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Helpful Advice About the Right Window Cleaning Products

Cleaning Hack: How to Have Spotless Windows for Months

This spring he cleaned the windows a little differently. Isn’t it funny how men can think of things so differently? I would never have thought to clean a window with anything other than a window cleaner. But Seth values productivity and was trying to make our clean windows last longer than the first rain storm.

He used Rain-X 2-In-1 Glass Cleaner Plus Rain Repellent on our living room and dining room windows. But he cleaned the bedroom windows with normal window cleaner.

A lot of people have been asking in the comments for more details on the actual cleaning process. This product is a 2-in-1 cleaner and repellent. There is no need to clean the window before using this product. This product and some paper towels are literally all you need. Spray the Rain-X on the window then wipe off with a towel. Done.

I know a picture of a window doesn’t really show how clean it is but trust me these windows are spotless! Plus, last night we got 3 inches of rain. It has stormed every day this past week and now we are under a flood advisory! It has been crazy how much rain we have had this past month! But that really proves how well this Rain-X can work–not only your vehicles but also on your home windows and even on your shower doors!

Rain-X is NOT sponsoring this post! We received our can of Rain-X as a Christmas gift with a bunch of other car cleaning things from a family member. Seth just got this idea one day that it would work on house windows to keep them spotless and it did work! We have not tried other brands or products of Rain-X, but if you do would you please let me know how they work!

Should I DIY My Window Cleaning?

Residential windows come in all types of shapes and sizes. There are older homes with original panes and brand-new homes with large plate glass. Depending on the style and accessibility of the window, you may choose to call a professional window cleaner twice a year. Here are some tips on whether or not you should tackle the job.

Water will streak.

Whether using water or window cleaner, if allowed to run down the walls beneath the pane, the liquid will leave streak marks. Always protect your walls by quickly catching any water with a rag before it reaches surrounding walls.

leaning windows can be a 2-step process.

Take inventory on how dirty your windows are. If they are really dusty or grimy, first remove the dirt with soap and water. Next, shine the glass. If there is too much dirt on your glass and you simply squirt window cleaner and wipe, it is certain to smear

Clean the window grooves with a vacuum or damp cloth before cleaning the glass.

In some cases, it might be necessary to scrub with a toothbrush. This will prevent you from picking up the groove dirt while washing the window.

Never decide to clean windows on a bright sunny day.

This may seem the perfect time for getting glass sparkling clean, but the rays from the sun will dry your solution faster than you can wipe it off. Pick a cloudy day, instead.

Window Cleaning

If you’re like most people, you’d love to walk into an immaculate house with sparkling, crystal clear windows. But, again like most, it’s probably a rare occurrence. Most likely, you just don’t have the time to keep those windows clean, regardless of best intentions.

Window Cleaning offer an affordable, hassle-free way to have beautiful, professionally cleaned windows. And, you won’t have to spend your weekend up on a ladder trying to reach those awkward second story windows.

The importance of hiring a professional window cleaner

Are the windows on your home beginning to look a little grimy? Over time, debris and dirt will naturally build upon the windows of your home, and when that comes into contact with any moisture or condensation, it can cause unsightly smears and dirt. Not only can dirty windows make it difficult for you to see outside, but also negatively impact the appearance of your home.

What are the benefits of using a professional window cleaning service?

Although you may be tempted to grab a cloth and head outside to wipe your windows down of your own, without the right equipment, you’re not likely to achieve that professional finish you have in mind. There are many tools and materials that professional window cleaners will have invested in which they use to get that perfect streak-free finish. The average homeowner is unlikely to have these products, or the skills to use them, meaning that employing a professional window cleaner is usually the most cost-effective solution.

Although you may think that having cleaning windows is useful simply from an aesthetic perspective – which is why so many people will often leave windows grimy for long periods – the fact of the matter is that there are many more benefits to cleaning your windows than looks alone

Extend the life of your windows

One of the simplest ways for you to extend the lifespan of your windows is to clean them. During the cleaning process, a window cleaning professional will be able to spot any issues which may have been hidden under the layers of grime which were building up

Allow in plenty of light

all love a light and airy home, yet dirty windows will let in less of this natural light than desire. Cleaning your windows will allow the sunlight to pour into your home.

best window cleaning tools

To find the most efficient vacuums, sponges and cloths, we washed the windows on a semi-detached house with the added challenge of enormous glass doors to the garden which were, the owner admitted, filthy.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Marginally the widest blade on any of the vacuums we tried, this felt great quality and was quiet, too. This model comes with a charger alone, but upgrade in the range for only a tenner and you’ll get a narrow attachment for smaller panes, and a useful spray bottle with a cleaning head.

For higher windows – after all, who wants to risk a ladder? – the extendable mop and wiper can reach farther and since there’s an integral water tank and trigger spray you don’t have to dunk it in a bucket. We added a squirt of washing up liquid for great results.

