If you are a homeowner who is into the Do it yourself trend, you might be able to handle minor plumbing issues that the water system runs into. It isn’t that hard to change a leaky faucet or check the valve or clog the sink. You could just have the right types of equipment and some base information to handle the minor leaks and plumbing fixtures. But do not be fooled that all the plumbing issues are so simple and easy to fix. There are some major plumbing woes that cannot be treated or fixed as soon as possible. These plumbing issues could be just left undetected if not worked through initially.

Since some of the plumbing issues are notorious for not being able to diagnose and detect at a rough time, the plumbers and their tips to detect these will be mentioned in this article. What are the slab leaks, how do they develop, and how do plumbers detect them and help fix the slab leak at the right time these are the various pointer of this article. 

What is a slab leak?

Slab leaks are common occurrences in houses that are built on the slab foundations. If your home has a basement or any crawlspace, consider yourself lucky as you need not go through the wrath of the slab leak. The plumbing lines deep with in the slabs could break and cause a leak. Since it is way beyond the surface, locating, detecting, and accessing the leaks is extremely difficult. Expert plumbers could do this job at the right time for better solutions. The slabs and pipes are usually made f metals that could react and create corrosion which eventually leads to leaks.

 

How are slab leaks developed?

Slab leaks are a common occurrence in houses that are geographically present in places that are prone to earthquakes. Sometimes, the tremors might be so simple but enough to crack the pipe system as a whole. For repair slab leak contact us With tremors, there is innate pressure built up forcing the pipe structure to blast and lead to a leak. Another common cause for the slab leaks is the abrasion or soil shifts. Any vibrations felt in the foundation could cause the pipe to develop a pinhole leak.

 

What are some signs that you have slab leaks?

Water leaks are very common and could occur uninvited and create a huge mess all around. The sly nature of the leaks would leave you speechless when it finally occurs. This is when scouting for the signs of leaks could help you save your home well ahead of time. Discoloration of the wall or moisture on the wall could be an early sign of the water leak. A musty, mildew smell in basements, attics, or crawl spaces is a common sign of mold buildup, which is often the result of water leaks. Regular checks and maintenance inspections could help fix these issues. Your sense could be your guide in detecting these leaks. Sometimes water leaking or the smell could lead you to the leak. Whether you have a slab leak or not, each of these scenarios means you have a plumbing problem. Do not wait to call in a plumber as it is the best option at the time. Ignoring the issue may result in the damage to the water system. 

 

How does a plumber detect the slab leaks?

 Just like normal people the plumber also makes use of their senses. But if the result is futile, then there are types of equipment that could help detect the leak and diagnose the severity of the issue. There are multiple options that the professionals use when dealing with the slab leak and its repair. The major and foremost one is the scouting and looking for the real condition of the pipes and the severity of the leak.

This gives the idea of the situation and insight on how to fix the leak. If they find a very short piece of damage to a localized area, the fix is to replace the affected region as it is very practical and cost effective. But if the plumbing infrastructure is too old and repair is beyond possible the only way out is to replace them and maybe re route the entire pipe. This is extensive and the plumbers suggest this as a last option when nothing else works for them. 

Yet another option that the plumbers venture into is the trench less pipe repair. This is very less invasive and cost effective. Pipe relining is also a great option sometimes but with a lot of concentration and focus you could get the option right.

There are a lot of pieces of equipment that a plumber uses to make their job better and easy.

1. Electronic amplification equipment

This one is also known as listening equipment. This helps in listening to any internal leaks in the pipe structure with the help of sound sensors. This helps the plumbers detect the slab leaks easier, and then diagnose the situation accordingly.

 

2. Electromagnetic pipeline locators

This equipment works very similarly to that of radio antennas. This is to find the pipes that have some anomalies or problems and are very useful when the pipes are metallic. 

 

3. Gas tracer systems

These are used mainly in areas that are very noisy and which makes the physical determination of any leaks impossible. With the gas tracer systems, it is okay if the external environment has so many noises.

