10 bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid

10 bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid

Bathroom remodeling can be complex and require more time, effort, and resources than people usually estimate. There are many ways and designs to renovate the space so it fits one’s needs perfectly, but it’s important to consider all aspects of the project before starting it. These include plumbing, electrical work, structural changes, etc. Making mistakes during the estimation or execution process can cost one dearly. Therefore, here are some common bathroom remodeling mistakes one must avoid. Not planning ahead Bathroom renovation projects require thorough planning and consideration due to their complexity. Plumbing, electrical work, flooring, surface materials, ventilation, and layout all need careful attention to ensure success. Before taking up the project, one should shortlist the layout, the final look and feel of the space, one’s usage and storage solutions, the budget, and the timeline for completion. Not only this, but in the case of residential or personal projects, one should also consider alternative bathroom arrangements while the current bathroom is being remodeled. Not consulting professionals Before starting a project, one should consult professionals to create a well-thought-out layout. Professionals are often more experienced and understand the intricacies of the project that DIYers may not be aware of. This may include functionality, aesthetics, and compliance with building codes.
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6 customer service mistakes businesses must avoid

6 customer service mistakes businesses must avoid

Customer service is the backbone of the long-term client-service provider relationship. Even today, businesses mistakenly believe that their work is mostly done when they sell a product or service to their clients. However, poor customer service handling can derail this much-important relationship. In such cases, certain mistakes can be identified as customer service slipups, and in many instances, these are primarily made at customer service call centers. So, here are some mistakes to avoid: Not understanding who the customer is Knowing the target customer forms the crux of the service industry. Brands tend to find success elusive when they do not understand who their potential clients are in the first place. Customer identification, from traditional touchpoints like demographics and other factors such as user behavior, purchase history, and social media activity, among others, is necessary to provide the best service to clients. Understanding customers begins with addressing the one question all successful product manufacturers or service providers must ask themselves: What are users’ pain points and wants that a given product or service will resolve or satiate? Brands can use techniques such as creating an in-depth customer persona profile to identify their customers with greater accuracy. Lacking consistent communication Customer service call centers are still among the most used touchpoints between service providers and clients.
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7 risks of not shredding important documents

7 risks of not shredding important documents

Most of the time, data security is believed to be associated with only cyber security. However, keeping data secure involves ensuring the safety of hard copies. Whether business or personal, one needs to take measures to safeguard private and confidential documents. It is not just the storage; proper disposal must also be handled, and ignoring the risks involved in protecting these documents is a mistake. So, here are some risks of not shredding documents with important information. Data breaches One of the most obvious risks of not shredding documents that withhold important information is the threat of data breaches. A data breach occurs when time-sensitive information is leaked. This information may include social security numbers, bank account details, or health records. For businesses, time-sensitive information could include data related to clients and customers. When an organization gathers this information, there is a level of trust involved that they will safeguard this information. Not taking safety measures to store or dispose of these documents through shredding means there is a higher risk of these documents falling into the wrong hands. This can eventually cause a data breach and sometimes even financial fraud. Identity theft With more people using the Internet and smartphones, the prevalence of identity theft has steadily risen.
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Pros and cons of house sitting for rent-free accommodation

Pros and cons of house sitting for rent-free accommodation

Many people know how challenging it can be to travel on a budget. However, what if there was a way to travel comfortably without breaking the bank? House sitting is becoming increasingly popular among budget travelers, as it allows them to travel to different locations without worrying about accommodation costs. All they need to do is provide house and pet care services in exchange for rent-free accommodation. Here are some pros and cons of house sitting. Pros Cost-effective One key advantage of house sitting jobs is their cost-effectiveness. People who house sit ensure they have accommodation without paying for it. Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses on any vacation travel budget. Freeing up the accommodation budget can allow people to travel for longer periods and to more locations than they would have initially thought of. People can also decide to splurge on their limited vacation time or experience adventures that they were putting off due to budget restraints. Pet time House sitting can be a great opportunity for animal lovers to spend quality time with different kinds of pets. It can provide some amount of companionship while giving them some sense of purpose. It can be fulfilling for people and make them feel better about the times when house sitting can become a lonely job.
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7 common mistakes to avoid when applying for grants

