5 Benefits of Teaching Preschoolers about Science

5 Benefits of Teaching Preschoolers about Science

People often look at science as being a complicated topic that preschoolers cannot understand. Some schools wait until preschoolers get to middle school before they introduce science to them. While this might seem like a good idea to the school, it is not the best one. Studies show that teaching preschoolers science can be good for them. Here are some of the benefits of teaching preschoolers about science.

Science Offers Answers

If you have interacted with preschoolers before, then you know just how curious they can get. Their minds are filled with wonder, and they would like to know why things behave the way they do. In teaching them science, you get to answer some of the questions the preschoolers might have. Questions on why light bends when it goes through water and why they see a rainbow sometimes will help them get better concepts in life. In letting them know how to find the answers, their research skills get better. They will know how to figure out other concepts as they grow up.

Offers a Basic Guide To Other Concepts

Many of the difficult concepts in science have basic concepts that children will be able to understand. Concepts like microbial processes might be complex, but you start them off simple. Let them know about bacteria and fungi multiplication first. They can then learn about the complex lab processes. It makes it easier for them to grasp the concept when they learn this way.

It Helps Them Develop Their Skills

Science is founded based on exploration and experimenting. Many preschoolers often have this skill, but if it is not nurtured, then chances are it will soon die off. Teaching them how to explore under safe parameters will improve their skills in science class and other areas of their lives. They will not be afraid to take risks and question concepts. They also know that growing the answers to whatever question they have is available as long as they are willing to look.

Ensures They Are Hands-on Learners

Many of the science experiments for preschoolers involve them doing it themselves. For this reason, science offers a more hands-on approach to learning. It also ensures the learner know that they are in charge when it comes to finding answers. It beats all the theories they might have to learn and memorize. In doing the experiments themselves, they will remember for longer.

It Helps Them With Career Choices

Many people assume that preschoolers have no idea what they want to be. In these early formative years, children get to know what they are interested in as they grow. It is a great idea to expose them to the various available options in the science field. With the information, they can make better choices in their careers. The experiences will helps them know if science is a field they would like to pursue. They also know how they can go about their choice.

Science is an important aspect of our daily lives. It affects the way we view everything. Preschoolers live in the same world as we do. They should learn about the basic concepts that make the world go round. It will help them appreciate the world better and interact with everything in a wholesome way.

3 Ideas for Creating a Graphic Sign for Your Business Storefront

3 Ideas for Creating a Graphic Sign for Your Business Storefront

The graphic signs that you display in front of your business can make a huge difference in your traffic and your business sales. Because graphic storefront signs serve many essential purposes, they are often used to introduce the public to your brand. Therefore, if you want to make a good impression and increase your daily sales, you need to strategically research and design your next storefront sign. Here are 3 ideas for creating a graphic sign for your business storefront.

1. Research Your Particular Business and the Pros and Cons of Using the Best Type

One of the first things that you will need to do is a thorough job of researching what is available. Since graphic signs are available in countless options, this part of your efforts may not be as simple as you may think. For instance, you may want to check out information on lsigraphics.com to see if window graphics is the best alternative for your company’s operation. Here’s a list of 8 great businesses that many graphic sign designers highly recommend.

Retail Stores

Restaurants/Cafes

Hotels

Car Dealerships

Bars/Night Clubs

Fitness Gyms/Dance Studios

Salons/Barber Shops

Spas/Massage Parlors

2. When Choosing an Elements of the Sign that Fits Your Budget: Remember Its an Investment

The option that you choose can make a big difference in how your brand is perceived. Therefore, if you want the best customer reception possible, to your graphics storefront sign, you need to consider the amount that you pay as a good investment opportunity. Simply put, when you are making your selections, you may easily justify the extra amount of money that you expect to spend. For instance, you may want to spend a bit more on your graphics storefront sign if you own a barbershop or salon. Because potential customers normally equate the quality of your work to its visual appeal, the graphic sign that you display on your storefront sets the tone from the outside.

