Month: February 2014

Removing Pool Plaster Stains

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to inground backyard pools no one wants to swim in a pool where the plaster is littered with stains and discoloration.  Even when the pool water is clean the pool will look dirty with abundant stains on the plaster. There are several different methods to clean off the stains that are hindering your pools appearance.  From scrubbing to the use of chemicals one of them is sure to help you clean your pool and leave is sparkling for your summer swimmers.

If you find that your pools plaster is severally stained throughout the pool this is most commonly from a chemical reaction.  The advice in this article is for smaller stains, concentrated to smaller areas of plaster. Large plaster stains may require a professional pool plastering company to evaluate the proper technique to use on the plaster to regain its original finish.

For small, concentrated stains the methods below will help to remove and eliminate the stain on the plaster.

For a common stain that occurs often on the plaster of a pool such as metal the following cleaning methods can help.  A metal stain can come from a ponytail holder, a pop top, soda can or coin that falls into the pool.  When left without being noticed for a period of time a metal stain will occur.  A rust stain occurs when the metal comes into contact with the pool plaster.  The chemical reaction can cause a stain as quickly as overnight.  It is super important to remove any metal from the pool before it has time to create a reaction stain.

To remove a metal stain you can use one of the following three methods.  One of them should work for you.  The first method is using an emery stone to gently rubbing the stain.  Attaching the emery stone to a large pole will allow you to reach spots on the bottom of the pool. The disadvantage is that you need to be gentle as too much force will cause a visible mark where the stain was which defeats the purpose.

The second method involves using a concentrated amount of granular chlorine on the affected spot.  To effectively do this you must turn off the pools filter and pump.  The water should be still.  Place the granular chlorine in nylon or some material that will allow it to flow through and dissolve on the stain.  It should work as a bleaching agent and within a few hours of the pack sitting on the stain the chlorine will be gone and the stain should be removed.

Another method to removing stains that are on your pools plaster involves getting into the pool and using a wet/dry sand paper or sponge such as Scotch Brite.   With this method you sand the pools plaster surface slowly and gently removing the buildup causing the stain.  This method leaves a smooth surface without a visible difference to your pool’s plaster surface.  This method, if done correctly will leave the plaster smooth and stain free.

Pound Pool Plastering

Purchasing Insurance For Your Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

As a business owner it is your responsibility so make sure that you have business insurance to protect you, your business and your employees.  Insurance for your business exists to protect the time, money and effort that you have invested in creating a successful company.  General liability insurance exists to protect your venture.  As a business owner it is up to you to ask the right questions come time to find an insurance provider and insurance policy.

It is important to first know about the product you are purchasing to protect your business.  A general business liability insurance plan is in place to cover business owners from any the risk of loss due to unforeseen events such as weather, theft or lawsuits.  When you open a business you put yourself at risk therefore purchasing the correct business insurance is a necessity.  There are a few basics that you will want to cover with the insurance agents you interview when addressing your needs for business insurance.

First things first you will want to find out about the companies experience in selling liability insurance to companies with similar products or services to what you will be offering. Your personal insurance agent is not necessarily the best option when seeking out insurance for your business.  You will want an experienced agent in commercial insurance. Personal insurance agents often don’t have the knowledge or background to successfully navigate your business insurance needs.  The last thing you want after purchasing business insurance is to still be exposed to risk. Find a company that offers a background and experience with a variety of insurance liability needs for business owners.

You will want to look into a comprehensive insurance package that fits your wants and needs when it comes to insurance coverage.  There is not a one size fits all policy when it comes to covering your business.  When searching for insurance you will need to find a company that is willing to focus on insurance specifically for the products and services you offer.  They should also be familiar with the community in which your business will be open as well as the ability to point out risks that are unforeseen to you.  A qualified insurance agent will guide you in a direction that encompasses all areas of your business including those you have not previously considered.

Another thing to consider is an agent that is in this relationship with you for the long haul.  It is important to work with someone that knows as your business expands your needs will change as well.  Find a company that is reputable and known for their longevity, providing coverage for businesses that have seen progress and growth and have ensured their policies have grown with them.  Referrals and references are something that should never be taken lightly when looking into companies offering business insurance.  One place to start may be finding other locally owned businesses, similar in nature to yours and asking to talk to them about their insurance provider.  This could lead you into a direction you may have not thought about when it comes to providers of insurance for your business.

There are many providers that will provide your business insurance.  The key element you are looking for is a provider that is providing the correct coverage to fir your needs today and tomorrow.  A trust worthy efficient, knowledgeable agent is necessary in providing you coverage to effectively cover all of your business needs, seen and unforeseen.

