#Contractor Advice

[mrterpenes]

EXPLORE THE BEST SIDING INSTALLERS IN SALEM LAKES: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE

by NRG Builders & Design

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic and durability of your home in Salem Lakes, selecting the right siding installer is paramount. In this detailed guide, we delve into why NRG Builders & Design stands out as a top choice for your siding needs, especially with the recent storm patterns increasing the demand for robust home exteriors.

UNDERSTANDING SIDING IMPORTANCE IN SALEM LAKES WEATHER CONDITIONS

Salem Lakes experiences a range of weather conditions that can severely affect the exterior of your home. The area’s susceptibility to storms necessitates sturdy and reliable siding that can withstand harsh elements. This is where the expertise of NRG Builders & Design becomes crucial. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and use of high-quality materials, NRG Builders & Design ensures that your home is not only beautiful but also well-protected.

WHY CHOOSE NRG BUILDERS & DESIGN FOR YOUR SIDING INSTALLATION?

Choosing the right contractor for siding installation in Salem Lakes can be a daunting task. NRG Builders & Design stands out for several reasons:

Experience: With years of experience in the construction industry, NRG Builders & Design possesses the knowledge and skills required to handle any siding project, regardless of its complexity.

Quality Materials: They use only the highest quality materials that are proven to be durable and effective in protecting against Salem Lakes’ weather conditions.

Customer Satisfaction: NRG Builders & Design prioritizes customer satisfaction, ensuring that all projects meet individual preferences and requirements.

Comprehensive Services: Beyond siding installation, they offer a full range of home building and remodeling services, making them a one-stop-shop for all your construction needs.

RECENT PROJECTS BY NRG BUILDERS & DESIGN IN SALEM LAKES

Recently, NRG Builders & Design completed several high-profile siding installations in Salem Lakes, each tailored to the unique style and durability needs of the homeowners. Their projects often involve integrating advanced weatherproofing techniques to enhance the siding’s resilience, ensuring long-term protection and aesthetic appeal.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Professional installation by a reputable company like NRG Builders & Design is essential. Incorrect installation can lead to issues such as moisture penetration, insulation failures, and overall reduced lifespan of the siding material. NRG Builders & Design employs a team of certified professionals who guarantee that every installation meets industry standards and customer expectations.

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR?

If you’re in Salem Lakes and considering a new siding installation, now is the time to connect with the experts at NRG Builders & Design. With the increasing urgency due to recent climatic events, ensuring your home is equipped with quality siding is more important than ever. Contact NRG Builders & Design today to discuss your siding options and how they can help protect and beautify your home against Salem Lakes’ challenging weather conditions.

Don’t wait until the next storm threatens the integrity of your dwelling. Reach out to NRG Builders & Design, the leading home builders and general contractors in Salem Lakes. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures your home will not only look great but stand strong for years to come.

Contact: Wisconsins Number 1 Home Builder/ Roofer/ Remodeling General Contractor

[tedhead]

one thing about me is i will talk to strangers. grandpa will gab.

[bitchesgetriches]

“Independent Contractor” My Ass: How to Stop Wage Theft Through Worker Misclassification

Every year, wage theft robs millions of American workers of billions of dollars—and worker misclassification is one of its most widespread, evil forms.

There are crystal-clear guidelines on the difference between independent contractors and employees. And a lot of employers steal from their workers by ignoring them. Today, I’m going to break the differences down for you. See if you recognize yourself, a friend, or a family member in these wage-theft-vulnerable positions.

If you are in a misclassification situation, your employer has stolen your wages. But there’s good news! You have recourse to get my two favorite things: money and justice! You can seek tax reimbursements, backpay, unpaid overtime, worker’s compensation benefits, and more for the years you were misclassified. And you can report your exploitative employer and get them into a wet mess of trouble.

Keep reading.

If you found this helpful, consider joining our Patreon.

[avernusreject]

Guess who is back on their bullshit

[nando161mando]

WaPo's Big Brain advice for student protests: Buy U.S. defense contractor stocks then change them from the inside!