The least bulky of the vacuum window cleaners we tried, this lightweight number comes with a two-year guarantee. The head pivots to make sure you can get right into the edges of windows and there’s a trigger spray to apply water or cleaner straight onto the pane.

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Get Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Secrets of budget kitchen renovations

Years of experience has taught me it’s not money that’s the big ace in a renovator’s pack – it’s knowing how to stretch every dollar as far as possible.

USE THE POWER OF PAINT

There’s no better way to get an instant transformation than with a perfectly applied coat of paint – and I’m not just talking about traditional paint on plaster walls and timber trims.

LAYING DOWN THE FLOOR

Today’s flooring designs are often durable and cheap. Gerflor stick-on vinyl flooring is a simple and versatile solution that you can run straight over solid existing floors. It can also be used in wet areas, making it suitable for bathrooms

REMODEL

Kitchens can be terrifically expensive to renovate, or you can take some nifty shortcuts. If the cabinets are in good shape, just change the drawer and cupboard fronts for a fraction of the price of putting in a new kitchen.

UPDATE LIGHTS

Places like Ikea and Bunnings offer loads of creative and affordable lighting solutions, so there’s no excuse to settle for daggy or dated lighting.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel

I’m not going to lie… starting a kitchen remodel can be daunting. And the first kitchen renovation project I ever took on was a bit of a doozy.  When it comes to kitchens, there are SO MANY factors and customizations to consider that it can be totally paralyzing to pick materials.  And that’s the fun part of it!  Don’t even get me started on the snags you can run into with plumbing, layout, and more.  After working on hundreds of kitchens over the years, I’ve learned some serious pro tips I’m going to share with you to help you get your project off on the right foot.

Since my knowledge of kitchen reno projects knows no bounds, I had my Built Custom Homes team create a Q&A with me to help me organize my thoughts.  I’m sharing all the Things I Wish I Knew (and kicking off a super informative new monthly series with you guys!) before starting a kitchen remodel. So hopefully you can get your project headed in the right direction!  Whether you’re just painting your cabinets a new color or ripping everything out and starting over, I’m hoping these tips will help you make the best decisions for your project.  Let’s get to work!

How important is it to start with your WHY for remodeling the kitchen? Tha is, before you make any purchases or demo anything? Why do you need to answer questions with yourself and your contractor to figure out your space’s needs?

The first thing you should start with on any remodeling project is the “why.”  For the kitchen, it’s why you’re redoing it and what you hope to accomplish.  Do you need more space?  New everything?  Seating?  Better lighting?  Making a list of “why” you’re redoing your kitchen will help you stay focused when you actually start making decisions.  We can get really sidetracked with crazy tile patterns, expensive appliances, etc., and end up losing vision of our original goal

What’s the first thing you need to consider when starting a kitchen remodel?

The first thing to consider when updating your kitchen is EVERYTHING.  Ha!  No, but really, you can’t just start picking things at random and expect everything to fall into place.  The place I always start with is making a list of everything I need to decide on, from start to finish.  This list could include: flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, cabinet hardware, fixtures (faucet, etc.), sinks, appliances, lighting, wall and ceiling paint colors… the list gets long!  However, if you think you might change the floor plan of your kitchen, that would be the best place to start.

What’s the most timeless or classic material you could use in a kitchen?

Easy answer: subway tile.  Unpredictable answer: marble.  Best of both worlds – use them together!  If you want a really “safe” and timeless kitchen, don’t try to reinvent the wheel!  Look no further than a beautiful white subway tile and marble (or marble look) countertops.  OR, you can mix it up and do clean white quartz countertops and marble 3×6” tile for the backsplash.

Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Reinvent with New Kitchen Cabinets

Of all your kitchen renovation projects, changing your cabinets will guarantee the greatest impact. New cabinetry not only transforms your kitchen’s look and practical use; it increases the value of your home. For a simple, cost-effective solution, mix and match Nimble kitchen cabinet collections. Assembly is as easy as a simple click, suitable for all DIY levels. Find the latest styles and finishes available online and pick-up in-store

Look for Style & Substance in Your Countertops

Trying to decide between laminate or solid-surface kitchen countertops? While laminate seems more budget-friendly, take the leap to granite and quartz as a long-term investment. Made from natural stone, they’re more than a stunning addition to the heart of your home. These slabs can boost your resale value and serve as the ultimate cooking surface. Solid-surface countertops are low-maintenance and resistant to heat, water, bacteria, and stains.

Save Time & Energy with Powerful Appliances

It’s easy to take them for granted! Don’t wait until old appliances start to show their wear and tear before shopping for replacements. certified major appliances — such as refrigerators and dishwashers — offer annual savings for your electricity bill. Popular for eco-conscious consumers, they are also environmentally-friendly.

