Month: February 2015

The Do’s and Don’ts Associated With Remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to home improvements there are a bunch of do’s and don’ts.  This is never truer than it is with kitchen and bathroom renovations.  Although you need to take into consideration your personal style it is crucial to also remember that you may eventually need to sell your home.  Below you will find some tips on ensuring your kitchen and bathroom renovations don’t go awry.

It is easy to go overboard with customization when you are redoing the kitchen and bathrooms in your home.  Although your home should be customized to your needs consider the probability of recouping the expense when you seek to sell your home.  Every buyer and seller has different needs.  If a Jacuzzi is something that is beneficial to you note that the expense may not be recouped later on.  It is important not to go overboard on customization’s that will not be recouped later on.

Consider the use and cost of all of the materials used in your renovation.  When buyers are looking into purchasing a home they are looking for home of average value.  When you add an abundance of high end materials you can find yourself over pricing your home for the area in which you live.  When purchasing materials for your home improvement project make sure you take into consideration the cost of the materials verse other recent renovations in the area.

Hire a professional contractor to handle your kitchen and bath renovations.  Many people think that hiring a contractor is going to be pricey but it doesn’t have to be.  Search for a reasonable contractor that is reputable and whose work you find to be representative of the style you desire.  Hiring a kitchen and bathroom contractor saves you both time and money.  They are able to purchase materials at a discounted price and because they are experienced they save you time as well.  The quicker the renovation takes place the less disruption to your daily routine.

Utilize the space you have.  Be creative and economical when working with your contractor on bathroom and kitchen design ideas.  Purchase materials that fit within your budget and design without going overboard.  Quality materials come in all price ranges.  You don’t have to purchase the most expensive materials to have the best kitchen and bathroom renovation.  Be patient throughout the process.  Everything will fall into place as your kitchen and bath remodel comes together and at the end of the day it will be exactly as you desire.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, 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 for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

, , , , , , , , , ,

Affordable Age In Place Bathroom Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

More and more people in the aging population are choosing to stay living within their own homes.  With this in mind it is important to look into specific renovations to the one room where most accidents occur, the bathroom.

The first thing you need to do is add grab bars to the bathroom space.  Grab bars add additional support for seniors as they enter and exit the shower.  They also add additional support to hold on to when they are in the shower.  Grab bars need to be installed properly.   Hire an age in place specialist, a contractor that specializes in age in place remodeling as they will ensure the grab bar is installed correctly.

If you can financially afford it replace the bathtub with a stand up shower and built in shower seat.  If this is not feasible add a shower seat to the bath tub.  It is incredibly difficult for seniors to enter and exit a bathtub.  It is better to install a walk in shower space that offers a zero entry design.   This along with the addition of a shower seat and grab bars is the safest option for the seniors.

Cabinet hardware in the bathroom should be changed from knobs to pulls.  Seniors with arthritis will have a difficult time wrapping their hands around small knobs.  Cabinet pulls are easier for them to grasp and don’t require your hand to curve around the hardware.  Also lever handles are better on the bathroom door to allow for an easier entrance and exit into the space.

In order to access the supplies within the bathroom it is best to install shelving that pulls out.  This allows for easier access to the items in the back of the cabinets which makes getting access to what they need less complicated.  Pull out shelves are also a great idea for age in place remodeling with in the kitchen as well.

Another consideration to make is the placement of the electrical outlets and switches.  Seniors that are aging may need a wheelchair or walker accessibility.  Make sure that the outlets and lights are within reach at the lower height requirements.  Don’t make it so that aging seniors have to stretch to turn lights on and off.  The goal is to remain independent and this requires access.

Vision decreases throughout the aging process.  With that in mind the need for extra lighting becomes essential in the bathroom.  Add extra lights in the shower, above the vanity and throughout the space.  A light over the toilet can help as well.  Recessed lighting can be a life saver when designing for a bathroom remodel.