So these are different ways in which a plumber detects the slab leaks faster and fixes the issue in no time.

 Author Bio:- Aimee Grace 

Aimee is a marketing manager at EZ Plumbing & Restoration. She is very passionate in writing about discrete plumbing services and leakage detection as well as repair solutions.  Her vision is to educate people about the consequences of water and slab leaks at home or office and what they should do to repair them to avoid further water damage as well as property damage. 

Innovations have paved a way for smart devices to lead a convenient life. Plumbing industry is no different but only few people know about various tools used to fix the leakages. Stay tuned with the recent articles to know all about how to find water damage, slab leak, clogging, and ways to repair them, installation of new HVAC appliances in San Diego.

You never know what the future can bring, but that doesn’t mean that you have to venture forward completely oblivious. Trends change, that’s for sure, and it’s virtually impossible to predict what will be popular the following season, but there are some general guidelines we can follow which will help us stay on track. From statement plants to fairy lights, we give you a brief list of the hottest outdoor design trends for 2022.

FOCUS ON PORCHES

For years now, the focus has been on your backyard where you grew your plants, let your children play, and installed decks. For those who like changes, 2022 brings exciting new trends: it looks like front yards are getting decked out as well. You will be free to give your front porch more love by adding composite decking. If you include half a dozen of beautifully decorated flower pots and a small bistro set, you will be able to create a comfortable addition to your home, which will be visible to anyone passing by.  

COMFORTABLE SEATING

While indoor seating areas seem to be getting more elegant and luxurious by the season, with outdoor seating, the focus has always been more on functionality than on design. Well, in 2022, we will see some changes for the better, as outdoor seating becomes more modern and stylish without losing any of its functionality or comfort. The pieces should still be portable and multifunctional as you will have to move them around much more than you do the indoor furniture. For those who don’t have enough space, the best solution is to pick folding chairs and tables which can be set up and moved easily when needed.

STATEMENT PLANTS

People love planting and watching the plants grow with their help, but having a garden full of small plants means that you will have to spend a lot of time outside, plucking, weeding, composting and making sure your plants are healthy. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands for gardening, you will love the new trend: statement plants. Sundance (Mexican orange blossom) and ornamental onions will look striking and wonderful in your garden, and you can remove any plants you don’t like or want anymore. If you have old trees which give you headaches and backaches every fall, call professional tree removal services and get a ‘blank slate’ you can decorate any way you like.

ADOPTED INDOOR TRENDS

These past several seasons, interior design has been focused on bringing together trends which no one thought about combining: rustic with modern, luxurious with industrial, vintage and contemporary… Next year, this trend will leave our homes and spread to our gardens too and you will find yourself balancing the old and the new. Don’t wave off your distressed flooring just yet – add sleek metallic hardware instead or even granite countertops and you will transform your outdated yard into a modern one with ease.

SOFT LIGHTS

Spending time sitting in the pitch dark outside might not seem like a good idea, but if you add some soft lights, you will set the mood and create a wonderful space you will enjoy. You can make it simple and install several solar post caps to your deck, but solar lights aren’t the only available option. If you don’t want to replace the lights every now and then, you can always pick rechargeable lights which will allow you to save a bit of money, but if you want to create a fairy tale-ish environment, feel free to choose fairy lights. If you’re looking to set the mood for a romantic night, you can always light several candles in mason jars (just make sure you put them out before you go to sleep).

Outdoor spaces are becoming more similar to indoor ones with each new season. Homeowners and designers have seen the potential these spaces have to offer and people are focusing on creating comfortable, interesting, and stylish spaces which serve as an extension of their homes. Modern ideas and new trends bring innovations which allow you to add a more personal touch to your outdoor area, and you will be able to create a space which will make you both happy and proud.

 Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

Over 28% of the repair issues homeowners in the United States deal with annually are related to their plumbing systems. Most people take a functional plumbing system for granted and fail to realize just how complex this part of their home is. When faced with serious plumbing problems, you need to realize the importance of calling in professionals.

