Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C

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Air Purifiers for Pet Shops, Kennels, Veterinary Facilities: Choose Carefully

Most often, when a veterinarian, kennel or pet shop owner begins looking for an air cleaner, it’s because of odor, allergies from the dander, or just a desire to make sure the air remains clean for customers and employees. Unfortunately, most people go looking for an air purifier that says ‘pet air cleaner’ or ‘for pets’. And while there are a couple of units that do a decent job of removing dander, hair, and odors, they’re usually inadequate for handling the amount of dander and odors produced by multiple pets in one indoor area–or it would take an army of these air cleaners, which can get expensive and take up too much floor space.

For pet shops, indoor kennels and veterinary offices, your best bet is to take a close look at the carbon filter in the air purifier. You will need the best, strongest activated carbon you can get (industrial strength is best) and lots of it-a minimum of 15-20 pounds and more if possible, to adequately remove the odors created by multiple cats, dogs and other animals. The reason for this is simple: most of the odors you’re experiencing are of an organic nature or VOC (volatile organic chemical) and strongly activated carbon is good for removing these compounds. You need a large amount of carbon because the charcoal does become saturated, and more carbon means the filter remove and control those pet odors longer, with fewer filter changes, etc.

Next, make sure the air purifier has a true HEPA filter that removes 99% plus of all dander, dust & hair down to 0.3 microns, or 0.1 microns if possible. Some air cleaner manufacturers try to get away with ‘HEPA-style’ filters, which aren’t as efficient. And don’t buy an electronic air cleaner with electrostatic plates (no HEPA)-most of these require constant cleaning to keep them removing even 80% of particles, and that’s not very efficient. The output of the unit and square footage coverage is also important-buying an air purifier with too low of an output isn’t going to be able to remove the dust, dander & odors before it reaches your nose, which make it kind of a waste of time. You need a unit with at least a 400 CFM output or higher for an average 10 x 10 room or up to 10 x 20.

So far, we’ve been speaking mainly of portable air purifiers, and in many pet shop & kennel situations, a combination of several portable or floor air purifier and a unit attached to the HVAC system is needed-all with lots of high quality carbon and true HEPA filters. All those heavy duty urine and other odors are loaded with VOC’s and really need the HVAC based air cleaner for overall removal and the portable units to remove them where customers and employees are standing, for the best, noticeably clean air. The portable units remove a good portion of the dust, dander, & odors quickly without having to wait for the A/C system to cycle it through its air filtration system.

Our best recommendations for very clean air in any pet shop, kennel or veterinary facility is an HVAC based industrial air cleaner from Electrocorp (such as the I-6500 AH 120) and one or more of either Electrocorp RSU floor units, Aller Air 5000 or 6000 Vocarb series, or Austin Healthmate Plus. We’ve had great success with this combination and by using both, you have the best HEPA filters, industrial strength carbon, and high output, not to mention 5-10 year warranties.

So if you’re really looking to properly solve a pet odor & dander problem in a kennel, pet store, or veterinary office, stick with air purifiers that have large amounts of high quality carbon, true HEPA filters, and think industrial strength-in many cases, that’s what’s needed to handle large amounts of pet dander and odor.

Source by Rex Murphy

2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR First Look: More Go With Less

People had a lot of problems with the Jaguar F-Pace SVR. Although it had a powerful, supercharged V-8 engine, the interior was not that impressive. This is one of the main issues with the vehicles that fall in this series. The F-Pace SVR comes with jaw-slacking performance but there is still a lot of room for refinement. Today, the company is launched the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR. In this article, we are going to talk about what this new installment offers.

The new installment has a much better makeover. Besides, it’s got an intensive facelift, which is a great thing. But it’s obvious that the quality of the cabin is subpar and the ergonomic choices are baffling. For instance, window switches are located way up on the lip of the door. They are too close to the side-view mirrors.

Apart from this, bad ergonomic choices and the lackluster design reduced the sales of the previous model. The performance of SVR was great but the overall package was not impressive enough to satisfy the buyers.