Making the necessary renovations and accommodations to allow seniors to age in place allows for safety while continuing to live independently.  This is especially important as we continue to live longer.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

, , , , , ,

Choosing A Realtor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The truth is that purchasing a home is the single most expensive investment in our lives.  In order to ensure the process of buying a new home is smooth it is important that you find a realtor to work with.  In order to find a realtor that will maximize your experience there are some things to look for when searching for someone to sell your home or assist you in purchasing a new home.

One of the first things to take into account is that you need a professional.  A realtor is someone that is a real estate professional that is a member of the National Association of Realtors, which subscribes to a strict code of ethics.  Not all agents or brokers are realtors so it is important to find a true realtor to assist you in buying or selling your home.

Experience counts when you are looking for a realtor.  Ask questions about how long that they have been a licensed realtor.  It is also important that they have been a realtor in the area that you are selling or buying a new home.  Your realtor needs to be familiar with the area and what buyers and sellers are looking for when it comes to homes in order to best serve your needs.

After you have narrowed down the field of potential realtors it is time to look into their referrals to make your final selection.  Ask their referrals about the services the realtor provided.  What was their experience buying or selling a home with the realtor?  A great question to ask is if they were going to buy or sell their home again if they would choose to use that realtor again.

You need to use the right type of realtor for your needs.  Are you going to use a conventional realtor or a buyer’s broker?  A conventional realtor works mainly for the seller.  The commission they make is off of the purchase price of the home.  Conventional realtors work to sell a home fast for the most money possible.  If you are selling your home this will work well for you however if you are buying a home you may want to look into a buyer’s broker.

A buyer’s broker will represent you as a buyer.  Buyer’s agents are not working for the seller and therefore are focused on finding a home that is perfect for you.  There is one other type, a dual agent.  This type of agent is able to take clients that are selling homes and buying homes; they represent buyers and sellers.  This may or may not be the ideal situation for you but is one that is available.

The best piece of advice to find someone you can talk comfortably with.  You will want to be honest at all times and have someone that is available and will listen to you.  It is important that you choose someone that is a great communicator and that works with you to ease any and all questions and concerns you may have.

Lake and Land Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor out of Pinckney, Michigan serving homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Hamburg, Pinckney and Howell.  More information can be found at http://www.lakelandmi.com/.

Lake and Land Real Estate

, , , , ,

Choosing A LTL Shipper or Shipping Broker

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Finding an LTL shipper is a small feat for many businesses.  No matter if you ship a few dozen LTL shipments or a group of pallets monthly you need to find a less than truckload shipper that works within your schedule and budget.  Choosing an LTL Shipper is one of the most important business decisions you will make.  Another way is to choose a shipping broker that will assist you in finding exactly what you need when you need it. Whether searching for an LTL shipper or freight brokers there are a few considerations to make to find someone that will help you build your business.

1)      Work With Those That Will Help You Simplify The LTL Shipping Process

Find an LTL shipper that will works with you to make your shipping as simple as possible.   A company that has your best interest in mind will determine what your requirements are so that no detail is forgotten as your LTL shipments are processed.  The process should be easy for you, every question that needs to be answered should be asked ahead of time in order to ensure the quote you are sent matches exactly what you pay.

2)      Find Companies That Will Help You Save Time

LTL shipping is one of the most complex methods of shipping.  Find a company that will work with you to identify the class of your freight, the weight, routing, rates, packing and documentation.   Work with an LTL shipper or LTL broker that will handle all of this for you so that you can concentrate on your business.

3)      Make Sure You Are Always In The Loop

You want to work with an LTL company or shipping broker that keeps you in the loop when it comes to any and all issues that may affect your business.  If the freight classification changes and it will affect your overall pricing you need to know that the company you are working with will let you know so that you can make changes to your shipping budget.

4)      Saving Money Is Important Too

A LTL shipper or broker should be working to leverage the best deal possible for you shipments.   Work with companies that will offer you discounts and blanket pricing.  A company that is looking to save you money will attempt to combine your shipments to save you shipping dollars.

