Steve Volk's Blog, page 19

Home improvement projects with high return on investment

Most people consider a future home improvement project to fix an existing problem, fill a gap and increase their comfort. Sometimes, they simply want to make the living space more beautiful. However, it would also be a wise idea to know now just how much that project costs, but also how much value it has. While price is strictly the amount of money you’ll need to pay right away to a contractor to complete the project, value is the amount by which the project increases the price of your house should you decide to sell it in the future. Also, value can also be measured in the savings that project brings you in the long run. For example, some works increase energy efficiency and they decrease bill amounts considerably. If you’re interested in a home improvement scheme will pay off in the future, not just provide immediate benefits, these are the top ideas you should know about.

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Insulation

Over the years, insulation has rightfully earned its top spot on the list of sustainable home improvement projects and energy studies show its efficiency time and time again. Usually, people decide to insulated their houses for comfort reasons. After all, without insulation, no one can hope to enjoy hot summers and cold winters. However, the experts at gni.ca say that there’s more to insulation than thermal comfort. Adding an insulating layer to the house and sealing all problem areas means that there is no more heat exchange, so the inside temperature stays constant. With no more temperature swings, HVAC appliances don’t have to be turned on as often, so you’ll have less to pay on energy bills. Needless to say, insulation increases the resale price of the property, because home buyers are looking for green, sustainable homes. A 2016 study showed that insulating the attic alone has a 117% ROI.

Efficient ventilation

Insulation and ventilation go hand in hand, which is why home remodelling experts recommend owners that they tackle both these projects at the same time to gain extra benefits. While insulation deals with the sealing of cracks and crevices in the house structure, ventilation deals with the optimal circulation of the air inside the house. Upgrading your home ventilation system will ensure better control over the indoor environment and indoor air quality, because you will no longer deal with fumes and vapors. In time, ventilation pays for itself and increases home resale value.

Replacing old windows
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Windows play an important role in defining the architectural “personality” of the house, which is why most people replace them when they start to look old and outdated. It is a wise choice and real estate experts do agree that a house with new windows is easier to sell for a good price, but the financial benefits don’t stop there. If you are willing to spend a little bit more and replace your old windows with eco-friendly ones, you can also start saving money off bills. Windows create strong first impression and you shouldn’t underestimate the power they have on house hunters. Choose the right model and you might be able to raise the price by hundreds!

Front door replacement
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Did you know that replacing your old door with a new steel door can bring you up to 100% return on investment? It might sound like a lot, but this percentage is high for two reasons: one, a better door made from a sturdy material provides better insulation and reduces noise pollution (provided that it is installed right, of course) and two, it allows you to raise the resale cost. Just like windows, doors make a lasting impression, so don’t feel guilty for spending more on a door with a unique design.

Roof repairs

Once every couple of years, it’s a good idea to contact a team of experts and have them inspect the roof for signs of damage. This is a great way to prevent leaking issues later on – especially if you happen to live in a region with heavy rainfall. Also, you can consider replacing the entire roof if you have issues with humidity and can’t turn your attic into a habitable space. Unlike the other projects on this list, roof repairs don’t necessarily increase the home resale price. A buyer will not pay extra just because there aren’t holes in the roof. However, roof repairs prevent the home resale value from dropping. Visible roof damage can lower the sale cost by hundreds, even if the rest of the building is in good condition.

Kitchen remodelling
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Kitchen remodeling is another project with a high return on investment, but, keep in mind, only under certain conditions. If your kitchen already is modern and doesn’t lack basic features, then modernising it brings an average ROI of 67% percent, which is relatively low compared to the other entries on the list, so it isn’t an absolute necessity. But, if your kitchen is in poor condition and really needs an upgrade and keeping it as it is lowers the sale price, then by all means you should remodel it. In general, upgrades such as repainting the walls and sink are enough to keep a reasonable selling price and there’s no need to invest in state of the art appliances.

