According to moving company Allied, people relocate for jobs for many reasons, including money, to be closer to family, or simply because their business relocated. Whatever your reason, the experience can bring challenges that you weren’t ready for. This can cause stress and anxiety, but there are ways to reduce these unpleasant feelings by looking ahead before the big day. Here are a few tips from Van Allen Plumbing to get you started.

Prepare for the Job Search
To find a new job, you want to make yourself appear as the best candidate to potential employers. If you haven’t updated your resume recently, using resume templates to polish yours can be helpful to your chances of getting the job you want. You can customize your resume to even feature your photo so you stand out from the crowd. Once you’ve created a design you like, simply download it to use for your applications.

Ask About a Relocation Package Early
If you’re moving for your company or to a new company, ask about the relocation package. This should include full-service moving, temporary housing and transportation, and extra money to help fund house-hunting trips. 

Manage Your Time Wisely
A move, especially if you’re moving long distances, can be a big challenge that appears too big to handle. You’ll need to manage the time leading up to the move carefully. You’ll want to break the major components of the move into manageable parts that you can get your head around. It’s important to get a plan in writing that you can reference, come back to, and adjust as needed.

You definitely want to allot time for home repair projects before you sell your current home. If you have any water heater issues, leaks, or other plumbing issues to address, Van Allen Plumbing can get you sorted. Our cost-effective services ensure that any job will get done right the first time.

Find the Right Realtor in Your New Hometown
When you’re moving to an entirely new city or state, it pays to have a realtor that’s familiar with the area on your side. Seek out a real estate team that understands the challenges and nuances that go with moving a family. A quick consultation will help you match with a local expert that can help you make an informed decision on where to live in your new hometown.

Plan Ahead for the Pups
You know that you have to prepare the kids for the long journey ahead, but also don’t forget about your four-legged friends. Before you move, head your veterinarian for a health check, have your pet’s identification updated, and confirm that any stops along the way are pet-friendly.

Choose the Right Home and Location
Whether you’re buying right off the bat or planning to spend the money to rent you have to have a space that works for you and your family. Your agent can help you choose the most affordable neighborhoods based on your budget; they will also help you choose a home with extra space to work if you routinely work remotely or are self-employed. 

Get Multiple Moving Quotes
Moving long distances for a job requires a tight timeline. Make a point to get at least three moving quotes, and ask lots of questions. Confirm that the moving company you ultimately choose is licensed and fully insured and has a reputation for being on time.

Take Time for Self-Care
Although it seems like things are moving quickly, you have to slow down from time to time. Take a few hours for yourself each week, even if it’s just 30 minutes every day, for self-care. Something as simple as a warm bath or walk after breakfast can keep your mood even and your spirits high.

Get to Know the Area Before You Move
Moving to a new location where you don’t know anyone or anything is intimidating. Look for events, join social networking groups, or visit your new town’s Facebook page for information about the area. You’ll want to know, among other things, how to register your children for school, which restaurant has the best food, and the location of the nearest hospital.

Gather Your Documents
When you move, you’ll need a pet health certificate for any animals, school records for your children, and your insurance information. Further, if you plan to buy a home, you’ll need information on your income and owning/renting history.

There is no way to get around some of the stress that you’ll experience making two major transitions at once. But, changing your address to pursue a new opportunity might be the best decision you’ll ever make. Keep stress levels low by preparing your resume, planning ahead, and being fully prepared on moving day.

​​Image via Pexels

For many business-minded individuals, pursuing a career in commercial real estate development can be very rewarding. Commercial real estate developers have the opportunity to earn a competitive annual salary while advancing the economy and creating millions of jobs within sectors such as office, retail, warehouse, and industrial construction. In fact, the industry supported 9.2 million US jobs in 2019 and 8 million jobs in 2020 — according to the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP).

To pursue a career as a commercial real estate developer, there are several crucial steps you’ll need to take to obtain the education and credentials needed to succeed in the industry. Here, we highlight a few of these requirements. 

