Month: May 2014

Regular Maintenance To Help Your Computer Run More Efficiently

When it comes to maintenance on our vehicles we already know that regular care and oil changes help keep the car running more efficiently. If you follow the scheduled provided the thought is that the car will run longer therefore saving you money on repairs or the cost of a new vehicle. It is so important in fact that each car comes with its own manual and specific mile counts on when to perform certain tasks.

This however, is not the case when it comes to your computer. This is a huge problem for those who are not tech savvy. We provide manuals and schedules for maintenance for non-auto savvy users but not on for a piece of equipment that people of all ages are using every day. This leads to the issue that often arises in computer repair service. How do you fix a piece of technology when it is on its last leg when a mere understanding of computer maintenance would have made a world of difference?

It is so important that computer users realize that instead of waiting for a crisis or problem to occur with their computer they should seek to do regular maintenance and keep up on the well-being of their computer systems. Whether you hire a computer specialist like you hire a mechanic or do it yourself here are so vital tips to keep your computer system up and running in top condition.

First things first make sure your computer is updated with the proper computer protection. You can choose to purchase anti-virus protection for your computer or consider the free online versions. Both can be scheduled to perform regular updates that work to prevent updated viruses from infecting your computer. Anti-virus protection helps to detect, remove and prevent spyware on your computer. A firewall can also be installed to prevent people and malicious programs from making changes to your computer system. The regular scans that are performed by these programs also help to find an eliminate infections.

Regular file clean-up is also necessary to help keep your computer performing well. This will eliminate build-up of files from websites and downloads which slow down computer use and internet browsing while increasing the overall speed of the scans that your computer is set to run regularly to update software and virus protection.

Disable startup programs that no longer are needed upon startup. Your computer will start to bog down when unnecessary programs are installed and continue to run upon start up. Programs get installed through mischievous practices that often go unnoticed by computer users. How many times have you been asked to download something that will supposedly make the computer run faster? I know I often get fooled. Many times when I am running scans I see a ton of programs in my computer history that have not been used for months. Many of these are secretly downloaded coupon menus and other crazy installations that I was not aware I had downloaded.

These easy steps and maintenance on your computer can easily save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Spring and Summer Maintenance For Your Lawn

As winter turns to spring and spring into summer there are several things that need to be done to your landscape to prevent it from looking run down.  Spring clean-up on landscaping as well as summer maintenance can turn an okay landscape into major curb appeal for your home.  Don’t think you have the time or drive for spring lawn clean up or summer maintenance?  Look into hiring a local landscaper to help.  Many landscape companies employ ground crews who are in charge of lawn mowing, mulching, brush clearing; the laborious work when it comes to a home’s landscape.  Don’t be led to believe that all landscapers only work to design and install the landscape for your home as most also provide year round maintenance to ensure that your lawn is in top shape no matter the season.

Upon your lawns initial spring consultation the landscape crew will come in and evaluate the lawn and survey the damage that was created from the winter.  This includes anything from evaluating the damage from animal waste and urine to moles and bare patches left from the harsh winter.  Most often patch seeding takes place as well as fertilization, aerate and watering.

Lawn maintenance teams in the north also look for “snow mold”.  Snow mold is a disease that occurs on your lawn when blades of grass become stuck together and prevent new grass from growing.  It basically created a grass mat that will need to be gently remedied.  This can be done with a light raking to the area and an early mowing.  This helps to break up the grass as well as mulch up the dead grass from your last mow before winter.  Mowing also helps to mulch in any let over leaves and materials that are still covering the lawn.  Of course a good light raking will help with this as well.

Any plants that are highly susceptible to frost should be left covered until two weeks after the last frost for your area.  The quickest way to ruin a beautiful rose bush is introducing it before the fear of frost is completely eliminated.  In some areas this could take until Memorial Day or later. Once it is decided that the fear of frost is gone the plants can be uncovered.  This is the perfect time to address the plants health.  First remove any dead or blackened areas of the plant then prune the branches down to healthy wood right above where the leaf buds.  Wait to add mulch to the area in order for the ground to warm thoroughly.  Mulching too soon keeps the cold around the plants root system therefore inhibiting seasonal growth.