Solar panel installation

If the dramatic decrease in solar panel installation costs hasn’t convinced you to switch to solar energy, then perhaps the high ROI will. In the past 20 years, almost all governments have initiated rebate programs for homeowners who install solar panels. The amount of money you can get back obviously varies from state to state (you can use an online calculator to get an estimate), but it generally covers for more than half of the amount you paid. Add to that the fact that you will no longer be relying on your electricity provider and solar panels pay for themselves almost immediately!

Which SIM only deals allow tethering?

 

The number of people choosing a SIM only option has significantly increased lately, because believe it or not, SIM only deals come with more benefits compared to monthly contracts for instance, and it’s not only about the amount of minutes and texts available. People can purchase a SIM only from nearly every specialized store whenever they want and benefit from some good deals. If you want to learn more about these deals, you can access websites such as https://www.techprevue.com/best-sim-plan-deals-may/. Today, most people are interested in getting as much data usage as possible in order to tether. Here are more details on what tethering is, what its benefits are and where you can find the best deals that also allow tethering.

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What exactly is tethering?

You have probably heard about tethering for quite a while but didn’t get exactly what it is. Well, know that it’s a method utilized to turn a smartphone into a portable Wi-Fi router or mobile hotspot. Once you turn on the tethering feature on your smartphone, the device starts to create a localized wireless Internet connection, which can be used in order to connect any other type of gadget that provides Wi-Fi features, such as laptop or tablet to that smartphone.

What are the perks of mobile data tethering?

You may say that you don’t need tethering, because nowadays you can find Wi-Fi networks nearly everywhere, but you would be wrong. The truth is that the Internet is extremely accessible today, but you may go someplace where there is actually no Wi-Fi network available and that the only way you can get connected to the World Wide Web is via your smartphone. This is when the tethering function comes in to save the day. You can turn it on and connect your laptop to it in order to download or upload that important document you weren’t able to visualize correctly on a smaller screen.

Companies that accept tethering and what the related costs are

It is essential to remember that there are some companies that allow their customers to tether and there are some that don’t. That’s because sometimes tethering can be more expensive, due to that laptops or PCs that are connected to a tethered network for instance use a lot more data when browsing the Internet. Here is a list of the companies that allow tethering:

EE – this company includes tethering feature as part of their data plans on a regular month. However, they always ensure they remind their customers that tethering can use much more data on the phone.
Three – this company also has tethering included in their SIM only deals and Advanced deals. But only those on all-you-can-eat packages are allowed to tether a specific amount of data, because those that own pay-as-you-go and essential contracts have to pay some extra money in order to tether their smartphones.
Vodafone – they have always included tethering in their contracts and haven’t charged customers extra money for this feature. In case someone goes over the monthly data usage allowance, they do have to pay for what they used, but otherwise, they don’t have to worry about this aspect.
O2 – although on the company’s website people are advised not to use their smartphones as personal hotspots, because the gadgets aren’t designed for this purpose, O2 does allow its customers to tether.

Things to consider when buying a sump pump

For anyone who does not already know, a sump pump is a device that helps you get rid of accumulated water in your sump basin (which is usually placed in the basement). A powerful pump can come in very handy especially if a flooding happened and you have no idea how to free your basement from the unwanted liquid guest. Choosing one means knowing the features of the device keeping in mind that it is hardwired to your house’s electrical system. A sump basin can overflow and cause serious damage if it’s not drained properly, so make sure you gather all the information you need over the topic. Here’s what you might want to consider:

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Type

There are two main types of sump pumps, each with their definite characteristics:

Submersible – means that the pump is positioned on the inside of the sump with no chance of short circuits, is easier to mount, but it is more expensive than the other type and their life resistance is shorter
Pedestal – means that it is placed above the water, where it can be easily reached for further check-ups, but it’s a little more difficult to mount given the fact that it has an impeller with an extensive cylinder attached to it

Before choosing a type or another, make sure you check ratings for each product you are looking for. This way you’ll know for sure if the pump you are willing to buy is qualitative and fits your needs.