 

Cobb Hall

Understanding Differences In Business Insurance Coverage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Deciding to start a business is the easiest step in being an entrepreneur.  The rest however is an upward battle.  Making a business successful and protecting it against any and all unforeseen possibilities is the real challenges in owning your own business.  With everything in business that could go right there is something equal that could go wrong.  Sort of like Newton’s third law for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  The goal is to prevent and protect yourself and your budding business from an array of unknown, unforeseen disasters.  You can do this with by purchasing adequate business insurance.

With so many different insurance agents offering such a wide variety of business insurance plans how is any one supposed to know what to purchase.  It can be an overwhelming process but one that is indeed important to the success of your business.  The first step is to locate a local insurance agent specializing in business insurance.  You should also have a clear understanding of the different types of business insurance you will be shopping for.

One type of insurance is property insurance.  This is a policy that is purchased to cover a business similar to the way homeowners insurance covers your homes interest.  Property insurance will cover any loss or damage to the business property or lost assets.  This is a must have for all business owners even if the dwelling that your business is located is being rented.  This type of insurance covers the machines and tools necessary to run your business.

Casualty insurance provides coverage for the company against lawsuits and legal liability should injury be sustained on your companies property.  This also includes coverage to property not owned by the business.

When you purchase general liability insurance for your company provides coverage for any damage your business is responsible for in regards to health, property and reputation.  This insurance is a policy intended to cover everything from legal issues to accidents from negligence.  This is the most important coverage you can purchase for your business and for yourself to protect business assets as well as personal assets in some cases.

Business interruption coverage is used to cover and make up for deficits in unforeseen situations such as natural disasters and catastrophic events. Business interruption coverage is there to bridge the gap in lost sales, rent, payroll and more until the business is back up and running following a major disaster.

Umbrella insurance for businesses is necessary coverage to have in case you have reached the limit of what other insurance policies will cover.  This insurance covers and costs above and beyond the original insurance policy coverage.  Basically you can consider umbrella insurance coverage for your business insurance policies.

When it comes to choosing the right coverage for your business it is important to start with an agent that is familiar with businesses similar to yours and their coverage needs.  The agent should be able to help find pitfalls in your business and offer coverage to protect you from them.  Local insurance companies are often the best as they are familiar with the community and location in which you will be doing business and can provide coverage specific to your needs.

 

Cobb Hall

When You Need Computer Repair Services Turn To The Experts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to choosing a computer repair company there are a ton of choices to choose form starting with big box chain computer stores to local computer repair shops.  How does a computer novice know where to turn when they have an issue and need computer help? To find the best help for your computer repairs we have established a few important tips to consider before dropping your computer off to be fixed.

It is important to note that where ever you take your computer to be fixed it must go through a diagnostic process to determine exactly what is going on inside the computer.  A sure sign that you are at the wrong computer repair shop is upon entering if the technician claims to know exactly what is wrong with your computer.  Lots of times symptoms all sound the same but lead to different computer repairs; it is your computers best interest to have a complete diagnostic ran before any diagnosis is even considered.  The first tip is to find a computer service store that starts with diagnostics.  Most repair shops will charge a half hour labor for this service that will be applied towards repairs if you decide to fix your computer.

When looking into local computer service stores check to find out what type of computers they have experience in and services they offer.  They should offer a wide variety of services such as virus removal, memory upgrades, blue screen repairs, hard drive failures, motherboard replacement and more.  You don’t know what could be wrong with your computer but you want to make sure whatever it is they will be able to fix it.

It is also significant to see what type of certifications the technicians have.  Computer repair techs should be qualified all aspects of computer services and should be certified in various operating systems.  Most technicians have at least a Microsoft certification.

It is also important to find a computer repair shop that offers repair methods other than those done in house.  In some cases you may need the technician to visit your place of business, home or even via remote control.  The shop that you want to build a relationship with is one that offers all of these services.  There may be a time where you just can’t get the machine into the office and need to make sure the technician can still help alleviate your computers problem.

Word of mouth is always the best way to find a place to do business.  If your friends and family like the service they received well enough to tell you all about it then you know that the place is reputable.  This is what you are looking for in the way of a referral to a local computer store that will help fix the issues you are having with your personal computer.  It may be hard at first and large box chains seem tempting as they have built a reputation on their name however note that their product reputation is far different from the reputation their services provide.

Creative Programs and Systems

Presents For The Perfect Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching the countdown has begun to find and purchase the perfect gift.  Purchasing the wrong type of present could bring inappropriate stress to a holiday filled with love and smaller expectations.  Buying something overly grand could be considered too much, doing nothing at all is considered too little; so here are some tips to make it just right.  A perfect valentine’s day will be in your future if you stick to the gift list below.