The interior of the 2021 SVR is a lot smarter and cleaner than the previous model. The new gear selector features a built-in, sports-type surround. It comes with the start/stop system button and drive-mode knob.

Also, the promotional image features a car that is found in the European market. It has clearly visible SVR logos. The steering wheel features a small hub that looks quite visible on a cleaner, awesome dash. The vents of the dashboard are not that prominent.

The exterior of the vehicle is not that extensive. It looks modern and cleaner, though. The headlights are slimmer. Similarly, the lower fascia and the air intakes are subtly remixed. It gives a classic look but there is still a high-octane F-Pace.

On the backside, the lenses of the rectilinear taillights look like a bit of semi-circles. On the earlier model, the taillights are carved out of the rear hatch of the F-Pace. So, the basic theme and the spirit is the same but the execution is cleaner and cleverer. Other features are quite similar. According to the manufacturer, the drag and front-end lift is reduced. The exterior makeover is a little better.

Although it’s worth exploring the numbers, the performance figures are not that different. The car comes with a 5-liter, V-8 supercharged engine that carries 550 horsepower. The only difference is that the torque is 516 lb-ft, which is 14 lb-ft more than the older model.

According to the factory claims, the vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds if some driveline and tuning enhancements are done. The highest speed of the car is 178 miles per hour.

The electric power steering is quite responsive, unlike the old model. The adaptive dampers make you feel comfortable at low speeds. The latest brake booster enhances the pedal feel due to the shorter stroke. The 8-speed automatic transmission is capable of dealing with the higher torque load.

So, this is a brief look at the new 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR. If you are interested in buying this vehicle, you can now make a better choice.

Source by Shalini M

Exhaust Fans For Basement Ventilation

Exhaust fans are a type of exhaust or forced ventilation method. According to the ASHRAE Standard number 62.1 titled ‘Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality’, the air in homes must be of acceptable quality. The Government of Australia’s Department of Environment estimates that Australians spend about 90% of their time indoors. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) places the cost of poor indoor air quality at 12 billion Australian Dollars annually. This is borne both by the individual in their own capacity and as a taxpayer to the National Government.

So how can this be reduced significantly? One way is by using exhaust fans.

Exhaust fans fall under the category of exhaust only ventilation systems. This is how these systems work generally: they decompress the air in the room, creating an area of low pressure. As a result, outside air comes rushing in. Cleaner cooler air comes rushing in during the summer for instance, despite the heat. These fans can be fixed on the exterior part of the building, or with the ‘faces’ facing the air inlet or outlet.

Types of this fan are:

1. Inline Exhaust Fans

These line vents and propel the air that flows along them.

2. Ceiling fans

Fans that are fixed on the ceiling generally displace warm air downwards. In this case, that warm stale air is directed to vents on the roof of the basement where it is let out.

3. Exterior fans

These are installed and housed outside the building. Sometimes fans can be quite noisy, being mechanical devices. In this case, your home remains quiet since it works outside. They draw all the stale air from the home.

4. Wall fans

These are mounted on the walls inside the basement. They circulate the air in the room and expel the stale.

5. Multifunctional Exhaust fans

These have the ability to heat, light and ventilate. This feature is a big plus for this kind of fan.

Fans can also be graded as single point, two point or multiple point.

The required ventilation rate required by ASHRAE for an area like the basement should not exceed 200 feet per cubic meter.

The Department of Environment in the Australian Government lists organic compounds as the biggest pollutants. Some of these, concluded after research, are benzene, Carbon monoxide and mold. When carbon monoxide is inhaled in large volumes, it causes death. This is especially so in rooms with poor ventilation. It is the worst killer since it is odorless and colorless. The most likely sources of this gas are furnaces, fireplaces and cigarette smoke.

Exhaust fans, when used in basement ventilation, will solve these problems for you. They simply get rid of the pollutants and let in cleaner, fresher air.

