Month: February 2013

Create A Unique Landscape With The Use Of Fencing

Your landscape design is a series of separate areas within your yard that blend together to create an over-all look and feel to the entire landscape.  Each area within your yard should have features that can improve the eye appeal of your landscaping. Whether you add something as dramatic as a water feature or aluminum decorative fencing, the idea is to create harmony while adding interest and function.

Functional fencing is probably the most common of all fencing.  There are several varieties of functional fencing including chain link, wooden fence, aluminum fencing and vinyl.  Depending on the function the fence is to have will depend on what type you choose.  Many times decorative aluminum fencing is used around pools.  Aluminum fencing is the choice for many homeowners with in-ground pools. Aluminum pool fencing is within the standard code and regulation in regards to height and ability to gain access.  Aluminum decorative fence is available in many different styles to accentuate any style landscape.  It is a perfect choice as it is attractive, functional and a low maintenance fencing material.

Other options in fencing are varieties that provide function.  Styles such as chain link, wood, vinyl and aluminum fence are all types of functional fence styles.  It is obvious that some of the choices from the list above are more attractive than others however all serve the function of keeping the area secure from entrance and exit. The nice thing is that homeowners can integrate the landscaping to make the fence more attractive.

Wooden fences integrate well Evergreens and make the entire environment with a natural appeal.  Wooden fences do require a bit more maintenance than other types of fencing.  You will need to seal the fence using a natural stain or a colored stain for it to stand up to the weather.  Also if you live in a particularly wet environment be super cautious of using wood as mold grows easily on wood and is difficult to remove.

Vinyl fencing works great in environments full of colored flowers.  Lots of time vinyl fencing comes in white. The nicest thing about white vinyl fencing is that it is super easy to clean when it becomes dirty or mildew covered. A quick power was usually is enough to ensure your fence looks like the day you bought it.

When putting a fence around a pool my suggestion is to stay away from wooden fences or vinyl.  Aluminum pool fencing is the best option as it is tall, private and can easily be locked or even accessed via an electronic access entry system.  Many homeowners are including access entry systems to prevent the pool from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.  This also helps to decrease the potential for children accessing the pool without adult supervision which could lead to accidental drowning.

Different options available with aluminum fencing that includes electronic access includes card readers, hotel pools often use this, codes that are keyed in and even remote entry using a remote control.  The cost of these systems is relatively low in comparison to the risk of injury do to accidental entry to the area.

Landscaping In The Spring

Winter in Michigan is tricky; you never quite know when spring is around the corner.  We have seen snow in mid April.  Although uncommon it does happen.  We have been known to thaw and freeze again within the same week in March.  The weather is insane.  This is why Michigan landscapers prepare for spring by starting with cleaning up the landscape design and preparing gardens instead of jumping right in to planting.  Start your spring landscaping the way professionals do: start by cleaning up the existing landscape space.

The first step I take when preparing for spring is to cut back dead plants and shrubs while weeding out annuals from the previous season.  Also clean up weeds that have started to sprout.   Ornamental grasses can be cut down to around eight inches from the ground and trees and bushes should be trimmed back into their original shape.

This is a great time to turn the mulch.  Turning the mulch will help homeowners see where it is thinning and needs some freshening while also mixing the nutrients through.  Rotating the mulch allows some of the debris that has decomposed on the top layer to benefit the plants root system as well.  Spring time is great for adding mulch as well.  This gives the space a clean fresh feel when adding additional plants in late spring early summer.

Serious landscape design usually plans for an early burst of color amongst the green and brown tones left from the decay of fall leaves and plants. Adding in perennials does this for any homes landscape design.  Crocus, Iris, Daffodil and Tulip plants are terrific ways to accomplish this. When you start to see these pleasantries bloom you are also signaled that it is time to fertilize shrubs as well as bulbs.

Spring is also a great time for homeowners to test out their irrigation systems and once the last freeze has for sure occurred it is time to initiate turning the water back on to outdoor garden hooks ups and water features within the yard.

You have about a month before your garden senses start to tingle and you want to dive in to some outdoor work. Don’t get ahead of yourself.  Planting to early will prove to be a waste of money.  Remember to start with the theory of getting the canvas fresh during the spring and this will save you from early planting mistakes.

 

Roof Rakes: Should You Use One?

It is SNOW season in Mid-Michigan!  This time of year can be a lot of fun.  Sleds are in use, people are skiing and snowmen are abundant.  The one thing people forget to talk about is how the winter weather can wreak havoc on your home, especially shingle roofing.

When it comes to shingle roofs it is important that access snow is removed before it is allowed to thaw and refreeze creating ice dams.  For this many homeowners choose to purchase and use roof rakes.  As a roofing contractor there are benefits and pitfalls when using them.

Before using a roof rake consider the age of your shingle roof.  Older roofs could easily be damaged using a roof rake.  Damage could include removing shingles, the grit on the shingles being removed and roof leaks/ceiling damage if not properly fixed.