Your landscape team will check over all plants, shrubs and trees in the yard and recommend options in care if needed.  The spring and summer seasons are meant for enjoying the outdoors and becoming one with your surroundings.  This can easily be achieved in your very own yard by hiring a lawn maintenance crew to provide care for your lawn and gardens.

The Significance Of Automatic Gate Entry Systems

With changes in society there has been a shift in thinking about automatic gate entry systems.  What once was a luxury is now becoming mainstream for the multitude of benefits provided to homeowners and business alike.  With the advancements in technology and the need for greater security people are relying on electronic entrance gates and fences more than ever.

The purchase of automatic gate system is a major investment.  Before purchasing and installing an electronic gate homeowners should look into the systems available as well as the space it is to be installed.  Consider the following questions when looking into the purchase of a new automatic gate.

Why should homeowners consider purchasing and installing gates?

When it comes to deterring trespasser and thief’s gate and fence systems are effective.  Not only do they help to keep unwanted visitors out but also work well to keep small children and pets in the boundaries of your yard. A gate is perfect for homes with extra-long driveways as well.  Even though it may be easily bi-passed without a fence attached, a closed automatic gate gives the subliminal message to keep out where as an open fence says “welcome”.

Many people question why an automatic gate is any better than a manual gate.  The answer to me is clear.  With a manual gate you have the inconvenience of exiting the car each and every time you wish to close the gate.  Naturally this inconvenience will leave many homeowners leaving their gate open therefore losing the security that the gate is to provide. An automatic gate and the ease of use it provides will lead to better security for your home and family. Also, automatic gates lock immediately upon closing.

To power your automatic gate you have a few options.  You can choose to use pure solar energy, a combination of solar and electrical power or straight electricity.  The power supply is located within the same vicinity as the fence and should only be installed by a gate contractor that is knowledgeable and trained in installation techniques.

The choice in how the gate opens is another thing to consider.  This most often comes down to the property in which the gate is to be installed.  Sliding gate work well on most driveways whereas swing gates need a flat driveway to work.  Overall sliding gates, in my opinion, tend to be the better option as far as function, ease of use and safety.  Swing gates however are most often a more attractive option.

Another thing to consider is the access control entry system you would like for your gate. Remote entry is the most convenient however not practical for visitors and people wishing to gain access.  There are several ways around this.  A key code pad can be installed and known visitors can have their own codes to enter the property.  This will help you keep track of who is on the property when you are not home. Another option is a call box in which visitors must be let in by the homeowners using remote access. There are several options to consider in regards to access control systems to choose from.

Overall you can see the many benefits for having an automatic gate installed.  Obviously top priority is the safety and security of your family.  A gate and fence system keep wanted people and pets in and unwanted visitors out.

Comfort Provided By Aging In Place

When it comes to growing old in today’s world things have changed a great deal from our grandparent’s day.  Growing up it was always talked about as my grandparents aged that they would move into an independent living facility and then directly into an assisted living home.  There was never a discussion about making it possible to retrofit their existing home to make is possible for them to stay safely on their own in their own home.  Today we do everything in our power to make the home that our elders live in as they age as safe as possible for them to continue to live independently.

There is a certain degree of dignity and freedom that our parents have when they are able to continue to thrive on their own without assistance from others.  This change alone leads many older people to prosper in health.  With this change comes the need for minor home modifications that are put into place to help assist in aging.  There are a variety of plans that can be implemented that assure a safe living environment for your loved one.  Here are some things to consider when thinking about renovations to a loved one’s home or to your own as you yourself travel through the aging process.

First consider the home that you live in and if it will be possible to live in the home as you age with a few minor renovations.  If you currently live in a two story home can you have an electric ramp chair installed on the stairway or does it make more sense to move into a home that has everything on one floor.  The problem with homes built on one floor is that they tend to have longer hallways.  If you do not have the strength to maneuver the length of the long hall way it may be better to have a smaller two story home with a chair that maneuvers the stairway for you.