As they work, these fans can be noisy as mentioned earlier. When selecting one, go for a silenced one or one with a sound rating of less than 1 on the sone scale. The last thing you need is constant banging and incessant grinding sounds when the fans rotate.

Source by Matt Reardon

Evolving Trends of a Home Cleaning Business

The house cleaning trade is a reliable and somewhat conventional service industry. One among the finest phases of this business is that it remains moderately reliable during a slump or economic recession.

When thinking of starting a cleaning business, involve revolutionary social networking techniques in your advertising plan. Do not think that you can just go around the developing web world. Yes, it is true that you can still begin a cleaning business without an online visibility, but it is getting progressively more difficult. Numerous people use social networks to evaluate their business.

In this transforming business world, it is essential on the business owner’s part to keep in mind certain facts if he is considering starting a house cleaning services provider trade:

House cleaning trades lean to be booming: – Current studies state that trades started on residential platform have a considerably higher success rate than others. This can be deliberated to the usually lower costs and expenses included in starting and executing a business from home.

End-users are transforming their buying habits:- Customers now no longer just purchase -they are now taking a more lively role in making options about their buying, and they are progressively looking for personal interactions rather than impersonal interactions. Time is a worthy product and tenability is a matter. Home-based traders are preferably placed to be adaptable and responsive to these ever-changing dynamics.

Technology is jerking the goalposts:- Developments in technology make it simpler than ever to execute a trade from home. Home based traders can set up and uphold nominal-priced websites, involving numerous options for web payments and interact with consumers and suppliers using webinars and video conferencing. Most trade processes can be mechanized and can enable you to plan social media, blog posts and so on.

In order to grow your cleaning business, first you need to understand the cleaning services industry. You should have certain traits like determination to begin and grow the business, passion for excellent customer service, honesty and integrity. There are two types of cleaning businesses to begin with. You need to figure out which among the two I.e. residential cleaning services and commercial cleaning services is the most appropriate one.

Things you need to do after evaluating the type of service you want to invest in:

Register your trade

Sponsoring your cleaning business

Get business bonds

Best and environment-friendly cleaning products and supplies

Marketing and promoting your business with the tactics available with you

Hire experienced staff to help your business grow well

These certain facts will allow your brand to touch successful heights.

Source by Sameera Gupta

Air Conditioning Energy Saving Tips

It costs you more money and uses more energy to heat and cool your home than any other system in your home. Typically, 44% to 50% of your utility bills pays for heating and cooling your home.

Regardless of the type of home comfort systems you have in your house, you can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment.

Keep in mind that an energy efficient air conditioner alone will not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using an approach that involves the entire house. If you combine proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, weatherisation and thermostat settings, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 50%.

General Cooling Tips:

* Use house fans. House fans help cool your home by circulating cool air throughout the house. They are most effective when the outside air temperature is cooler than the inside and when operated at night. An attic fan can blow away hot air that accumulates in the attic. This can go a long way to help the efficiency of your air conditioning system.

* Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. By maintaining a minimum difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, you’ll lower your overall cooling bill.

* Don’t reduce your thermostat setting to a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

* Set the fan speed on high, except in humid weather. When it’s humid, set the fan speed on low.

* Consider ceiling fans to help spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.

* Keep lamps and TV sets away from your air conditioning thermostat.

* Shade air-conditioning units by planting trees or shrubs, but make sure you do not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than one operating in the sun.

* Close shades or curtains on east, south, and west-facing windows during the hours when the sun’s intensity is at its peak. Open curtains and windows during early morning and overnight hours when the air outside the home is cooler.

* Turn off the air conditioner if the house (or air-conditioned rooms) will be unoccupied for an extended period. Use a programmable thermostat (link to product page) to turn Air off and on automatically when you know the house will be unoccupied.

Here are a few more steps you can take to substantially improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Take a Holistic Approach to Total Home Energy Conservation

To achieve the maximum in total home comfort and energy savings, we recommend that you step back and look at the big picture of energy consumption in your villa. The fact is, your total home comfort and efficiency is the product of many systems: heating, cooling, lighting & electrical, plumbing and possibly others working together.