Meet Basic Career Requirements
Your first few steps toward becoming a commercial real estate developer is obtaining the right education, state licensure, and experience. If you have no background in real estate, for instance, you’ll want to start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in real estate, business administration, or construction management. Or, if you already have a real estate background, you could obtain a professional certificate in commercial real estate development.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, it’ll be time to earn your real estate license. You’ll need to be licensed in order to start working as a commercial real estate developer or broker, and you may choose to obtain professional certification as well. The NAIOP offers two types of certifications for interested real estate professionals:

• Certificate of Advanced Study in Real Estate Finance.
• Certificate of Advanced Study in Commercial Real Estate Development.

That said, many aspiring commercial developers start out as real estate brokers or property managers. As they obtain work experience in real estate, they can transition into commercial real estate development by networking with other real estate professionals and joining professional organizations like the NAIOP, Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), and Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR).

Learn About the Commercial Development Process
Once you’ve obtained some real estate experience and you’re ready to transition into commercial development, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the different steps in the real estate development process. Typically, these steps include setting goals for your project; applying for permits; locating, assessing, and acquiring land for your commercial property; and obtaining a commercial real estate loan. 

You’ll also need to assemble your commercial real estate team. When building a property from the ground up, you’ll need to look for a general contractor, civil engineer, architect, and landscape architect.

Provide Ample Lighting to Ensure Building Safety
Post-COVID, it’s especially important to keep safety in mind when developing your commercial property. These added safety measures will not only protect your building occupants and visitors from harmful viruses and bacteria, but other safety features — like installing LED parking lot lights in your parking garages, stairwells, and walkways — will help to deter crime and prevent driving accidents. 

As a commercial real estate developer, it’s important to keep in mind that your buildings and parking garages require ample lighting at all hours of the day and night. High-efficiency lighting enhances building security and safety, helping to reduce the risk of trips and falls, assaults, carjackings, and car-pedestrian accidents. 

Market Your Commercial Property
After many months spent planning and developing your commercial property, you’ll need to market it to your target audience. Start by building your brand identity, just as you would for any other business. This means coming up with a mission statement and slogan, building a website and social media presence, and using online logo-making tools to create a custom logo that represents your brand — taking the time to carefully select the right colors, fonts, text, and style. You can then market your property on social media, in business journals and newspapers, and by sponsoring local events. 

In Conclusion
There are many ways to succeed in commercial real estate development, and these tips are just the start. Gain experience, earn your license, and showcase your skills and qualifications with a stellar resume. Once you get started, ensure your commercial properties are well-lit, safe, and secure. We know there’s a lot to learn when you’re just getting started, but building a commercial real estate career can be an enjoyable journey! 

Need commercial plumbing services in Reno? Van Allen Plumbing offers unparalleled plumbing expertise and experience. Call 775-530-7850

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Running your business from your home offers a number of advantages. You’ll have flexibility, a healthy work-life balance, and you’ll save on commuting and commercial rental space. As you’re developing your business plan and operational strategy, consider what your workspace needs will look like today and in the future and design your home office with your growth potential in mind. 

Getting Started

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get a business license, determine an appropriate incorporation status, draft a business plan and a marketing strategy, start developing your brand, and set up an invoicing process. This includes making sure you get paid on time by giving customers a variety of payment options and keeping billing terms easy to understand. You can create branded invoices with an invoice generator. Simply download a template and customize with your own fonts, logo, and colors.

Redesigning Existing Workspace

The fastest way to get a home business up and running is to utilize your existing home work space as-is. Ideally, you’ll want office space with a door for privacy that’s removed from household traffic. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your office, so make it a comfortable environment. Paint the walls a calming color, add live plants and up-lighting, and install a workstation that’s comfortable and ergonomically sound. If you’ll be seeing clients in your office, you’ll want space for them to sit comfortably. Even though it’s a home office, it shouldn’t look like a spare bedroom you’re working from. Put diplomas and awards on the walls and don’t allow the space to be shared - it’s not a professional look for clients to see a laundry basket in the background of a Zoom call. 