5)      Technology Matter

The software and advances in logistics matter when it comes to shipping your products.  Work only with LTL shippers and freight brokers that work with the latest in technology and shipping software.  This will ensure that your needs are met at the best possible rates.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Decisions To Make When Purchasing A Gate Operator

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many of us are trying to find new ways to keep our families safe while at home.  One of the ways we can do this is by adding privacy fencing and electronic entrance gates.  When purchasing an entrance gate you need to consider the gate operator that will allow the gate to function via remote control, keyless entry or other different types of control systems.  When it comes to purchasing a gate operator there are several things to consider before finalizing the purchase.  Below you will find a list of considerations that will allow you to make the best decision possible when choosing a gate operator for your electronic entry gate system.

Considerations When Choosing A Gate Operator

1)      Consider the type of gate that the operator will be used in conjunction with.  Do you have a swing gate, a sliding gate or a rolling gate?  You also need to consider if the gate is a single or double gate.  There are a variety of gate operators that are specific to your gate so choose one that is meant to work specifically with the system you have installed.

2)      Make sure you know the weight and length of your gate.  You won’t want to purchase a gate operator that is under powered for the size of your entry gate.  If you purchase one that is underpowered your gate it will not function properly.  Your fence will end up being underpowered and in the long run the decision will be one you come to regret.  Purchase a gate operator that is meant to specifically power your gates weight and length.

3)      Determine what type of power that should be used in conjunction with your entry gate.  All gate operators require a source of electricity to power them.  Low voltage, battery systems are simple and easy to use and to install.  You will still need an electricity source to power the low voltage battery system.  This can come in a simple outlet installed close to the operator, or even a solar powered source; both will help to keep the battery source charged.

Not all gate operators will be able to use solar power as a power source.   When purchasing a gate operator, be sure that if you plan on using solar power that your system is compatible.   The sun can be used to power your gate operator if you chose a system that works in that fashion.  Other systems require the use of good old fashion electricity in which an electrical source can be placed in a location close to the gate operator.

These are just some of the basics to think about when choosing a gate operator and entry fence for the safety of your home and family.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

, , , , , , ,

Bring On Spring Landscaping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The winter season has been miserably cold with temperatures reaching record lows.  Most of us have been held up in our homes trying to make the most of these bitter cold days.  We venture outside long enough to take the trash out and run back inside to try to warm up from the excursion.  The minute the birds start to chirp here in the north you can bet that most of us will be taking advantage of the warmth by starting our spring landscape maintenance.  Below you will find some information to get you ready for when the spring finally gets here.

One thing to remember no matter how warm it gets throughout March and April hold off on the urge to start your irrigation system and sprinklers.  Wait until May, until the potential for frost is gone, to begin preparing your sprinkler system.  Your lawn has plenty of moisture stored so the need for supplemental moisture really doesn’t come into play until the beginning or middle of May anyhow.

When the temperatures start to warm and the probability of a freeze is gone it is time to start preparing your trees for the warmth that is about to occur.  Any tree that has been wrapped for the winter should be unwrapped and the burlap should be removed from the bushes.  Now is not the time to prune your trees and bushes.  Spring is when they are budding and most susceptible to stress.  It is best to wait until after the trees and bushes have begun to blossom until you trim are able to tell what is living.

Your perennials and ornamental grass is a different story.  You should take time at the start of spring to trim them down.  This will allow them to regenerate bigger and better than they were the previous year.  Be careful with certain perennials and grasses as they may not need to be trimmed down as far down as others.  If you are unsure it is best to talk with or hire a landscaper to come in and assist you with spring clean up.

Springtime is also the time of year where you split fall blooming perennials and grasses and transplant them throughout the landscaping.  This will give the plants plenty of time to grow throughout the season so that when they bloom in late summer there will be more of them for you to enjoy.

Mulch is another spring time maintenance task.  Remove any extra mulch that was put in place to protect the trees from the harsh winter.  Less mulch surrounding the plants and trees will allow the extra moisture to soak into the plants roots.  With too much mulch in place or extra leaf debris there is a chance for root rot, mold and insect damage.