[intomybubble]

And here's my 4th depiction of Saint Germain in Japanese media lmao I was not expecting him to show up in this series considering the others take place around late 1800s Europe

Edit: hoping for another ikemen to add to the list lmao 🤞🤞

Edit 2:

There he is

[amazinghomes001]

Why Cheap Kitchen Remodels End Up Costing More in the Long Run

On the surface, a cheap kitchen remodel might seem like a win—a fresh look, a quick update, and money saved. But for many Wichita homeowners, that initial cost-cutting decision turns into a financial regret down the line. Whether it's peeling cabinet veneer, cracked countertops, or faulty electrical work, poor-quality remodels can lead to bigger bills, safety issues, and a reduced home value.

Let’s unpack why taking the budget route in kitchen remodeling Wichita projects often ends up costing more in the long run, and how working with a trusted kitchen remodeling contractor Wichita can help avoid these costly pitfalls.

1. Subpar Materials Mean Higher Maintenance and Shorter Lifespan

Budget remodels often involve low-cost materials that can’t handle everyday use. Particle board cabinets, laminate counters, and cheap fixtures might look good for a few months—but they lack durability. These materials are prone to chipping, warping, and discoloration in Wichita’s varied climate.

Replacing or repairing them sooner than expected can ultimately exceed the cost of investing in higher-quality materials upfront. When planning kitchen remodeling in Wichita KS, always consider longevity over initial price tags.

2. DIY Mistakes Can Lead to Code Violations and Safety Hazards

Trying to save money by taking on electrical, plumbing, or structural changes without proper licensing can backfire. In many cases, DIY remodels violate Wichita building codes and lack the required permits.

Not only does this open you up to fines, but it can create dangerous situations—like overloaded circuits or leaky pipes behind your new cabinets. Hiring a professional kitchen remodeling contractor Wichita ensures the job is done safely and legally.

3. Inefficient Layouts Waste Time and Space

Cheaper remodels rarely include thoughtful space planning. Reusing outdated kitchen layouts without considering workflow, storage, or appliance placement can frustrate users and reduce the functionality of the space.

A reputable contractor considers the "kitchen work triangle"—the relationship between the stove, sink, and refrigerator—and designs layouts that make cooking and cleaning more efficient.

4. Unskilled Labor Can Undermine the Entire Remodel

Hiring unlicensed or inexperienced labor might save money up front, but the consequences can be devastating. Uneven tile work, poorly hung cabinets, or sloppily painted walls can make your remodel look amateurish.

Worse, poor craftsmanship can lead to structural issues or damage that voids warranties or insurance coverage. Reliable kitchen remodeling contractors Wichita offer skilled labor, accountability, and quality assurance.

5. Lack of Warranties and Post-Project Support

Most budget-friendly remodelers (and certainly DIY efforts) won’t offer post-installation support or warranties. If something breaks, peels, or leaks after the remodel, you’ll be left to fix it out of pocket.

Professional remodelers typically provide warranties on labor and materials. This peace of mind is worth the higher initial investment, especially when remodeling a key area like the kitchen.

6. Reduced Home Value and Buyer Appeal

If you plan to sell your home, a poorly executed remodel can actually turn away buyers. Home inspectors and experienced real estate agents can spot cheap upgrades and may flag them as future liabilities.

A well-done kitchen remodeling Wichita project not only boosts resale value but also reassures buyers that the home has been cared for properly.

7. Hidden Problems Remain Unaddressed

Cheap remodels often focus only on surface-level changes—like painting cabinets or replacing countertops—while ignoring underlying issues. Outdated plumbing, hidden water damage, poor insulation, or pest infestations may go unnoticed and untreated.

Quality contractors perform thorough inspections before starting the remodel, ensuring hidden issues are resolved rather than covered up.

