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12 Things You Should Know Before Renting a House

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12 Things You Should Know Before Renting a House

Before you make a commitment you may regret, check out this list of the things you need to know and the questions you need to be asking before renting a house!

More Americans are renting houses now than at any time since 1965

And just like buying a house, finding one to rent is a huge decision that will affect both your life and lifestyle.

From where you sleep and eat to where you buy groceries and your commuting time, your choice of rental apartment affects everything.

Before you make the final decision about where to rent a house, make sure you know the questions to ask when renting a house. It’s very important to do your homework because it can be difficult to cancel a lease once you’ve signed it.

Here are things to know before renting a house as well as questions to ask before renting.

Have a look at Your Credit Report

Checking your credit report will help you find out whether your credit history will be a complication when trying to rent an apartment.

The Credit Report website recommends that you submit your rental application with a letter if your credit report shows late payments, bankruptcies, foreclosures or other debt issues.

Consider Location Before Renting a House

Before you select a house to rent, be sure to give serious thought to its location. In an ideal world, you’ll live near all the essential services and stores you need, including shops and restaurants.

Your lifestyle determines how close these areas should be. If you’re okay with driving to most places, two miles should be fine. If you prefer to walk, try to ensure you aren’t more than one mile away from essential services.

Due Dates of Rental Payments

Before renting a house, find out whether the monthly payment is within your budget. Ask how much the security deposit is if there’s one.

Discuss with the landlord the due date for your rent each month, where you to pay and what payment modes the landlord or rental office accepts.

Are There Utilities? If Yes, Who Pays for Them?

Most rental houses cover the cost of water and trash collection, but you’ll need to pay for gas and electricity. However, some houses require that you pay for all the utilities.

Water bills can be anywhere from $50 to $500 per month, so make sure to:

  • Ask the local service provider to give you the average water cost for the house you’re considering renting
  • Ask who pays for water and sewerage

The last tenant will have provided all those records. The same goes for gas and electricity. You have no idea how frugal or wasteful the last tenant could have been but you’ll have a clue at least.

Maintenance Policy

In most cases, tenants are required to pay maintenance fees to the management of gated communities or resident welfare associations.

So, make sure to ask your landlord who’s going to pay the maintenance fees, to avoid any future conflicts. Ask what happens in case of major repairs, like seepage or other repairs. Make sure the property owner bears the cost.

What’s the Policy on Roommates?

Are you an occupant or tenant? In other words, whose name is on the lease agreement? And is rent on you if one of your roommates absconds, or is everybody equally responsible?

If you stay with 2-3 roommates, and one bails for some reason, who will pay their rent? If your name is the only one on the lease, are you allowed to sublet the house or even bring in roommates?

You may start living alone, fall on hard times and decide to bring in a roommate. So does that mean paying extra?

How often can guests come over? How many folks can live with you at a time? Can there be sleepovers?

The stuff you take for granted when living in the college dorm or at home changes drastically. Some property managers don’t give a hoot unless the situation gets out of control. Others are super strict about occupancy matters.

Keep asking about the above situations until you’re certain you’ll be fine.

Emergency Repairs

Who will foot the bill for a faulty electricity meter, broken washbasin, or faulty switch? Is it the landlord? Or the tenant?

Am I Allowed to Decorate my Place?

Some landlords won’t let tenants even knock a nail into the walls. Find out from the landlord if you’re even allowed to hang stuff on the walls. Ask if you can change the tiles or paint the walls whenever you want.

If the landlord refuses to let you hang items on the wall, assure them that you’ll patch the walls up before you leave.

How Many Parking Spots Am I Allowed

In some apartments, each tenant gets a parking place. Some apartments have only one parking spot and ‘free street parking’. Others don’t have parking for visitors and some don’t give a fig.

Determine which situation suits your apartment, especially if you’ll be having friends over for studying, dinner, or parties, etc. Nothing kills the party buzz quicker than your friends not finding a place to park.

Pet Policies

Even if you have no pet, some of your friends do have one. Can they bring their favorite pet over?

You don’t want any pet left in a vehicle–is there any policy about unattended pets on the property or in vehicles at all?

Safety and Security

Ask the property owner what safety and security measures are in place for the property, including a security guard, CCTV camera or double door lock.

You can also find out the level of security in the neighborhood. Is the area relatively safe?

Can I Cancel the Lease Early?

While you might be planning to see out the lease, there’s no way to tell what curve balls life will throw your way.

Ask what happens in case you want to cancel your lease, as well as if you can sublet to somebody else to see out the rental contract.

Make sure to read more in your lease for any useful information.