3. Keep it Simple — Prospective Buyers Must Be Able to Read at a Glance

Even though some of you may be tempted to display a lot of text (i.e. company bio) in creating your messaging, it is best to resist this common mistake that many business owners make. Instead, you need to keep your text concise and to the point. Remember, the most essential elements in a graphics sign are your company’s name, logo, contact information (phone numbers, website), and services.

In short, keep the messages that you create customized to your specific brand. Here are a few best practices tips that can help you in coming up with the best possible choices.

.- use few words to convey the message

— minimize wording to avoid lettering that difficult to read

– potential customers should be able to read your messages at a quick glance

If you want to create the best graphic signs for your storefront business, it is very important that you follow a specific strategy. Fortunately, there are a lot of great ideas online that you can use to do a good job. Some of the most essential ideas include selling the right type for your business, setting a budget for your investment, and keeping it simple for everyone to read.

How to Get A Franchise Started In The UK

How to Get A Franchise Started In The UK

If you are looking for a business opportunity, getting a franchise in the UK is a great option. There is a lot of competition in this country, and companies are always looking for new franchisees to join their fold. A franchise in the UK can bring you instant sales and can help you make lots of money if you get it right. Franchises are also a good way of starting your own business as they give you a tried and tested business model that you can duplicate to make your own success story. The biggest problem with franchises, though, is finding one that works for you. Here are some tips that can help you when looking for a franchise.

Always ensure that a legal professional writes the franchise agreement and that the individual or company you are considering joining up with is reputable. The law surrounding franchise agreements is very complex, and you must find a franchisor who is willing to explain it to you fully. There is nothing worse than being caught out with a franchise agreement that may not be right for you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. The worse thing is going to a company with no real experience of running a business, and the franchise agreement could open you up to massive legal liabilities.

You need to ensure that there are no restrictions on you signing the franchise agreement, such as no or minimal investment. This is important because if a franchisor restricts you from putting any money into the business, you are really not getting a deal. You need to ensure that there is plenty of flexibility to get the most out of your franchise.

You should also ensure that the franchise you get is run efficiently. If you sign a franchise agreement that is difficult to understand or that has too many clauses, then you could find yourself having problems and legal issues down the line. Always ensure that you are well aware of how the business is to work at any given time. This will help you deal with any problems or concerns that come up quickly.

It is always best to talk to other people who have already used a franchise. If they have good experiences with a certain company, then this is great. But remember, you don’t always have to base your decisions on what they have to say. You can always do your own research online and check with your local chamber of commerce. Make sure you ask for references and check them out thoroughly.

Once you are clear on all of these aspects, it is time to start looking for a franchise in the UK. Always get quotes from several companies so that you can compare them. Getting a good idea of what each company offers can help you get the best deal possible. It is always a good idea to try and negotiate a good deal before buying a franchise in the UK.

Before you start negotiations, you should know exactly what you want from a franchise. You can find out what features you would like in a business by talking to the staff in the company. You can also go online and find out what other people think about the company and the business. Getting good reviews is a good indicator that the company is doing something right.

Getting a franchise in the UK isn’t always easy to do. There are plenty of considerations to take into account. Before you invest a large sum of money into a franchise, you should be sure that it will be profitable in the future. Also, it is important to check into a company before buying if you will be able to trust them. Finally, remember that you can only find out what is in a franchise by trying it yourself. However, if you follow the advice in this article, you should find a franchise in the UK that suits your needs.

How To Repair A Damaged Hollow Core Door

How To Repair A Damaged Hollow Core Door

A damaged hollow core door can lead to changing out the entire door if left unfixed. An accidental punch or kick can put a gaping hole in the face of the door. This looks awful, but it is fixable and can be a DIY project.

Hollow core doors are just like they sound. The door has minimal internal structure – just enough of a wood frame to adhere thin sheets of plywood, Masonite, or fiberglass on the exterior faces. These doors are inexpensive for a reason.