8. Unexpected Fixes Can Blow the Budget Later

What starts as a “budget-friendly” remodel often leads to emergency repairs down the road. For example, failing to upgrade electrical wiring during a remodel may result in overloaded circuits once new appliances are installed.

By investing wisely during your kitchen remodeling in Wichita KS, you reduce the chances of surprise expenses popping up months—or even weeks—after project completion.

Final Thoughts: Quality Over Shortcuts

When it comes to your home, especially a room as essential as the kitchen, shortcuts rarely pay off. While it’s tempting to save money with a low-cost remodel, the long-term consequences can be far more expensive.

Choosing a trusted kitchen remodeling contractor Wichita gives you the benefit of experience, quality materials, licensed labor, and lasting results. In the end, it’s not just about what you spend—it’s about the value and peace of mind you gain.

So before you cut corners on your next kitchen remodel, remember: the cheapest option often ends up being the most costly.

[theresilientmnd]

You’re Not the Employee. You’re the Business.

I stopped chasing W2s and started building real power. In this short video, I break down the moment I shifted from being paid as a worker to getting paid as a company. Whether it’s $20K or $200K, the mindset is the same: Write the contract File the paperwork Control your check Watch the video and see how I made the switch. How I Made My Business the Boss – Stop Chasing W2s!

[homewithellis]

5 Clear Signs It’s Time to Hire a Professional for Your Home Renovation

Renovation season is full of big ideas fresh paint, modern finishes, and that dream kitchen you’ve been pinning for months. But as many homeowners discover, the line between a manageable DIY and a full-scale project can get blurry fast.

Here are five key signs that it might be time to bring in a professional not because you can’t do it, but because sometimes, smart homeowners know when to step back.

1. ⏳ The Project Is Taking More Time Than Expected

If your weekend refresh has stretched into month two and your living room still has exposed wires and stacked tools it might be time to pause. Professional crews bring not just experience but efficiency, helping turn weeks of stop-and-start work into a clean, finished result.

2. 📐 Structural or Technical Work Is Involved

Tackling a backsplash or repainting cabinets? Go for it. But if your renovation touches plumbing, electrical, or structural walls, expert help is usually non-negotiable. These jobs require permits, precision, and a deep understanding of safety codes.

3. 💸 The Budget Is Slipping and You’re Not Sure Why

Sometimes DIY isn’t as budget-friendly as expected. Rebuying materials, correcting errors, or having to redo a phase entirely can add up fast. Professionals typically price based on clear estimates with fewer surprises.

4. 🧾 You Need Permits or Inspections

Every city has its own building codes, permit requirements, and inspection timelines. It’s easy to feel lost in the paperwork. Contractors or licensed professionals understand these systems and are equipped to navigate them smoothly.

5. 🏡 You Want a Finish That Adds Real Value

There’s nothing wrong with a lived-in, work-in-progress feel. But if you’re aiming for that magazine-quality “after,” professionals are often the path to precision. Think clean lines, custom finishes, seamless installs all the elements that make a room look and feel elevated.

🪴 Final Thought Every homeowner has their comfort zone. The key is knowing when a project can be tackled solo and when it’s better to invest in expertise. Whether you’re updating a bathroom, opening up a floor plan, or just dreaming about what’s next, understanding these signs will help you plan more confidently and spend more wisely.

[lilyjafari18]

Looking for trustworthy roofing advice in Winston-Salem? Look no further. Raising the Roof is your local roofing podcast brought to you by EcoShield Roofing — where industry experts answer your biggest questions about roofing, maintenance, weatherproofing, and home protection. Tune in for practical tips, roofing trends, contractor advice, and stories from around the Triad.