Make a Splash with Sink & Faucet Upgrades

Avoid common DIY installation mistakes for kitchen sink and faucet upgrades. Purchase your faucet first before you buy a kitchen sink to match the appropriate number of holes. Likewise, when shopping for your faucet, consider what kind of sink you need. For example, growing families may opt for a deep apron sink for bathing a baby. Hands-free faucets accommodate all physical abilities, while pull-down faucets offer control and flexibility for filling large pots.

Layer Lighting to Let Your Kitchen Shine

As a general rule in the kitchen, and any other room at home, design experts recommend layering different lighting types in the same space. There are four types of lighting that each serve a purpose. Track lighting or semi-flush ceiling lights are examples of ambient lighting; they provide a warm, pleasant glow and set the general mood or atmosphere.

Nearby Kitchen Remodeling in Your Area

How much will kitchen remodelers near me charge per hour?

The average fee per hour for custom kitchen contractors is $100 to $200. High-end kitchen designers and remodeling companies can charge up to $800 per hour. The cost of installing appliances cost $100 to $300 for each appliance that is installed. Electrical work averages from $50 to $100 per hour of work done.

Where does my budget go during the kitchen remodeling process?

It is estimated that 10% of the overall kitchen remodeling budget goes to pay for the labor. The cost may fluctuate upwards but a reasonable cost fits in that range. The percentage can also help you find the right contractor for you who is offering a reasonable cost.

How do I find the right kitchen remodeling company near me?

Use this page to quickly connect with three kitchen remodeling companies. Get estimates from each of them – it will allow you to gauge the local price points and averages. Some remodeling contractors offer kitchen remodeling packages from $5,000 to $60,000. These packages stipulate the kind of work to be done including change of countertops, flooring, new cabinets, wall painting or new appliances. However, these packages are not flexible. Homeowners are not able to change the things they do not like about the remodeling package they choose

What is a custom remodeler?

A custom remodeler is a contractor who works on the items you agree on during the kitchen remodeling project. This is much more convenient because you get to choose what you want to be changed and dictate the extent in which changes are made.

REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN

The kitchen is called the heart of the home for a reason; this room is the epicenter of family life. Not only will you cook and eat your daily meals in your kitchen, but you will also celebrate holidays, entertain guests, and spend quality time with family and friends. For all these reasons, the design and style of your kitchen is of the utmost importance. This is why most home owners place kitchen remodeling at the top of their home remodeling to do list.

The age old question of, ‘How much will a kitchen remodel cost?’ The cost of renovating your kitchen can vary greatly from 10,000 for low budget kitchen remodeling project to 100,000 for custom high end kitchen remodeling project. The overall cost of the kitchen renovation will depend on your style, remodeling plan, and personal tastes. However, there is good news! Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best ways to get a return on your investment, when you decide to sell your home. Kitchen renovations average the highest return on investment (ROI), more than any other room in the home. Most home owners can expect to recoup 70-90% of the money spent on the kitchen upon resale. Whether you are planning to live in your home for years to come or you are planning on selling your house as soon as possible, the added value of a newly renovated kitchen is not lost.

Demoing your Kitchen

Instead of simply smashing through your kitchen, try to compile a course of action:

Remove the cabinets from the wall by unscrewing them

Using a knife, remove all trims and moldings from the wall

Unplug and shut off all appliances and lighting fixtures and remove them

Cover any exposed wires

Place all debris and unwanted materials in a dumpster; recycle old appliances

Replacing your Outdated Plumbing

With the walls open and everything hanging out, now is the time to get your hands on the new plumbing you’ve been yearning for.

As you are dealing with older plumbing, be cautious and have buckets readily available to catch leaks

If you’re under the sink plumbing is galvanized, replace it all!

Be prepared to replacing your shut off valve (or anything else for that matter)

If you are switching from an electric to a gas stove; contemplate incorporating a new gas lin

All Things Electrical

The kitchen renovation is as much about the electrical work as it is about the cabinets. With appliances and lighting galore, you need to make ensure that your electrical work is up to code. You should also check with your contractor to see if you should upgrade your circuit breaker box to 200 amps

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Bat Removal And Bat Control

Micro bats: The insect terminators

Flying mammals

Bats are the only group of mammals that are specifically adapted for flight. There are two types of bats: the micro bats and the mega bats. The micro bats (also known as insectivorous bats), are small to medium-sized bats, weighing from 3g to 150g, and with wingspans of around 25cm. The mega bats (also known as fruit bats) weigh up to a kilogram and some have wingspans over one metre. These two groups of mammals are thought to have evolved separately and are regarded as two distinct groups

How do they see in the dark?

Micro bats are nocturnal, and rely on echolocation and, to a lesser extent, eyesight, to find their way and locate insects at night.

Echolocation is a technique used by bats to ‘see’ their environment through sound. The bats create a pulse of high-pitched sounds, which are normally at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. The sound waves are created in the bat’s voice box, and are emitted from the mouth or the nostrils. The echo that comes back to the bat can tell it how far away the object is, as well as it’s size and texture, and if it’s moving! In this way they are able to sense their environment, avoid flying into objects, and find their prey. Using an ‘ultrasonic bat detector’ can help to identify the bat as well as tell us whether the bat is navigating or feeding.

