Six Things That Can Assure You Are Hiring the Best Plumber

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Plumbers are very important professionals that we need in our daily lives. They help us in many ways by fixing frozen pipes in winter, clearing blockage, stopping leakage, and replacing broken pipes. They are highly trained and experienced in carrying out the required job. But there are many rookies also that address themselves as professional but are not. So, to make sure you are hiring the best plumber, remember seven things mentioned below.

6 Things to Look for in Your Plumber.

Hiring a plumber is not an easy task. You must hire a person you will not regret opting for later. If you want to take the service from the best plumber, you need to make sure that you check the following points:

#1. Business Experience

Before hiring a plumber, it is good to investigate the individual about the period he has been working in the particular industry. You must be aware of the kind of work these people provided in the past. The reviews of their previous clients will give a good idea as to who you must hire. Getting an experienced plumber means standing a better chance to get results. Good workmanship is expected to last longer.

#2. License

The next thing that you must check is your plumber’s license. Ask your plumber for to prove his ability and qualification to do plumbing work. The law clearly states that the person doing the plumbing work needs to have a proper license. You do not want to get involved in the case of hiring an unlicensed plumbing company and suffer the loss.

#3. Price

Make sure to ask your plumber for a quote and compare them with others. It is very important to measure the cost of the services to avoid being cheated. There are many plumbers who will ask you to pay more than they are serving you. Quality service for the cost you are paying is a must.

#4. Ask For Reference

Ask your family, friends, relatives, and neighbors if they know any good plumber in the area. A reputable worker always has many references to speak about their work on their behalf. They impress the clients so much that their clients suggest others also to take service from them. List all the suggestions on a piece of paper, and the name that appears most of the time go for that plumber.

#5. Avoid Those Asking for Upfront Payment

Do not trust plumbers that are asking for upfront payment. These individuals often delay the work or, even worse, disappear with the money altogether. There is no saying as to who you can trust these days. There is a high risk of losing money in the hands of fraud people. However, if you are carrying big projects, then you can still pay milestones and pay a partial amount after the work is completed. Do the research work well before actually hire someone.

#6. Ask About the Kind of Services

Before you hire a plumber, ask about the kind of services they provide and evaluate whether they fall in the area of your need. There is a wide array of services that these plumbing companies offer. It includes maintenance, repair, installation of hot water, etc. There are some companies that only specialize in one type of service. Hiring these company increases the quality of work. So, once you figure out where you need service, hire the company accordingly. There are also individuals who are experts in certain tasks they do. You will know their reputation and will trust with the work.

Consider the points mentioned above, so you make no mistake in hiring the best plumber for your house. It will ensure genuine, cost-effective, and quality work. Plus, you can expect that no matter the cause, the professional will restore the water system once again. Call these professionals any time you think you need their help to dot the repair work.

5 DIY IDEAS TO TURN YOUR ROOM INTO A MYSTERY ROOM

Amidst physical distancing and Covid-19, it is understandable that escape room enthusiasts would want a more safe and sanitary experience at home. Even if your reason for a DIY mystery room is to have fun at home, then don’t worry we got you covered.  

Mystery rooms are great fun and can easily be constructed within your house. Be it a temporary room or a permanent room. Preparation is the key to a DIY mystery room. 

Before you begin planning your mystery room/escape room, it is important you outline the purpose for it. While the general idea is to have fun, it can also be an educational room for kids, a party room for adults, and a fun puzzle-solving time with family.  

Once the desired purpose is clear, set a background story for it, escape rooms can feel like a tedious puzzle-filled cage without a good background story. 

Next, ensure you have a theme and characters to along with the story. Is a set in the 1950s or 2010s? having a theme and set of characters will help in ensuring that the puzzles are relevant and do not break immersion.  

With characters and themes out of the away, plan your puzzles. This is perhaps the most difficult out of all the preparations. Deciding on puzzles relevant to your escape room is important. you don’t want a puzzle involving mobile phones in a 1970’s murder escape room. that breaks the immersion.  

Another key thing is to not overdo puzzles. Ensure that the experience is fun and not brain-scratching and agonizing experience. Ensure that the puzzles are not too difficult or easy. Place proper clues around. 

With the basic preparation done, let us look at the 5 (five) DIY ideas to turn your ordinary room into a fun-filled mystery room/escape room. 

1. LOCK & KEY 

Lock and Key are some of the most essential items in a DIY escape room. locking things such as cupboards, dressers, or boxes containing clues gives a sense of purpose. Incorporating puzzles that reward you with keys instantly allows for a great search and find mission.  