It is the interplay between these systems, combined with the size, age, physical features and location of your home, and even your lifestyle, that combine to produce the total energy efficiency of your home. Changing or upgrading one system, without considering the other factors will usually result in some improvement, but may not deliver the maximum possible benefit.

If you’re building a new villa, or considering a major remodel or system upgrade, consider an Integrated Systems approach. It may cost a little more now, but will undoubtedly save you a bundle over time. Our skilled engineers and technicians will look at the big picture when designing a solution for your home.

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

The place to begin when evaluating your home’s overall energy efficiency and deciding how to reduce consumption and costs is with a Home Energy Audit. This takes into consideration much more than just your heating and cooling systems, and will give you a benchmark from which to make decisions and measure your energy saving progress.

Here are some of the heating & cooling factors your audit should take into consideration:

* Insulation in walls, floors, and attic.

* Vapor Barriers in walls

* Quality of Windows – Single or double pane

* Heat loss around doors and windows

* Quality of insulation in doors

* Integrity of ductwork “- Any leaks

* Cleanliness of ductwork

* Use of “passive” solar energy

* Use of curtains and other window coverings to prevent heat loss

* Efficiency of heating and cooling systems – Condition of filters, etc.

Consider Purchasing an Annual Maintenance Agreement

You’ve heard the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” Well that doesn’t apply to your air conditioner any more than it does to your automobile. However, when your system is operating properly, it is easy to forget. Regular maintenance will save you the time money and headaches of premature system failures and major repairs. It will ensure that your system is always working at peak efficiency and help you avoid excessive energy costs.

Make sure your Air Conditioner is properly sized

Bigger Is Not Necessarily Better – A bigger room air-conditioning unit won’t necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months and will most likely perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit. Room units work better if they run for relatively long periods of time as opposed to being constantly switched on and off. The longer running time an air conditioner is allowed to maintain, the easier it is for the unit to hold a more constant room temperature. Running longer also allows air conditioning units to remove more moisture from the air, which reduces humidity and increases the comfort level in the room.

Check specifications carefully when choosing the right air conditioner for your space. Central air-conditioning systems also require proper sizing. Professionals, however, should perform the sizing of your central air system.

Also, do not use the system’s central fan to provide circulation. Instead, use circulating fans in individual rooms. Make sure you set the fan of your central air system to shut off at the same time of your cooling unit (compressor).

Use an Air Conditioner with a high Efficiency Rating

Select a room air conditioner that has an A rating or 10 or higher.

Source by Helen Rudd

Answers Before You Purchase a Takagi Tub

Many people who first see the Takagi soaking tub are attracted to the compact and unique styling of Takagi Japanese bathtubs. Once they have the opportunity to relax and soak in one, they are intent in obtaining one for their bathroom. Before heading out to purchase Takagi tubs; you will want to have the answers to these questions in hand.

  • How large of a Takagi Japanese Soaking tub are you considering? Measure the space you will be placing the tub in, so you will be able to narrow down models that meet your needs. One that is too large will not fit. One that is too small will need a lot of framework around it to fill the space or will need to be freestanding.
  • Will the Takagi bathtub need an enclosure around it and what materials will you use? There are units that come in one piece and can fit right into your existing tub space. This allows for the most convenient way to get a Takagi soaking tub. Other types of Takagi  bathtubs require a framework be built around them.
  • What materials are Japanese Soaking bathtubs available in? There are generally three choices available: wood, fiberglass and porcelain. Wood Takagi Japanese bathtubs should be made of Hinoki wood to prevent rotting. The wood tubs are lightweight and surprisingly durable. Wood is the most common material used in traditional Japanese bathtubs. Porcelain Takagi Japanese bathtubs hold heat well but are heavier. Check the underlying floor in your bathroom to ensure it will hold up. Fiberglass Takagi Japanese bathtubs are composed of lightweight fiberglass that allow for the most variety (size, shape and color) of Takagi Japanese soaking tub.