Micro bats do make some sounds that humans can hear, but these are usually social chatter, alarm calls and communications between mothers and their young at the roost. There are a couple of species that have echolocation calls that people with sharp ears can hear; these are the yellow-bellied sheathtail bat and the white-striped freetail bat

Micro bats rely on echolocation to find insects while flying quickly through the air. They do this with startling efficiency. Under controlled conditions a Myotis bat (a small insectivorous bat that lives near waterways) has been recorded capturing 1200 tiny fruit flies in one hour, one every three seconds, while navigating in the air.

New Research: Bats Harbor Hundreds Of Coronaviruses, And Spillovers Aren’t Rare

Olival, who is with the nonprofit research group EcoHealth Alliance, was there to trap bats and collect samples of their body fluids. He and his collaborators would then test the samples for viruses. Bats are known for carrying some dangerous ones, particularly viruses that have the potential to kick off global outbreaks through what’s called “spillovers” — instances of an animal virus jumping into a human.

The results of their work put the current coronavirus outbreak in China in a wholly new light. Scientists say it was caused by a spillover event. And the findings from the sample collection project suggest these kinds of spillovers have actually been quietly taking place in China for years.

Swabbing bats

The evidence comes from hours of painstaking sample collection sessions

“So we’re getting the oral swab in the back of the throat,” Olival explains. “And I’m just holding her head between my two fingers.”

A direct path to humans

It gets worse: Scientists had thought spillovers were rare — that bat coronaviruses weren’t generally capable of infecting humans, so it took complicated steps. Step one: A bat coronavirus would have to infect some animal species that had closer contact with people than bats do. Step two: While in that other animal’s body, the virus would need to pick up new genetic code.

Why are bats blind?

Bats are not blind and can in fact see quite well using their eyes. While most bats do have advanced ears that give them a form of vision in the dark known as echolocation, these good ears does not require them to have bad eyes. Bats use their good hearing to find food in the dark of night, and their good eyes to find food during the light of day. The vision of bats is tuned to low-light conditions such as is present during dawn and dusk. While some bats may not have as good color vision as humans, their overall vision may be better than humans during dawn and dusk

Both megabat and microbats rely on vision during social interactions with one another, to watch for predators, and for navigating across landscapes. Megabats have large eyes and depend on vision to orient themselves during flight and to find food. Most microbats use echolocation to navigate and find food, and they tend to have smaller eyes, although they, too, use vision during their daily activities and to detect objects outside the effective range of echolocation, which is about thirty-three to sixty-six feet (ten to twenty meters). Some bats are also capable of visual pattern discrimination, which may assist fruit or nectar bats in finding food.” Taken literally, the comment, “you are as blind as a bat,” should mean that you have excellent vision in low light conditions, although it is usually meant to imply you have bad vision overall. This phrase perhaps originated from the fact that bats have rapid, erratic flight patterns that look like a blind person bumbling about.

Attract Bats for Organic Insect Control

Bats are the most misunderstood of our garden residents. Do these critters send a chill down your spine? If so, read on. Bats have an undeserved reputation for being bloodsucking, disease-carrying, dirty little rodents. Don’t let these myths about bats scare you — embrace them (not literally, of course) and attract them to your garden!

Why You Should Attract Bats

These little flying mammals are great hunters of mosquitoes and other annoying insects. In fact, research reveals that a single bat can eat more than 600 mosquitoes per hour. They’re a fantastic, organic pest-control method.

By creating a bat-friendly yard, you’re also doing good on a grander scale. Like many species, bat populations are declining due to pesticide use and habitat loss.

How to Attract Bats

Like birds, bats prefer a source of shelter and they’ll often hang out in old trees and large shrubs. Bats nest in abandoned buildings, hollow trees, under a building’s eves, in loose tree bark, and in bat houses. Bats also enjoy water features, such as ponds, where insects may congregate.

Bat Myths

Like any mammal, bats can catch rabies. But they’re not as likely to catch the disease as many other animals — and even if they do, you’re less likely to come into contact with them. (That said, never handle a bat or any other wild animal in your yard.)

Cleaning of an environment contaminated with bat droppings

Bat droppings, also called guano, sometimes contain microscopic fungi that can cause health problems in humans.

If bats have taken up residence in your home, you will notice their droppings. They are shiny, crumble easily and give off a foul odour. When they dry out, they turn to dust.

The contaminated area must be cleaned to prevent health problems. Take precautions to prevent the dust from droppings from becoming airborne and contaminating other rooms in the house.

To clean up large quantities of droppings or to clean areas that are hard to reach

Sometimes, there is a very large quantity of droppings to clean up or there are many contaminated areas and they are hard to reach.