Final Thoughts

Some of the things to look for when renting a house and questions to ask when renting a house can be tricky, but they’re essential if you want to find your dream apartment.

It’s our hope that you find a nice place when renting a house. And for some useful pieces on renting, property management and home d?cor, be sure to take a look at our blog.

Scared of Dentist but Need Treatment? Let’s Fix That!

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Scared of Dentist but Need Treatment? Let’s Fix That!

If you’re scared of dentist but need treatment you’re in the right place. Check out these coping strategies so you can get the medical attention you need. Click here for more information on this subject!

Few people consider going to the dentist a pleasurable experience, but it’s essential if you want to maintain good oral health.

However, some people’s feelings towards dental visits fill them with fear. In fact, up to 15% of Americans avoid the dentist altogether because of fear and anxiety. Unfortunately, that means their teeth and gums may suffer.

If you’re scared of the dentist but need treatment, there are some things you can do to help you relax. Keep reading for some useful tips.

Ask for Referrals

Knowing what kind of personality a dentist has and what their office is like will help ease your anxiety leading up to your visit.

That being said, try to pick a dentist with a gentle manner and a comfortable office. Getting a personal referral is the best way to do this.

Ask family and friends about their dentist and get firsthand accounts of their personality and the overall experience. If a person you trust feels comfortable with a dentist, this may calm your worries about the procedure.

Many dentists such as Aspire Surgical have in-depth websites that give you a good sense of the environment of their office and process.

Pick a Dentist Close to Home

If possible, it helps to choose a dentist close to your home. This makes the entire process easier on you.

The shorter your commute to your appointment, the better. Nothing is worse for anxiety than having to think about the procedure while sitting in traffic.

Choosing an office close to your home also allows you to easily fit the appointment into your schedule. If you can take care of the procedure during a lunch break or before work, this eliminates unwanted stress.

Use Relaxation Techniques

If you’re absolutely terrified of the dentist, on the day of your visit you should employ relaxation techniques. You should start doing this before you leave for your appointment.

It’s important to maintain steady, deep breathing. Faster, shorter breaths will increase your anxiety, so make it a point to focus.

You should also try meditation during the procedure. Keep your eyes closed, pay attention to your breathing and focus on a single idea unrelated to your visit. Before your appointment, it couldn’t hurt to research meditation and practice on your own.

Occupy Your Mind

The sounds of drilling and scraping aren’t pleasurable at all and may add to your fear.

Plan on bringing earbuds so you can listen to music or a podcast. This will occupy your mind and drown out the sounds of the procedure.

If your dentist offers TV, sunglasses, or headphones, take advantage of it. The point is to take your mind out of the dental chair and distract yourself as much as possible.

Use These Tips if You’re Scared of the Dentist But Need Treatment

Fear of the dentist is understandable, but it shouldn’t result in you avoiding appointments. Do your teeth a favor and use these tips if you’re scared of the dentist but need treatment. It’s likely you’ll get through your appointment just fine and future visits won’t be so bad.

For more articles on living a healthy lifestyle, check out our blog.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a House You’ll Love

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Everything You Need to Know About Buying a House You’ll Love

If you’re thinking about buying a house then you’ll need all the help and advice you can get to make sure you make the right decision. Check out this blog post for a few handy hints and tips on this subject!

Despite fluctuations in the housing market over the past decade, economists still agree that home ownership is key to building wealth. Homeowners enjoy the unique benefit of building equity, which can help them increase creditworthiness and save for other big purchases.

But while there are many benefits associated with homeownership, there are also significant responsibilities. When you own a home, it up to you to maintain the property. This means you’re on the hook for expenses like a leaky faucet or a broken refrigerator, which can add up quickly.

So, before you start on the adventure of buying a house, it’s important to do your research. Check out this house buying guide to learn everything you need to know to get the perfect place for you. You need to know things to check before buying a house.

Know What You Can Afford

It’s important to determine what your budget is before you start looking at properties. There’s no sense in touring a gorgeous house and falling in love with the remodeled kitchen only to find out you can’t afford it.

If you’re buying a house for the first time, it can be confusing to figure out what you can afford. Here are a few steps you should take.

Types of Loans

Before you start looking at your bank account, you should understand the types of loans available to home buyers. Most home buyers use one of three types of loans: conventional, FHA, or VA.

Conventional loans typically offer the best interest rates but are harder to qualify for. A buyer will typically need a credit score of at least 680 to qualify for a conventional loan. By contrast, government-backed FHA loans are available to buyers with credit scores as low as 580.

If you choose an FHA loan, you will have to pay mortgage insurance, which protects the lender against defaults. You will also have to purchase mortgage insurance for a conventional loan if you put down less than 20% for a down payment.

