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Installing new floors is a big task and is fundamental to your home. To be successful, you need to have patience, adequate knowledge, and proper tools. Understand the time, energy, and commitment that is required before starting major projects. If you choose to hire a professional, be sure they are licensed and experienced. Check their references. Sub-floors are typically concrete or cement and develop weaknesses over time. If you place laminate flooring on a weak or uneven sub-floor, the new floor will be compromised and eventually buckle, damage the laminate locking system, creak, or create micro gaps in the new floor. Here are some ways you can check for problems in a sub-floor: Use a level to see how flat the floor is. Lay a four to six foot level on the sub-floor, and see how close you can get the bubble to float between the vertical lines. If you find that the bubble is floating to one end of the level, the floor may be uneven. Use the level to measure gaps. Any depressions that measure less than 1/8" are okay for a new floor installation. If you find gaps larger than 1/8", then you may need to use self-leveling mortar to level the surface. Measure for any areas that peak higher than 1/8". These areas will need to be lowered to create an even surface. Wood floors will need to be sanded down, and concrete floors will need grinding. Mark all of the uneven areas with a felt-tipped marker to keep track. Cheap laminate flooring has a higher chance of being defective right away and over time. Through usage, it may warp, buckle, and develop permanent stains. If you are working with a professional carpenter, ask for their opinion on the best brands. If you are on your own, ask an experienced home center employee, call a contractor, or check online for reviews on products you are considering. Purchase approximately 15% more laminate than you expect you will need. This will be useful for boards that are damaged, or in case the measurements are not accurate. Check to make sure you buy products that do not contain harmful chemicals. Underlayment is a thin, hard layer of either cement board, wood, or foam. It is vital to the overall project because it protects the floor from moisture which can seep in from sub-floors such as concrete. Once the laminate flooring is introduced to moisture, it will absorb into the laminate and expand. Proper underlayment will help prevent the laminate from absorbing moisture which reduces buckling and warping over time. Underlayment also insulates noise, maintains the temperature in your home, and creates a smoother surface. Plywood is the recommended underlayment material for laminate flooring. However, the specific kind of plywood you use will depend on what your floors will be exposed to after installation. For example, if you live in a humid climate, marine plywood is recommended. When purchasing underlayment, check with the professional for guidance on the best type for you. Plywood underlayment is usually cheap and easy to install. It comes in large sheets that are placed down to cover the floor, and it is secured in place with screws along the edges. Flooring that has been left outside, or in a cold atmosphere, is fully contracted. If you start installing the flooring right when you bring it inside, then part of the floor will be installed cold. If the laminate is installed while it is still cold, it will slowly come to room temperature and change in size. Even if there was only a small section that was installed cold, it will expand and put pressure on the rest of the floor. This can cause humps and cracks in the floor and ruin the overall project. Allow your flooring to warm up overnight before installing it.

summary: Be sure you are up to the challenge. Check the sub-floor. Choose quality material. Install proper underlayment. Monitor the temperature of the laminate.

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Recognizing abuse is not always easy. Aggressive, timid, or skittish behavior can be but is not always an indicator of abuse. The best way, according to ASPCA's experts, is to observe animal's treatment by its owner and its surrounding environment. Examples of typical abuse include. Physical signs of cruelty Wounds on the body or signs of injury not being treated Patches of missing fur/hair. Limping, weakness, or the inability to stand or walk normally An owner striking or otherwise abusing an animal Overly tight collar embedded in the animal's neck Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness Environmental signs of abuse Pets that are left repeatedly alone without food/water, often chained Pets that are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions Pets kept in an unsanitary enclosure Animals kept in cages or kennels that are either overly crowded or too small Signs of neglect Tick or flea infestations left untreated Extremely thin/starving animals Signs of inadequate grooming, poor coat condition, extremely long nails Heavy discharge from eyes or nose Animals that show signs of injury but have not been taken to a veterinarian Every locality has different laws or agencies that deal with animal abuse. Do some research online or simply in the telephone book to find some of your options. You may also contact your own veterinarian to find out what agencies are available in your area. Some examples to look for: Local police. Either call the main non-emergency desk number or find out if there is a separate animal control officer. Do not call the emergency 9-1-1 number unless there is an actual emergency. Your county District Attorney's office. You will often find there is a special department assigned to crimes against animals. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). This is a national organization, but there are state branches that include the name (and initial) of the state: MSPCA Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals NJSPCA New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Check the Internet for your state or local branch of the SPCA. Humane Society Other online sources just do a general search online for "Animal abuse in [your state]." This should give you plenty of options. If possible, try to get photographic, video, or other recorded evidence of the abuse happening. If you can, try getting written/factual statements from other witnesses. If not, write down everything you know, witnessed, or think you know about the abuse. Concise/factual details/dates will be valuable. Be careful not to put yourself in danger or break any laws. You should not trespass or enter another's property without permission. Not only is this illegal but you could assume that the owner who is committing the abuse could be just as dangerous toward you as he or she is to the animals.
summary: Be aware of possible signs of abuse. Research local animal care agencies. Collect evidence.