Hire experts

If there is a large accumulation of droppings or they are hard to reach, it’s best to leave decontamination to the experts. Some pest control professionals offer this service. An experienced pest control professional will have a thorough knowledge of the measures that must be taken and the procedures to follow to remove bat droppings and clean contaminated areas.

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Changing a Light Switch Installation

Do I have to accept a smart meter?

Smart meters are the latest technology for your household electricity and gas meters. They electronically record your energy use and send this to your supplier. But do you have to accept one if you’re offered it?

What is a smart meter?

The government has pushed back the deadline for the smart meter rollout until 2024, and you do have the right to refuse a smart meter if you don’t want one.

Energy companies have been asked to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to install smart meters in every home. If it hasn’t already, your energy supplier will contact you between now and 2024 to arrange an installation. But remember that you can still say no to having a smart meter installed.

If you really don’t want a smart meter, make this clear to your supplier and they may be able to set up a smart meter to work in ‘dumb’ mode, with all the communications switched off. Be aware that if your energy company has contacted you to change your energy meter to a smart meter because your current meter needs replacing (ie it’s too old), then you should get it replaced as it could be a safety hazard not to.

Here are some of the concerns people have about smart meters and the roll-out:

Estimated cost  While there will be no upfront charge to customers being transferred to a smart meter, everyone is paying for the smart meter roll-out through their energy bills. The cost of installing the smart meters is estimated at £11bn. Energy companies are meant to pass on cost savings to customers but there are concerns about the extent to which they’ll do this.

Security & privacy  Who can see your consumption data and what can they do with it?

Health  Concerns about radio frequencies and electromagnetic radiation produced. The evidence to date suggests exposure to radio waves produced by smart meters doesn’t pose a risk to your health. Public Health England provides advice and information on the health implications of smart meters, which can be found on the PHE website.

Smart Light Switch

[EASY INSTALLATION] No wiring required, snaps on top of an existing toggle or rocker light switch and mechanically controls the underlying switch..

[VOICE CONTROL] Through a hub (sold separately), it will work with either Alexa or Google Home to enable voice control of your lighting. It also enabled you to control your light anywhere while you are away..

[FULL COMPATIBILITY] No neutral wire required, works with any voltage (12v, 24v, 110v, 220v), an ideal solution for fireplace which is not standard 110v. It narrows enough that can be placed next to each other in 2-gang, 3-gang or 4-gang switches..

[N-WAY SWITCH] Works with the 3-Way or 4-Way switches setup. When worked together with Third Reality Hub, it will enable full N-Way Switch by utilize the both value from N-Way Switches..

[ZIGBEE STANDARD] Follow Zigbee 3.0 standard, works with existing hubs like SmartThings, Wink or Echo Plus. When use together with Third Reality Hub, it will enable advanced features like battery level reading, over the air update and more.

FLOAT SWITCH INSTALLATION WIRING AND CONTROL DIAGRAMS

How do I install and wire my float switch? Where can I find a float switch circuit diagram? Where can I find a float switch wiring diagram? You asked, and today, we answer.

Wiring a float switch isn’t necessarily hard, but it can be a little confusing if you don’t have a visual aid or two. Remember that what you’re wiring is a means of turning things on and off. Thinking carefully about when you want something off, and when it should turn on, will help you as you visualize the wiring and apply the schematic to real world control.

These instructions and diagrams will serve to teach you the basics of float switch control wiring. They certainly don’t apply in all scenarios, especially when additional control equipment is needed to handle large motors. However, with a little bit of fundamentals, you’ll be wiring like an old pro in no time.

SINGLE FLOAT SWITCH WIRING

Let’s start with the most basic float switch: a two-wire, single-pole, single-throw float switch. The rising action of the float can either close (i.e., turn on) a “Normally Open” circuit, or it can open (turn off) a “Normally Closed” circuit. Installation scenarios might include a Normally Open float switch turning on a pump to empty a tank (Control Schematic 2), or a Normally Closed float switch turning off a pump that fills a tank (Control Schematic 1). In both schematics, terminal 1 in the control circuitry represents the landing point for the float switch’s (+) wire, and terminal 2 for the (-) wire.

So there we have it. A two-wire float switch that can easily be used for turning a pump on or off. Mount or suspend your switch at the desired level, get your wires into a water-tight junction box (or out of the liquid containment area and then into a junction box), check the connections back to your control and power equipment, and you’re done.

Comprehensive guide to PoE Switches and their uses

As technology advances, the number and variety of components for an efficient telecommunications network are changing as well. One component that will be critical to the smooth operation of any network is the network switch. There are two main types of switches to choose from – a regular network switch or a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch.

What is PoE?

Traditionally, when a device is connected to a network it requires two inputs: a power cord and a network cable. PoE is a technology that allows an Ethernet cable to carry electrical power.

In a PoE network, the power sourcing equipment can supply power and transmit data to network devices. All this is done by a single, PoE cable. In order for devices to establish a network connection with a PoE cable, the network must include either a PoE switch; or a normal switch and an additional device such as a PoE injector or splitter.

