Month: December 2011

Easy Options In Flooring Renovations

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Redoing any room in the house is stressful, exciting and a lot of hard work. The same can be said for flooring renovations as well.  It is often more work than anticipated and over budget but the final result makes homeowners stand back and ooh and ah.  The options in flooring renovations are abundant. The choices once you have decided upon hardwood, carpet, tile, etc… are even more plentiful.  That can be the most stressful part of the entire project; just deciding what option would fit the lifestyle, budget, style and wear worthiness homeowners are looking for.

One option in flooring renovations is engineered wood plank flooring.  This is a great option for budget consciences homeowners who are looking for the warmth and look hardwood give to a room without the hassles of sanding and finishing.  Engineered wood plank flooring is durable, long lasting and is “easy” to install.

Engineered wood flooring is an option that floats above a thin rubber underlayment.  It is composed of wood material but is not solid wood.  Think of plywood and that is a lot like what happens with the construction of engineered wood planks.  They are interlocked with a tongue and groove joint so no nailing or glue is involved in the installation.  A major advantage to this type of flooring is the options available to homeowners in color, wood types and of course price.

Another option in flooring is vinyl.  Floating vinyl sheets are an affordable popular option with in kitchen, baths and laundry room renovations. Unlike its predecessors vinyl flooring of today no longer needs to be glued to the floor, which was a hassle in itself.  Today the vinyl sheeting floats.  The steps involved in laying vinyl basically include removing the floor molding, mark out the floor layout, cut the floor, lay the floor onto a sub floor and put the molding back into place.  You can still find peel and stick options however this is not a durable option.

Laminate is another flooring option.  It closely mirrors the engineered wood planks.  The major differences are that the flooring is plastic. This makes the flooring incredible durable and scratch resistant, stain resilient and fade resistant.  Many laminate flooring options come with thirty year warranties the product is that durable.

Carpet and carpet squares are popular options as well.  Carpet comes in a ton of styles, colors, textures and budgets.  Carpet is a traditionally popular item in homes.  It adds warmth.  Carpet needs to be properly cared for to have a long lasting life.  Without proper care including vacuuming and regular professional carpet cleanings homeowners will find themselves with dingy carpet that is unappealing.  With a bit of maintenance and upkeep carpet can last well over fifteen to twenty years.

Another option that is becoming more and more popular is cork.  Cork is attractive, durable and is affordable.  It also has one quality not seen in many other flooring options; it is one hundred percent renewable.  The cork is harvested from the bark of live Oak trees. Cork is soft and provides a good source of sound proofing.  The options are endless with color and patterns available.  Installation can be a bit trickier than other options but is becoming easier as cork becomes a substance that is used more frequently.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

The Importance Of Engineering Services and Disiplines

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Our complex world continues to prosper.  It continues to grow and change.  The world as we know it and enjoy it is the way it is in part from engineers and the services they provide for us to enjoy.  When we cross bridges, flush a toilet, run a lawn mower or enjoy the convenience of driving our car thank an engineer.  The branches of engineering run far and wide.  The many concentrations and extensions of engineering services allow us to enjoy the benefits we do in society.

Civil engineering is of utmost importance to allow for society to blend growth, functionality and natural environments.  The designs, construction and maintenance civil engineers provide allow us to use the land without exploiting it.   Within civil engineering there are several sub-disciplines.   Each brings a unique twist to the discipline and helps transform the environment.

Geotechnical engineering explores the use of raw materials coming from the Earth and how using the resources will affect the environment as well as the project on a whole.  As the name implies they are mainly concerned with the geological resources within a civil engineering project site.  They explore, extract and process the raw substances and give analysis and recommendations based on the information collected.  For instance when doing land surveys they often perform a soil analysis.  If the soil analysis were to find substances within the soil that could be hazardous if leaked into a water supply a project may be moved to another plot of land.

Structural engineering is a division of civil engineering that handles issues that arise with the structures support.  They ensure that a structure is stable for the environment that is built.  In California buildings are built structurally sound to prevent major disasters during earthquakes.   Structural engineering services also provide for buildings to support incredible winds, weather related events and different architectural engineering.