The lack of plumbing repair experience most homeowners have will make it impossible for them to diagnose and fix the problems they encounter. Instead of making matters worse due to this lack of experience, you need to hire a licensed plumber. Below are some reasons why hiring a licensed plumber is beneficial for homeowners.

A LICENSED PLUMBER HAS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

A residential plumbing system has a variety of different components. When faced with a common problem like a clogged drain or low water pressure, most homeowners don’t know how to diagnose these issues. The longer these problems are allowed to linger, the more damage they will ultimately cause. This is why you need to call in a licensed plumber with experience.

Before hiring a plumber, you need to find out more about how long they have been in the business. Ideally, you want to find professionals that have invested in continuing education for plumbing contractors. A plumber that takes furthering their education seriously will be capable of getting to the bottom of your plumbing issues in a hurry. By doing some thorough online research, you can narrow down the list of plumbers in your local area in no time.

THE RIGHT TOOLS TO GET THE JOB DONE

Common residential plumbing problems like clogged drains, full septic tanks and pipe leaks are difficult to fix. If a homeowner tries to fix these common problems with subpar tools, they will make a bad situation much worse. Instead of increasing the cost of repairing these issues by attempting a DIY fix on your own, you need to realize the value of hiring a professional plumber.

An experienced plumber will have all of the tools needed to fix the problems you are facing. Not only they will have the right tools for the job, but they will also possess the knowledge to use them properly.

LONG-TERM REPAIR SOLUTIONS

If you know very little about how your plumbing system operates, your chances of fixing the problem correctly are very small. If you experience problems with clogged drains, you will probably make the mistake of buying a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. While this is a good short-term solution, it will not fix the underlying issue causing your drains to clog. These chemicals can also negatively impact how your septic tank functions, which is why you should avoid using them.

Determining the right long-term solutions for your residential plumbing problems is only possible with the help of a knowledgeable plumber. With their help, you can determine how to fix the plumbing repair issues you are experiencing for good.

ADVICE FOR PREVENTING COMMON RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING PROBLEMS

Another benefit that comes with hiring a licensed plumber is that they can provide you with guidance on how to prevent common plumbing problems. Making mistakes like pouring grease in your kitchen sink can damage your plumbing system. A plumber can help you avoid these mistakes by giving you sound advice.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits that come with hiring a licensed plumber. With some time and online research, you can find a plumber to perform the repairs you need for a reasonable price. The money paid to these professionals will be worth it considering the problems they can help you avoid.

Guest Contributor: Ashley Lipman

When it comes to heat pump repairs, our team knows what to look for if you need a TLC to polish your system. This article describes the signs you need to watch out for when it’s time to repair.

Integrity Air is the ideal HVAC company for heat pump repairs. We and elsewhere in the Looking For heat pump repair san Diego help homeowners and businesses with HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation. You have the tools, skills, and experience you need to properly repair your heat pump and keep your space warm and comfortable.

You may not be familiar with the inner workings of a heat pump, repair options, and common signs that the system requires the attention of a qualified professional. Read on to learn the details of your heat pump and find out the top signs that it’s time for a professional repair.

 

What is a heat pump?

Before we dive into the five signs that need repair, let’s start by understanding what a heat pump is and how it works. The heat pump is part of the HVAC system installed outside the house. It can provide heating and cool for your home.

In winter, the system draws heat into the house and exhausts cold air outside. In summer, the system is reversed and cold air is drawn into the house, and heat is expelled outside.

The heat pump is electrically powered and uses refrigerant to keep the system running. This system is ideal for homeowners who need air conditioning but don’t want to worry about individual units. These integrated systems are environmentally friendly as they do not burn fossil fuels like ovens.

Heat pump repair: 5 signs to watch out for

There are a few signs that point to when it’s time to fix, but they usually tell customers to watch out for five key signs. If you notice any of the following signs, immediately contact the Portland team to arrange for a heat pump repair.