7 common mistakes to avoid when applying for grants

If one receives a rejection for a grant application, it is understandable to question what went wrong. Since most grants receive thousands, if not more, applications, individuals must ensure theirs makes an impact on the review board and doesn’t lack the must-dos of grant writing. Drafting grant proposals takes enormous time, relevant skills, and a sincere effort. One must follow the specified guidelines and avoid the common mistakes people frequently commit when applying for grants. Mistake 1: Giving vague project descriptions Your grant application must be concise and clear. Often, applicants do not define the project goals and objectives clearly. Unfortunately, it is one of the typical mistakes people make. So, to ensure the reviewer understands your project, avoid convoluted sentences, technical jargon, or complex phrases. But this does not mean you must not specify the technical aspects of the project. You must be sincere and showcase your approach. Let the reviewer know how your innovation will make a difference. Striking this balance is challenging but achievable. Further, clarity is vital when drafting the grant application. Some tips that one can follow for clarity in their application include being specific about the expected project outcomes, stating the goals and objectives clearly, setting measurable and quantifiable outcomes, setting a context and explain its relevance to you and the community, addressing the gaps, and giving a comprehensive breakdown of how this project bridges the gap and adds value.
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7 things to keep in mind when planning retirement

7 things to keep in mind when planning retirement

Retirement – the golden years – a time for kicking back, relaxing on the beach with a fruity cocktail and finally telling the alarm clock to take a permanent vacation. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, it can be with the right planning by delving into one’s financial strategies, exploring lifestyle choices, and uncovering the secrets to a fulfilling retirement. However, there are also certain things to keep in mind when planning one’s retirement: 1. Start early, even if it’s small We understand that considering retirement when knee-deep in student loans or that new mortgage might seem daunting. But trust us, the sooner one starts planning, the better because compound interest is a huge plus! Small contributions early on can snowball into a significant nest egg. Talk to an employer about retirement plan options. Many companies offer 401(k) plans with employer-matching contributions. Even if one can only afford to contribute a small percentage of one’s paycheck now, it’s a fantastic way to get started. 2. Know the numbers Retirement planning is all about understanding one’s financial picture. This means taking a good, honest look at the income, expenses, and debts. How much money does one bring in each month? Where is one’s hard-earned money going?
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6 common junk removal mistakes and how to avoid them

6 common junk removal mistakes and how to avoid them

Junk removal is one of those tasks that nobody enjoys, but it is essential and cannot be avoided under any circumstances. It includes decluttering homes, removing unwanted objects from one’s house, or renovating a given room or space. Getting rid of junk from one’s house or workplace is fairly straightforward, yet people tend to make certain typical mistakes that undermine the process. Using common creativity, people can avoid these mistakes. Not knowing what to get rid of Like any major home renovation or repair job, planning is essential before starting the junk removal process in one’s house or workplace. The right place to start is to list what one needs to remove from one’s property. A major mistake people make is keeping unused objects far longer than they need or want. After a while, those objects lose their functionality anyway, and as they pile up in store rooms, they   make homes disorganized. A list of everything one wants to get rid of should involve every object that makes one’s house more stuffed. One needs to be realistic, ruthless, and not sentimental while making the list of things to bin from their house. Overestimating what one can handle Junk removal is not a task many people look forward to, and some tend to take on too many tasks.
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Top 7 advantages of having a membership

Top 7 advantages of having a membership

Having a membership is a great way to get the best value for one’s money. This is because one gets access to exclusive benefits and experiences. Besides this, there are a plethora of options and opportunities that members can take advantage of. Whether it’s a gym, professional organization, loyalty program, or monthly club, being a member comes with a lot of perks that often prove to give returns beyond the initial investment of membership fees. Advantages of having any membership Here are a few advantages of having any membership: 1. Member discounts Many brands and services offer special discounts and deals only for their members. Often, such discounts are on the latest offerings, popular services, or products of the brand. Aside from this, brands also have members-only sales during special events, such as holidays, or when the brand has completed a milestone, like 10-year anniversaries. Sometimes, organizations also offer deals that slash the membership fees for the next year. These offer a perfect opportunity to save money while continuing to enjoy the exclusive benefits of the membership. Besides, these discounts and deals are perfect for getting the most out of the membership. 2. Free merchandise and swag One of the most fun parts of membership is getting free merchandise and swag.
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