Will you be replacing an existing bathtub with a Japanese soaking tub or putting the tub outdoors? If you are replacing an existing bathtub; the water and pipe fittings for the old bathtub may be usable. Working with the plumbing you already have can save time and money.

When it comes to the traditional ways, Takagi tubs were very often placed outside of the home to enjoy nature’s scenery. It’s possible to place these inside, but you will need to put waterproof flooring with a drain in the center in your bath.The reason for this is the more traditional the soaking tub is; the more spillage you will receive. Takagi bathtubs do not have a spill guard around them like standard bathtubs do.

What is your total budget for this project? Items that you might include in this are:

  • Cost to purchase a Takagi Japanese tub.
  • Any repairs or adjustments needed to place the Takagi Japanese bath tub of your choice. Include any electrical, plumbing, masonry, and carpentry modifications here.
  • Labor. Decide if you can or want to perform any of the work to save you money. Japanese bathtubs are very easy to install, so this is a good place to cut corners.

Purchasing a soaking tub is a great investment in your home and yourself. Take your time to choose the best possible tub you can afford. There are several suppliers of Takagi Japanese bathtubs, so shop around and get the best price.

Source by Pieter West

Thresholds & Transitions – Nosing, Sloping, Plastic, & Butt Joint Transitions

Whenever you reach a point in floor tiling that presents a visible edge showing of the floor tile, to give the job that professional finish you should always insert a transition piece of some description. Whether it is at a doorway connecting two rooms of different flooring, or even around the edges of your tile baseboards, a transition piece will hide the ugly edge of the tiles and either the mortar or adhesive which is holding it down, as well as giving the tiles a smooth, cosmetic, and definitive ending to the overall design.

Tile transition pieces are available in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, materials, and styles, so as a brief rundown of what’s actually available without going too much into detail, I will briefly mention each option which you have to consider suitable for your particular tiling project. Beginning with your cheapest option, plastic transitions come in a wide variety of matching colors ideal for coordinating your color scheme. These however, being your cheapest option, can actually give your finished job a cheap look.

With plastic simply being plastic, it certainly is easy to work with and trim to size, but I don’t really recommend in using these for any tiling job. They will just take away all the appeal of your tile installation hard work and money spent in an instance, and for that little bit extra to add to your budget, I advise you purchase metal transition pieces instead for a more professional and complimentary finish. If you decide to spend a little more, then you will definitely get a lot more for your money.

The metal transition pieces I normally buy are made by Schluter Systems. They offer a wide variety of buffed and polished metal finishes in colors ranging through bronze, platinum, silver, chrome, etc, and are certainly good quality and value for money. As well as the numerous styles available, they also offer these transition pieces for a variety of applications and different depths to suit your tile thickness.

With the nosing transition for instance, this piece is ideal for when tiling a flight of stairs. When the cut-out end is inserted underneath the tiles into a fresh bed of mortar, the extended oversize downward lip on a nosing transition will hide any visible subfloor giving your steps a superb clean finish.

Sloping transitions are ideal for when your tiled floor transfers onto a floor lower in height such as vinyl or hardwood flooring, removing any foot-catching abrupt ends. With flat butt transitions, these are used when transitioning to basically anything you want, including another tiled floor. They are also ideal for finishing off edges such as tile baseboards fitted around the perimeter of the wall, and can give a more pleasing aspect rather than just a bead of silicone cocking finish.

One important factor you should take into consideration though when buying your transition pieces, is the actual thickness of your tile. To give the perfect match, transitions are available in a number of depths to suit tile thickness, but you should always buy one which rests ever so slightly higher than your floor tile when butted next to each other. The reason being for this is to always remember to compensate for your depth of mortar bed, as this will most certainly raise the height of your tile by at least a minimum of 1/8″ inch. This is obviously depending of course on how thick your bed was laid, in respect to the size of your notched trowel used for spreading.