What Devices Can Use PoE?

PoE provides value for devices and networks that require power but also involve the transmission of data. The number of devices controlled remotely and requiring data is increasing exponentially as companies take advantage of the Internet of Things (IoT).

While PoE has numerous applications, the three most common areas of implementation are currently:

VoIP Phones: VoIP phones are the original PoE devices, with PoE allowing for a single connection to the wall socket and the ability for remote powering down

IP Cameras: Security camera technology is constantly evolving, and one improvement is the use of PoE, enabling fast deployment and simple repositioning.

Wireless: Many wireless access points are PoE compatible, allowing for remote positioning. RFID readers are also often PoE compatible, which allows for easy relocation.

All About Combination Switches and Receptacles

Even if you’re not doing an electrical project, it’s important to understand how the wiring in your home works. Here are the basics for installing and choosing combination switches.

There’s more to a light than just a flip of the switch. Electrical receptacles and switches look simple on the outside, but behind the wall, there is a bundle of wires that run the electricity. A responsible homeowner understands the different types of switches and how they work. Below, we show you how to wire a double switch, an unswitched plug, and a switch-controlled receptacle. Once you’ve mastered the basics, learn all about the nontraditional receptacles and switches and how they function.

Installing Combination Switches

These devices combine two functions. Correctly installed they are just as safe as two individual switches. Combination switches are always installed with through-switch wiring and never with end-line wiring. That means two or three cables enter the box.

Shut off power to the circuit before removing the old switch. To be sure that rebent wires do not break, cut and restrip the wire ends before you connect them

Double Switch

Squeeze two switches into the space of one. Three cables enter the box: One brings power, the other two run to separate fixtures. Connect the grounds and splice all the neutral (white) wires together. Attach the feed wire to a terminal with the connecting tab. Connect the other two black wires to terminals on the side with no tab.

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Finding Somebody To Do Your Home Interior Painting

CHOOSING INTERIOR PAINT COLORS

Choosing the colors on the inside of your home can be just as challenging as choosing your exterior colors and all the selections when building your brand new home! Painting your home takes time, hours of rolling paint, and money – so you’ll want to get it right the first time!

You can also do an extensive search online or even consult any professional painting company that can surely guide you in choosing interior paint colors.  Though you may get confused it will be visible to take time and then confirm finally.

tips to keep in mind when choosing your interior paint colors –

Choosing Interior paint colors is easy:

The accurate way to choose the best interior paint colors is to start with the colors you adore. When you start with the colors you love, you are not bound by any sort of color scheme for a particular decorating style. Using your favorite color as your base color, you can use it to create a color scheme around it.You can try out different color combinations to get a vast range to decide according to your liking and requirement.

Find paint color inspiration:

Magazines and catalogs have always been the source of decorating inspiration. You have access to thousands of pages of inspiration on the internet. Retailer sites can be inspiring with their room designs and colors, and paint company sites can also show you ways to use color in your home. Social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram offer color inspiration that is refreshed in real-time. Pinterest is great for creating inspiration boards for your favorite ideas, so you can keep all your ideas in one spot. These social media sites regularly upgrade themselves regarding paint colors, shades, etc. So, it is important to go with the present trend!

Create a Colour scheme:

There are inexpensive color tools that can generate color scheme ideas quickly. You also get a wheel turning where you can see how colors might relate to each other and learn the basics of color theory.  At your favorite paint store, you can choose shades of those colors that you like. Many painting companies provide this facility for the customers, so they can choose according to their choice.

Paint color from a print:

One of the creative and different ways to choose interior paint colors is to start with a print fabric. If you are creating an accent wall, look to the boldest colors in the print. If you would like to choose a paint color that is more subtle or for a larger space, look at the color in the small details of your print fabric. Take a fabric swatch to the paint store so you can choose paint strips to view at home.

Find your Paint color in Artwork:

Interior designer expertise’s in choosing colors from artwork in your home. Most artists are masters of color and light, creating their color schemes for the related requirements. You can benefit from their selection perfection, by choosing colors from a favorite piece of art. You can also choose complementary colors from the same work of art to create a color scheme.Artwork provides a vast range to choose colors, shades, and designs that can also highlight your interior painting more creatively. This provides a different look for your dream home.

Before selecting a color

Ask yourself first what kind of look and feel you’d like your space to have. Color is a major player in creating atmosphere and transforming spaces. Warm colors, such as members of the red, orange and yellow families will create spaces that are welcoming, comforting and energizing. Cool colors, from the blue, green and purple families, make spaces that feel open, breezy and relaxing. Once you’ve chosen your color, select your color’s intensity level next. A color intensity is how bright or muted it is. Next, choose the color’s lightness level. Light colors open up rooms and dark colors will make your space feel more intimate and cozy. Observe how the color changes throughout the day and night. It may be necessary to alter lightness or intensity level of the color to best fit your space.