VA loans are only available to those who have served in the military. These loans offer full-financing, meaning you won’t need to make a down payment.

In short, conventional loans are best if you have a high credit score and/or a significant amount of money for a down payment. If you are unsure whether you can meet the requirements, you might be better served by an FHA loan.

Your Debt to Income Ratio

In addition to looking at your credit score and your down payment, underwriters will also want to calculate your debt to income ratio before offering you a loan. For both conventional and FHA loans, you will typically need a debt to income ratio of 43%.

To calculate your debt to income ratio, the underwriter will consider all current monthly debts, such as student loans, credit card debt, and car payments, plus the debt you would take on with the mortgage payment.

If you’ve ever taken out a car loan, you probably had to provide paystubs showing two month’s worth of income. When you purchase a home, however, you will need to show two year’s worth of income.

Monitor the Market

Like anything else in the economy, the housing market fluctuates. As a homebuyer, the key is to monitor the market so you know what homes in your target area typically go for.

Do Your Own Research

Before you start working with a real estate agent or looking at homes, it is a good idea to do some online research on your own first. This will help you develop an understanding of the current housing market.

Try using a resource like the one found on this page to monitor prices in your area. Once you start getting a feel of which neighborhoods have the most to offer in your price range, you can start looking at homes in person.

Find a Real Estate Agent

No matter how much time you spend looking at homes, you likely don’t have time to make it a full-time job. By contrast, a real estate agent has a deep understanding of the market. Not to mention, the agent does not get paid unless you find a home you love.

Make an Offer

Once you find a home that you can afford, that checks off your priority boxes, and is at the right price, it’s time to make your move. Once you get into the offer stage, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you get a good deal.

Get an Inspection

Before buying a home, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Make sure that any offer you agree to is dependent on an inspection.

There are some issues that will come up in an inspection that are not necessarily a big deal, like a leaky faucet or a sticky window. If there are issues with the roof or wiring, however, these are issues that may be cause for concern.

Understand All the Costs

When you make an offer on a home, you want to consider the full cost, not just the listing price. There will also be closing costs and a home inspection.

Also, most loans require a home to meet certain requirements. For instance, the roof or electric wiring might need to be up to certain standards. If the house does not meet these requirements, the repairs will need to be made before the underwriter will issue a loan.

Get Started on Buying a House

With these tips in hand, you will be ready to get started on buying a house. Before you know it, you’ll be decorating your dream home.

 

What tips do you recommend to first-time homebuyers? Let us know in the comments!

10 Qualities to Look For When Hiring a Lawyer

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10 Qualities to Look For When Hiring a Lawyer

When you get in trouble, don’t hire your cousin Vinnie to defend you instead of hiring a lawyer! Take the time and look for legal council who who have these 10 qualities – you won’t be sorry!

There are more than 1 million lawyers working all across the country at this time

.As a result, you won’t have any trouble hiring a lawyer the next time you need someone to assist you with a legal situation.

But unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find a good lawyer who will have all of the qualities you’ll need to be victorious in the courtroom. In fact, there are so many lawyers out there that you might have trouble weeding through the bad ones to find the best one for your case.

If you’re looking for a lawyer at the moment, the best way to locate one is by looking for lawyers with a certain set of characteristics.

Here are the 10 characteristics of a good lawyer.

1. Extensive Experience

The very first thing you want to look for when hiring a lawyer is their experience.

How long have they been practicing law? Did they just open their practice this year, or have they been in the game for more than 25 years now?

You might not necessarily need someone with an extensive amount of experience if you have a relatively routine legal need. But you also don’t want to go with someone who doesn’t have the experience it takes to fight and win a case in court.

You should begin by asking a lawyer how much experience they have overall. Then, you should narrow it down and ask how much experience they have handling the specific kind of case you need them to deal with.

This should let you know whether or not a lawyer is right for you. If they have absolutely no experience with what you need them to do, you can feel free to move on and find someone else.

2. Specific Areas of Expertise

Most lawyers specialize in dealing with one specific area of expertise.

Some lawyers spend their days handling car accident cases. Others, like USAttorneys, have a better handle on things like estate planning.

You wouldn’t hire a plumber to come in and rewire the electricity in your home simply because he works in a trade. Likewise, you wouldn’t hire an electrician to come in and fix a clogged toilet for the same reason.

You should find a lawyer that spends most of their time devoted to the specific area that you need help with.

When you combine experience with expertise, you get the best of both worlds. A lawyer who has both of these characteristics will give you a distinct advantage when you step into a courtroom.