If you choose a one story home and the long hall way is too much for you at times consider using a wheelchair or other wheeled cart for the length of the hall way.  This often is a lot easier and more convenient that dealing with the stairs.  Stairs, even with the use of a chair lift are often inconvenient.  The stair lift takes a great deal of time to maneuver in and out of.  This could be really inconvenient especially in an emergency situation.

All entrance to the home, rooms and shower areas should include a step-less entrance, a widened door jam and pocket doors.  Pocket doors are of course not an option with the main homes entrance but are necessary throughout the home.  Pocket doors eliminate the hinges and jam barrier as well as the inconvenience of the door opening in and out.

Bathrooms in homes that are being remodeled to provide ease of use for aging adults should be renovated to include heightened toilets, increased lighting and step-less, door-less entry into the shower.  A built in bench should be included as well as grab bars on all sides of the shower and exit. The shower is the number one place for accidents within the home so use caution when remodeling in this area especially when helping parents that would like to age in their home.

Every home remodel, every age in place scenario and every senior is different.  The challenges faced throughout the process on whatever level are unique to each and every family.  Be patient through the challenges and as always consider the contractor before hiring them.  Ensure that they are familiar with special needs remodeling and the guidelines put forth by ADA.

A Deeper Look Into LTL Shipping

What is Less Than Truckload Shipping Anyways?

Less than Truckload, otherwise known as LTL shipping is one method of shipping goods that don’t require an entire truck to be shipped. The shipment that is being sent can fit in a truck with other shipments and does not require an entire forty-eight to fifty three foot trailer to haul it.  Truckload and LTL services are similar in that they both offer different services depending on what the client needs shipped.  Trucking services include residential pick up and deliveries as well as lift gate services, guaranteed services, freeze protection, bottom line cost and transit to name a few.

With any shipping service, including LTL, products will move from one point to another using a variety of methods that include truck, air, railway and water.  When shipping within the United States, shipping via truck lends to infinite possibilities consider time and place.  There is no waiting on a railway and their defined schedule.  LTL shipping offers both flexibility and decreased costs when it comes to shipping.  Freight carriers in the U.S. operate in a manner that allows for truck load services or less than truck load services.  This allows small companies the ability to compete in the ever bustling and changing business world.

There are defined characteristics of LTL shipping carriers.  Many less than truckload carriers use van trailers and enclosed trailers to move goods for their clients.  Some but not many also offer refrigeration services.  This is less common in LTL shipping than in FTL.  It is common to see rear roll up doors in many vehicles specializing in LTL shipments.  The entrance area with these carriers is often times smaller than trucks that offer swing doors.  Some LTL carriers use pup trailers in hauling.  When using a pup trailer most LTL carriers will not accept anything from a shipper that is bigger than one pup trailer.  They can easily maneuver and pick up ad deliver shipments when using pup trailers.  Often times when full a carrier will pull tandem pup trailers to their destination making the most of their time on the interstate roadways.

Pup trailers allow goods to be sorted and stored then easily dropped.  The packages are sorted by destination and can easily be maneuvered throughout carrier terminals to their final destinations.  Many carriers use central hubs to collect deliveries from LTL shippers.  This allows the goods to be delivered using smaller carrier trucks.  Carrier trucks are designed to deliver packages while also picking up shipments that will need to be sent through the distribution channel out for delivery in another part of the country or world.

When you consider logistics and the world we live in it is simply amazing.  Business owners using LTL shipping methods to allow customers to receive their goods within a day or two of ordering it.  Instant gratification is something that is facilitated using the services of well laid out LTL shippers and carriers.  Think about how amazing the system is the next time you order something that has to be shipped from overseas or from a state thousands of miles from yours.  It is amazing how fast it can actually get from the sellers location to your door step.

Everything You Should Know About Remodeling Your Bathroom

When doing a bathroom remodel there is a lot to take into consideration.  Prior planning on any major home improvement allows the project to move along smoother but none so more than with a bathroom especially a master bath.  Below are some tips to help the renovation of your bathroom run smooth.