Augmenting Your Space

If you have the ability to build on to or renovate your home to accommodate your growing business, it can be a worthwhile investment that adds to the appraised value of your property. You might build an entirely separate structure, like a casita, or add an office on to your home’s footprint. In this case, consider having an exterior entrance so you can “leave” the house to go to work and “leave” the office to go home. Not only is this more private and professional, according to Entrepreneur, but the delineation between work and home can also be good for your mental health. Since this will be a big undertaking, you’ll want to ensure you get several construction quotes from respected contractors, and make sure you’re building in the features your business needs for today and tomorrow.

Buying A New Home

If your business is growing and your family is growing, you might consider buying a larger home altogether. Consider all of your needs - how close are you to quality schools? Does your spouse commute to work and need to be close to a highway corridor?  How much home can you afford? You’ll want something with an established home office space, or a house that’s large enough to easily morph existing space into an office. According to UpNest, you can start your search online, but an experienced real estate agent can be an asset in helping you find a house that fits your specific needs. 

A home-based office is a great way to start or grow a business venture, and the best thing - any expenses associated with your home workspace are tax-deductible, so keep good records, establish a process for invoicing, and enlist the help of an accountant when it’s filing time. 

Van Allen Plumbing provides top-notch and professional plumbing services in the Reno-Sparks area. Get a quote today!

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Looking for plumbing services to fix your fixer-upper? Then visit the Van Allen Plumbing website to find out more.

Suppose you've just completed a remodeling project and are uncertain of whether to hang on to the finished product for when the market is right or rent it out for future gain; here is some helpful advice to help guide you on whether to rent or sell based on what's best for you.

Deciding on a profitable property 
Regardless of whether you intend to sell or rent it out, the property you do decide on should be profitable at the end of the day. Therefore, you might want to look at purchasing a Real Estate Owned property to have that extra assurance that you will make a profit off the sale of one. Furthermore, because it is a bank-owned property, you are likely to find a property at a good price because banks want to get rid of auctioned properties like these as quickly as possible. But before you go ahead and rush into buying one of these, be sure to research the property and the area intensively to determine whether it really is a great buy at the end of the day. Also, be sure to get it appraised to get its actual value in comparison to its market-related price so that you can get a better idea of what to list it for realistically. 

The pros and cons of renting it out 
If you do decide to rent it out, then you also need to think about taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord, unless you want a property manager to handle these responsibilities for you. Regardless of which direction you choose to go in, there will be pros and cons to renting a property out. Some pros include receiving passive income for years to come; there is less tax associated with long-term rental properties and the value of your property investment is likely to increase over time, which also means your rental income is likely to go up with it. Some cons include the cost of maintaining the property, which could include major repairs such as plumbing to be done, for example. And then, there is the issue of finding the right tenants to occupy the vacancy for as long as needed. 

Marketing your property 
Suppose you are wanting to become a landlord and see it as your duty to market your property to the best of your ability. Then why not try a banner design that you can find online to create charming banners that you can place on your website or social media to help attract prospective buyers? Moreover, you can customize your banner online with colors, fonts, images, and even videos for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to gain even more attention. 

The pros and cons of flipping your property 
In the event you would rather flip your property as quickly as possible, there are pros and cons to this decision also. Some pros include making a significant profit quickly, as well as not having to tend to the long-term management of the property itself. Some negatives include not getting the profit you initially anticipated, incurring higher capital gains tax, as well as having to cover any unexpected costs that you might not have foreseen, such as contractors not completing their work or not completing their work up to par. 
 
Indeed, property investment is good to look into as there is serious income-earning potential here. However, it is important to do your research properly to ensure you secure the right property from the start. 
 
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Older homes can be elegant, durable, and full of character, but they sometimes require extra upkeep and a different approach to home improvement. This is partially due to the fact that building techniques and materials have changed over the years, so you have to strike a balance between maintaining the quality and character of an older building while also staying up to code when it comes to safety and environmental concerns.

Some homeowners may aim to replace or update anything that is dated or hazardous while also maintaining the home’s original period charm. Others may opt for more radical renovations. Whatever the case, Van Allen Plumbing lists some helpful home improvement guidelines to keep in mind.

Update anything that might pose a safety risk.