3. Good Location

You’re probably going to be spending a lot of time working with your lawyer in their office. At the very least, you’re going to have to make a couple trips there to meet with them and go over your case.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to find a lawyer that is located close to either your home or your work. Otherwise, you could end up spending hours and hours driving to and from your lawyer’s office.

While the lawyer doesn’t necessarily need to be located around the corner from your house, they should be located somewhere in your city.

This will make it easier for you to connect with them. It will also ensure that they have some connections in your town that could ultimately benefit you later.

4. Numerous Connections

Speaking of connections, all good lawyers have relationships with important people in their communities.

Over the years, lawyers will usually develop relationships with prosecutors, judges, and even other lawyers that could help you in a big way.

Let’s say that your lawyer knows the prosecutor that has charged you with a crime. While the lawyer might not be able to get you off completely, they could reason with the prosecutor and convince them to reduce the charges against you.

This is something that your lawyer probably won’t be able to do if they work in another city or just haven’t formed great connections with others. You’ll be able to leverage their relationships and use them to your advantage.

5. Solid Reputation

Prior to hiring a lawyer, you should make sure they have a solid reputation within the law community in your city.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone has to love and adore them. A lawyer might actually have a lot of enemies because they’re so good at their job.

However, you should steer clear of shady lawyers who are known to use unethical practices to get results for their clients. The last thing you want to do is hire someone who is going to make you look bad in court through the actions they take.

You should also stay away from lawyers who are known to rip off their clients. You want someone who is going to be on your side throughout the legal proceedings, not someone who is just trying to make a buck off you.

Figure out what kind of reputation a lawyer has in your city before you bring them on board.

6. Great References

If you want to find a great lawyer, one of the simplest ways to do it is by asking for references from other people.

In some cases, that might mean asking friends, family members, work colleagues, and even neighbors if they can recommend a lawyer. In others, it might mean scouring online reviews to see which lawyers in your area get the best grades from their clients.

A lawyer should have people lined up willing to testify on their behalf as far as the great job they do. If you can’t seem to find anyone to say good things about a particular lawyer, it’s probably because others haven’t had a great experience working with them.

7. Excellent Communicator

Lawyers are, as you can probably imagine, very busy at almost all times. It’s almost impossible for them to work part-time. They’re constantly running in and out of courtrooms and meetings with clients.

But despite this, you want a lawyer who is willing to make time for you when you need to talk by phone or email.

There are far too many lawyers who leave their clients hanging and don’t communicate well with them at all. They refuse to pick up their calls and leave emails unanswered for days on end.

If you’ve been trying to touch base with a lawyer and struggled to track them down, it’s likely a sign of things to come if you start working with them. You want someone who will find time to talk to you as opposed to someone who is always too busy.

8. Extreme Confidence

There is an extremely thin line between cockiness and confidence when it comes to lawyers. Many lawyers have a big ego that causes them to border on being overly cocky as opposed to confident.

You want your lawyer to be confident in their abilities. You also want there to be a good reason for that confidence.

A confident lawyer knows their stuff and has done the proper research to help you win a case. They also have the experience and expertise to back up the confidence they display.

You should learn to tell the difference between cockiness and confidence and find a lawyer who fits into the second category. Your lawyer’s confidence will make you feel good about your legal chances and give you more confidence in the outcome of your case.

9. Affordably Priced

When you make the decision to hire a lawyer, you shouldn’t base that decision solely on price.

Far too many people make the mistake of hiring a lawyer because of the low cost that comes along with them. They end up paying the price for it in court!

You should find a lawyer that is affordably priced and that can offer you all of the services you need. While it’s not a bad idea to do some price shopping when looking for a lawyer, you also don’t want to get too hung up on price and end up with a lawyer who can’t give you all the help you need.

10. Immense Success

This might just be the most important characteristic of a good lawyer.

When hiring a lawyer, you want someone who has a proven track record. They should specialize in getting real results for their clients once they step into the courtroom

There aren’t any lawyers who are undefeated. But at the very least, you want one who will provide you with a good chance of claiming victory in court.

Otherwise, what are you actually paying for? You’ll end up wasting a bunch of money on your lawyer and losing your case in spite of it.

Hiring a Lawyer Doesn’t Have to Be a Difficult Process

Some people are under the assumption that hiring a lawyer will take forever and cause an unnecessary amount of stress.

This simply isn’t true. As long as you’re willing to be patient and find a lawyer with the characteristics listed here, you shouldn’t have any problem locating a lawyer equipped to handle your specific case.

Check out our blog for more information on hiring the right lawyer for the job.

Construction Bonding Requirements: What You Need to Know

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Construction Bonding Requirements: What You Need to Know

If you are looking to do construction work, it is important that you follow the proper regulations. Check out this guide to learn more about construction bonding requirements.

As a project contractor, you understand there are risks involved in just about any project. Plus, there can be delays and failures that will make you fail to deliver the project as per established provisions and agreements.

Project owners and investors know that such scenarios are possible once the project starts. As such, they’ll expect you to put up a surety bond, such as a construction bond, to protect them against disruptions and financial loss. Keep in mind that this bond also offers legal protection.

So, before you get the bond, you need to understand the essential construction bonding requirements, and this post is here to guide you through.

Keep on reading to learn more.

How the Bond Works

As noted, the investors and project owners require bonds to protect their investments. In this case, the investor or project owner can be the government or an entity in the private sector.

Surety bonds are commonly required for cost-intensive projects, such as building bridges and roads. Generally, most projects are usually $100k or more. It provides assurance to the project owner (obligee) that the contractor will execute and complete the project according to the agreement.

If you are taking on a larger project, your construction bond may come in two parts. One part will cover the overall project incompletion, and the other will cover nonpayment of services and materials from suppliers and subcontractors.

Three parties are usually involved in this deal – the project owner/investor, the contractors, and the surety company. As a contractor, putting up a bond allows you to provide a financial and quality guarantee to the obligee that you have the capacity and means to deliver the project. Plus, you’ll meet all the quality requirements.

You will need to purchase the construction bond from the surety company. It’s the responsibility of the company to conduct financial and background checks before approving the bond.

The Kind of Surety Bonds Your Will Need

When approaching surety companies, they’ll review your financial merits and charge a premium based on the likelihood of potential adverse events. A surety can also replace the contractor when they abandon the project.

Here are four main types of construction bonds, and you can also click here for more:

1. Bid Bond

When bidding on potential projects, you must submit a bid bond together with your bid. This bond protects the project owner if you back out of the project after winning the bid. It also protects them if you fail to provide a performance bid, which is necessary before you start working on the project.

2. Performance Bond

After you accept the bid and you’re ready to start the project, you’re going to need performance bond. This bond protects the project owner from financial loss is the project is defective or fails to meet the contract terms.

3. Payment Bond

You may win a bid, but do you have the means and capacity to meet all the projects needs? Well, getting a payment bond helps to give that assurance. It shows that you have the financial capacity to pay workers, subcontractors, and suppliers.

4. Maintenance Bond

In some cases, you may also need maintenance bond. This helps to guarantee that you’ll fix any defects and repairs that will be discovered after the project completion. This usually lasts for a 12-month period.

As you can see, these are the bonds you will need once you start bidding on project construction projects.

Understand Construction Bonding Requirements

Now that you understand how the bond works, let’s explore what requirements you need to meet when applying for a bond. Keep in mind that requirements differ depending on the project size and the surety company you approach.

Understand The Miller Act

If you’re bidding on federal construction projects, you need to understand the construction bonding requirements as they are constituted in The Miller Act.

According to the act, the prime contractors of federal projects must provide a performance bond for any project that’s more than $100,000. Also, contract values ranging from $30,000 and $100,000, may require some form of payment protection.

You need the payment bond to pay suppliers and contractors. Failure to have the bond gives suppliers and contractors the right to sue you in the U.S. District Court.

The Essential Documents

Usually, you need several documents when you apply for construction bonds. This includes:

  • Your surety application
  • CPA-prepared financial statements for the past two years
  • A copy of the project contract

Even though it’s not a requirement, be sure to provide proof of real estate ownership. This will help to expedite your bond processing and approval.

Cost Requirements

As a general rule, you can expect the cost of a performance bond to be about 1 percent of the project or contract value. For cases where the contract value is $1 million or more, the premium can be anywhere from 1.5% and 2%.

However, your creditworthiness as a contractor will also determine your premiums. In most cases, surety companies usually combine the performance bond and payment bond as single coverage.

Other Requirements

Before underwriting any amount, surety agencies will consider several factors.

They will review your past contracts to ensure they were successful. If they were any issues, they would want to know how they were solved. So, be sure to have some proof of past contracts as they need them for risk analysis.

You also need to have enough working capital to get approval from surety agencies. You will also need to prove that you have the skills and ability to complete the project.

Keep in mind that some agencies will readily reject contractors with bad credit and bankruptcy.

Construction Bonding Requirements – Final Thoughts

In the United States, the law requires surety bonds for most large construction projects. As a contractor, you need to learn all the essential requirements of bonds when bidding on projects.

This post covers some of the basic stuff you need to know when approaching surety agencies. The good thing is that you can easily apply online for bonds and get quotes from different agencies.