Transportation engineering ensures the safety of people and goods as they are transported via roadways, waterways, rail systems and through the air too.  This includes things we take for granted such as stop lights and the way they are timed out.  Engineering services provide for us to enjoy traveling safely without too much congestion and without running into one another. They also provide railway safety and air safety to allow for safe travel and design programs to allow for tracking.

Environmental engineering applies to improving, maintaining and protection of the environment we are building in and around.  The services they provide are designed around the ecosystem.  They apply sanitary engineering, hydraulic engineering and municipal engineering.  Working together these engineering services help protect our surroundings and allow the environment and society to design a co-habitat for all the living and non living resources in it.

Civil engineering services are just one of the many that allow our society to function as it does.  Engineers design, implement, maintain and provide the analysis to keep us safe and moving forward.   Engineering services allow for the function of everyday life and provides solutions for the hiccups that arise.

SRCMI

Fire and Smoke Damage Professional Restoration Tips

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When handling fire and smoke damage restoration one might think the best approach is to get to it fast and attack the clean-up efforts.  This option may be one that only wreaks more chaos.  It is going to be hard; anxious is a light word to use in this situation but really the first step in fire and smoke damage restoration is to get professional advice.  Contact your local insurance agent, who most likely will be one of the first calls you make, they will put you in touch with many local restoration professionals for advice and services.

Fire restorers will help in determining salvageable items.  Restoration professionals will provide tips on how to restore items with fire and smoke damage; they will give tips on whether it is wiser to refurbish or replace an item and can provide estimates for cleaning services throughout the home.  There are plenty of times when a fire has occurred and the damage may look like nothing much on the outside however structurally can totally be disastrous.   Fire and smoke damage restoration professionals can help sort out the bigger picture.

If choosing to attempt fire and smoke restoration on your own it is important to still follow certain tips and guidelines.  Although it is not the preferred method of restoring ones home sometimes this option is the only one available.  Below is important information when restoring a home after smoke or fire damage enters the picture.

  • Understand that not all structures are safe to enter after a fire.  It is important to get clearance from the fire marshal BEFORE obtaining access into the home.
  • Circulation is a key component.  Open all windows and allow fans to circulate the air throughout the rooms.  Things to remember if it is super cold the heater will run and the filter will need to be continually cleaned until the soot does not appear.  If heat is a factor the cooling unit alongside a dehumidifier will be the best combat.
  • Wet items should be removed and dried. This will help prevent mold and mildew.
  • Smoke will destroy brass and copper items within twenty four hours.  Remove them, clean them and store in a safe spot until cleanup is complete.
  • Soot will stain carpets, drapes and all textiles in the home.  The oils present will stain.  When cleaning and deodorizing these items it is important to remove them before restoration takes place.  Soot should be dealt with using heavy duty professional equipment.  Regular vacuums grind the soot in instead of lifting it out.
  • Smoke will linger for ever if not properly deodorized.  Ideally a professional smoke damage restoration professional will assist you in the process.
  • If a professional is not in the budget you can try to treat clothes and textiles with a mixture of one cup dishwasher detergent and one gallon hot water. Other items that can be bleached can be soaked with six tablespoons tri-sodium phosphate, one cup Lysol or bleach and one gallon water.  Then rinse with clean water.
  • Walls and soot is another beast.  Paint thinner or rubbing alcohol can work.  The problem lies with the fumes and smell.  Wear gloves and a ventilation mask.
  • Smoke can penetrate drywall, air ducts and other porous surfaces.  It is important to use aides to neutralize the odor.  Concealing it is not a wise option in cases of fire and smoke damage.

Go Maher

Residential, Commercial and Industrial Gate Operator Options

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Automatic gates are more popular than ever now days.  When selecting a gate there are many things a homeowner should contemplate.  The same is true with the gate opener, commonly referred to as the gate operator.  Depending on what you are looking for the gate possibilities are endless for residential, industrial and commercial use.