 

1-Aging system

HVAC systems are not meant to last forever. Each year, during months of unusual weather, the system pumps water for days or weeks. Over time, the system inevitably loses efficiency or stops functioning properly. In particular, the heat pump can only be used for about 15 years. If you have moved into your home or are unfamiliar with the obsolete parts of your heat pump, contact our team to estimate its lifespan and evaluate its efficiency.

 

2- Excessive noise

If your heat pump makes strange and unusual noises, squeaks, twists, or clicks, have a professional have it checked as soon as possible. It is normal for your HVAC system to make noise, but it should not make any new or shocking noise.

 

3- Reduce the calorific power

If it is confirmed that the total heat output of the heat pump has decreased, it can be repaired shortly. Heat loss usually indicates that the heat pump is inefficient due to aging or component failure. HVAC technicians can determine why a heat pump is not working properly and whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.

 

4 – High electricity bills

When you find out that your heat pump is not working properly, you will notice that your energy bills go up. Your heat pump works harder to heat the house, so your monthly bill usually reflects that. Rising energy costs, along with reduced heat output, usually indicate that heat pump repairs are needed as soon as possible.

 

5- Cycling shorts 

A worn-out heat pump is difficult to maintain a full heating or cooling system. If your system remains on, off, or shuts down before the house reaches the desired temperature, a repair may fix the problem. If you notice that short cycles are a routine problem, contact an HVAC technician immediately.

 

Heat pump repair plan Looking For heat pump repair san Diego

Now that you understand the 5 signs that your heat pump needs repair, contact the Top heat pump repair Orange County team immediately. We quickly find and fix problems with your system and make sure you and your loved ones feel comfortable in your home.

Our HVAC technicians have years of experience in the repair, maintenance, and adjustment of heat pumps. We know how important it is for your system to function properly and efficiently. That is why we always strive to have your heat pump repaired as quickly as possible. With careful attention to detail and exceptional customer service efforts, you can count on long-term repairs to your heat pump to keep your system running.

Author Bio:- Michael Cabral 

Michael is a marketing manager at EZ Heat and Air. He loves writing about innovative and hybrid HVAC installation tips. His articles help readers to have valuable insights into the importance of duct cleaning, water heater maintenance, and repair, optimum working of the thermostat, Mini-split and heat pump installation in Orange County. Read articles for more information on keeping your HVAC system in tip-top condition and leading a hassle-free life.

You want to protect your home as the weather starts to get colder. Making upgrades will also allow your house to stand out when you decide to sell. Here are five winter updates that can improve your property’s value. 

1. SEAL YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS 

Cold air can enter through small openings or gaps, leading to drafts and increasing your energy bills. Use weatherstripping or caulk to fill in the cracks. You also want to check your window panes and replace any loose or missing pieces. Sealing leaks can also reduce noise and prevent dust from entering your home. 

Along with sealing your windows, upgrade to energy-efficient casements. These can provide energy savings and increase resale value. In fact, a vinyl window replacement has a return value of 73.4%. Also, upgrade to a more durable entryway material, such as steel. Adding fresh paint or a decorative door knob can also increase its visual appeal. 

2. INSTALL A SMART THERMOSTAT

You want your house to feel nice and cozy as the temperature drops. A programmable thermostat will learn your preferences and adjust accordingly. It can also save energy by turning it off when you leave the house. Plus, you can easily control it through your smartphone and save money on your heating and cooling bills.

3. ADD INSULATION

Insulation can keep your home warm in the winter and reduce monthly expenses. Be sure to insulate your attic, walls, basements and crawl spaces. Start with the floor when insulating your attic, as you will need to pull it up and add a new layer on top. 

You have a few different options when it comes to materials. Loose-fill insulation works best for attics with irregular joist spacing. If your room is standard and has sufficient headroom, batts are best.

It’s vital to insulate your garage as well because it can increase your garage door’s durability and energy savings. You can recoup 74% of the cost of a new garage door when you sell. Fiberglass insulation is commonly used because it is affordable and easy to place. 

4. UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN

Kitchens are one of the first things buyers look at in a new home. Even a minor upgrade can have a return on investment (ROI) of 81.1%. Consider installing new countertops. Granite and marble are popular choices due to their durability and elegant look, but these are more expensive than other options. If you’re on a budget, laminate or ceramic tile are good alternatives.

You may also want to replace any outdated cabinetry. You can repaint or replace the hardware to save money. Consider stainless steel knobs to add a modern look. 

 Here are some more updates you can make to your kitchen:

 ●      Add hardwood floors

●      Update your lighting

●      Buy energy-efficient appliances 

●      Add a tile backsplash

●      Repaint the walls 

5. UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM 

The bathroom is one of the most popular renovation projects, and an upgrade can have a 52.8% ROI. Focus on function first by installing new flooring, toilet and fixtures. Then you can add more modern accessories, like a freestanding tub. Also, most homeowners like the master bedroom to have an ensuite, so consider connecting these two spaces. 

WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE

Winter is a perfect time to update your home. Improving energy efficiency and freshening up spaces can increase resale value. Try some of these renovations to make your home an appealing haven this winter.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Slab leaks occur where soils are unstable. Homes that are engineered on concrete slabs or used pier and beam construction will cause cracks in the basement walls and pressure of shifting soils breaking. Sometimes the joints in the plumbing system get leaked or the pipes start cracking due to different reasons below a slab, then you have got a slab leak.

 Depending on the extent of the leak, you’ll come across serious water harm to flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, and more. And, as you’ll imagine, fixing a Slab  leak below plenty of concrete is not an easy job, and it’s positively not a DIY plumbing job.

So, what potentially causes slab leaks, and what to do if the leak occurs? Here are the top five major reasons why slab leaks occur –

 

PLUMBING MATERIAL:-

Slab leaks can cause failure in a home’s plumbing system. The failure could be a result of a fault in installation, water lines that got weak due to the long time periods, or the main reason – the shifting of soil below the slab. 

First, let’s discuss the materials of which the pipes are made, which often determines the age of the plumbing system. The materials could be the problem frequently. Cast iron pipes are a very durable material and won’t burn – which can be important in case of fire breakouts. Galvanized steel pipes are strong but susceptible to worn-outs. They tend to clog more frequently. Plastic pipes are erosion-resistant and can be used above or below the ground. Plastic does not cause any kind of corrosion and is easy to work with.

 

 SOIL SHIFTING:-

While the materials used and the way they’re put in under-the-slab plumbing may result in leaking of the slabs, the most important cause is the shifting of expansive soils on which homes are engineered. The monetary impact alone is large. Geology.com says that during a typical year of expansive soils, expansive soils contain minerals that absorb water, which causes them to expand. because the soil moves to result in bending and weakening of the plumbing pipes and connections.

A slow slab leak keeps swinging water into the bottom to a lower place in a home, which creates even a lot of soil growth that ultimately will result in substantial harm. The buildup of hydraulic pressure to a lower place in a slab is going to be free somewhere. Upward pressure eventually finds its weakness or crack within the block. In some cases, wet spots develop in hardwood floors and carpeting; within the worst cases, the ground erupts sort of like a geyser, flooding the house.

 

EARTHQUAKES

The vibration within the ground from earthquakes will have devastating effects on the pipes within the concrete block below your home. Although slab leaks are hard to reach because the pipes below start to deteriorate in quality, the vibrations from earthquakes cause the joints situated between the pipes to become loose. Additionally, the movement of the bottom will cause cracks and holes to make in pipes. 

If you hear noises that correspond to running water in your menage, this can be proof of a block leak. On the other hand, a hot spot on the ground in your home is an indicator of a leak during a pipe. Once a leak forms in your slab foundation, you will begin to note mold on the floors, walls, or ceiling in your home.