Operation

Besides the type of your sump pump, you will be interested in the way you are handling it. You can opt out for either a manual or an automatic sump pump. If you only need to activate the pump at your own will, you should select a manual pump that you can turn on or off any time you need. An automatic pump will shut down or activate accordingly to the level of water in your sump. Automatic pumps have more switches for pressure and float, plus they have a sensor for field effect (water levels).

Pressure

The head pressure your pump will apply is affecting the height of the water movement. You need to choose the appropriate level of pressure in order to avoid overflow. Phase and voltage matter too, so keep that feature in mind when you are choosing the product you’d like to buy. The size of the sump should be carefully measured in order to select the best pressure and voltage option for your location.

System alarm

If something goes wrong, you need to consider having a backup system for your pump. Alarms are a great method for noticing an emergency, taking into account the fact that you won’t check your basement every other day to see if your pump is working well. Testing regularly is an option too, but a backup system and an alarm could save you all the trouble. This way you will be able to sleep relaxed at night, knowing the water levels in your basement are within the right limits.

The pros of hiring a lawyer in case of an accident

In the actual social-economical context, consulting a lawyer should become a habit. Choosing the right person to handle your legal business is a very important issue nowadays, not matter the conflict you are involved. You should have a lawyer next to you every time you take care of a certain legal situation, avoiding the potential consequences that may occur. Accidents are the most frequently met kind of incidents so here is why you should consult a specialist if you happen to be engaged into one:

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Material damages

Material loss represents the amount of money and resources you spend as a victim in case of an accident. Hiring a lawyer will help you inform yourself about the damages and about what you should receive in return. The injured parties should know about the expenses implied and the only way to properly do that is with the help of an attorney. For example, the law in the United States of America happens to be really complicated to understand without the help of a specialist so it is recommended to search for a lawyer in California and take into account what services they offer.

Moral damages

As noted in court practice, moral injury consists of psychological suffering besides the material loss. This justifies the fact that providing only material compensation is strictly required. For each injured person, a difficult event means an incredible amount of pain and suffering which can sometimes change the path of their life. Claiming moral damages can only be efficiently performed by a lawyer, who knows exactly what kind of arguments he should be using in court. An accident can be really hazardous, taking into consideration the fact that death can be implied, so it is not something you can treat with indifference.

The actual knowledge of law

A complicated case such an accident without witnesses can be really tiring for a person with no knowledge of law. Understanding every tiny detail of this field of work is not possible without the help of a specialist or if it is, it won’t be applied entirely correct. Having someone who masters the secrets of law besides you will cast away any suspicion about the legal process itself. Consider informing yourself about the services lawyers in your area offer.

Costs

You may be surprised to hear that you will actually save money if you hire an attorney. Why is that? Because engaging in a legal process all by yourself will mean you will have to pay taxes and fees on your own. Keep in mind that some lawyers only charge if the case is won.

The other party

The main reason you might want to hire an attorney is for the sake of the other party who already did that. If you are innocent and yet the other party has an efficient lawyer you might facing a situation in which you are not the victim anymore, but the opposite. This can have a great influence on  the case, so inform yourself early about this condition.

 

The reasons why you need a garbage disposal in your life

 

Everybody needs efficient products that can ease their life and do their job in an efficient way. Having a clean home is what all people want, but sometimes it may be hard to keep it like that with all the daily tasks that create waste. A Kitchen sink garbage disposal for example, can help you get rid of wastes in an environment-friendly way.

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You can count on high-quality products

Before buying something, make sure you find a high quality efficient product. The InSinkErator Evolution Compact is a new system that offers performance and does not occupy much space. It is quiet and its advanced technology makes it easy to use. It gets rid of the waste in an environmental friendly way and it helps you save time.

They are an affordable option

Garbage disposals are an economic way to ease your life. Using a garbage disposal will help you save the money you would spend on plumbers. Another budget friendly advantage is that you will have less drainage problems and it helps you unclog leaking without the help of a professional. One more thing that makes them affordable is that they do not consume much energy.