Common Color Mistakes

1. Being afraid.

The world is divided into two groups—the color courageous and the color cowardly. People who live in colorful interiors have gotten over the fear of making a mistake.” The best way to get over that fear is to always start with a color you love—from a rug, a painting, a fabric. Then test it on the wall. If it’s too strong, consider asking your paint store to formulate it at “half-strength” to lighten it or to tone it down by adding more gray.

2. Putting too much on the walls.

Be aware of the intensity of the colors in a room. If you have an Oriental rug with five or six strong colors, don’t paint the walls in equally strong hues. Let the rug be the focal point and the walls a lighter color.

3. Putting too little on the walls.

If you think your room is boring, look at it in terms of the 60-30-10 rule that designers employ: Sixty percent of the color in a space generally comes from the walls; 30 percent from upholstery, floor covering, or window treatments; and 10 percent from accent pieces, accessories, and artwork. Translation: Liven up those white walls.

4. Rushing the process.

The best way to find a color you can live with is to paint a 4-by-4-foot swatch on the wall and live with it for at least 24 to 48 hours so you can see it in natural and artificial light. “Taking the extra time to do the swatch test is worth it to find a color you’ll love living with for years.

5. Forgetting about primer.

When changing the color of a wall, primer (white or tinted) is vital to getting the actual color you picked out. Priming ensures there will be no interference from the previous wall color.

How to Pick Interior Color Schemes

Choosing a color combination for your home interior can be a challenge, but color also can be a powerful tool for transforming a plain space into a sensational environment. Here are some tips to get you started.

Consider Lighting

Pay attention to the impact of lighting. Color is a reflection of light, so the kind and amount of light in a room will have a significant impact on a color scheme. Experiment with how natural light or light from lamps or recessed fixtures affects color in fabrics, paint, furniture, and other surfaces. Daylight is considered the perfect light source because it has nearly uniform intensity over the entire visible spectrum of colors. Natural light changes from sunrise to sunset as the sun’s rays travel through varying amounts of atmosphere. When considering a color scheme for a particular room, spend some time in the space throughout the day, taking note of how the shifting light affects it. A room with only northern exposure, for example, receives less daylight than other rooms in the home. A warm color palette would be effective there to soften shadows, and it would react well to more hours of artificial light.

Committing to Color

While neutrals might seem safe, there are many benefits to using color in your home. Color can unite disparate styles of furnishings. It is also useful for renewing worn or outdated furniture. Nothing enlivens a traditional style more than a fresh and unexpected pop of color. Using color can also manipulate your sense of space. A small room can seem larger with light colors; a large room will shrink with a darker shade on the walls. You can visually lower a ceiling with a dark color and raise it with a light one.

Figure out what feeling you want to evoke

According to Woelfel, the first question you should ask yourself when picking out a new shade of paint for a room is “what type of feeling do I want to create in this space?” Consider how you want to feel in the room as well as how you want guests to feel. If you want the space to feel serene, your paint color choice might be much different than if you want the room to be energetic.

Examine the colors that are already in the room

Look around the room you want to paint and take note of colors that are already in the space. Consider what pieces of furniture and décor you definitely want to keep and make sure that your next choice of paint fits with the hues that will stay in the room.

Keep the purpose of the space in mind

The purpose of a room can help you pick out the perfect paint color. For instance, if you’re redecorating a kitchen you may want to think about whether you’ll spend most of your time in the room working, relaxing, or entertaining others. This can help guide your decision making.

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Tips On Getting The Most Out Of A Photo Booth

Awesome Reasons To Hire a Photo Booth For Your Next Event

While an event may last for just a few hours or a day, the memories should stay with you longer. There are many opportunities to create magic moments at your event, but nothing can maintain the excitement like a photo booth. There are so many reasons why you should hire a photo booth for your next event and we will look at 10 major ones here.

What is a photo booth?

Before we delve right into the reasons why you need a photo booth in your next event, it is important that we take a little while to ask, what is a photo booth?. You might have seen many of them before, but what exactly are they? In the past, photo booths were simply vending machines that snapped photos when coins are dropped into them. Today, however, photo booths can be best described as an interactive tech solution for picture taking at any kind of event. Containing built-in DSLR cameras and professional lighting and complete with fun customizable capabilities such as digital props. Photo booths take many shapes and sizes, from a standalone camera, to even a mirror photo booth.

It Is a Form of Entertainment for Many

This is one of the biggest benefits you will get. Guests generally love photo booths and it will be a form of side entertainment at all times. Having a photo booth will completely eliminate the chances of your event getting boring. Even when it seems nothing serious is going on, your guests will be busy taking fun photos.

It Is Suitable For People of All Ages

One good thing about photo booths is that it resonates with people of all ages. It is always great to see the older generation and young people appreciate a common thing, and that is what a photo booth will do for your party. The idea has been around for ages and the experience is not too different from what the old souls used to enjoy. A Modern photo booth simplifies the process, rather, and makes things a lot more fun.