First and last, hire a contractor.  When taking on the remodel of a room that is used daily such as a bathroom or kitchen, minimizing downtime is the most important step in the process.  When you are trying to accomplish a remodel on your own and deal with the demands of everyday life it is easy to become overwhelmed and sloppy.  The expense added when hiring a contractor is often off set by time saved and the amount of a discount they receive when purchasing materials for your project.

The next step is to preplan as much as possible.  Purchase materials ahead of time.  When looking for faucets purchase quality and elegance.  It will sell well later on when you are ready to move and can be adjusted to fit into any style bathroom.  Looking for a tub?  Try it out.  This requires you actually getting into it, sitting, stretching out and taking into account everything that you will want the tub to serve a purpose for.  Larger tubs are needed when taking into consideration aging in place modifications.  This is all something you should consider.  Once the tub is installed it is too late to go back and redo the mistake without costing a lot of money and access time.

Bathroom flooring should be durable and able to stand the test of time even with the moisture and water build up that occurs in a bathroom.  Most often bathroom flooring consists of ceramic tile. Ceramic tile flooring is durable, up to date and varies in expensive making it a solid choice in bathroom flooring.

A nice toilet is a must for any bathroom renovation.  In stock homes the cheapest toilet is usually chosen.  For an extra hundred bucks or so you can increase the comfort of your toilet tenfold.  A toilet that is high is easier on the knees while a toilet that offers slant in positioning adds comfort.  Your bathroom especially in a remodel should add comfort to your lifestyle.

Another feature that is important in the bathroom is the lighting.  Lighting in a bathroom should always be adjustable.  Bright lighting is not always necessary but is nice when applying makeup, waxing or shaving.  Dim lighting is nice to add some ambience for a relaxing bath or when waking up in the morning.   Lighting is a very important element in most rooms throughout your home.  It is not something to overlook and should always be incorporated into the budget especially in bathroom renovations.

When renovating a bathroom consider the small details.  Don’t overdo it but consider adding some as they often bring the luxury to your home renovations.  One thing that sells a home is a luxurious master bath so it is important not to miss the mark!

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contacthttp://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Advice on Remodeling Your Homes Kitchen

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular options when considering rooms to remodel in your home.  Upgrading your kitchen will update your home, add value and increase the ease of use.  Hire an experiences kitchen contractor; this is the number one tip anyone can give you when looking into a large renovation project.  Below are a few more to think about.

If you are going to proceed with any renovation in your home but especially with a kitchen remodel only use quality materials.  Top quality products with top notch construction mean that something as simple as your cabinet door will close correctly and never stick.  Purchase kitchen cupboards and cabinetry made out of solid wood.  Particle board will not hold up when used on kitchen drawers, cabinets or cabinet doors.  With something as visible and often used such as kitchen cabinetry you need solid construction and superior materials.

Consider the size of your kitchen when buying kitchen cabinets.  If you have super tall ceilings you can maximize kitchen storage by purchasing tall cabinets.  Extra storage is not something homeowners or future buyers will ever complain about.  Keeping a twelve to eighteen inch between the cabinets and the ceiling is an acceptable clearance.

When considering kitchen cabinets there is always a great debate on if to go with stain or paint.  Staining is the most forgiving option however they are not easily redone either.  With paint you get a unique finish that adds personality to your kitchen.  Cabinets that are painted also have the ability to easily be changed with a fresh coat of paint.

Kitchen countertops are another area where quality is so important.  Consider slate, marble, soapstone, granite or other solid materials when it comes to your kitchen counters.  Laminate is a cheap alternative for kitchens and should only be used if you must redo your kitchen and the budget doesn’t call for something higher end.  When using laminate consider adding wood trim to give the appearance of sophistication.

Another tip that is all too often ignored it the overuse of detail.  Accents used in the kitchen, not abused.  When it comes backsplashes, pediments over the stove and plaster molding on cabinets it can distract from the clean, airy feeling a kitchen gathering space should have. Choose one major detail that you want added to the kitchen and let it speak for itself.  A tile backsplash adds enough personality that you don’t have to overdo it on the rest.