 

HIGHLY ACIDIC WATER

Depending on your town or suburb, the H2O is often extraordinarily acidic. The common hydrogen ion concentration level of H2O ranges from one hydrogen ion concentration to four hydrogen ion concentrations. If the water in your space is simply too acidic, the pipes to a lower place your block foundation can slowly begin to degrade and crack over the years. To combat this issue, an outsized variety of householders like to invest in an exceeding softener to eliminate minerals like metal and Ca within the water. Though investing in softener will increase the running time of the pipes, there are situations wherever it will injure the pipes in your home.

The standard hydrogen ion concentration level of soapy water varies from nine hydrogen ion concentrations to fourteen hydrogen ion concentrations. If the water in your native suburb has an excessive quantity of base, the pipes to a lower place your slab foundation can bit by bit begin to disintegrate and leak. 

 

HIGH WATER PRESSURE

High water pressure will cause the pipes below your slab foundation to crack or collapse. Normal signals of high water pressure embody rattling noises once the water is activated and dripping taps. To verify if the water pressure in your unit is just too high, purchase a water pressure gauge. This sort of gauge is designed to live the pounds per sq in (PSI) in your water lines.

The average water pressure rating varies from forty to eighty pounds per sq in reckoning depending on your town or suburban area. If your water pressure is higher or lower, the pipes below your floors will become broken and cause a block leak.

 

SOLUTIONS – 

l  Avoid digging altogether and change the routing of the pipes on the ground. The plumber will decide where new pipes will be installed, it can be in walls, through the attic, closets, and other structures that will conceal and protect them. In some cases, a little c working of the woods can add new features, for example, crown molding. 

l  The shortest distance to the supply of the matter could also be straight down through the concrete block, however, that conjunction could also be the foremost tumultuous and costliest. Due to this, we tend to get across the slab. Breaking through the slab has some serious disadvantages for householders. Foremost is that you simply have to be compelled to live in other places where the work is being done – the water is shut off, the noise from jackhammers and saws is noisy, and also the dirt within the air needs you to hide everything. 

l  Digging a tunnel is the least invasive means to create the repair. To repair a leak during this means, you need to begin by pinpointing the leak within the same means that you simply do after you are jack-hammering through the block.

CONCLUSION 

You will realize several plumbers have a “one-size-fits-all” approach once it involves slab leak repairs. As you’ll be able to see, there are pros and cons of every methodology of repairing a slab leak. Most of the time, a reroute is the best choice that gives the foremost worth. 

So, if you want to approach plumbing professional to fix your slab leaking or if you’re looking for slab leak repair services near you, you can click the following link to find best slab leak repair services. 

However, the circumstances and your preferences can verify if one in all the opposite choices is that the higher. 

Author Bio :- Aimee Grace

Aimee is a marketing manager at EZ Plumbing & Restoration. She is very passionate in writing about discrete plumbing services and leakage detection as well as repair solutions.  Her vision is to educate people about the consequences of water and slab leaks at home or office and what they should do to repair them to avoid further water damage as well as property damage. 

Innovations have paved a way for smart devices to lead a convenient life. Plumbing industry is no different but only few people know about various tools used to fix the leakages. Stay tuned with the recent articles to know all about how to find water damage, slab leak, clogging, and ways to repair them, installation of new HVAC appliances in San Diego.

The global pandemic has given employers in the U.S. and around the world a new appreciation for working from home. With this comes exciting opportunities for people with disabilities, especially if they have a home office that accommodates their needs. 

Keep reading to learn how to set up a home office for anyone with a disability.

Meeting A Real Need

The U.S. Census Bureau notes that 9 million of the nation’s 155 million employed adults have a disability. 58% of those 9 million workers have full time, year-round jobs.

The traditional model of working away from home poses numerous challenges for people with disabilities. The daily commute, easy office access, and office set-ups usually geared toward able-bodied people are among them. 

The opportunity to work from home meets a real need. However, a standard home-office still poses challenges, which makes adaptations essential.

Design For Accessibility

Accessibility is a key element of setting up a home office for people with disabilities, especially if it affects their mobility. If the office doorway has a threshold, it’s a potential tripping hazard. Remove the threshold for safer, easier access. Consider widening the doorway to at least 35 inches, as the average wheelchair is 25 inches across.