First things first chocolate is always a great gift for Valentine’s Day.  This is the time to think outside the box.  Don’t stick to simple boxes of heart shaped candy consider her and go for that type of chocolate or candy treat.  If she loves gummy bears purchase them and glorify the presentation.  The same is true with chocolate.  If she loves chocolate find a way to mix and match her favorites.  Buy small pieces from all of her favorite places.  One of the bets gifts I have seem was a bouquet of truffles, chocolate strawberries, cake pops and more in a basket situated like a bouquet.  It was lovely and was filled with all of her favorite sweet treats.

Another terrific gift for a say filled with love is flowers.  A bouquet of cut flowers is nice however, finding a way to give her favorite flowers to her year round is even better.  Think outside the box.  Find a way to send her flowers the fourteenth of every month or create seedlings to be planted when the threat of frost has passed.  Flowers look beautiful, smell wonderful are a subtle gift.

Jewelry is another wonderful choice when it comes to Valentine’s Day however; don’t overdo it.  Pieces of jewelry that are simple and nice to receive as a token of love are a set of earrings shaped in the word love, a heart shaped diamond pendant or even a simple pair of diamond solitaire earrings. Think of a piece of jewelry that she will be delighted to wear every day.  A Valentine’s Day gift should be a piece that is perfect for everyday, simple and classic without being overly expensive.

If you are looking for way to let her know you hope to increase communication consider an iPhone.  Program it with songs you know she likes, apps that will allow her to know you have thought about her and an alarm set for a daily quick face time message to remind her that you think about her daily.  Women like to know they are being thought of as well as listened to.  What better way than stopping what you are doing everyday for a minute or two and showing her?

Valentine’s gifts should be all about the recipient. Lingerie has been something that has been given at this time of year for as long as the day has been around.  Instead of buying something that is for her but technically for you consider something really about enhancing her comfort or making her feel special.  A silk robe, comfy pair of pajamas says a whole lot more than a black and red lacy number.

Purchasing gifts is often more difficult than it needs to be.  When buying something for someone you love really think about them and what brings them happiness.  Often time’s simple, thoughtful gifts are better received than those that have cost you a month’s salary.

DaRoche Jewelers

Tips On Hiring A Reliable Freight Shipper For Your New Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Starting up a new business of any kind comes with a myriad of decisions to be made.  A well-researched business plan should be created to ensure a plan is in place for each and every one of the decisions to be made.  You should consider the cost of business insurance as well as a reputable company to purchase insurance from.  You need to think about how you will pay your employees.  Consider marketing and how you will drum up business.  It is also important to have a plan in action of how you will keep the business going as you build it up.  One of the most important questions to address involved the companies shipping.

A company’s shipping policies can literally make or break a new business. Business owners are forced to choose a reliable, affordable, fast freight shipping company that will help better the business while keeping overhead costs affordable.  The question now is how that is accomplished.  How does a new business owner go about finding an affordable, efficient and reliable shipping company to work with?

The first thing that you need to do upon inspecting different freight shipping companies is to look at the company’s track record.  Employing a company with an unfavorable shipping reputation is not advisable.  The research in finding a solid, reputable shipping company may take some time but in the long run it is time well spent.  To find out about a company’s reputation, the first place to check is with their references.

Find other business owners that the company works with and ask about how their shipping needs are being met.  A reliable shipping service is a must for starting, growing and maintaining your business.  If you choose wrong a myriad of problems can arise. Choosing an unreliable shipping freight company can lead to your products arriving late to their end user which causes your company’s reputation to look bad.  Your customers will not look at the shipping error as the freight company’s problem they will look at it as yours for choosing that method to ship your product.

When looking into choosing a freight company for you shipping needs check out what the company offers you.  When it comes to choosing a freight company to ship with you should find that you have access to state of the art software that allows you complete and direct access to a number of network carriers.  You should be able to log in and see what optimized logistic routes that your company has used in the past and have direct access to those routes as well.  This can streamline logistics for your company allowing you to get shipping at an affordable price on the most efficient travel path.

Lastly look into their support services.  They should have shipping experts available that are there to improve your business shipping needs.  Logistic professionals that help plan the most affordable and fastest shipping route.

Looking to answer these few questions with freight carriers you are interested in for your business needs will help you in the long run.  A reputable shipping company with updated technology and hands on support team will help your business succeed.