Because hollow core doors are lightweight and susceptible to damage, you should know what you can do to repair them. Here are what you need and the steps you can take to fix the door.

Tools and Materials Needed

These are the basic tools and materials you will need:

  • Drop cloth
  • Utility knife with retractable blade
  • Sheets of newspaper
  • Spray foam insulation
  • Spackle or wallboard compound
  • Plastic putty knife
  • 120 grit sandpaper
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush or roller

Directions

1. Smooth out the hole or cracked area perimeter: Place the drop cloth down to catch the mess. Use the utility knife to cut away any splintered wo

od fragments to form a clean opening.

2. Fill the hole: Take the newspaper and crumple it to fit inside the hole. You can use paper towels or a brown paper bag if you don’t have newspaper. Just push the bunched-up paper into the hole until it is filled but not bulging beyond the face of the door.

3. Spray the foam insulation inside the hole: Using the long nozzle attachment, aim the can of foam inside the hole and start spraying. The foam will expand and quickly fill the space, so take your time doing this step.

4. Allow the insulation to dry: At this point, you can take a break. The insulation needs to dry so you can trim or sand. That is best done overnight.

5. Trim the excess foam: Once the foam has dried and hardened, use the utility knife to cut away any foam that is protruding beyond the face of the door. You are looking for the foam to be just inside the hole and almost level with the veneer or face panel.

6. Cover the repair with spackle: Using the putty knife, scoop out the spackle and spread it over the repair area. Working in long straight strokes, gently smooth the spackle over the area to achieve a uniform and flat finish.

Note: You can use auto-body filler in place of spackle for a more durable finish.

7. Allow the spackle to dry: It’s time for another break. The spackle needs to completely dry. Give it at least 60 minutes.

8. Sand the surface of the door: Once the spackle has dried, use the sandpaper to smooth out the spackle so that it doesn’t have any bumps or dimples. The repair should look similar to the rest of the door surface.

9. Paint the door: You are likely going to want to paint the entire door so that it looks like new. You can do this with a paintbrush or roller.

You are finished and now the door looks like new.

5 Things To Do Before Selling Your House

5 Things To Do Before Selling Your House

Are you looking to sell your home? If so, there are a few things that you should do before listing it on the market and making the big announcement. The following five steps will help ensure that you get the best price for your property without spending untold amounts of time or money in the process:

Declutter

When a potential move is in your future, decluttering is helpful in two ways. First, you’ll have less stuff to move when your home sells. Secondly, tidy homes are more marketable to potential homebuyers. If you’re storing items for grown children or others, let them know you’re decluttering, and they should stop by to retrieve any items they want to keep.

Make Cosmetic Repairs And Upgrades

If you’re weighing your options for listing your home for sale, it’s best to make a few minor repairs before the big unveiling. You want potential buyers to be impressed with how attractive, and well-maintained your property is, so taking care of any visible imperfections is a good idea. For example, touch up exterior paint chips or scratches, replace bad seals around doors and windows, and swap out non-working light bulbs.

Some people choose to paint their walls before listing the home on the market. The smell of fresh paint in trending colors provides an instant upgrade to your home, making it smell and appear more welcoming and move-in ready.

Other services such as using a pressure washer to clean your home exterior, driveways, and sidewalks can perform miracles in uplifting the appearance of your home before listing it for sale. Fortunately, in many cases, this alone can justify a higher asking price!

Deep Clean

Conduct a deep cleaning throughout your house, including flooring, carpets, walls, and surfaces. Not surprisingly, a clean home is more attractive to prospective buyers. If you have pets, be sure to vacuum the rugs and wash their bedding to eliminate any pet odors that might deter some potential buyers.

Additionally, you might consider investing in a professional cleaning service to ensure that every nook and cranny gets a thorough cleaning.

Tend Your Lawn And Landscaping

Maintaining a healthy lawn and landscaping will make your property more attractive to potential buyers. Ensure that your grass and other ground covers, such as shrubs, bushes, and trees, are trimmed and healthy and that any debris such as leaves get raked away and removed.