Your kitchen will smell better

Once you install a garbage disposal, you can be sure that the bad odors from your kitchen will disappear. The food wastes are grinded by the disposal and flushed into the sewage system, so the food will not have the chance to rot in there. In this case, there will not be any bad smells coming from your sink and you will have a fresh house.

They are easy to clean

Sometimes, the disposal may get clogged, but the only thing you will have to do is clean its motor. Once you’ve done that, the disposal will be as good as new. In this case, you will have more time for yourself and won’t have to put much effort in cleaning.

They are friendly to the environment

If you love to contribute to the health of the environment, the garbage disposals are the perfect tool. The waste that comes from the food can be turned into a source of energy that can be renewed. They also help people to reduce the usage of plastic bags in order to get rid of the wastes.

Contribute to people’s health

The smoke that comes out of the burned garbage is very toxic and dangerous for our health. It can produce heart diseases and it is harmful for people who have asthma. Garbage disposals reduce the effects of the smoke making them a better alternative and this is why they are good for your health and the environment.

It is unbelievable how much a small gadget can do. It is a great tool that helps you keep your house clean and maintain the hygiene of your kitchen and sink. Cleaning a kitchen takes a lot of time and effort, but with the help of the garbage disposal, you can spend your time doing something else.

 

How your pet can change your life

 

So you are ready to adopt your first pet. Have you ever thought how this will influence your life? In case you have decided to adopt a dog, then you should know that he would be a multi-faceted professional, and he will change your life in ways you could not possibly imagine. Your dog does not need years of schooling to make you feel better when you come home from a stressful day at work. He will bring happiness in your life, and he will help you even improve your health. In addition, he will make you pay more attention to house cleaning, because according to the breed you choose, you may have to deal with the hair he leaves behind. A puppy is so cute he melts your heart, but he can be quite messy sometimes, so you should check online for the best handheld vacuum for pet hair, and buy it, before you bring home your little family member.

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Your dog will have a calming effect on you

If you are stressed by your daily tasks, then your dog will be the one who will help you deal better with your emotions. Dogs simply sense the subtle changes in your energy and they somehow have the ability to distress you with a quick tail wag. Dogs are always eager to offer affection and protection and he will make your life more manageable, from the day you will bring him home. And in case you did not know, some universities even use dogs to keep company to stressed-out students during the exams periods.

You will be more active

It may sound ironically, but the majority of people take better care of their pets than they would do for themselves. Therefore, if you adopt a dog you can be sure that you will get a daily slice of exercise. Studies show that the persons who have a dog walk two times more than the persons who do not have a pet. Moreover, where you count the exercise you will do in vacuuming once a day your entire house, because if you get a Golden Retriever, his hair will be spread everywhere, if you do not properly clean it. Whether it is simply walking the dog, or cleaning the house, when your dog is active you will also be.

Dogs increase happiness

When you will come home from work and you will glance your puppy in the hallway you will immediately feel happier. Studies show that human brain releases more oxytocin when you interact with a dog, so you should consider adopting one, if you feel sad the majority of the time. And you should not forget about the cuddle sessions before sleep, when he comes into the bed, even if he is not allowed, and stares at you with his big eyes. Dogs are the best partners a person can have for fighting with depression. Who would not feel better when looking at such a loving and sweet face? If you develop a bond with your dog, you will manage somehow to improve the social bonds within your life.

How much should I invest in my looks?

 

We spend a lot of money on our appearance, but the question is: where do we tend to exaggerate? Of course, looks do matter, although we can be just as   showy while spending less. Figuring out how you should organize money when it comes to pieces of clothing, jewellery or such is not an easy thing to do, especially if you used to spend thousands on that bag you seen in a fashion runway show or that skirt you adored from the biggest shop in the mall. It is a habit that seems like it doesn’t have a cure, but it does. The solution is represented by understanding what the implications of your unthinking investments are. You should ask yourself some questions:

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Is it worth it?