Source by Matthew Seiling

Sanitary Disposal Services – How to Choose a Sanitary Bin Company

A modern office, no matter how small, needs a quality sanitary disposal unit in its female washrooms. As most people are now aware, feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet – they don’t biodegrade easily and can end up in our rivers (environmentally unfriendly) or can block the plumbing (expensive!). Which means that it’s essential that every business provides a safe, convenient alternate method of disposal.

So what should you look for?

There are three main things to bear in mind when you’re choosing a sanitary disposal bin.

1. How does it work?

Some sanitary bins contain a sealed liner and can be disposed of by onsite cleaners. Others require a sanitary bin disposal service to remove the entire unit on a regular basis and replace with a fresh, sanitised bin. In this case, waste is disposed of through a specialist company, expert in contaminated waste treatment.

Some companies use Sanitary Disposal Units that contain extra strong granules. As sanitary towels and tampons are dropped into the bin, they are enveloped in a powerful sterilising vapour, which destroys germs and eliminates unpleasant odours. Containers are regularly exchanged, ensuring your washroom remains sanitary and hygienic.

2. What does it look like?

A sanitary waste disposal unit should fit discreetly into your washrooms. Always measure the space you have allotted for your unit to ensure it will fit before you order. The size of a sanitary bin depends on the bins used by a specific service company. For example, the sanitary disposal units that a leading hygiene services company uses measure 610mm x 170mm x 310mm. This size makes the sanitary bins sturdy, slimline and user friendly.

3. What service terms is the company offering?

Check with the sanitary bin service company to find out how often the units should be serviced. You’re looking for a discreet, reliable and regular service, conducted by a professional hygiene servicing company.

Source by Janelle Golding

Dublin Hotel Reviews

Located near the midpoint of the Irish coast, Dublin the capital of Ireland is the largest city in Ireland. Dublin means “Black Pool.” It was originally founded as a center for the Viking slave trade.

Dublin is located in the Dublin Region or Dublin County and has a population of over a million. Popular attractions include Dublin Zoo, Museum, Kilmainham Jail, National Gallery and Guinness Storehouse.

Being a major tourist spot in the British Isles, Dublin is home to numerous hotels and resorts. Ranging from economy class to deluxe class, they can meet the various requirements of different people.

One-star hotels in Dublin are Gate Hotel, Caulfield and Tailor’s Three Rock hotels. Tourists find these hotels economical and pleasant to stay in. They also feel that the service in the hotel is good and that the rooms are maintained well.

Ripley Court Hotel, Harding Hotel, Riverhouse Hotel, Barrys Hotel, Citibank Hotel and Kingston Hotel fall under the 2-star category. These hotels have close to a hundred rooms. Some of them like the Ripley Court Hotel are located in the heart of the city. The rooms here are spacious and the place on the whole is very hospitable. But there are always two opinions as there are sides to a coin. Some travelers don’t recommend these two star hotels as they feel that the service is poor.

If you would like to stay in an Upper Class hotel, you can opt for Hotel Morgan, Hotel Morrison or Hibernian. Hotel Morgan is a four-star hotel and it is famous for its bar and restaurants. It has ample facilities like car park, TV, Gymnasium and sauna. Hotel Morrison is a modern-day Irish Hotel. It has 87 rooms and 8 suits. Telephone, Net connectivity, bar and air-conditioning are some of the facilities that it offers. Travelers find this a complete hotel and a great place to stay in.

Deluxe or 5-star hotels most suitable for business men and executives are Hotel Fitzwilliam, Hotel Le Meridian Shelburne and Hotel Westbury. These are some of Ireland’s finest hotels and are generally rated 9/10 by tourists. They have more than 100 rooms and are always kept clean and sparkling. Travelers advocate these star category hotels as they are first-rate in every aspect, be it food, staff, rooms or recreation.

Source by Ken Marlborough

Contractor, Handyman Or Construction Broker?