Use an open floor plan to make movement easier in the home office. The layout should suit people who use mobility aids such as canes, crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs. Make sure there is at least 32 inches between furniture pieces for easier wheelchair movement. Install grab bars or handrails next to the desk, if necessary.

Remove unnecessary items that clutter the space, such as area rugs and decorative tables. Make sure power cords run along the walls rather than across the floor. Place bookshelves and tables against the walls to open up the center of the office. Consider lowering the light switches if the office is being designed for a person who uses a wheelchair.

Create Accessible Storage

Organization is essential in a home office for people with a disability. Work tools, office supplies, files, and other equipment should be well organized, easy to identify and easy to reach.

Install cabinets and storage bins without doors, if possible. If the storage furniture must have doors, ensure the handles are large enough to offer easier gripping and that they are at a suitable height.

If the home office is for a person with impaired vision, use embossed letters on light and fan switch plates to make them easier to identify. Use embossed letter stickers on files and storage furniture and use bright colors for color-coding files.

Use Effective Lighting

A 2019 Future Workplace study found that natural lighting can improve wellness in the workplace. Install large windows and/or a skylight to provide as much natural light as possible. Use sheer curtains or blinds to make it easier to control the amount of natural lighting that enters the home office.

Use 60- to 100-watt halogen bulbs for comfortable artificial lighting. Fluorescent or incandescent bulbs are other options to consider. Position floor lamps, table lamps, and clip-on lights to offer brightness where needed. 

Ensure the lamps and lights are in easy reach and that they do not shine directly into the eyes. If needed, use motion-sensor or voice-activated lighting options. Avoid low-hanging lights if the home office is for a person with a vision disability, as they could pose a hazard.

Use Appropriate Furniture

The furniture, such as the desk, should be at the correct height and offer enough space to work on. It should also accommodate any mobility aids, such as a reclining wheelchair or foot rest.

Use an adjustable desktop if possible. If you need to work with an existing or standard desk, adjust the height and width accordingly. You can use furniture coasters or wooden blocks to raise the height of desks. Just check that they’re stable. If the person wants an office chair, get one that allows them to adjust the height easily.

Ensure the desk drawers and/or shelves can be reached easily and without risk.

Install Assistive Technology

Home offices for people with disabilities should include adaptive or assistive technology. The chosen gadgets and technologies should meet the person’s specific needs.

Use reviews to find the best internet service provider to ensure the office has a reliable, strong internet connection. Choose a large high-definition screen and telephones and calculators with large-print keypads and dials for a person with a visual impairment. Use an adjustable computer mount to allow the person to adjust the screen height. Other assistive technologies to consider include:

●      Adaptive switches – Single and adaptive switches for people with limited motor skills

●      Cognitive aids – Electrical assistive devices such as cueing or memory aids, audio note-takers, voice recorders, and personal digital assistants, 

●      Ergonomic tools – Automatic page-turners, book holders, and adapted pen and pencil grips

●      Software – Auto-captioning, text-to-speech, voice-to-text, and voice recognition software, screen enlargers, and screen readers

Create A Comfortable, Calm Space

A home office for a person with a disability should not only be functional, but it should also be comfortable. Ask them to choose furniture styles and paint colors that suit their tastes. Lighter shades of color are best, as they are more calming than brighter shades.

If the person has a sensory-processing disorder such as autism, pale hues are more comforting than potentially overwhelming brighter hues. Muted greens, blues, and yellows can be mood-lifting for people with generalized anxiety disorder or depression. Choose decorative items that promote a sense of calm, and add comfort items such as an indoor plant, framed photos that capture happy memories, and a stress ball.

By following the above tips, you can set up a comfortable, accessible, and accommodating home office that makes working from home easy, no matter what the circumstances.

 Guest Contributor: Donna Jefferson

Winter is near, and what better time to start planning some of the activities to do this season. Some of these events are recommended to purchase tickets early in advance to ensure you have a ticket, because they all sell out fast. We will mention those events below!