Simple, cheap, and effective, LOCK and KEY are available almost in every household and are great items for making interesting puzzles. 

Using small padlocks to lockboxes containing clues or using a combination lock as part and parcel of a puzzle, locks have great versatility, locks and chain can even be used to seal the escape room to help with immersion.  

As a safety feature, always ensure to keep spare keys with the room master or in a place accessible in case of any emergency.  

2. HIDDEN ITEMS 

Hiding items around the room can be great fun, finding the last piece of the puzzle can be gratifying. Hiding items behind locked doors, cabinets, dressers, or inside them is a great Idea. 

Items such as passcodes, keys, clues, messages, or even a whole new puzzle can be hidden for the players to find. If you have a safe with passwords or with a traditional locking mechanism, then various things can be hidden in them. 

A great idea to hide small things is to put them into other items such as balloons, bottles, out-of-reach ceilings, pillow covers. 

Various objects such as plastic balls, cups, and holders can be cut or designed to hold keys in plain sight without raising suspicion. 

3. WORD PUZZLES 

Playing around with words is amazing, isn’t it? We all have come across a word puzzle at least once in our lifetime. However, word puzzles are a staple for escape rooms.  

A word puzzle in the form of riddles and questions can be used to provide either clue or hint towards another puzzle. Writing down on small pieces of paper that can be hidden will give you an opportunity to search every nook and cranny. 

Word puzzles can be made using jigsaw pieces with words written behind each piece. Requiring players to solve the jigsaw to get the next clue.   

Alternatively, keep random bits of paper with a single or more alphabet hidden. The player will have to solve and make sense of these alphabets to get access to another clue/key.  

Various cut-outs of the crossword puzzle can be used as hints or even puzzles. Combination puzzles requiring alphabets to align (cryptex) to form a word are another great idea that can be used.  

Taking inspiration from ‘The Riddler’, Batman’s nemesis and an expert in riddles are suggested for maximum effect.  

4. NUMBER PUZZLES 

Just like word puzzles, number puzzles are complementary in that they can be used with lock and key mechanisms, with word puzzles, and any other riddle that is used. A combination lock can be used in which only opens with specific numbers.  

A table can be created with each alphabet corresponding to a different digit. These digits can further be access codes to secret safes or items. 

Various objects can be labeled with alphanumeric language. Puzzles involving the player solving and decoding secret codes from alphanumeric to numeric or alphabets can be a fun and easy DIY puzzle. 

5. HIDDEN CLUES 

Clues are like catalysts in an escape room. without clues, escape is slow and boring. To hide clues or to have hidden clues in a DIY escape room, a small piece of paper can be taped on any number of objects hidden out of the field of view. It is the oldest trick in the book. 

Taping keys or that final jigsaw puzzle piece underneath a dresser that when found leads to another puzzle that when solved leads to the hidden item inside a pillow that when used…. you get the point. Clues can simply be hidden in plain sight with all your stuff in dressers or pen stands or places cluttered with items.  

Make sure your clues even if found early can only make sense when they are found correctly and not by skipping puzzles. This will ensure players stick to the traditional way of solving puzzles to advance. Sequencing your clues and predicting the order of them being found is important. 

CONCLUSION 

REMEMBER, Escape rooms are immersive and fun, do not go overboard by creating impossible puzzles and tough clues. Keeping it simple is the number one rule. Ensure everyone abides by the rule as cheating or bypassing stages/puzzles will break the immersion and defeat the purpose.  

With these ideas, you should be able to cater to people of all ages at your house in your room. with little preparation, you can experience a mystery room now! 

Guest Post - 4 Summer Safety Tips for Children

Summers are for bonding and creating memories as a family. However, it’s difficult to relax if you’re worried about your children’s safety. Luckily, the following precautions can protect your kids and put your mind at ease.

1. Apply Sunscreen

With so many fun outdoor activities to enjoy, your kids will likely be outside all summer. Protect them from sunburn by applying sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before they head out to the pool or trampoline.

Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply about every two hours. If they’re swimming or sweating, apply another layer or put on some protective clothing to prevent burns.

2. Secure the Pool

Every day, about two children aged 14 or younger die in unintentional drowning incidents. Therefore, whether you have kids or not, it’s important to put a fence or other barrier around your pool. Doing so will prevent the neighbors’ youngsters from wandering onto your property and accidentally falling in.

3. Mind the Garage Door

Children and parents should also practice safety when playing in and around the garage and driveway. At least 85 kids have suffered permanent brain injuries or died in automatic garage door accidents. However, teaching kids to be aware of their surroundings and keeping the door’s path free of toys can effectively keep your family safe.