Every Homeowner needs help around the house from small repairs or spruce-ups to renovations. But how can you determine what type of professional to hire? Here are some tips and differences in home improvement professionals that you should consider.

Contractor vs Handyman: Often a contractor’s fees to handle small projects can be cost prohibitive. A handyman typically handles small jobs around the house and yard for both businesses and homeowners alike, and can provide a practical and cost effective solution. Some jobs require a specific license or are beyond the scope of a handyman. General contractors can handle virtually any major home project. One rule of thumb can be how long the job should take. If it’s going to take more than 2 full days to complete, a general contractor is better equipped to handle the project.

Developing a relationship with a reliable and trustworthy handyman over the long term is a good idea for any homeowner. It’s always nice to address those home improvement projects a house needs from time to time easily and quickly. Before going out and hiring a general contractor to repair a hole in drywall or to paint a room, you can hire a handyman. A contractor’s fees to handle small projects can be discouraging.

There are a few good rules of thumb when considering a handyman. With a little investment in time, you can save both money and energy over the long haul. Here is a list of jobs that you can have one good handyman take care of for you:

* Minor plumbing like leaky faucets, a new sink or fixtures

* Minor electrical work like a new ceiling fan, an added plug or switch

* Fixing a leaky roof or correcting drainage problems

* Miscellaneous carpentry around the house

* Painting a room or garage area

* Siding repair

* Building shelves

* Tile repair or installation

This list could go on and on, but you get the idea. If you’re going to re-side or re-roof your home, you probably need to find a reliable contractor who specializes in those areas of home remodeling. Both Handymen and contractors should provide you with a free no obligation estimate before tackling a project. A homeowner should never hire a handyman until knowing the cost of the project, including materials. A good handyman can offer estimates and work either by the hour, or by the job like a major contractor would.

If you want to work with your contractor, you may be able to. Some handymen prefer to work alone, but most will work with you if you just want some help getting something done. You’ll likely get an hourly rate if you go this route. On the other hand, once a major contractor has outlined the scope of the work involved, and you approve his bid, you need to stand back and let him go to work. You are only in the way at that point.

Some thoughts on hiring a handyman:

* Have a list of all your projects handy before you call someone. Once your handyman is on site, have him price each project separately, then together as a whole. Depending on the work involved, you may be able to save money having him tackle at least a few things all at once.

* Ask for references and don’t be afraid to call one or two of them. There are a few good directories that prescreen local handymen and even perform background checks and call their references for you.

* Until you develop a primary handyman relationship that you are very comfortable with, don’t be afraid to get multiple bids. You can sort through a search like “local handyman” in Google and you’ll get lots of great results. Remember, anyone can buy an ad, but someone who gets top ranked naturally very likely a serious businessman. Make a choice from the top 4 or 5 search results and you will find a trusted pro. If you get multiple bids, let your handyman know you are getting other bids. It’s not only polite but remember that trust is built two ways.

* Ask your handyman what he specializes in. Engage him in conversation. Any handyman service should know a lot about many different things, but you can be sure he is an expert at only a few. Spending a little time up front with him can go a long way. He likely knows other handymen who can take up his slack where he needs it.

Contracting brokers are another option for you. They are like salesmen who work for a lot of different companies. When you call a good contracting broker, he will assess your need and find the right company for the job you need done. He gets paid a commission from the contracting company as though he were on their sales force, collecting his fee from the company you hire after the job is complete. Some brokers simply point at the right company for you. Others work more like a consultant and service provider. Those really are the best kind. They know it’s in their best interest to make sure you are happy with both the level of service and the finished project and work with you in every aspect of the job. Using a broker should not cost you any extra money and can alleviate much of the task load. If your projects require more than one or two different types of professionals, you should consider finding a good broker. A broker can also enhance the entire contracting experience.

You can find more useful home improvement tips on my blog at YourDallasHandyman.com.

– Phil Vandermeer

Source by Philip Vandermeer