Detroit LTL

Creating A Favorable First Impression With Your Landscaping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

A well maintained landscape only increases the overall value of your home and neighborhood.  In home remodeling it isn’t only bathroom and kitchen design that matters when it comes to increasing worth.  A landscape that is well designed only enhances curb appeal and creates a favorable first impression.

A landscape contractor provides a diverse assortment of services.  Most offer a combination of services including; landscape design plans, lawn care and maintenance, mowing, sprinklers, walkways and more.

Finding a team of experts in landscaping services will be easier when using the tips below.

1)      First things first define your landscape needs.  Are you looking for lawn care such as mowing and maintenance or are you looking to create a new landscape all together.  Landscape companies can come in weekly, monthly or anything in between depending on your needs.

 

Before contacting a landscaper define what you are looking to get out to their services and the relationship you desire.  Decide what time of time commitment you are looking for.  It will help the landscaper as well because they may not be able to handle your needs.  If you need your lawn mowed every week but they don’t time slots available for that you will not want to waste your time or theirs interviewing them.

 

2)      Set a budget and stick to it.  It is easy to get overwhelmed with decisions when in the middle of the chaos and new landscape options.  Plants can easily sway your budget out of control.  Have a budget and stick to it.  If you have a monthly budget of a hundred bucks a month you may not be able to afford to get your lawn cut every week, you may need to reevaluate what you can afford.  Maybe you will have to only have lawn service once every two weeks to stick within your budget.

 

3)      If you are having your landscaping completely overhauled with a new design consider your timeline.  Do you need the landscape done before a graduation or other event being held at the house?  Make sure the landscape design artist have people available to get the job done in the time frame you need it done otherwise you will have to look to someone who can.

 

4)      So many things go into choosing a company.  Consider the length of time the landscaper has been in business and the referrals from others that have used their services.  Time in business doesn’t always guarantee that they will do a great job however time often brings with it experience.  Referrals are an excellent way to see what type of work that the team of landscape experts can do.  You will see a variety of landscapes and maintenance achieved by the contractor and their team.

When finally deciding upon a company make sure that you are overseeing the work done on your landscape with the designer.  This was you can catch any errors or adjustments needed prior to the job being complete.  It is harder to fix something after it is completed thank if you catch it mid process.  It is also important in maintenance and lawn care that you keep up on what is being done and that you address any issues as they arise.  Seeing weeds the day after the crew has been to your home to maintain the lawn is unacceptable is one of those things you should address to makes sure you are getting exactly what you are paying for.

 

 

CBA Outdoor Services

Hiring An Exterminator Verse DIY Pest Removal

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to pest control services hire a professional! By the time you try to eliminate the pests on your own with expensive chemicals and fail you could have had the professionals do it.  It just makes sense to start there in the first place.  Pest infestations of all types are nearly impossible for the untrained professional to completely eliminate let alone prevent from coming back.  From termite infestations to bed bugs, pests are ridiculously hard to eliminate from your home.

There are several benefits to hiring a professional exterminator.  The first is the expense.  It may seem that the initial outlay for a professional is a lot in comparison to running to the store and purchasing some over the counter product. This may be true to begin with but in the end when you have to continue running to the store as you discover the pest problem is not eliminated those chemicals as well as time spent will add up to more than the initial fee, treatment and prevention that comes with hiring an exterminator.

Hiring a professional is often more convenient than running out buying supplies and the labor intensive process of eliminating them.  A professional will work to meet your demands in pest removal, elimination and prevention.  Most exterminators work twenty four seven and will work to schedule appointments when convenient to homeowners.   Although a pest infestation is never convenient a professional exterminator can make the situation a lot easier for the homeowner to handle.

Another major difference is the experience level between a professional and a do it yourself homeowner.  Their experience allows them to come into a situation, identify the issues and treat the problem.  They also have the knowledge and understanding of what needs to be done next to prevent the pest issue from reoccurring.  An exterminator offers much more experience and expertise than the label on a can of insect spray.

Chemicals come with risks, especially pest killers.  If you apply chemicals without being knowledgeable about their risks you put yourself, family and pets at risk.  Hiring an exterminator eliminates the risks involved with pest control.  Pest control specialists use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which safeguards human and environmental health by using the least toxic methods first.

The effectiveness of do it yourself products is often less than desirable.  Household pests often become “immune” to store bought chemicals.  When you hire a professional pest removal company you hire an exterminator who has up to date information on changes to chemicals that are effective for your specific type of pest infestations.

Another major difference is the warranties and guarantees that come along with extermination services over store bought products.  Check with different exterminators before hiring one to eliminate, control and prevent pest problems within your home.  Make sure that you are hiring a company that offers a warranty for which they will come back to your home, at no charge, to retreat an infestation if a re-occurrence happens.  A good extermination company will stand by their products and services.