It Offers Different Options for Different People

Photo booths cater for all kinds of guests with different personalities. Even shy people will find a lot of comfort when the curtains are drawn in an enclosed booth. Open air photo booths will accommodate several people for fun photos. With enhanced capabilities, most modern photo booths provide more options than you can imagine. Photos can even be printed from Instagram! Yes, it is that fun.

How to Make a Photo Booth for Holiday Parties

photo booth makes a great addition to practically any kind of social gathering. Not only does it serve as a way to keep guests entertained, but it also makes the celebration fun and extra memorable, especially when guests get to bring their photos home or find them online for social media sharing.

There are going to be plenty of holiday parties in the next few weeks, and photo booths are sure to be a big hit at any party. If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, why not create a DIY photo booth to jazz up the occasion? Or, if you’re a photographer looking to make some extra cash this season, forego your regular event photography services and offer photo booth services instead. It’s easy and much less tiring, because you won’t have to walk around taking pictures of everyone at the party—they’ll be coming to you.

Digital Camera

Compact digital cameras will work perfectly fine for photo booths, but investing in a more professional DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings can be the more convenient choice if you plan on saving your images for large prints or if you will be using remote-controlled lighting and/or shutter.

Camera Tripod

Find a sturdy yet affordable tripod that can support your camera throughout the entire party and can be extended high enough for eye-level and overhead shots. This way, nobody has to hold the camera and shoot for every shot by hand, and you can enjoy the party even when you’re manning the booth yourself.

Remote Shutter Release

Adding a remote shutter to your camera setup opens up the possibility of allowing your guests to take timed photos on their own. At the same time, you can be included in photos instead of playing photographer the whole time, plus you won’t risk any internal camera shake or image blurring caused by pressing the shutter button.

Photo Booth Ideas For Your Next Party

GIf you are in the planning stages of hosting a party, from a birthday party, baby shower or even a wedding photo booths are always a popular entertainment option with guests. To make your own section off an area with a beautiful backdrop and leave a camera nearby so your guests can capture stunning photographs in front of your DIY photo booth.

DIY Gold Sequin Backdrop

You can make this amazing gold backdrop by covering a large foam board using hundreds of shiny 60 mm sequins to create a sensational backdrop that will stun your guests!

DIY Tinsel Garland Backdrop

Head to the dollar store and grab several bundles of tinsel garland to hang vertically in rows to cover a wall to create a backdrop in minutes.

DIY Bokeh Lights Backdrop

Break out your indoor Christmas lights to create a beautiful bokeh backdrop that would look spectacular for Christmas or wedding photographs.

DIY Tinsel Backdrop

Layer several foil-door curtains found at party stores to create a tinsel backdrop to give a glamorous sparkly backdrop for your party photographs.

How to Make Your Own DIY Photo Booth

Photo booths are a great form of entertainment to have at your wedding. It keeps guests busy at the reception and you’ll be left with fantastic memories from the evening

Depending on how long you want one for and what kind it is, hiring a photo booth normally costs between £400-£700. For that price you’ll get around 3-4 hours of a manned photo booth with props, dressing up boxes, digital copies of the photos and unlimited prints on the night. Usually there’s extras like a guest book and USB to keep too

If that isn’t within your budget, it’s very easy to DIY a photo booth. If you’ve already hired lots of decorative props or have some from throwing other parties, it can be just as easy to set up your own as pay someone to do it.

Find a Space for Your Photo Booth

No point in having a photo booth if no one realises it’s there! Set it up just to the side of the main reception action. Try a corner of the dance floor, a small adjoining room, outside in something like a caravan or an old horsebox, in a pop-up tipi or gazebo

Create Your Photo Booth Backdrop

Your backdrop can be as elaborate or simple as you like, just make sure it’s not a plain white wall. We’ve found some genius ideas we love from Pinterest below.

Photo Booth Essentials For Your Wedding

Photo booths got really big at weddings a few years ago. All of a sudden it wasn’t a wedding unless all your guests were huddling into a box with moustaches and wigs on.

Photo booths are good, wholesome fun, and create the kind of photos a photographer just couldn’t catch at a party. From the kids to the grandparents, the shyest people come out of their shells, and somehow photo booths manage to snap the behind the scenes action, from random hook-ups to funny mishaps.

Chalk Boards & Speech Bubbles

Chalkboards and speech bubbles great for bringing an added element of fun to the booth, whether your guests send their good wishes, random musings or not-so-sober sketches!

Silly Hats & Wigs

An integral part of photo booth attire, hats and wigs make people look and feel silly, getting them into the spirit of things – cowboys, sailors and police or pink, punk and afro wigs all come recommended!

Specs, Lips & Moustaches

Another staple of the photo booth, your photographer might supply some of these essential props, or you can buy some great sets online, or maybe even make your own ahead of the wedding.