There are so many other things you can do with the money you spend on clothing. The only reason you could have for spending a lot on fashion items would be the immense satisfaction or joy you get while doing it. If that’s not the case, try looking for some other things you can invest into. We will discuss that later on. Usually, you spend money on fine Italian clothing? Well, there’s a solution for that. For example, haine second hand Italia offers you a large variety of second-hand clothes that could easily and successfully replace some items you spend fortunes on. It is not about how much you invest in clothing, but about style and personality. Fashion is about expressing yourself and that is exactly what you should do, especially considering that this is not something acquired through money or investment, but through passion and knowledge.  

Does somebody really notice?

Ask yourself if your investment actually attracts some eyes around you. Does your expensive clothing look different that the regular-priced one? Is there any difference between a well-dressed person and a brand-dressed person? Try figuring out what your priorities are and stop thinking about what others think. If you are spending money for the sake of the public, you should stop doing it because it is your life, your rules and ultimately, your looks.

Can I invest in something else that might be beneficial?

Think about all the saving you could make from not spending lots of money on clothing. You may already own numerous garments and another one won’t make a difference for the day after tomorrow, but a business investment might. You should try looking for real things you could invest into, where actual profit may occur. Therefore, you can basically win from just letting an addiction pass.  

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Once you answered these, have you realised what are the ups and downs of your spending? Are you willing to make a change in your life? If so, you should start today. There is nothing wrong in not wearing the most expensive clothing items you can find in shops. On the contrary – you may be much more appreciated for your simplicity and ingenuity when it comes to clothing that you were before. Managing your income better will lead to great satisfaction.

Yes, a chiropractor can help with headaches

 

There are short-lasting and long-lasting headaches. If you have the second type, then you carry a tremendous burden. Long-lasting headaches begin without warning and they can last for months at an end. What about the pain? Well, the pain is so bad that you can’t even sit still. The pain becomes worse because of daily physical movement. If aspirin or acetaminophen isn’t helping you, you should go see a chiropractor in Colorado Springs. Chiropractic adjustments provide great benefits to those suffering from chronic headaches. Stop living with the pain and seek chiropractic care.  

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Headaches and chiropractic

Various triggers can cause headaches, but one thing’s for sure: they happen for a reason. According to recent studies, migraines are the result of nerve irritation. If you have a headache, chances are that you have muscle tension in the back. It seems that  muscle contractions inhibit the nerves located at the base of the head and neck, which in turn causes the head to ache. It has been discovered that people suffering from misalignments of the spinal vertebrae in the neck develop migraines. If you have a severe migraine, you should try spinal manipulation. 

Not all headaches are the same

Before getting into detail about how a chiropractic can help with headaches, it’s necessary to make clear that there are different types of headaches, asides from short-lasting and long-lasting. The most common types are tension and muscular pain symptoms. Tension headaches refer to mild to moderate pain, accompanied by a feeling of rigidity around the neck. Muscular headaches are associated with the tightening of the muscles. These pain symptoms are excruciating and they are usually caused by injury. What the chiropractor does is figure out what type of headache you have and designs an effective treatment plan.

How a chiropractor treats headaches

Chiropractic treatment for headaches involves chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy. The health care professional looks at the alignment of your spine, the muscles, and nerves, and performs manual adjustments to restore motion. Chiropractic treatment doesn’t include drugs or surgery, as you can see. It implies applying pressure to the joint so as to liberate the vertebra and restore movement. Following the chiropractic adjustments, motion is re-established, spinal alignment is created, subluxations are eliminated, and, most importantly, pain is reduced significantly.

Proof that chiropractic treatment can help headache sufferers

Many clinical studies have shown that chiropractic care can help those suffering from migraines. One study, conducted at Macquire University, has shown that pain symptoms are great reduced during the course of chiropractic treatment. About 50% of participants experienced a significant improvement. Despite such evidence, people are still reluctant when it comes to manipulative therapy. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.

What should you do? If you really want to get better, you should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. Your headaches will become a lot more manageable, so you’ll be able to live a normal life. Attention should be paid to the fact that a chiropractor can’t magically make your migraines disappear. There’s no set amount of time, but what’s certain is that your condition won’t improve after just one session.