Yes, old houses were built to last, but that doesn’t mean all their components have held up well over the years, or that the materials used were all ideal. Here are some older home components that should probably be renovated.

• Wiring in old houses can often be insufficiently insulated, or the insulation may be damaged. Some old houses show signs of inept do-it-yourself modifications in their wiring. And sometimes the wiring just isn’t sufficient to handle contemporary appliances.
• Plumbing in older homes may be corroded, which can lead to contaminants in your water. And some older plumbing made use of lead in the pipes, which is a health risk.
• In the past, home builders often used asbestos in insulation, paint, and shingles. If any of these are damaged and contain asbestos, this can cause serious illness, so these materials should be removed and replaced by trained professionals.
• Lead paint on the walls of older houses is also quite common – and dangerous. Since removing lead paint is also dangerous, hire a qualified professional to chip and remove it from your home.
  
  

Some upkeep projects that are recommended.

No matter how charming your older home is, some portions of it may be very much in need of an overhaul, for the sake of overall practicality.
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• Kitchens and bathrooms in older houses sometimes are simply less convenient for day-to-day life. They may also be dingy from years of use and need freshening up.
• Windows in older houses often are beautiful and well-made. But they may also be starting to fall apart. This can make it difficult to manage heating and cooling, so try to find a company that will replace your home’s windows without compromising on style.
• The heating and cooling systems in older homes may need to be replaced, due to being outdated or in disrepair – but it’s important to make sure these changes are made in a professional manner, without compromising historic architecture.
  
  

Other projects where you should call in a professional.

Even if it’s not a huge structural or safety issue, it sometimes makes more sense to have the experts take care of a project.

• Some routine maintenance needs, such as pumping septic tanks, can only be done by professionals.
• Others, such as gutter cleaning, might be dangerous on larger, older homes, so look for gutter cleaners in your area when you need this maintenance done.
• If you need to have your chimney cleaned, you can do it yourself, but if your chimney is tall or hard to access, have an expert take care of it.
• Plumbing projects are also best left to the pros. Call on Van Allen Plumbing to get major jobs done right!
  
  

Some do-it-yourself projects that can increase home value.

If you’re thinking about selling your older or historic home, but don’t want to invest in pricey updates, here are some easy tasks you can do yourself, to increase the sale value of your house.

• Putting on fresh paint and trim can increase your home’s appeal at little extra cost.
• Adding stylish new hardware and fixtures makes your house look more stylish and modern.
• Try to do any little repairs you can before you call in appraisers to evaluate your home’s value.
  
  

Maintaining an older home, whether you intend to reside in it indefinitely or sell it, may be a lot of work but it can also be fun and rewarding. Remember to update anything in need of repair right away, and DIY smaller projects to stay within budget. Just know what you are getting into and be aware when it’s prudent to consult an expert. 

Image via Pixabay
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In need of complete plumbing services in the Reno-Sparks area? Look no further than Van Allen Plumbing. Call for a free estimate today! 775-530-7850

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Working from home is more popular today than ever before. According to surveys, 75% of adults find hybrid or remote work preferable to commuting. Of course, you need a distraction-free space to ensure productivity. If you have a garage, you can transform it into a home office with just a few adjustments. Be sure to track any improvements you make—it could increase your home’s value. You want to make sure the improvements are desirable to potential buyers.

Here are some ideas from Van Allen Plumbing about how to turn your garage into the home office you want.

Improve the Lighting

Lighting sets the mood for any room, so finding the right type is crucial to building a comfortable home office. Natural light is one of the best options, but most garages don't have large windows. Instead, you can supplement natural light with the following:

• Floor lamps
• Overhead lighting
• Desk lamps

Reorganize Your Space

Working in your garage means you need to balance personal storage and office organization. You can optimize by taking advantage of vertical space. Additionally, the following are helpful tools for keeping your work area in order:

• Hanging shelves
• Filing cabinets
• Desk organizers

Choose a Motivating Paint Color

Since you'll be spending a lot of time in your garage-office, you'll want the wall color to be welcoming. Bright colors can boost energy, while neutral colors promote serenity. You're sure to find a shade you love from the most popular options:

• Pale green
• Burnt orange
• Gray
• Mustard yellow
• Light blue

Install Durable Flooring

Slab concrete isn't the most comfortable or professional flooring. Upgrade your garage with options that are equal parts durable, pleasant, and sophisticated, such as:

• Engineered hardwood
• Bamboo
• Vinyl
• Linoleum
• Laminate

Upgrade Your Internet

If the majority of your work requires a computer, you must ensure you can access Wi-Fi from your garage. If coverage is spotty, try upgrading your internet speed and moving your router to a more central location.