When choosing a gate operator it is important that it fits the gate chosen.  Most gate operators have limits on the amount of weight and type, slide or swing, gate they can handle.  Heavy use requires a heavy duty operating system for the gate.  Determine the amount of use the gate will need to withstand as well as the type of gate before choosing a gate operator.

Single swing gates are popular and are usually sold in only twelve foot sections.  As you can imagine the fence is heavy and will require a powerful gate opener to access the property.  A single swing arm is used and operated with only one long arm controlling the motion of the actual gate.  The arm will swing back and forth to open and close the gate. This type of gate and operating system is best used in residential areas where the driveway is around twelve feet wide.  Many residential driveway needs are met with this style fence and gate operator.

Bi Parting gates are popular amongst gated community entrances.  This system allows the fence to open split down the middle.  This is popular because it allows access from both directions.  A car can pass through the gate as one is leaving.  This is not the case with a single swing gate.  These gate openers use an arm to direct each gate on its own. Each gate is opened with its own gate operator/opener.

Another option in gate operators is a sliding gate option.  With this option the gate slides into a space alongside the fence.  This is a good option for driveways that are on a slope.  Swing gates do not work well on a slope.  Slide gates however will slide into the space on the side of the fence so are perfect for these harder areas to access.

Gate operators also have different means of being powered.  The options include; batteries, solar power and electricity.  There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to each method.  Many owners chose a combination of options.  An environmentally sound option is of course solar panels which allow energy from the sun to be stored and used to control the gate operator.  This is not a feasible operation in all areas. An option that does not require hard wiring into the home is batteries.  A battery/solar panel option is the choice for many gate operating systems.  If electricity is a choice an extra power source will be accessed through an opening in the garage and neatly concealed below the Earth.

The choices in gate designs are ever abundant as well.  When researching a new fence for residential, industrial or commercial use it is important to explore all options. With a purchase of this magnitude it is important to get an operator that will withstand the use it is put through, fits the desired need and is appropriate in style.

SAC Fence

Important Upgrades For Resale Value

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Upgrades are an important part of any home and are helpful when going to sell in the future.  Certain features are more for the benefit of the homeowner while they are living there and do not add up to big selling bonus points. However, things such as energy efficient windows with blinds built in add extra digits to the asking price of a home.  How do homeowners decide if there renovations will pay off in the future?  Consider the area in which you live to determine the benefits of various remodeling efforts.

First start with a renovation such as putting in a new swimming pool in areas with four seasons it is not as lucrative as in areas where the sun is blazing year round.  In areas such as Arizona and Florida pools increase the value of your home over eight percent.  When adding a pool it is best to think about the long term enjoyment it will bring to your family.  If that outweighs the fact that in a more temperate climate a pool can be seen as a drawback than go for it but if not think long and hard before soaking money into an investment that won’t give a favorable return.

Basement renovations are another area that can prove to be profitable if done correctly.  Before worrying about carpet or fancy furnishings think about the area and the moisture.  Basements are notorious for smelling damp and musty.  If you have flooding or the home is prone to water leakages call in a professional to fix the issue before continuing with the basement remodel.  When remodeling a basement don’t over or under renovate it.  It is important that the quality keeps in line with the rest of the home and the homes in the area.

Central air conditioning is another renovation that can add weight to an asking price.  On average a central air unity can cost between four to eight thousand dollars.  This may seem like a lot of money but it is safe to consider that the unit will boost the selling price of the home by ten to twenty percent.  Add a central air conditioning unit and windows with blind built in you are looking at keeping a home cool in the summer.

Landscaping is another area, if done correctly that can have major paybacks.  The curb appeal of your home is what will draw buyers in.  Keeping up on lawn maintenance along with reasonable landscaping will draw prospects into the home to look further.  Perennials and trees are items that homeowners should look into when remodeling the landscape of their lawns.  These items require lower maintenance and add value. The home should be visually appealing not to over grown or too busy.  When contemplating items for the landscape consider the natural environment around the home this will help maintain continuity throughout.