4. Protect Against Bugs

While observing backyard bugs can provide a unique learning opportunity, insects can also bite and sting curious children. If you want to minimize the number of dangerous creepy crawlies in your yard, try sprinkling your garden with diatomaceous earth or natural, non-toxic pesticides.

These simple solutions will keep insect populations in check so your kids are less likely to encounter six-legged threats.

Fun in the Sun

By taking the right precautions, you and your kiddos can have a safe and memorable summer. Take advantage of the bright sunshine, cool breeze a

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!

5 Remodeling Ideas for A Clutter-Free Kitchen

Tiny kitchens don’t seem like a bad idea in theory. When you think about it, how much space do you really need to cook a meal? It turns out that you actually will need more than expected. 

Many times, having a tiny kitchen can be more difficult than anticipated. After all, there are a lot of things that go in the kitchen that we don’t realize. From small appliances, a gadget for every need, plus food and dishes for the entire family. 

Having a tiny kitchen means that space gets easily cluttered, provides limited space for cooking large meals, and prevents you from being able to socialize and gather in the kitchen.

If you desire a clutter-free kitchen that is more conducive to your lifestyle, consider these five kitchen remodeling ideas. 

1. Flooring

Flooring can make or break a cluttered look. Even if everything is completely organized, if the floor is busy, a small kitchen will still look cluttered. Consider simple flooring like vinyl kitchen flooring in a solid color. We will talk about colors down below, but simple colors or patterns when it comes to flooring are best for a clutter-free kitchen. Flooring is a vital part of tying a kitchen all together, making the space usable, and easier to clean. 

2. Organization

Let’s face it-- if things aren’t organized, they are always going to look cluttered. When remodeling your kitchen, including elements of organization is key. Maybe you choose taller cabinets so that more things can be off of the countertops, or you could remodel an unusable space and make it into built-in shelves for better storage.

 Another idea is to rearrange the order of the kitchen. For instance, for maximum efficiency, the sink, the fridge, and the stove should be in a triangle shape. Having everything in the best place possible can really help with clutter because you no longer have to keep things near certain areas for convenience. 

Keep in mind to use every little space you can from additional storage on an island to the space above the fridge. Organizations can be implemented in a variety of ways. 

Regardless of the layout of your kitchen, there is always room for improvement using remodeling when it comes to organization. 

3. Fixtures

Remodeling your kitchen to have more minimalist fixtures can be a simple upgrade to make your kitchen look clutter-free. Fixtures include everything from lighting and faucets down to the drawer pulls and handles on the cabinets. Be sure that at the end of your kitchen remodel that you replace all the fixtures to update them. Choose fixtures that have simple lines and are the proper size to avoid a cluttered look. Don’t forget to have plenty of light to make the space feel more open.

If you don’t have a window, consider having a few different light sources like different combinations of an overhead light, under cabinet lighting, or pendant lighting. 

4. Colors

Colors, patterns, and textures do a lot for the look of a space. When remodeling your kitchen, go with light colors to reflect light and simple, classic patterns to avoid the cluttered look. Add a subway tile backsplash for a quick remodel project that will bring your cluttered kitchen to life. Also be sure that the look of fixtures, walls, backsplash, cabinets, and flooring is all cohesive so that the eye isn’t drawn to as many places at once giving the appearance of clutter. You could even consider going with a monochrome look where everything is different shades of the same light color. For instance, shades of gray, white, or beige. 

5. Open Up Space

One of the biggest things you can do to remodel and create a clutter-free kitchen is to open up space. If there is a wall to take out or additional space in the dining room that you can use, you should consider opening up that space. Adding more space in an area decreases the look of clutter because things can be spread out more. If you can’t gain any more space in the kitchen, then consider creating flexible spaces.

Flexible Spaces

Flexible spaces are exactly how they sound. Spaces that can be used for multiple purposes. One flexible space that is common in the kitchen is a kitchen island. Many larger kitchens have permanent kitchen islands, but even if you don’t have space for a traditional kitchen island, a prep cart can do wonders for creating more space. 

Additionally, you might add a countertop and cabinets in the dining room which can be used as a prep station, a dining bar, and storage all in one. When remodeling your kitchen, think about how you can create flexible spaces that can help declutter and open up space. 

Need Help Decluttering?

Achieving the goal of having a clutter-free kitchen can seem like climbing a mountain. If you are struggling with decluttering, call House to Home Organizing, your expert in home organization. They are ready to help!