Do you have any thoughts or ideas on meeting the construction bonding requirements? Feel free to share them in the comments section below!

You can also read more on how to raise finance to support your construction business.

10 Tips Sure to Make You an Off Road Driving Pro

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10 Tips Sure to Make You an Off Road Driving Pro

Off road driving can be a fun activity for families and thrill seekers alike. But if you don’t know what you’re doing it’s easy to get lost or stuck. Check out these ten tips to make sure you and your vehicle make it back intact.

Off road driving is one of the coolest ways to live on the edge. But there are certain risks involved that can turn an awesome adventure into a nightmare.

Preparation is key any time you’re leaving the comforts of home for the wilderness. So you’d better be ready because it’s unlikely there will be anybody around to bail you out if things take a turn for the worst.

Let’s take a look at these tips that will help get you home in one piece.

10 Tips Sure to Make You an Off Road Driving Pro

Off road driving can be a fun activity for families and thrill seekers alike. Check out these tips to make sure you and your vehicle make it back intact.

1. Check Your Fluids

The first thing on your prep list should always be to check your fluids. This includes coolant levels, oil, transmission fluid, and even top off your wiper fluid.

2. Inspect Your Vehicle

Take a walk around your vehicle. Check your tire pressure and tread. Test all your lights to make sure they function properly, and while you’re at it go ahead and test your battery too.

3. Outfit Your Vehicle

Light bars are always a good idea. Get 4×4 tires to deal with rocks, sand, and for climbing steep tracks. And make sure you have a good spare and a jack.

4. Load Up Your Gear

Make a list. Be very organized. Put the important stuff where it’s easy to reach. Then double check your list before heading out. Better safe than sorry, right?

5. Upgrade Your Gear

Prepping for your trip is a great time to make upgrades. Body armor and skid plates can save you when you’re driving over rocks or crossing a shallow stream.

To make it through, you need to learn more about the right gear for your adventure.

6. Take a Buddy with You

Take along a friend if possible. Exploring is always more fun when you’re not alone. And having a friend at your side is just safer, especially if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

7. Know Your Comfort Zone

Listen to that inner voice that tells you something isn’t a smart choice. Staying within your comfort zone will keep you safe. This is important both mentally and physically, so keep yourself in the best shape possible for these adventures.

8. Drive with a Co-Pilot

When you’re driving in treacherous conditions, you need to be able to focus on the road. These are the moments when it’s wise to have a co-pilot to serve as navigator.

9. Find Your Line

This is the imaginary line that you use for navigation. Whether on the highway or a narrow mountain path, it’s important to keep your wheels on this line so that you don’t wind up in trouble.

10. Stay Flexible

Just remember, when you are in the wilderness, you’re not in control of your environment. Stay flexible. Always be reassessing. If you need to follow an alternate route you didn’t expect, don’t sweat it. Keep your cool and everything will be fine.

It’s All In the Details

Off road driving is all about having fun. But fun requires good decision making and foreseeing potential problems before they arise.

4×4 driving presents special challenges you won’t experience anywhere else. Be smart, be prepared, take your time, respect the environment, and you’ll come home with memories that will last a lifetime!

Contact us to discuss potential collaborative business opportunities.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Air Compressor For Home Use

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5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Air Compressor For Home Use

If you are a DIY enthusiast, owning an air compressor can make your hobby easier and allow you to do more. You can use an air compressor to power tools for woodwork, spray painting, auto repairs and more. Here’s how to choose the right one to suit your needs and budget.

You may not realize it, but air compressors are one of the handiest tools around.

But, they just blow compressed air, right?

Yes, compressors do just that. But, it’s how you can leverage the incredible power of air pressure that really makes these tools shine

Whether you think you know all there is to know about compressors or just want to know how an air compressor for home use might make your life easier, keep reading for a look at why this versatile tool is so handy to have around.

Air Compressor for Home Use = Maximum Versatility

One of the most compelling reasons to pick up a compressor is how versatile they are.

While you might associate compressors with inflating tires or running a nail gun, they can actually operate a wide range of tools. Compressors are also really useful for home improvement projects, cleaning things, and even painting.

If you have a job, chore, or hobby that requires tools, odds are good that there’s a compressor and an attachment that can get it done.

Super Handy for All Things Woodwork

A small air compressor is a woodworkers friend.

While you could buy an expensive, battery-powered nail gun that can only be used for one task–driving nails–a compressor with nail gun attachment can also be used for a variety of other tasks.

Pneumatic nailers are also usually lighter and can last much longer than their battery operated counterparts.

Cut Painting Time in Half

Let’s face it … painting with a brush or roller is not a speedy process. Painting a large room can take hours the old fashion way.