Don’t over gadget your kitchen either.  Settle on a few key appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.  If you want a blender, a toaster, a smooth maker, bread maker and every other appliance known to man install a lazysusan to store them so that they are easily accessible but not overwhelming the top of the counters.  Basic is always better when it comes to creating a kitchen space that is easy to navigate and entertain.

Kitchen remodeling is something that will take time.  To lessen the burdens consider planning the design and ordering the materials before construction begins.  This way the contractor will know what they have to work with from the start.  This is also a great way to create and stay within a budget.

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Consider Your Space When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Anytime you decide to remodel a space in your home you are filled with emotions that range from stress to excitement. A lot of time and money will go into the job. When hiring a contractor to remodel your homes bathroom there are a few things to keep in mind that allow the job to go smoother. The smoother the job, the less delays and the fewer days you are without a bathroom. Take the tips below into consideration when you decide to take the leap into having your bathroom remodeled.

First things first, it is important that you meet with your bathroom contractor before you start ordering anything. This is important for a few reasons. First they may be able to get a discount on supplies that you need for your space. Second they will help you to understand the different options you have as far as using the space that you have. A large spa tub may be what you want however if it takes away from other essential items in the space a contractor make help you to decide on a smaller space efficient option.

Once you have met with the contractor and you are sure of the details within the project begin the process of ordering the supplies you will need. Have everything in hand before the project starts. This is especially true when redoing a bathroom. Special orders take time to get in. When you order something they may give you a time of reference. Don’t count on this date for anything as you will be disappointed. Before you start the bathroom renovation you will want all the needed tile, fixtures, bathroom cabinetry and so forth. No surprise is a good surprise when it comes to redoing a space as important as your homes bathroom.

When you are considering what to order for the space don’t rule any option out until you have had a moment to think about it. Perhaps it may not be what you initially envisioned but after some time and seeing the design on bathroom software that your contractor has available it may become an option. The best advice is to stay open to the ideas of others especially professionals who have remodeled many bathroom spaces similar to yours over the years. They know what has and has not worked in the past.

A complaint that has been heard over and over for years by bathroom contractors is the lack of storage not only in the cabinets and linen closet but the shower as well. Plan your shower space to accommodate anything and everything you may need. Built in shelving is a brilliant option in shower spaces today. Alleviate the hassle of shower caddy’s and soap dishes with built in cubbies to all your showering needs.

Every detail counts right down to the shower curtain rod. A new option in shower rods is a curved rod. This may not seem like that big of a deal however using a curved shower rod gives you a surprising amount of extra space in the shower without taking away valuable floor space. They attach right to the wall using screws. You will never have to worry about pulling the shower curtain off the wall with those cheap tension rods again.

Add lighting and other extra features that will be important as you age. Bathrooms are the number one space in the home for accidents to occur. Add in safety features while remodeling. They will add to the value of your home as well as benefit your aging body. Little upgrades that cost mere pennies more now during the remodel can be game changers later on. Consider safety bars, upgraded lights and a taller toilet.

When it comes to your bathroom or remodeling any room in your house for that matter always consider what you want, the practicality and advice from the professionals. This is a sure fire way to get exactly what you want and need every time during home improvements.

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Exploring Options When Kitchen Remodeling

When it comes to remodeling your home each and every detail is important. This is never truer than when looking to remodel your homes kitchen. Each detail is as important as the next. When remodeling a space such as the kitchen everything from the new layout right down to the faucets need to be considered. In a kitchen, one of the main focal points is the cabinets. Kitchen cabinets take up a considerable amount of floor and wall space with in the area. When you begin to plan your kitchen remodel make sure to talk to the contractor in depth about the cabinets. This is a great start to start when designing a new kitchen space.