Get A Professional Home Inspection

Investing in a professional home inspection before listing your home can provide valuable insights. For example, they will be able to identify any problems with your home’s structural integrity and give an assessment of the property’s overall condition. Further, serious buyers will employ these services to ensure they enter into a real estate transaction with open eyes, and any defects they find in this inspection could get used as leverage to lower their bid.

A professional inspection can also help you determine if it is necessary to take out a mortgage insurance policy to offer protection for potential buyers who assume liability for a future debt on your behalf when purchasing the property.

Once you’ve determined all the right pieces are in place to sell your home, be sure to consult with a professional realty company like Delco Realty to begin the home listing process!

Tim Murawski: An Inspiring Story of Innovation in Tech and Business

Tim Murawski: An Inspiring Story of Innovation in Tech and Business

Augmedics has taken a pioneer position in healthcare. Under the leadership of Tim Murawski, Augmedics leads healthcare into the future with its flagship product named xvision. This futuristic system allows surgeons to visualize in 3D the anatomy of a patient’s spine during surgery. In addition, this amazing tool will enable surgeons to navigate their instruments accurately while focusing on the patient and not a screen. This revolutionary development in surgery is a trademark of Augmedics and the company’s values.

As president and Chief Commercial Officer, Tim Murawski has shown exemplary leadership in his company and business. A specialist in medical robotics, Tim Murawski has made a name for himself with his innovation and execution. To better understand this company, it is essential that we first understand what it is precisely that Augmedics does.

What does Augmedics do?

Augmedics is a primary provider of technology known as Augmented Reality. In its most simple terms. Augmented reality is the presentation of an enhanced version of the physical world through digital elements. By using augmented reality to produce 3D visuals of the spinal system, Augmedics has harnessed the power of this technology in a new way.

The primary goal of Augmedics is to optimize surgery by using cutting-edge technology. To achieve this goal, Augmedics has developed a pioneering surgical system named xvision. The xvision system gives surgeons X-ray vision, making it easier for them to perform complex surgeries.

The xvision spine system was first successfully used in John Hopkins. The first application, xvision, was for spinal fusion surgery. The xvision spine system helped surgeons successfully navigate the instruments to complete a posterior lumbar decompression. Every year, 1.62 million instrumented surgeries are performed in the United States. By creating the xvision spine system Augmedics provides a solution for surgeons. A majority of instrumented surgeries are done freehand and usually produce sub-optimal results. In fact, 31 percent of freehand screw positioning ends up being inaccurate. While this considerably low percentage is a testimony to the skilled work of medical professionals, there is no doubt that surgeons could achieve better results using xvision technology. Augmedics xvision significantly improves the rate of success in surgeries. A whopping 95% success has been recorded in surgeries where surgeons used this technology.

How does it work?

The xvision spine system is so successful because it addresses the unmet needs of surgeons. The XVS system is made up of a transparent near-eye-display headset. The XVS headset contains all of the elements of a traditional navigation system. In addition to determining the surgical tools’ position, the headset also sets a visual trajectory on the patient’s CT in real-time. To work effectively, the xvision spine systems’ 3D navigation is projected onto the surgeons’ retina, allowing the surgeon to look at the patient while studying the navigation data simultaneously. This revolutionary development in medical technology has produced a 98.9 percent accuracy in screw placement accuracy.

Tim Murawski’s Leadership

The xvision spine system would not have been as much of a success as it has proven to be without proper leadership at Augemedics. As a company, Augmedics t has always maintained that it is and has always been a company devoted to providing solutions. In an interview during the launch of the xvision spine system, Mr. Murawski commented that “We are a team of problem solvers. The creativity and ingenuity of our company began when Augmedics launched to solve a problem our founder saw in the operating room, and it runs through each and every employee who is working to make the vision a success “.