With a compressor, paint can be quickly and evenly applied to areas both large and small.

Painting with a compressor can really give your home or projects a professional look in a fraction of the time it takes to use a brush.

Make Car Repairs Easy

If you’ve done much work on cars, you know how difficult some jobs can be. Turning a ratchet or wrench endlessly is tough work. And, it’s not always easy to turn those stubborn bolts.

A compressor and impact wrench can make car repairs go by much faster and with far less effort. There’s a reason the pros rely on air tools for automotive work.

Take the Strain out of Repairs and Projects

Perhaps the biggest plus for having an air compressor around is its ability to make projects easier.

Like any other power tool, air compressors do the work for you. Breaking loose a lug nut, driving nails, and painting a large room are all difficult, time-consuming jobs that can be made much easier with air tools.

Air compressor power is measured is typically measured in SCFM. Smaller air tools usually require less than 5 SCFM, while bigger one might require 10 or more. Occasionally, you may have to calculate SCFM to CFM to determine how much power a tool needs.

Putting It All Together

Before you get started on your next project, see if you can do it with air tools. You’ll be surprised at what you can do with these handy tools. Having an air compressor for home use around is one of the better investments you can make.

Check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks on things you can use around the house.

5 Adorable Baby Photoshoot Ideas

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5 Adorable Baby Photoshoot Ideas

If you want to gave a photoshoot for your baby, there are so many adorable choices for you. Here are 5 cute baby photoshoot ideas you should try.

New parents often want to show the world their beautiful new baby.

One of the best ways to do this is to have a photoshoot. Baby photoshoots let you show the world just how cool you as parents are. It also gives you a creative outlet to show off how adorable the new addition to the family baby is.

If you’re stumped on just how to pull off a baby photo shoot, keep reading. Here are five baby photoshoot ideas that will make grandparents and friends chuckle.

1. Fairies and Dragons

One of the most traditional baby photoshoots are fairytale shoots, made popular by Anne Marie.

Dressing up your baby like a prince or princess can be fun, adorable and truly magical. Look here for some baby boy clothes that will work for this creative photoshoot.

2. Sketch it Up

If you’re Photoshop savvy, you can do pretty much anything.

One of the cutest ways to utilize this skill and show off the baby is to sketch some designs or even character designs on your baby’s photo.

Some parents have sketched cartoon character costumes on their babies. Some have even drawn musical instruments in their hands!

This creative idea is a great way to show off your artistic side. It lets you have a little fun once the shoot is done.

3. Furry Best Friends Get Involved

A lot of new parents start out with pets.

Your dog is as much a part of the family as your new baby. So why not get them involved in a photoshoot too?

One of the cutest ways to do this is to get your fur baby and you’re actual baby matching outfits. Dogs love to show off. And babies do too. Together they’d make the absolute greatest duo to stand in front of a camera.

4. Daddy and Me

Do you have a crazy sense of humor and do you love shocking your in-laws? Then you should take a page from Dave Engeldow’s book.

This photographer has made a career out of taking silly photos with his daughter. From when she was a newborn all the way up into her toddler years, Engledow has shown off his pop culture and secret comedian chops by holding some elaborate photoshoots.

While you don’t necessarily have to go as far as he does, you can definitely get a little creative with these. Your baby might not understand what’s happening but you and your family definitely will.

5. New Additions Too

Not every photoshoot is going to involve a tiny baby.

A lot of foster and adoptive parents have started making baby announcements and photoshoots their own.

Adopted children can experience this right of passage and it can help them feel like part of their new family.

Channel Your Inner Artist for More Baby Photoshoot Ideas

There are so many ways to show your creative side when planning a baby photoshoot.

Having some basic photoshop skills and some cute props will definitely help you too.

For some more unique baby photoshoot ideas, visit our blog!

Help! What are the Signs of Opiate Addiction?

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Help! What are the Signs of Opiate Addiction?

The opium epidemic seems to reach every corner of the country and it’s a problem for many families. If you suspect a loved one has a heroin addiction, be sure to watch out for these signs of opiate addiction so you can get them help, fast.

Opiate addictions are becoming an epidemic in the United States. In the last five years alone, the amount of people addicted to them has climbed by almost 500%.

Moreover, this addiction isn’t just something young people are suffering from. Studies show that opioid addiction affects people across age demographics.

But how can you tell if someone you know or love is addicted to oxycodone, hydrocodone, or other illicit opiates?

Pay attention and look for the following signs of opiate addiction.

Signs of Opiate Addiction 101: Look for the Side Effects

While looking for side effects first may seem counterintuitive, it can be a tell-tale sign if someone you love has been abusing prescription or illegal drugs. Because the drug itself often causes people to be in a comatose state, you may not see them as often when they are high.