 Key characteristics to look for in a legal translator

 

Legal translators are the ones that work on ones of the most important and sensitive documents, so being properly qualified to do a great job is essential. If you are currently in need of such a specialist yourself, you are probably wondering whom to hire. Once you start looking for options on the internet, you will come across an extensive range of offers, but how can you know which is reliable and which is not? When it comes to legal translations, you cannot afford hiring someone that offers anything besides services of excellent quality. To ensure yourself that you are making the best choice, here are the key characteristics to look for in a legal translator:

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Familiarity with the legal terminology of your country

Before deciding to hire someone, the first thing you should do is make sure they are familiar with the legal terminology of your country. This aspect is extremely relevant, and the translator needs to be properly documented in order to provide you with high quality translation results. Even the smallest mistake can have unpleasant repercussions, and because translating legal paperwork is not exactly the easiest job, find out if the person you are hiring is well researched and qualified in this domain, and knows the essentials of your country’s legal terminology.   

Experience with the area of law you are interested in

Because there is a vast number of legal sectors, you should search for a professional that is sufficiently experienced in exactly the area of law you are interested in. Someone who has not translated legal documents similar to yours before will not be able to provide you with the same level of quality, and the results might fail to meet your expectations. To prevent paying money for services that are far from what you need, inform yourself about this particular aspect, before hiring a translator.  

Reliability and promptitude

When it comes to translation of legal documents, you probably want to collaborate with someone that is described by reliability, and manages to meet deadlines every single time. Although, the duration of the translations can depend on the workload, you need to be 100 percent sure that once you have decided on a deadline, the translator will be able to meet it, and not cause you any inconveniences through delays. To figure out if the company you plan to collaborate with is reliable, and their translators prompt and efficient, you can search of request a few client reviews

When requiring the assistance of a legal translator, finding the right person for the job is not a process that should be taken lightly. Although there are various companies on the market willing to offer you the services you require, not all of them can provide you with the same work quality. This is why, when you are searching for a translator for legal documents, it is essential to pay attention to the above-mentioned aspects. Any good company that offers legal translations should be characterised by these few aspects, so make sure you re well informed before hiring someone.

Smart tips to get rid of your minivan

 

You love your minivan, but sooner or later you will have to sell it, because you will want another one, or you will consider that it is not suitable to your needs anymore. Some people think that they should sell their car privately, because in this way they will get the best price. But you should know that this is not the only option you have. You can choose to sell the vehicle to a car removal service, or you can sell it to scrap metal and parts. You are the one who decides what option is best for you. But in case you want to sell it to a removal service, then you have to make sure that you get the best price possible. Before you start looking for a Newcastle Car Removal, you have to make sure that you know how much your van values, because you do not want to lose a penny.

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Put yourself in the car removal service’s shoes

If you take a look on the market you will notice that there are a lot of vans listed on sale on the market, and this is not in your favour. It means that the buyer has multiple options from which to choose, and you have to make your car stand out in the crowd. On the market, there are different shapes, sizes and colours of cars, so your minivan competes against hundreds of others. Before getting in touch with them, you have to make sure that you prepare your car, and you inspect it from the point of view of a buyer. In this way, you will be sure that you list on sale a car that does not feature signs of damage, that is properly cared for, and that has a mileage acceptable for it age.

Prepare your minivan for sale

Before getting in touch with the car removal service, it is advisable to clean the car inside and out, touch up the existing stone chips and repair any faults. It is important to clean the windows thoroughly and to polish the dashboard, because these are some of the aspects that influence the buyers. And if you want to get a higher price for your car, then you can top up the water and oil levels and replace the missing wheel trim. You should also check the pressures and tread of the tyres. In this way, you will offer the impression that you sell a well looked-after minivan. Also, it is crucial to check the paperwork and see if you have everything, because no one would buy a car without the needed paperwork.

Value your minivan

The last thing you have to do before contacting the car removal service is to value the minivan. The best way to do it is to check the prices of similar vehicles. Buyers know exactly what they are looking for, so you can be sure that they will compare prices, and you have to make sure that you ask the right price.