Since its FDA approval in December 2019, Augmedics has been used to complete over 650 successful spinal surgeries. Tim Murawski explains that the xvision spine system is special because it was developed to have surgeon autonomy. This means that surgeons and other medical personnel can use the technology without having representation in the room. Mr. Murawski explains that this was incorporated into the development in order to beat the learning curve and make the product very easy to use. In addition, he explains that Augmedics included this design feature with consideration for the current COVID-19 situation.

Commercial Success of Tim Murawski

Augmedics is more than just an innovative company with a breakthrough product. The company’s commercial success is also very worthy of note. In the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company was able to raise 15 million dollars in series B financing led by its staff. After announcing its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and its U.S. launch of its pioneer xvision spine system, Augmedics was ready to make full investor decisions and sign a term sheet. Unfortunately, in March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing investor relations and plans to an abrupt halt. In addition, as a result of the pandemic, there was a pause in elective procedures such as spinal surgeries. Despite being faced with these difficult hurdles, the company was able to complete a successful launch of its amazing technology.

Led by Tim Murawski, the company proceeded to raise funds needed for their launch internally. By reaching out to employees who saw the vision, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Tim Murawski, was able to raise $5 million. He also reached out to former investors, from whom he was able to raise 3.2 million. Mr. Murawski finally raised 7.8 million from undisclosed investors with the use of SAFE notes. This dogged determination is in line with the company’s problem-solving values. Commercially, the number of sales the company has seen is proof that the risk Augmedics employees took to launch their product was worth it. The success of xvision as a product can be tied to the work of the employees of Augmedics.

5 Tips for Designing A Restaurant

5 Tips for Designing A Restaurant

Apart from the food itself, your restaurant is all about experience and atmosphere. If you don’t have something unique to offer your customers, they won’t have a reason to choose your establishment over another. The most successful restaurants are those that understand how to combine quality food, service and environment. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the choices to be made and options available to you. If you’re in the process of designing your new restaurant but don’t know where to begin, here’s 5 useful tips to get you started.

1. Start with your Brand

Interior design isn’t just about making a space appealing; it’s about creating a branded experience for your customers. Customers need an idea or theme to buy into. They need a tangible, consistent brand that speaks to the kind of food and service they can expect at your establishment. All of the design choices you make should be informed by a strong sense of brand identity. Create a brand identity by deciding what themes, ideas and concepts you want to champion in your restaurant. Are you a high-end restaurant? A family -friendly one? A date spot? A late-night lounge? Once you’ve decided on a theme or category, you need to understand how to make your brand unique and memorable.

2. Consider Color

The colors you include in a space have a drastic psychological effect on your customers. You should be aware of how colors influence thought and emotion and choose colors that are consistent with your brand. As a general rule, your space should be inviting, not invasive. Loud, bright saturated colors should be used extremely sparingly. You should, however, have enough color to create the kind of emotion you want in the space; a cold, white space generally doesn’t attract repeat customers.

3. Lighting

You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing lighting for your space. Once again, your brand identity will determine how you use lighting to accent your space. No matter what your brand looks like, there are some things you should always avoid. The first in overhead fluorescent lights. Aside from making annoying buzzing sounds, these lights don’t create an attractive environment. They make it incredibly hard to relax and create a sense of unease. Your lighting should be designed around space and function. The spaces your guests gather around should be well-lit enough for them to see and interact.

4. Consider Structure

You might have the privilege of building your restaurant from the ground up. If that’s the case, make sure you hire a quality contractor to help with the project. Building from the ground up means you have a lot of creative control in the space.

5. Think about Details

The space of the restaurant itself is just one factor to consider. Employee dress codes, menu design, cutlery and dishware will all affect the overall impact your space has. If you nail the details, you’ll create a space that’s truly unique and memorable.

3 Ways Companies Can Improve Employee Health

3 Ways Companies Can Improve Employee Health

The first key to a productive and successful workforce is health. If employees aren’t healthy, they will not get their work done efficiently or effectively. Thus, the health of your employees directly affects the productivity of your company—in both the short- and long term.