Signs of opiate addiction can be subtle, so it is important that you keep an eye out for the side effects that they may cause.

Side effects may include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Bone pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Depressed respiration
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Depression

While these can be the side effects of many things, it is important to pay attention to the frequency in which they are happening. Yes, sometimes people are tired and nauseous, but if it is constant and they do want help with it, there may be something else eschew.

Look at Their Overall Appearance

While many people are good at keeping their addictions secret for a long time, the body’s appearance cannot tell a lie.

If someone you know is looking paler, constantly sick, tired, and look as though they have given up on their appearance (unkempt), these may all be signs that point to a person is becoming addicted or already being addicted to opiates.

A person’s weight is also often a give away to their drug use. If someone you know used to be a healthy weight or a heavier weight, and then began to lose weight or gain weight very quickly, it could be due to drug use.

Many people begin to look like themselves again after detoxing, but in the meantime, will have an appearance that may make their drug addiction obvious.

Their Personalities Have Changed

People with opioid dependency often only care about one relationship: the one that they have with their drugs.

At first, things can be subtle. For instance, your romantic partner is not as interested in you as they used to be. But it may come up in other ways as well.

They may become more cranky overall, have a shorter temper, and major mood swings when they are not high or on the medication.

They may also be more likely to be more forgetful, and struggle in things that used to come easy to them, like school or work.

Get Your Loved Ones Help

While many people with drug addiction are often in denial or keep this part of their life secret, it is important that we pay attention and look for signs of opiate addiction.

It’s a frightening fact, but seven people every hour die in the U.S. because of their opiate addictions.

Do not let your loved ones and friends become part of that statistic.

Want to know more health and overall lifestyle tips? Please feel free to contact us.

Spice Up Your Space With These Hot New Home Decor Trends

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Spice Up Your Space With These Hot New Home Decor Trends

Could your home or apartment use a refresh? Here are some of the hottest new home decor trends you can use to give your space the beauty and comfort it deserves.

Do you want to give your home a new look this summer? When you’ve cleaned out all your old junk during spring cleaning, you may have decided that it’s time for an upgrade.

But don’t just stick with your same old style. Why don’t you try to mix things up and incorporate some of the hottest home decor trends of the year?

They can be easier than you think to include. This means you’ll get a modern home without all the hassle of construction and repainting.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover the hottest new home decor trends.

Go Geometric

Are you trying to decide on a new bedspread, rug, or throw pillow? Opt for one with a funky geometric pattern! Geometrics found their way into popular design trends last year, and they show no sign of slowing. More and more homes are opting for geometric wallpaper and tiles for a more permanent touch of trend.

Of course, you don’t need to redo your bathroom tiles or put up new wallpaper to bring this idea into your home. Modern rugs are an easy way to add color and a fun geometric pattern to any room.

Opt for Marble

While marble may seem like a very classic design element, it’s become one of the biggest 2018 interior design trends.

Who says marble is only for countertops? It’s become such a huge trend that it’s transcended its basic use. You can now find DIY decor, mugs, and end table tops painted with the classic marble effect. Incorporating new age marble designs into your home will add a level of elegance and sophistication without a big price tag.

Add a Pop of Color

Gold and ultraviolet are the summer 2018 colors to have. While they can look stunning together, you don’t have to use both to have a trendy home this summer.

Ultraviolet is a great color to choose if you do plan on doing a large remodel. But, there are many ways to incorporate it without a full remodel, from summer bedding ideas to home decor. You can use as little or as much ultraviolet as you want – it looks great either way!

If you want to use gold, try to keep it a little more understated. Gold accents, such as doorknobs, picture frames, and vases, will make your home look more luxurious than ever.

Use Mother Nature

Mother nature is one thing that will never go out of style. One of the top design trends is to bring plants and flowers indoors for a natural decoration.

Tall floor plants are a great dining room and living room trend while hanging plants look great everywhere. If you want to incorporate a few different home decor trends, opt for a hanging geometric terrarium – bonus points if you get one with gold edges.

The Best Home Decor Trends

Summer is a great time to redecorate if you think your home could use a pick-me-up. While you may feel hesitant to do major changes, like getting new furniture or flooring, there are plenty of simple ways you can incorporate the hottest home decor trends of 2018.

Many decorations can be found in ultraviolet or gold to bring summer 2018 colors into the mix. Geometric patterns, marble accents, and houseplants can also be incorporated to give you the trendiest house on the block.

Did you like these ideas? Check out our lifestyle blog page for more great articles like this.