Roof rakes should not be used to remove ice form your roof.  Roof rakes should be used to avoid ice form building up by removing the white fluff before it becomes solid ice.  When using a roof rake start by removing the snow at the corners of the roof and then proceeding to the middle.

Consider safety when getting the snow off the roof.  Walking on a snow covered roof is never considered a safe option.  When using a roof rake add an extension to the rake to reach higher on the roof.  Don’t use a ladder either as you can easily be thrown off balance.  Snow makes roof tops and ladders slippery.  Clearing your roof of excess snow is not worth risking a fall or damage from slipping and tearing the shingles.

If you find while using a roof rake you have loosened a shingle call a roofing professional to come out and repair the area as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the underlayment and in turn the interior roofing materials.

What To Look For When Purchasing Jewelry

When buying jewelry it is best to decide a few things before shopping.  It is always wise to set a budget up before you shop for any large purchases, jewelry is not an exception.  Think about the metal and stones you would like as well the brand of the piece if this is important to you.  If you put some thought into the purchase beforehand you are less likely to purchase a piece on impulse.  Many impulse purchase end with unhappy consumers, don’t let this happen to you.

If you have never made a major jewelry purchase it is important to do some research so that you understand the lingo involved in the purchase.  This is especially true when it comes to a purchase such as a diamond engagement ring.  There is a lot to learn about buying diamonds, settings and metal choices of the actual band.

Purchasing a piece of jewelry is becoming just as common online as at the store.  There are a few things to ask and check out whether purchasing online or at a retail location.  The first and most important question to ask and have answered is about the refund and return policy.  This is important for many different reasons.  One of course you want to return a piece if the recipient does not like the piece or it does not fit correctly.  Make sure this is possible no matter where you purchase the jewelry from.

If purchasing pearls you will want to know if you are purchasing natural, cultured or imitation.  This should be reflected in the cost associated with the piece.   With gemstones you will want to know similar information as well.  Find out if the gemstone is natural, lab created or imitations.  This will help to determine that you are properly caring for the piece as stones each have a different way of being cared for.

When purchasing jewelry make sure the company that you are purchasing from is a legitimate jeweler.  This will take some research on your end as well. This is important no matter who you are purchasing the piece from. You will want to determine reputability. Even retailers with large names and store fronts can have bad reputations that should be avoided.

As with any large purchase the more research that is done the better prepared you will find yourself when it comes to making the purchase.  Online purchasing is becoming a way to save a lot of money when it comes to buying jewelry.  The mark up tends to be less as the overhead for online retailers is not as heavy as that of store front jewelers.

Livingston County Real Estate Agent – Hard at Work Selling Your Home

The real estate market is back on in 2013!  Below you will find tips for selling your home that will make your home desirable to the influx of buyers.

  • Tip One: Hire a realtor with experience and a familiar name in your area.  This is the single most important piece of information anyone can give homeowners in the market to sell their homes.   Hiring a realtor people know by name is beneficial as they will already have a distinguished customer base and name recognition needed in the real estate industry.  Top realtors work on building a reputation over time this reputation allows them to sell your home.
  • Tip Two: Become nostalgic. This home has held many memories for you and your family.  It will do the same for the next family.  Your goal is to make it desirable for them to want to build their memories in your old home. What is the best way to do this?  You tube of course!  With the help of your real estate agent create a video in which you reminisce about the home, the memories in it, the updates you made and the shared times.  Walk around the neighborhood – share with the potential buyer all the benefits of your neighborhood.
  • Tip Three: When showing your home the goal is to let the potential buyer see themselves in it.  To do this you need to make the home as “bland” as possible.  This includes removing clutter and personalization.  Personalization include family portraits, religious decor and miscellaneous memorabilia.

Making the process as easy as possible for both yourselves and the buyer is the key to having a successful experience in selling your home.  Hiring the right realtor will allow you to have this experience.  Selling your home is stressful enough as you too are contemplating the purchase of a new home and move.   Make this period in time as short and stress free as possible. Get your home on the market, sold and move on at lightning speed with the help of the above tips and a top notch real estate professional.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor Goes To Jail For MDA

A Note From Glen:

 

There are so many things I am thankful for this year-none more than the health of family and friends!  With that in mind I have decided to do something special in 2013… I am going to jail on February 28th and need YOUR help in raising bail!!

Okay, it’s not “real” jail… I have agreed to do an hour of “hard time” to help raise money for children and adults in our community who are living with neuromuscular diseases.

I hope you will join me to help ensure these families continue to receive the services that mean so much to them…like visits to the MDA clinics, MDA summer camp, flu shots, support groups – all at no charge to them, thank to big-hearted heros like you!

MDA has set up a secure site where you can help contribute to my bail.  Just click the link below and you will be taken directly to my site…  THANKS AHEAD OF TIME – Glen

 

http://www2.mda.org/goto/gmiller