To improve employee health, you’ll want to focus on three aspects: nutrition, fitness, and mental/emotional health. Below are three tips for improving each category:

1- Better Nutrition

It seems like an obvious choice but one that many people overlook when thinking about improvements in employee health. Yet, unexpectedly there are companies out there who still offer soda or ice cream as a part of their corporate snack pack! This may seem innocent enough, but these goodies are filled with empty calories, lots of sugar, and no real nutritional value, making it hard for employees to stay healthy.

What you can do: Offer healthier snacks instead! Options include nuts, fruits (trail mix is a great choice, and sandwiches made with whole-grain bread or bagels. Just because your company isn’t located in the middle of a nature preserve doesn’t mean that you have to load up on chips and cookies—even if some employees would prefer it that way! By providing healthier options at work, you’ll increase your overall employee health as well as their productivity levels.

As a result, this will save your organization money by decreasing health insurance claims and workers’ compensation payments. However, it’s not just about what you can save by improving employee health in this area. It’s also about what your company could earn by having a healthier workforce.

2- More Fitness

It’s no secret that most people (particularly employees) aren’t getting enough exercise these days—and there are several reasons for this. For one thing, many people simply don’t have the time to devote to working out regularly: with work, family, and other responsibilities, finding the time just isn’t always possible.

Another issue is that some people don’t like being physically active because they don’t enjoy it or aren’t comfortable doing so. The third reason—which may be more important than we realize—is that many people believe physical activity will hurt them rather than help them.

What you can do: This is where many companies fail to improve employee health, but it actually shouldn’t be difficult at all. The first thing you should do is encourage your employees to start exercising—which (as long as they aren’t working) doesn’t mean jogging in place or doing push-ups while standing up at their desks! It’s important to show that exercise comes in all shapes and sizes, from Roomba races around the office to Wii sessions with friends—you get the idea! By encouraging physical activity through simple options like these, you’ll be helping your employees become healthier faster than if they were trying to figure it out on their own.

3- Mental/Emotional Health

Mental and emotional health may be the most important part of employee health, if not overall wellbeing. Yet, it’s one that many companies overlook. The issue is that mental health issues are often overlooked because they’re seen as unimportant—and sometimes even taboo. While some people may still believe this, those who have struggled with depression or anxiety understand how serious these conditions can be!

What You Can Do: This area requires more education than the previous two items on our list (though it overlaps in places). It’s very easy to create a brochure and hand it out to employees outlining mental and physical symptoms to look out for in your team members, providing contact information for support services such as local therapists or community agencies if there are any concerns. Alternatively, you could offer mental health training for your managers, who would be better equipped to identify and solve employee issues or even give employees the resources they need while outside of work.

In today’s corporate environment, it’s not always easy to improve employee health—but if you take a little bit of time to look around your organization. You’ll see that there are some simple ways to change things up in most cases so that more people can become healthier as a result!

5 Small Patio Design Ideas To Make The Most Of Your Space

5 Small Patio Design Ideas To Make The Most Of Your Space

Having a small patio can be one of the most frustrating things ever. You buy your house, excited to have a nice backyard, and when you move in, there’s not even enough room for the lawn furniture!

When buying patio furniture for a small outdoor space, choose items that can be more than one thing at a time. For instance, instead of just getting an iron table or chairs, get some that can become outdoor sofas as well – this way, they can be used for extra seating during parties and family gatherings.

To make the most out of a small patio space, follow these five tips:

1. Add A Sun Shade

One easy way to make the most of your outdoor space is by creating a sunshade for protection from the hot sun. You can do this simply with plants and trees strategically placed and grown over time. For example, grow vines like grapevines or jasmine up trellises around the walls, or perhaps along with pergolas. Or grow climbing roses if you have the yard space–they’re really lovely!

2. Decorate With Implements Of Pastime

If you spend any time at all on your patio, it stands to reason that you’ll want to be able to enjoy yourself there! To create an area where you can lounge around and relax on comfortable furniture–perhaps some comfy outdoor chairs with a table and side table nearby. Maybe some space to play croquet, badminton, or ping pong? You could easily create this area with patio furniture sets and also decorate it using garden equipment like watering cans and gardening tools–flowers are versatile!

3. Create A Firepit Or BBQ Grill Area

What better way to enjoy warm summer nights than sitting around your own fire pit on the patio? If you have kids that will inevitably be running in and out of the house all day long during summer break, why not create an outside room for them as well? Your patio could easily become their “backyard.” This would ensure that they stay near the house (where there are adults) and don’t go off into the woods. Just give them a small patio area, with some lawn chairs and a table, so they can sit outside in comfort while you’re inside doing your thing.

4. Build A Pergola To Frame You’re Outdoor Space

A pergola is another simple way to make full use of your patio area. It’s a structure erected over an outdoor path or walkway, often used for decoration or to shelter people as they pass between areas (it can also be used to grow vines). You could build one on the edge of your patio space, perhaps using old wooden pallets as the foundation. Or, if you have concrete where you want it, get creative! You can paint your pergola any color you like.

5. Plant Rows Of Flowers (Or Fruit Trees) Along The Edges

Flowers are one thing, but if you want more from your patio space than simply the ability to enjoy a few flowers and the fragrance they bring, combine them with something else! These could be fancy fruit trees that yield juicy fruit or vegetables for family meals together. Or it could be rows of berry bushes; use these for cooking as well so you and your family can enjoy fresh summer berries in pies, cobblers, salads, preserves, etc.

With these five ideas, you can enjoy your patio, whether it be large or small. So be sure to get out there and plant some new flowers and watch them grow!

4 Things To Do Before Closing On A House

4 Things To Do Before Closing On A House

Closing on a new home is one of the most exciting times for new homeowners. It is a chance to lay down roots and have a place of your own. While it is an exciting time, it is also chaotic. There are a lot of deadlines to meet, papers to sign and rules to follow. If you are purchasing a new home, here are four things that you need to make sure you do before closing.

1. Get a Home Appraisal

A home appraisal is a crucial step in the home buying process. Most buyers work with a lending company to obtain a loan so that they can purchase a home of their dreams. Lending companies will often send out their own home appraiser to the property to determine the worth of the house. The lending company may approve your offer on the home or they could say that they are not willing to lend you that much, simply because they do not believe the home is “worth” that much.

The home appraisal is a necessary step before closing because it will help determine if you are able to secure a loan or not. If the appraisal is less than the asking price, you may be able to negotiate with the sellers for a smaller price. If not, they may choose to go with another buyer who has an all cash offer. This would be unfortunate, but beneficial to you in the long run.

2. Get a Home Inspection

A home inspection will help protect you from unexpected scenarios. You should always hire a trusted and reliable company to conduct your home inspection. A professional and licensed company will be able to do a thorough walk through of your potential new home to look for any concerns and problems with the home. They will look at every piece of the home from the structure to the electric to the roof and more. A typical home inspection will take a few hours to conduct, depending on the size of the home. Be prepared to attend the home inspection so that you can ask questions and get more information about the overall condition of the home. While the report of the home inspection takes a few days to create, the inspector will let you know that day if there are any serious red flags that need to be looked into further.

3. Obtain Homeowners Insurance

Another important thing that you need to do before closing is to secure homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance helps protect you from having to pay exorbitant prices for repairs that need to be done to your home. Homeowners insurance helps protect you and your home from natural disaster damage, theft, flooding and more. Paying a small premium each month is worth the peace of mind. If you are financing your home through a bank, homeowners insurance will be required.

4. Transfer Utilities

Another thing you must do before closing on a home is to transfer the utilities into your name. Ask the current owners for a list of all the utilities and the utility companies they pay so that you can switch everything over to your name. Most utilities include electric and gas. Try switching them over sooner rather than later to give you less to worry about later.