so making any bigger changes mid-project can even result in them not having enough time to finish the work in one go because they need to move on to their next client and the next project they are hired for. There are numerous mistakes you can easily make when remodeling your bathroom, so it would be wise to get familiar with them so that you can avoid making any of them.

Bathroom remodels are usually stressful for people because more often than not, they don’t really know what they want to achieve with the space. However, if you have a clear idea in mind, based on which you can estimate the necessary time and the average budget you will need to set aside, successfully finishing this project should be as easy as one, two, three. 

Guest Contributor, Chloe Taylor

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

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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