Best Pest Removal LLC

Finding The Perfect Electronic Entry Gate For Your Homes Driveway

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Driveway gates are a super-efficient way to establish boundaries around your home creating security and isolation.  When you look into purchasing an electronic gate and gate operator you will look into options available based on the security level needed and your budget.  When considering a driveway gate for your home consider the fact that it must open to allow a variety of sized vehicles into your yard.  If you need a tree cut down you will need the truck to have access to your home through the driveway.  The gate should allow for their entry.  You should also consider that the gate needs to be sized appropriately to the driveway as well as have the features you are looking for and the strength within the gate operating system to support the gates function.

The size of the electronic driveway gate is super important.  In the past many families have chosen to base the height and width based on their own vehicles.  The problem with this, as mentioned above, is that at some point and time a vehicle may need access to the property that is bigger than yours.  It could be a delivery truck, a moving van or new larger vehicle to support your growing family; the fact is the gate needs to be versatile. Leave extra space to ensure proper clearance to avoid accidents with your new automatic entry driveway gate.

Another choice that you are able to consider when it comes to automatic entry gates is the access entry; manual or automatic. A manual gate would need to be opened and closed by hand.  The next is automatic entry.  Access that is automated can be via remote access, keypad or one of several more access entry systems.  Power can be established to the gate operator via electricity or solar power.  The options and choices in electronic driveway systems are truly endless.

Gate designs choices range from sliding gates to swing gates.  Choosing between the two will depend on your space.  A sliding gate needs space free on the wither sides of gate where as a swing gate needs to have space towards the front and back.   Swing gates are incredibly popular and are the least expensive option of the two.  You, as the homeowner, need to decide which option is best for your home and driveway design.

Most electronic entryway driveway gates are made in aluminum or wrought iron.  If you live in an area known to have a severe climate you will want to choose a material that is sturdy enough to withstand the climate and winds.  The gate as well as posts and hinges should perform well under a variety of conditions and workloads.

When it comes to different safety features and your driveway gate is essential to think about taking precautions to avoid accidents.  You must ensure that when the gate is installed that the gate extends past the driveway when open and that the gate operator has a mechanism to stop the gate from closing if anything should be in its way. The fence is in place to promote the safety of your home.  It is up to you to make sure the fence functions correctly and is in place to keep your family in and outsiders out.

SAC Fence

Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor Verse DIY Home Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to home remodeling projects whether you are a do it yourself homeowner or a general contractor you should always consider what you are doing to help or hurt the progress of the renovation.  There are several major things that can stall a project adding weeks, maybe even months, to a simple remodeling project.  Below are some tips to help homeowners working with a contractor or doing renovations themselves to help keep the project on track budget and time wise.

The first tip is super important. Don’t postpone the decision making process.  For a remodel to go well you really need to have a plan and make decisions before the project takes off.  It is wise to give some forethought into complications that could arise and actions plans to compensate.  You might think that the complications to projects are what really delay the remodel but this in fact is wrong.  Most contractors will tell you the biggest project delays come from homeowners making the small decisions such as the color of the paint or what type of faucet to purchase. Every detail of the remodel, no matter how big or small works in conjunction with other aspects of the project.  It is a domino effect; each piece relies on the other.

Being indecisive and changing what you want at any point throughout the project will result in added costs and time.  Even a minor change can throw the scheduling off especially when more than one contractor’s schedule is involved in the project.  Time is spent communicating changes to everyone involved on the remodel as well as the increase to the budget for everyone’s time as well as new materials.  You can see how a decisive, clear, well thought out plan helps with entire remodeling project from a kitchen redesign to finishing a basement.

Sometimes there are situations in home remodeling where you can actually invest money to improve the house that will actually not add an equity value to the home.  For instance, if you live in a community filled with starter homes adding a gourmet kitchen to the house may be something you desire but come time to sell you will not recoup the value.  Also, make sure that you are renovating where it is important to the home. New cabinets and a fancy kitchen do nothing for your home value if paired with cracking foundations and old plumbing. Sometimes it is better to look into remodeling where you need to rather than where you want to.  Invest money into your home that will help you achieve the maximum return on investment and equity into your home.

A budget is set forth before a project of any magnitude is taken on.  It is important to have the money to cover what is needed.  The best advice anyone can give when remodeling is to have a contingency fund set aside in case something does arise.  A contingency fund isn’t money to be used frivolously on material upgrades and such but instead there if something happens in the process that was not planned for.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor