Month: January 2013

Building A Handicap Ramp

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Building a handicap ramp may look like a weekend project but for those inexperienced in building them the process soon becomes more than they bargained for.  There are many things that do it yourself handicap ramp installers aren’t thinking of when beginning a huge project such as this.  There are things to consider before even the planning process begins.

Before a licensed wheelchair accessible ramp contractor begins the project they will come in and evaluate who the primary user is?  They will also determine what device they will need to assist them while using the ramp will be used for: a cane, a wheelchair, a walker or crutches.  The contractor will want to know if there is a chance the mobility of the person using the ramp will change.  This will determine if the ramp being installed needs to be a permanent structure or if a temporary device will work.  All while determining what permits and codes need to be met through your local municipalities.

Before trying to build a handicap ramp look into the costs of a local builder who is ADA certified verse the materials, your time and the headaches you will have once you have learned that you have done something incorrect.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Getting What You Need Out Of Medigap

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Health insurance, Medicare in general, is one of the most overwhelming systems to navigate.  When you are of age to obtain Medicare you also become eligible to purchase ensure known as gap insurance or Medigap. This insurance is used to fill in the holes that Medicare leaves us with.  However, without ever having used Medicare before when we first enroll the process of choosing a Medigap plan to fill in the holes becomes complex as we aren’t quite sure what holes we will need to fill.

This is where private insurance companies come in and are able to provide simple Medigap plan comparisons and price comparisons. Using these tools, along with help from agents who are familiar with the Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Plans clients can plan accordingly.    Two sites that offer Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans comparisons are http://www.123medigap.com and http://www.seniorhealthdirect.com/.   Here you are able to put in your private information and have your choices laid out so that from the comfort of your home you are able to price out and compare the Medicare Supplemental InsurancePlans available throughout your area.

123Medigap, Senior Health Direct

Tips On A Well Designed Website

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Everyone is looking for ways to make their website design contain the right “ingredients” to ensure top search engine rankings. Below you will find several high priority musts for your website to start on the right road for SEO.

First of all you will want to make sure that the content and text on the site are of quality.  Your site can have all the “right” keywords in the world however without quality content people will not stay on your site and believe it or not search engines will find little value in your site overall.

It is important not only that you have quality content but that it is also unique to your site. Your site should provide content that is unique to your company and the products and services that you offer.  A great way to ensure that the content is unique and relative is to create a blog and post about the industry happenings as they happen.  This will also help as adding content to your site shows search engines that your site is up to date.

Each page within your site should be optimized for a keyword or phrase. Don’t overdo one keyword or phrase for the entire site.  Come up with a combination of keywords and phrases relative to your goals and add them in to the pages of the website.  Another thing to keep in mind is that you want common keywords however it is best to avoid the most popular keywords and aim for the middle ground. It will be easier to optimize your pages.

Make sure that your site is accessible to search engine spiders and screen readers.  The more accessible the better when it comes to drawing traffic and rankings to your website.

When selecting a domain name think about the keyword phrase that best suits your business and incorporate that into the domain name you select.  It is okay to use your business name just try to incorporate the keywords into the entire domain as well.  Be sure the domain is easy to read, spell and say.

Tips are great when it comes to having a healthy website that functions well with search engines but nothing can beat experience when it comes to designing a website.  Website developers are looking at a lot of data and trends when developing a site for you. They are also well aware of META tag needs and changes as well as incorporating key elements that are needed for better results into the whole website equation. It might cost a bit more to hire a web company to design your site but consider the time you are saving and the benefit you are receiving from their knowledge.

Creative Programs and Systems

Tips On Hiring A Snow Removal Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Brrr… If you are in any of the northeast states you realize that winter is upon us. With the cold weather comes snow fall. With snowfall comes slick ice and mounding snow.  Many people begin the snow season believing that they will continue to snow shovel every snow that falls however after about the eighth snow realize this is far to unrealistic and set out to find a company to handle the job for them.  Here are some last minute tips to help you in hiring a snow plowing contractor.

 

1)      Have several snow removal companies out to survey your situation. The estimates given will vary a great deal.  You will want to define the area to be cleared before they can accurately set the price. If you will require some hand shoveling above and beyond the driveway clearing this will need to be worked into the estimate.

 

2)      Make sure your expectations are in line with the contractor. How much snow warrants them to come out and plow.  Is it extra if the snow is more than a certain depth?  Contractors price out their services differently. Some offer a fixed price for the season while others use the depth of the snow to charge for their services.

 

3)      Another thing you will want to do is find out if the contractor uses salt or another chemical to melt the ice that accumulates.  Certain materials used on driveways can eat away at the cement or asphalt.  Be sure if you have a drive that is sensitive to salt that this is conveyed to the snow removal contractor that you hire.

 

4)      Ask for and call references.  You will want to make sure other clients have been and continue to be satisfied by the snow removal job that the contractor does.

 

5)      Finally ask for a written contractor.  Everything you discuss should be in writing.

 

Keep your expectations realistic. Remember if snow is abundant many snow contractors will begin with the business lots before they move to residential lots.

Bladerunners Landscape

Is It Time For A New Roof?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How do you know when it is time to replace your roof instead of just repairing it?  Below you will find common roofing issues and how to handle them.  A roof should last upwards of twenty years with proper care and maintenance.

Algae:  Algae is a nuisance.  It will discolor your shingle roof making it look dirty. Often times people mistake algae for dirt or tree droppings. Algae often occur in the southeast where temperatures are warm and humid.  It is best to purchase algae-resistant shingles to prevent issues from arising. The good thing to note is that an alga does not cause the service life of your shingle to decrease however it is an eye sore.

To get rid of algae it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor to treat the issue.  Using a gentle solution they will work to decrease the discoloration of the roofing while taking special care to not loosen or remove the granules covering the shingles.

Flashing:  Flashing on a roof can become damaged from improper installation or settling of the structure.  If you find this is the case with your roofs flashing it is good to know that this can be repaired.  The roof does not need to be replaced. The flashing can be removed and replaced only needing to repair the flashing and asphalt shingles that had become damaged.

Buckling: Roof buckling is a common issue with roofing.  It can be caused because of several different issues such as improperly laid felt, poor roofing ventilation or a wrinkled underlayment.  The process to fix the buckle is a bit more complex than fixing algae or flashing.

In order to correct the issue with your roof buckling it is best to call in a professional roofing contractor. You will need to allow the moisture that has built up in the roofing to escape and return to the proper moisture level. This should allow the roof to lay flat again.  Next the shingles and felt where the wrinkle has occurred will need to be cut out and replaced adding extra roof ventilation as well.  Roofing contractors will be able to properly vent the attic if it is not adequately done so to begin with.

Ceiling Spots:  When a leak occurs in your roof you can get occurrences of ceiling spots.  This is a roof repair issue in most cases although if the issue has gone unnoticed for some time you could be looking at issues with mold and mildew along with the ceiling spots.  If enough damage has been done and several spots of water entering have been noticed a new roof may be in order.

A professional will come in and determine if there is a leak in the attic, they will check the chimney and flashing for cracks, will look for a travel source for the leak from the original spot and will check the roof for shingle damage.

These are just a few issues that can occur with your roof. Other things to keep an eye out for are missing shingles.  If a shingle is missing the area underneath is not protected. Be sure to have this fixed ASAP. Roof blistering can occur when too much moisture is allowed to build up within the shingle area.  Missing granules can occur as the shingles age.  If you find many shingles are becoming bare or the granules thinning it may be time for a new roof.  Rotting as well is an issue that can lead to a new roof.  Consult a professional roofing contractor if you suspect any issue with your roofing material.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Online Fencing Options

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Choosing a material for your backyard fence used to be so simple; chain link or wood.  Those were your option if you wanted affordable, lightweight and easy to install.  Wrought iron fence was an available option but due to the weight and cost not many homeowners sought this out as a reasonable option.  Thankfully two styles of modern fencing have been introduced to give consumers options in available fencing that is affordable, lightweight and easy to use; vinyl and aluminum fencing.

Both options have many alternatives over wood and chain link.  The main attraction is the ease of maintaining vinyl fencing and aluminum fence options. With wood and chain link there is maintenance in staining or painting it to keep the fresh look and appeal.  Both aluminum and vinyl are basically maintenance free.

Aluminum fencing is popular to use when enclosing an in ground pool area.  It is designed to maintain itself overtime. The fence does not rot, rust and is not treated with chemicals hurtful to the environment.  The sections of fencing are lightweight and are usually shipped in assembled pieces making it easy for the do it yourselfers.

Buying aluminum and vinyl fencing has never been easier either.  Online option in fence purchases let you shop anytime of the day from the convenience of your home. You may view several styles that are available in all different price ranges and quality levels. Another option many fencing companies offer is the ability to upload your space and visually add the fence into the picture for shoppers that are more visual.

The option in style and function are endless when installing an aluminum fence.  Residential aluminum fencing for around the yard or pool area can be purchased to include electronic access controls to ensure pool safety when adults are not around.  When using an access control systems including a key code or card reader access is only granted to those with the information.  This is a popular option with homeowners in subdivisions that own pools.

Whatever the reason you need to add an aluminum or vinyl fence to your yard shopping online for fencing has never been easier and more convenient. Online fencing options are also all inclusive to available option in fencing. Home improvement stores cannot offer the selection online fencing companies can as they don’t have space for the physical inventory.  Another bonus in case you don’t want to install the fence yourself is that many online companies work with local contractors to ensure the fence is installed properly for their clients.

Forever-Fence, SAC Fence

Shopping Online For Custom Window Treatments: Blinds and Shades

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Shopping for window treatments can be tricky enough in person let alone online.  Below you will find tips on making your online window treatment purchase simple.

When it comes to buying window blinds and shades online the key is to be prepared. Before you head online measure the windows you are looking at treatments for.  This will help you narrow down between blinds, shades, curtains or other window covering options.

Thoroughly read through the details and description of the blinds and shades you are looking at. When buying curtains you will want to know whether or not you are looking at receiving one panel or a complete set. Also be sure you know the type of material you are purchasing and any options that are available to you for customizing your purchase.

Another thing to consider is the number of windows you will be using the treatments for.  The variations in fabrics and textures can be evident when the order is not placed at the same time. If you have two windows in close proximity of one another that you place to use the treatment on make sure you order them at the same time to avoid minor discrepancies in the detailing.

Consider the style and weight of the window treatments. Certain shade and blind option work well in a living room but fall flat in a kitchen.  This is something to think about before you order custom items you may not be able to return.  One way to get a feel for the treatments you are admiring is to search home magazines and online images to see how they look in different rooms.

All windows are able to have coverings even those hard to treat windows like arch windows and bay windows. The key is to find a way to visualize the option you are considering in your home to make sure you are not purchasing something you will not be happy with.

Comfort Blinds

Home Protection With An Alarm and Monitoring System

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Unfortunately we live in a world that involves crime, burglars, theft and robberies.  No one can be a hundred percent sure why crime exists but one theory revolves around the classes within our society.   The goal for homeowners is to keep their families and possessions free of harm which to many involves the installation of a home alarm system.

One way to effectively protect your home or business is with the installation of a home security and monitoring system.  When thieves are confronted by an obstacle, such as an alarm system, they often think twice and continue on to the next home and family.  Home security means your home and family are protected against the threat and harm of an intruder.  The nice thing about it is that security systems are easy to install and operate.

Home security systems are installed to detect intrusion, fires and carbon monoxide all while monitoring the system at a central monitoring center.  Systems can be installed to create noise while others alert the police, fire and all emergency personnel. The most important aspect is that when an emergency happens the alarm system reacts as it should.

When it comes to properly installing a security system make sure to investigate all of the option that are available in the market.  There are many options, some with remote entry, some with home monitoring and some as simple as a loud sound upon entry.  It is important to have a professional alarm contractor come out and inspect the home and offer suggestions as well.  A properly installed alarm system is also a key element in making sure your home and family is protected. Remember professional results happen when professional people are hired to do the job.

All Star Alarm

A Gift That Lasts A Lifetime

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Jewelry is a gift that lasts a lifetime.  Jewelry is given on many different occasions to signify many different events.  Diamond jewelry is a favorite to receive and can be given for other occasions than just engagements.  The good thing is that truth be told diamond jewelry can be given anytime for any occasion.

 

Diamond earrings are a favorite gift to be given to the young ladies in our family on their sixteenth birthdays.  It is a symbol and token of our love and trust.  Families give jewelry to signify many different life events.  Our son will receive a pair of white gold cufflinks and tie tack upon his high school prom.  I like to believe that jewelry is a gift that signifies growing up and moving on.  If we think about it isn’t that what engagement rings and wedding bands are all about?

 

Custom jewelry can be a special gift.  Something that is semi new to the market is bracelets such as Pandora bracelets where charms can be added that represent the person wearing the piece. The charms come in several styles representing hobbies, colors, vacation destinations, sports and so on that help to define the receiver.

 

Antique jewelry is another popular option in jewelry gift pieces. These can be true antique pieces which are found along the way at antique shops or pieces that have been replicated to resemble antique pieces.

 

The great thing about jewelry is that as long as you are thinking about the person receiving the piece you should hit a home run.  Jewelry is a gift that keeps on giving!

DaRoche Jewelers

Why Buying A Home Is A Lot Like Selling One

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

What are the few things you want when you are purchasing a new home?  Those are the things as a seller you should be thinking about when preparing your home for sale.  Your home is a real estate investment for you when you sell or when you buy.  The goal is to get the best price for the home you are selling and get a deal on the one you are buying.

If you are looking to get the most out of the sale of your home the first piece of advice to consider is the condition of your home.  It is not enough to mow the lawn and retouch some of the scuff marks on the walls with paint you need to get the professionals in to repair the roof and fix the plumbing. It isn’t enough to only make the real estate investment aesthetically pleasing it has to be structurally strong and in complete working order.  The process of having the home inspected should be flawless.

Find a real estate agent that has experience selling homes in your area and is able to move a house in the economic time we are in.  You want to know the agents stats.  Find out how long it takes the realtor to sell a home on average as well as how long it takes the agent to find a home when working with a buyer.  The average time to sell a home from start to close should be no more than four months.  The same is true when looking to purchase a home.  It should take you agent no more than four months of looking to know what you want and to find it for you.

The best tips that can be offered are tips that remind buyers that they to are sellers and the opposite.  When selling your home you know what you are looking for in purchasing a new home, make your home exactly what you would be looking for.  Essentially you are one in the same when it comes to real estate when you are selling or buying a home.

Susan Doyle Real Estate