Homeowners should live in their castles and make it home. It is only imperative to think about home renovations in the form of resale value when the possibility of moving enters the picture.  If a renovation will bring happiness than don’t worry about the cost or value adding qualities it brings just go for it and enjoy it while you can.

Heatkeeper

Taking Winter Weather Conditions In Stride

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Here in Michigan the snow has yet to really fly for the snow season.  It is sure to come and we will all be in need of snow removal services but as of now we are good.  That is not true around the country.  Many counties have been hit with snow, ice and the wrath of Mother Nature. It is important for people to remember how truly dangerous the conditions can be.  Anything in excess can lead to life threatening injuries whether it is too hot or too cold.

In the winter it is important to remember that the snow is beautiful and it is tempting to stay out and work and play in it farther than individuals should.  Putting a time limit on the outside time in the winter is a good practice.  It might take a few trips inside to warm up and back out to finish the work of shoveling sidewalks but it is necessary.  These chores can take hours and lead to thousands of emergency room visits each year.  Hypothermia, frostbite and torn muscles top the list of related injuries.

One way to avoid the risk is to hire a snow removal service company.  Their professionals are seasoned and trained to work in these conditions. This option is especially smart for individuals you exercise minimally or are older.  The snow is heavy adding ice to this and the weight is unbelievable. Many homeowners turn to snow blowers to help with the snowy conditions Michigan winters bring.

There are many types of snow blowers.  A single stage blower is not a good option for gravel driveways but for most suburban driveways this option is acceptable.  They are light and easy to use.  They handle well on many types of snow, light and fluffy and damp and heavy.  A two stage snow blower is useful for larger driveways, ice and drifts of snow.  These units are manly self propelled, this makes them easier to use.  However should be used with caution as well because you are still doing extra work even if a minor piece of the burden has been alleviated.

Chemicals can be used to remove snow and ice as well.  These options add up and truly by the end of the season using chemicals or the gas and expense of the blower could have bought you the freedom a snow removal services company brings residents struggling with horrible winter conditions. Removing the top layer of snow is sometimes only the beginning to the battle.  It is often required that chemical agents are applied to completely clear the surface and make it safe to travel and walk on.

De-icer is used to penetrate through the snow and into the concrete below helping to loosen the connection after a snow.  Applying an anti-icer when a big snow is expected helps in the removal process.  A reliable snow removal company can often be seen out on nights when a snow is forecasted.  They lay a thin layer of de-icer on the surfaces they are in charge of.  In the morning it is easy to spot the homes that have been treated with anti-icer and the ones that have not.

When you live in a state that experiences the ups and downs of winter weather it is important to recognize the dangers that surround the weather and maintenance due to the conditions.  When in doubt hire a snow removal service company.  It will save time, money and injury.  The job will also be done when you awake or before you arrive home alleviating the stress involved in the snow removal task and allow for more time with the family.

Bladerunners Landscape

The Gift Of Time

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The days of simple gift giving are over for my oldest child.  She has moved on from playhouses, dolls and doll house to iPhones and iTunes.  This happens to all parents at one time or another.  What are parents to do when their babies out grow toy boxes and playhouse and move from dollhouse on to docking stations for every tech gadget known to man.  My suggestion is simple -STOP.

The beautiful little lady has blossomed into an incredible young lady who is in need of nothing and in desire of it all.  We have reached the point where we pack up the play area and store the kid kitchen and train table.  The play area is now being transformed into a study nook.  With this comes the days where Santa moves down the totem pole and the “but they have two cell phones and I don’t even have texting” starts.  With this is the need to simplify and explore options to help preteens and teens realize the world does not, has not and will never start revolving around their need to be like everyone else.

It has become a family tradition that around age eleven birthday gifts start to come to an end.  Don’t get me wrong it is still a huge deal that this is the day of her arrival however it is celebrated with her at the center.  No gifts center this holiday.  Time and togetherness however are very much present and accounted for.  She controls the mood of the event, invites people within the family she wants to spend time with and that is how the day proceeds.  Games are played, private conversations are carried on, food is eaten and time is shared.  Does the fact an iPhone has not been opened bother her?  Not one bit as in this moment her heart is filled with the maximum amount of affection one could ask for.

The same will be started this year at Christmas.  Our family will always believe in the spirit of Santa and so he will always visit bringing one most wanted present for each child.  This year a pillow pet is wished for by Bear and for Belle a game, Apples to Apples.  The main present we are choosing for our children is time.  Usually the holiday is a hustle of cramming events in followed by being beyond broke!  This year however we will take the entire week off both my spouse and I.  This is our gift to them.

It is an amazing feeling to see your child open a doll house on Christmas morning that they will play with every day until the day until they trade it in for make-up and tech gadgets.  Giving presents to children especially something personalized is and will always be a special treat.  When the magic of those presents teeters off and the greed starts to show itself, give them the one thing they crave more than anything…time.  It is one of the least expensive presents you can buy.

My Favorite Kids Toys

Addressing Mold Remediation and Mold Removal

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Mold remediation, clean up, removal and prevention will likely occur within ones home or business at one time or another.  Handling mold is not a job for everyone.  Mold carries with it risks.  There are measures to take when resolving the issues mold brings with it.  It is important to find the source, minimize the mess during the clean up phase, clean and remove the mold.  Prevention will be the final step in resolving a mold problem.

First and most important to fixing the mold issue is finding and fixing the moisture issue.  Likely this will be in the vicinity of where the mold has been spotted.  If the source of the moisture is not fixed and only the mold is cleaned it will come back.  The problem is only masked at that point.  In fixing the issue it is important to resolve to gain control over the moisture levels.  If the levels in one given room are over fifty-five percent the best option is a dehumidifier.

If a leak or flood has occurred the problem is more clear and defined.  This will be a matter of removal of the excess water using a pump to clear the area of water.  From there it is important to ensure that the area is completely dry.  This is possible using fans to circulate the air and a humidifier.  All wet items should be removed and properly taken care of.  Problems that go unattended for over forty-eight hours can lead to the most complications. Immediate care and resolution are the best options in mold remediation.

The next step after removing and finding the source of the issues is to clean and remove the mold.  Before this is even started it is advisable to prevent the spores from scattering. When the mold becomes airborne it will start to reproduce on whatever it lands on given the conditions are right.  To prevent these areas of mold growth from spreading each area should be blocked off and cleaned separately.  You can do this by sealing the room with plastic sheeting and place tape on the edges as a seal. Air purifiers are wise to run throughout the space.

Cleaning the mold is another beast all on its own.  Know going into the mold remediation process, depending on the size, quantity and type of mold present professional mold restoration services might be the better option.  Professional mold restoration services are provided by trained professionals. They know exactly what they are doing and can have life back to normal before many homeowners can even have the area prepped for the cleaning and mold removal process.

The mold should not be completely dry.  Dry mold has a tendency to sail through the air better than moist mold.  The affected areas should be cleansed with cleaner specially designed to kill and remove mold.  Many non-porous materials can be reused after being affected by mold however porous materials such as ceiling tiles, carpet, furniture etc. that are visibly affected need to be destroyed.  Sometimes those items can be cleaned and reused if not badly affected however it is best to not chance anything that may be uncertain.

Mold should be removed and placed in thick construction grade plastic bags.  Don’t try to move the bag through the house.  With mold it is best to throw the bag directly out the window eliminating the movement of mold from each room on the way out to the trash.  Mold is nothing to mess with. It is unsightly, unhealthy to live with and breathe in and hard to safely take care of.  If in doubt with a situation involving mold look for advice from professional mold remediation services.

Go Maher

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Leads To A Health Financial Future

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The phone rings for the tenth time today.  It goes unanswered.  Creditors are calling.  There is absolutely not a dime to send them. What is the next step? What will make this nightmare end?  Chapter 7 bankruptcy might be the answer.  After loans have been consolidated, credit counseling obtained without any luck it might be time to review the facts with an attorney and get financials under control and in order.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy becomes a best fit option when credit card minimums start to become impossible to make, creditors are calling and debt collectors have started the cycle of harassment. When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy the court orders an automatic stay which prohibits creditors from pursuing the debt any further.  The order of relief is needed in order to prohibit further collections from happening.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy takes a look at all debt and assets.  Trustees sell all nonexempt assets; this could possibly include homes, cars and large dollar item possessions and distributes the money amongst debtors.  It is possible that some assets will fall under a category known as exempt property.  Some homes that don’t have any equity and vehicles often fall into this category.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy process is one that is fairly straight forward and simple.  The process starts out with a gathering of information.  This information includes the name and an address of people money is owed to, how much is owed along with information regarding incoming funds and monthly expenses.  Of course paperwork is involved and will need to be filled out and filed; this is often referred to as a petition or case file.  Then the paperwork will need to be filed in federal court.  An automatic stay is then issued by the federal court and all creditors must stop pursuing debt.

Then about twenty to forty days later the court will send notice of a 341 meeting which is attended for creditors to be able to dispute and question the claim.  Many times this process takes about ten to fifteen minutes to finish as creditors don’t usually stake claim unless at least fifty cents on the dollar can be recouped.  This is usually not the case in bankruptcy cases. After this is done the court will then accept the petition and sell of nonexempt assets to creditors and the debt will be wiped away in the form of a discharge sixty to ninety days later.  The next step is to rebuild a financial life to be proud of.

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is not a free service.  It is necessary to pay the fees involved in court expenses. There are case filing fees, miscellaneous expenses and trustee surcharges.  Although Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed on one’s own it is preferable to have an attorney represent the case.  This will prevent any mistakes from happening and to ensure all bases have been covered.  When dealing with a court of law and a fruitful financial future it is best to hire a profession bankruptcy attorney.

Michigan Bankruptcy Law Centers

Boost Sales And Website Visibility With Excellent Search Engine Placement

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When it comes to your online business, visibility is imperative to your success. This means that you need a Search Engine Placement that will allow our online business to be noticed potentially on the number one page of the most popular and highly used search engines, such as Google and Yahoo. What this will do, is increase the probability that people who are looking for the products and services that you offer will look no further than your website and potentially boost your sales because of it. However, search engine placement is vital, but having a complete, sound and effective search engine optimization will help you to target more people, in more areas around the world.

Search engine optimization (SEO), is used to design a website placement campaign for you that will help you increase your traffic and sales. In addition to search engine placement, you can also have a complete SEO service that can boost more than just your page rank. You can have an SEO service not only increase your search engine placement, but promote your website on social media websites, Ad words campaigns, semantics, blogs and so much more. You can have them create articles about your website, which will benefit both you and your readers. Your readers have the option of reading an informative and accurate article about your website, services and products, while you sit back and enjoy the success of your website.

All of the articles written about your website are thoroughly researched to ensure accuracy about the products and services you offer, as well as offering information that is vital to your readers. You can also opt for keyword targeting, so when someone is searching for the products and services that you offer, you will possibly show up on the first page of popular search engines such as Google and Yahoo. You can also get your articles written and submitted to a number of online article submission websites, which will also help in driving customers to your website.

In addition to promoting your website, you can also offer a wide variety of services that will help you and your business by keeping your computer up and running properly at all times. With networking, security, website design, hosting and more, you can find a complete array of services that will assist you and your online business in succeeding. Whether you need computer repair, virus removal, malware or spy ware infestations, you can have everything that you need done for your computer or your online business under one roof. Discover the difference of search engine placement can make for you and your online business today. With a complete computer repair and help company, you can improve your website page rank, keep your business up and running smoothly, update your web pages and so much more to keep your online business moving efficiently. Discover for yourself the difference that a professional programming, consulting, repair and search engine placement company can do for you and all of your business needs.

Creative Programs and Systems