Choosing cabinets is not an easy task. It is overwhelming and without being a visual person often difficult to see within your own space. Many kitchen contractors are now equipped with software that allows you to physical design your space including images of different concepts, cabinetry, appliances and smaller details. This allows you to actually “see” it in place before anything is purchased. When looking at cabinetry for your kitchen there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, look at the different options in kitchen cabinet materials. Most likely you are only familiar with the use of wood in cabinetry for the kitchen. This is the most popular option in kitchens to day but you can also consider other materials such as metal, stainless steel, thermofoil and melamine.

Check out the different options available in kitchen cabinet door styles. Styles are available from ultra-modern and traditional to country and rustic. The more detail on the cabinet door the more expensive it will be. Also consider that a more complex cabinet door also requires more detailed cleaning.

Consider the type of finish you desire if you have chosen wood doors. Often times homeowners will choose to finish kitchen cabinets with stain but there are other finishes available. Consider paint, glazing and distressing for something different.

Cabinet door mounting is another decision you will need to make. Most cabinet doors lay over the cabinet case. You can choose a full cabinet mount which allows the door to lay over the cabinet exposing none of the cabinet case. The doors will close together tightly to avoid any exposure to the case. You can also chose to inset the doors however this is the least common cabinet door mounting. Cabinet doors that sit flush inside the cabinet may not be common but are incredibly stylish and give a clean lined look to a kitchen space.

Cabinet hardware is one of those decisions that is not one that needs to be made right away. Hardware can wait to be chosen until after the kitchen is well on its way to completion. Cabinet hardware can easily enhance the overall look, feel and design of your kitchen. The knobs and pulls you choose can dress up or dress down the feel of the space. If in the end you feel you may have gone a bit one way or another with the kitchen design use the hardware as a way to bring the design back to exactly what you were looking for.

With cabinets there are an array of things you can analyze straight down to the height and depth of the cabinets. When considering cabinetry for your kitchen think of the space as a clean slate. A professional kitchen contractor can help you to envision something completely new and different in your space to bring out the best that your kitchen has to offer.

 

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Trusting Your Instincts In Divorce

When women begin to consider divorce or start the process of filing for divorce they begin to receive lots of unwanted advice. The same thing happens to women throughout life I suppose. Consider when you first announced you were getting married, having a baby, quitting your job to stay home with your children; you name it when it involves your family and personal decisions you need to make everyone has an opinion. That is just one of the funny parts of life.

The best advice is advice not given. When it comes to your divorce, just like your marriage, it will be unique to you and so will your experiences as you proceed. There are some tips that may or may not apply to your situation. It is best to decide for yourself your next move. Do research on your own about divorce. This will help lead you into a position that allows you to think for yourself without being swayed by the tips or opinions of bitter divorcees.

When divorce is initially considered or thought of it is a good idea to meet with an attorney that specializes in women’s divorces. Find an attorney that comes with a solid reputation for defending women’s rights in divorce as well as child custody and support. Most often the initial consultation with the attorney is free even if this is not the case one hour of time with an attorney will allow you to get a good feel for their practice as well as their reputation. You will want to be comfortable with this person as you will be sharing incredibly intimate details of your marriage with them.

During this first initial meeting with a divorce attorney you should get a basic understanding on the divorce laws of your state. Each state is different when it comes to divorce laws. It is crucial to understand the laws of your state and how they apply to your situation. During this meeting you will also want to get information about attorney fees, mediation and different parenting agreements that are applicable to your situation.

Some divorces are fairly amicable and can be settled through mediation. Your divorce attorney should accompany you to any meetings set by the mediator. This is important to help protect you and your rights. Even when divorce is amicable doesn’t mean that your ex-husbands attorney will play fairly. Never sign or agree to anything involving your divorce without the advice of your divorce council present.

Before you leave the residence you share with your spouse check with your attorney. This is a decision that should not be made in haste. There are real implications when it comes to leaving the marital home during a divorce. If you find you are concerned for your safety or the safety of your children you should seek out a personal protection order, otherwise known as a PPO, or restraining order while things are settled with your divorce.

In the next installment on divorce we will look into more tips and strategies for you to investigate as you move through the divorce process. Remember one size does not fit all when you are considering a divorce and your divorce proceedings are meant to fit you.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce. For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Michigan you can find more information athttp://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com