[tfincareer]

Don't Miss Dasher Tax Secrets: How to File Your DoorDash Taxes and 1099 Form to Keep More of Your Earnings

Don’t Miss Dasher Tax Secrets: How to File Your DoorDash Taxes and 1099 Form to Keep More of Your Earnings As a DoorDash driver, also known as a “Dasher,” you’re considered an independent contractor rather than an employee. This means your tax situation is different than that of a traditional employee. Understanding how to record your charges accurately, maximizing your derivations, and…

[ful-flo]

Commercial Concrete Winnipeg | Winnipeg Concrete Contractors

[sujathaks]

Commercial Concrete Winnipeg | Winnipeg Concrete Contractors | Construction Companies Winnipeg Manitoba | J C Paving Ltd

[one-heck-of-a-lawyer]

I wonder how many people don't realize that if you see a professional acting in a way that seems wrong (criminally, negligently, ethically, etc.) you can report it to the person's appropriate conduct review or professional responsibility board and it will be investigated and if necessary disaplinary action will be taken.

Like even if you or an immediate family member isn't the one harmed, you're allowed to do that, and should if you witness something.

[sl-ut]

the bottom

PART ONE | the line

pairing: joel miller x fem!reader

description: joel’s new in jackson and tries to take his younger brother’s advice to fit in; keep your head low and work hard. however, while settling into his routine, he does exactly the opposite.

warnings: takes place between season one and two, unspecified age gap (joel is canon age/reader is mentioned to be mid-20s in beginning but the exact amount of time that’s passed is left to the imagination), reader has hair long enough to be braided, reader is a dv survivor, crazy exes, swearing, drinking, slight grumpy x sunshine but reader has layers she’s not just happy all the time, not a whole lot of joel x reader this chapter but it’s coming i swear.

words: 2.4K

date posted: 5/5/25

series masterlist | next part

Joel truly could not have asked for a better deal. He and Ellie were safe within the walls of Jackson, the Fireflies were gone and he’d made sure there was no one left in the hospital to follow them back, he’d found his brother after years apart, and he could finally sleep easy at night. He no longer had to worry about rolling onto his left side throughout the night (though, it was still a habit he’d failed to break when he settled out of survival mode), and he could actually prove to be useful to the community, something he hadn’t exactly shown much of in the past twenty-odd years aside from using brute force. Patrols kept him active, allowing him to maintain at least some of those survival instincts he’d relied on for so long, but it was the internal efforts that he surprisingly enjoyed the most. Plus, Tommy’s advice had seemed easy enough to follow; lay low and work hard. These people are welcoming, but you’ll still have to earn their respect. 

Tommy and a few other men had already been in the process of reinforcing the walls around Jackson when he and Ellie had returned from Salt Lake, and it seemed that they’d been in the process of figuring out some other larger renovations around the city that Tommy had yet to get around to. But now that they had a spare contractor, Joel was able to take over a few projects at a time and the city was being fixed up at twice the pace that they had initially expected and earning Joel that respect quicker than he’d hoped.

Laying low had been pretty easy, too. Joel had earned their respect, sure, but he’d also rather stick to himself whenever he could. He went to work every morning, was friendly enough with the others–but made sure to upkeep his reputation as the town’s resident grump, and spend his evenings either with Ellie, Tommy, or on his own. In the first three weeks since they’d arrived there, he’d made no effort to interact with many of the others outside of work or to trade and only learned the names of no more than two dozen people. 

Maria had finally taken a stand against this, insisting that Tommy and Joel each take the day off of their jobs so that Tommy could show his older brother around the city and properly introduce him to everyone. They’d made their rounds, bringing a list of errands made up by Maria to force them to go into a few places and interact with others, and Joel had been pleasantly surprised that he didn’t absolutely hate all of them–just a handful. 

“See, I told you that you’d get along just fine. Doesn’t matter who they were before they came inside these walls, they got two options; play by our rules or get the fuck out.” Tommy told him as they exited the bakery, each carrying a large brown paper bag in their hands with a selection of baked goods, “These are good people who live here–well, most of ‘em anyway. You gotta be shittin’ me.”

Tommy veered off to the right, headed down a side street at a quick pace. Joel followed behind, brow furrowed as he followed close behind, “Tommy, wha–”

“Hey Elias,” he called out, catching the attention of a tall, wiry man, his shoulder-length hair tied back in a bun at the base of his skull and body holding a slight tremor under the layers of clothing he wore; it all seemed to be nicer than what most wore, leading Joel to assume that he was some sort of higher-up around the place (despite the fact that Jackson had been built on the prospect of communism), “You need something in there, man? Thought you were supposed to be in the clinic today.”

The man turned and glared at Tommy, jaw set as if he had already been expecting the confrontation. He placed his hands on his hips, narrowing his eyes at the pair of brothers as he shifted one hand to point towards one of the buildings just off of the main street, “That’s my wife in there, Tommy. I’m sick and tired of you people telling me where I can and can’t go around here. It’s none of your goddamn business.”

Tommy rolled his own eyes, “Is she, though? Last I recall, she doesn’t wanna be married to you anymore. So if you’re going in there just to bug her after she, Maria, and myself have told you to stay away, I think it is my business.”

“I’m not fuckin’ buggin’ her, Tommy,” the man sneered, closing the distance between them to shove his finger into his face, “you stop me from goin’ to my fuckin’ house, schedulin’ me on these godawful shifts in the fuckin’ clinic, who the fuck do you think you are?”

Tommy turned his face away in disgust, “Yeah, from the stink of you it would seem you’ve been workin’ hard all day, huh? C’mon man, you smell like you’ve been bathing in booze. Let’s not make a scene here, make it easier on all of us.”

“Yeah, and what are you gonna do about it?” He turned his gaze down and spat at Tommy’s feet, “thought we were all a bunch of commies now, huh? All of us being equals and whatnot?”

“We’re all equal until one of us lays hands on their wife, Elias. You know that.”

Joel felt a surge of rage through him at this. Initially, he thought that the man had just been a drunk who’d skipped out of work to come and beg for his wife to come back to him, but now there was no denying the fact that the man was nothing more than a dirtbag wife beater. Truthfully, Joel was mostly shocked due to the fact that Tommy would even allow someone like him to even continue staying there. He couldn’t even count the amount of times that Tommy had gotten in trouble for picking a fight with men who even looked at women the wrong way; he could hardly imagine his brother having any sympathy towards a man who actually beat his wife, even if the punishment was an inadvertent death sentence by exiling him from the city. 

“It was none of your fuckin’ business to begin with. If that bitch hadn’t been running around on me then–”

“You and I both know that’s not true, man. She’s a good woman, and she’s made a whole lotta progress since she finally smartened up and left your ass.”

The man curled his lip in anger, but seemed to be backing down from the challenge, “Fuck this. That whore ain’t even worth it.”

He bumped both Tommy and Joel’s shoulders on his way past, but neither of the brothers made an effort to fight back against him, simply just glad that he had willingly left without forcing them to make a scene. Tommy stayed in his place for a moment, hands falling to his hips as he shook his head, finally turning back to his brother with an exasperated yet slightly sheepish expression.

“Do me a favour and keep this between you and me. Others know they’re split up but most don’t know why. I promised her I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

Joel scoffed, “You’re tellin’ me you’ve got good people here, and yet you’re harbourin’ a man who beats his wife.”

“Ex-wife,” Tommy corrected, “And it’s not like that. She left him, begged us to let him stay so long as he left her alone.” 

“I don’t know what sounds more fuckin’ stupid, that she wanted him to stay, or that you let him.”

Tommy shook his head, “It’s not just up to me. We’ve got a council, and unless I told ‘em exactly what happened, they’re not willing to give the boot to anyone for just bein’ an asshole, especially when he’s the only fuckin’ doctor we have.”

“Anyone can take the first aid training, Tommy.”

“No, Joel, he’s a surgeon. He was a resident before shit went south, and there’s been a few times where things woulda cost us a lot of good people if it weren’t for him. I can tell you right now that if she came clean about what he–” Tommy paused, taking a short breath to better compose himself, “We’d have a majority vote, and she knows that. If I had it my way, I wouldn’t have let him go that night.”

He watched his brother closely; his teeth gritted together, brow furrowed, and eyes wide and glassy. Tommy had clearly been affected by what had transpired between that man–Elias and his wife, so much that he couldn’t even seem to think about it without losing it. Joel grunted in response, nodding his head slowly. 

He couldn’t decide if he would have done the same thing in that situation, but then he thought back to Tommy’s words, I wouldn’t have let him go that night. Tommy had had his own hands on him, probably ready to kill him. Something about the situation made him sober up through the rage and make the decision to let the man go, to let him live. Joel knew he would not have had the same restraint if it had been him instead. 

Over the next few days, he repeatedly cursed himself for not demanding that his brother tell him the woman’s name. He spent the days that followed in a state of constant discomfort, always glancing over his shoulder in public to watch for Elias around town, taking note of where he went, who he spoke to, and to what anyone had to say about him. He’d begun taking on a leadership role around town, people flocked to him for help, following his orders on patrols, and looked to him for answers. He wasn’t the one to make those decisions on his own–hell, his opinions did nothing but occasionally influence the council, but people seemed to trust that he had the town’s best interest at heart. 

He’d been an official patrol captain for all of a week when Tommy met him in the stable early one morning, helping a young woman saddle up a dark chestnut coloured horse. She was bundled up in a thick wool sweater under a long green raincoat and a navy baseball cap over her neatly braided hair, ready to face whatever chill and rain early spring weather would throw their way. 

“Mornin’ old man,” Tommy grinned, turning to nod at the woman next to him, introducing her to his brother, “she’s gonna be joining you on patrol. You know this route by heart now, and she’s only been out a handful of times.”

Joel turned his gaze back over to her, taking in her features. He’d seen her around town before; she seemed to have taken on a new job every day and he could never anticipate when or where he might spot her. They had exchanged smiles and polite greetings as they passed by, just as everyone else did, though they had yet to interact any further. She was the kind of pretty that made him often struggle to pull his gaze away when he spotted her in a crowd, but she was also just young enough that made him feel guilty for it. She couldn’t be any older than her mid-twenties, but like everyone in Jackson, she looked like she had seen her fair share of loss and hardship. 

“Hi,” the woman beamed, holding her hand out to him eagerly, “I may be a rookie but I’m a pretty good shot so I think that makes up for it.” 

Joel shook her hand gingerly, “Yeah, hopefully you won’t gotta put that to use. This route’s usually pretty clear of infected.”

“Great,” she nodded, “because I was lying. I’m just okay.”

Joel scoffed, glancing over at his brother who seemed unfazed by the woman’s behaviour but amused at Joel’s reaction. She was exactly the type of person that Joel worked to avoid; far too peppy and a tendency to ramble. From the moment that they had mounted their horses until the moment that they returned from patrol almost three hours later, she hardly let more than a few moments of silence pass before she would be asking a dozen more questions. But for some odd reason, Joel didn’t hate it as much as he thought he would. 

It was sort of nice to have someone actually ask him about his day to day life without pressing too much into his past. He liked that she didn’t feel privy to his life before Jackson aside from asking where he was from and where he lived before Jackson. At some points, he was reminded of Ellie when they were travelling across the country in the way that she was able to come up with and ask such random questions off the top of his head, but it made patrol go by much faster than it usually did. And after, when she strutted off in the direction of the meal hall, he felt a flicker of regret for rejecting her invitation to join her. 

He felt an almost instantaneous connection to the younger woman, but he could not help but notice the line in the sand between developing feelings for the world and feeling like a disgusting older man preying on a younger woman; the line between denying himself of what could lead to happiness he hadn’t felt in decades and throwing himself head first into it. She was kind when she spoke to him, but Joel was not the sort of man to mistake kindness for flirting, but there was some sort of familiarity in her eyes when they met with his own–an understanding, leading to that already thin line growing even thinner. 

But what he hadn’t known at the time was that the moment they had set out on patrol that morning, he had started that dangerous walk along that narrow line, completely unsure of what side he was going to end up on.