Install a Bathroom

Having a conveniently accessible bathroom can be a game changer for a home office. Instead of having to sneak into the house and face a potential distraction, you can have your own bathroom built into your garage office. Plumbing projects can be daunting to the inexperienced, so trust the experts at Van Allen Plumbing to ensure that everything is installed properly.

Get Comfortable Furniture

A comfortable desk and chair go a long way. They can even improve your health, as ergonomic furniture helps prevent aches and strains that accompany long hours of sitting. As you search for the perfect furniture, consider the following:

• Adjustable desks
• Back support for chairs
• Multi-purpose tables and cabinets

Improve Ventilation

Most garages aren't built for ventilation, which means they can get hot and stuffy. That's no environment for productive work. To ensure you're getting enough airflow, try the following:

• Run the air conditioning
• Open the garage door slightly
• Use a floor fan

Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row

If you're self-employed, you should consider registering your business as a limited liability company. Doing so offers several benefits:

• Ownership flexibility
• Minimal paperwork
• Tax advantages
• Legal separation between owner and business

Each state has different registration requirements, but the process is relatively simple. You can file using a formation service or do the paperwork yourself, thereby foregoing the cost of a lawyer.

Ensure Accessibility

If you have a disability, making your garage accessible is essential. For example, wheelchair users need space to maneuver and ramps instead of steps. Individuals with balance and mobility issues should look into non-slip flooring to prevent falls.

The garage may not be your first thought when considering a potential home office, but it can be the perfect space. With just a few renovations, you can create a workspace you look forward to using each day.

Van Allen Plumbing is your cost effective, "get the job done right the first time" plumbing solution. Whether you have a plumbing emergency or not we are always fast, friendly, and courteous. For more information, please contact us today!

The adage, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" can be applied for more than physical health. We tend to take for granted how our water is delivered and disposed of in our homes and businesses until there is a problem. A dripping faucet never just stops dripping on its own. Little things like leaky faucets and a toilet that tends to keep running well after a flush can become more than an annoyance. If you consider all the items that depend on properly running plumbing in your home or business it can really add up. Laundry, dish washer, water heater, toilets, faucets, shower heads, refrigerator ice maker, water softeners all could be sources of increased utility bills and eventual replacement events. And we haven't even mentioned making sure the water goes down drains without clogging or running over. Why not schedule an inexpensive whole house maintenance check on your plumbing and prevent a more costly repair bill in the future?

Leaky faucets, plugged drains and failing water heaters are normal wear and tear items in all homes. Manufactured homes have unique needs when it comes to plumbing. Accessibility, for example, is sometimes tricky depending on how the skirting was  installed and whether the home is on a foundation. Unlike stick built houses water heaters typically are accessed from the outside of a mobile home. Depending on the age of the mobile home the plumbing lines and fixtures may have a shorter lifespan than in houses built onsite. While manufactured homes have improved dramatically over the years, the materials used in the construction tend to require more maintenance over the life of the house. If the house has been moved, things can loosen up or break. Water damage from a leaky pipe or fixture can end up costing thousands of dollars to replace flooring and insulation. Not all plumbers are licensed to make repairs in manufactured homes. Others prefer not to work on them at all. Finding a licensed plumber that is qualified and experienced in manufactured homes is vital to extending the life of your home. Finding one that responds quickly to a plumbing issue can be the difference between a  minor repair and a major renovation. There is no such thing as a minor leak when it comes to plumbing. Leaks don't heal themselves and the longer it is put off, the more damage will occur.
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Call Van Allen Plumbing now!