ICE SKATING AT MAGGIE DALEY PARK

What a better view than from the ribbon in Maggie Daley park? Head over to 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 to ice skate with a beautiful view. You do not need to have reservations in far in advance, but the day you would like to go, it is STRONGLY recommended to reserve your spot online because walk-ins are based on availability and it is said they don’t take many walk-ins. These rinks are open from November through early March, weather permitting. The prices are as follow:

Monday-Thursday -Skate Rental

• $16 on-line + tax
• $18 walkup + tax
• Skate with your own skates – Free
• We DO NOT offer season passesFriday – Sunday & Holidays – Skate Rental
  • $20 on-line + tax
  • $22 walkup + tax
  • Skate with your own skates – $5 + tax (2pm, 5pm & 8pm session)
  • Skate with your own skates – Free 11am session ONLY

VISIT A ROOFTOP BAR

Although roof-top bars are year round, there are many of them that get into the holiday spirit with decorating the atmosphere with tons of Christmas decorations, and some even have specialty drinks that go along with Christmas. Here are some bars we heard good things about:

WINTER WONDERLAND AT I/O GODFREY

JOY DISTRICT

THE KENNEDY

You can check out this Chicago website for more rooftop bar choices and in depth descriptions of the things offered at these bars.

VISIT BOMBOBAR FOR THEMED HOLIDAY TREATS

“In the winter, Hotter Chocolate and Hotter Chocolate Bombs bring locals and tourists flocking to the window while families and friends cool down in the summer with the Gelato Shakes. BomboBar incorporates a “Build Your Own” adventure experience and allows guests to make each experience individualized and customizable.”

They even allow pups to come and offer doggie doughnuts, woof-cream and dairy-free gelato!

Location: WEST LOOP WINDOW, 832 W Randolph, Chicago IL, 60607.

Hours of operation:

Monday – Thursday: 11:30am – 11pm
Friday: 11:30am – 12am
Saturday: 10am – 12am
Sunday: 10am – 11pm

ZOOLIGHTS AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO

What a better way to celebrate Christmas than to go to a zoo and see all of the light displays they put up every year. The ZooLights are FREE on Monday’s and Tuesday’s, and $5 the remaining days of the week. The ZooLights begin on November 19th 2021, and run through January 2nd, 2022. Their hours of operation are 4-10pm every day.

Location: 2200 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

HOLIDAY MAGIC AT BROOKFIELD ZOO

Holiday Lights are back at Brookfield Zoo! You must get advance tickets, and the tickets are going fast so the earlier you get them, the better!

The days are as followed:

· Friday through Sunday, November 26-28
· Wednesday through Sunday, December 1-5, 8-12, 15-19,
· Sunday through Friday, December 26-31

Hours of Operation:
3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.*

Location:

North Gate Main Entrance

8400 31st Street (1st Avenue and 31st Street), Brookfield, IL 60513

South Gate Main Entrance

3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, IL 60513

ILLUMINATION AT MORTON ARBORETUM

The Morton Arboretum is one of those events that sells out SUPER quickly, so get your tickets asap! The ticket prices range $7-$19 for members, $13-$24 for guests. The Illumination lights begin on November 20, 2021 and last until January 2, 2022.

The lights are beautiful and accentuate the true beauty of nature. This is a 1 mile walking path with festive music and lights along every step of the trail.

Location: 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532.

LIGHTSCAPES AT CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

Lightscapes is a after-dark illuminated trail located at 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022. This is also one of those events that sell out way in advance, so make sure to grab tickets asap!

The Lightscapes trail opens on November 12th, 2021 and runs until January 2nd, 2022.

The ticket prices are dependent on the day you choose to attend.

Standard:
Adult: $24/$26
Child 3-12: $12/$14

Premium:
Adult: $26/$28
Child 3-12: $13/$15

Child under 3: free

You do have to pay for parking, $10 in advance, $20 at the event.

The hours of operations are: 4:30-11pm.