All this talk about spring landscape maintenance makes it a bit more difficult to face the facts that we have a little ways to go until it gets here.  Head to the home improvement store to get a head start on buying new spring maintenance tools, fertilizer and debris bags that may help tide you over until spring comes back to us cold folk in the north.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services, including landscaping and landscape design, throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties.  For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

, , , , , ,

Insuring Your Pool Plasters Longevity

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a variety of surfaces available when it comes to in-ground pools: fiberglass, vinyl, plaster or pebble tec.  The most common material for in-ground pools is plaster and with that commons many choices in color and texture. To make the most of your in-ground swimming pools plaster you will want to ensure your pool plaster is applied properly, cured properly and cared for.  Different additives can help hide imperfections and conceal staining when added to your pools plaster.  Below you will find tips on how to ensure your pools plaster is properly installed and cared for.

The best time to plaster your pool is during the later part of the summer into the fall.  If you plaster during the hottest months you can cause premature cracking.  The plaster needs time to dry and the pool needs time to fill with water.  After your pools plaster has been applied it is important to be on the lookout for small cracks in the surface.  Plaster is more susceptible to drying out too quickly when applied during the heat of the summer months.  This is one of the most important reasons to apply plaster to your pool in colder temperatures.  You can add special preservatives to help the plaster cure.  For the best results it is important that the temperature range between fifty and seventy degrees with excess humidity in the air.

The best way in which to fill the pool is using a truck or fire hydrant.  Pool water cures faster under water and the quicker this is done the better.  By filling the pool at a faster rate you are better able to secure your pools plaster and curing.  If the pool stops filling by any chance, even if only for a few hours, you risk the plasters appearance.  Your plaster may show a dirt line where the filling was paused.

The pool and the new plaster should be kept clean throughout the filling process and for several weeks after it has been installed.  Use only a pool brush to clean the pools plaster daily.  If time allows make sure you use the pool skimmer as well.  The cleaner you are able to keep your pool after the plaster is installed the longer your pool plaster will look brand new.

The last thing you need to take into account when having your pool newly plastered is balancing the chemical balance.  Remember that the chemicals in the pools plaster will add a different balance to the pools water.  Be ready to add chemicals to ensure that the pools ph and alkalinity levels keep your pools plaster in brand new condition.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

, , , , , , , , , ,

Tips To Help Find A Divorce Attorney To Represent You

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There is so much more to choosing a divorce attorney then flipping through the yellow pages.  It doesn’t make sense to choose the same attorney that represented you when leasing your first home to also handle your divorce.  Attorney’s all have specialties and it is important to find one that will understand the ins and outs of representing you in your divorce.  Family law attorneys specialize in all things dealing with divorce.  They will represent you not only in your divorce but child custody and support, alimony issues, personal protection orders and restraining orders.  You need an attorney that specializes in the issue at hand, your divorce.

Not only is it important to hire a divorce attorney that specializes in divorce you need to find one that you can comfortably speak with.  Only hire an attorney that you trust and can confide in.  You will need to share with them a lot of information about your marriage including some very private information about yourself and your life together with your partner.

Another important aspect of finding qualified divorce attorney to take on your case is to find an attorney that can speak to you in plain English.  Don’t hire someone that only knows how to speak legalese and can’t relate details of your divorce to you in a manner that you can understand.   You will want to understand the details and exactly what is occurring in your divorce throughout the entire proceedings.

It is crucial that if you have children that your divorce attorney that helps to remind you that they need to come first in every decision that is made in the divorce.  Find an attorney that will help you pursue reasonable demands when it comes to your child custody agreement.  You may be very angry and hurt but you and your attorney should be on the same page when it comes to determining what is best for your children first before the needs of you and your spouse.

The family law, divorce attorney that you choose should be affordable as well.  There is no need to go into deep debt while you are beginning a new life for yourself and your family unit. Expert divorce attorneys who are also affordable are out there to take on your divorce.

Start your search online locating attorneys specializing in divorce and practice law in your area.  This is a perfect time to check them out without the commitment of an afternoon consultation.  Once you have narrowed down a few attorneys that you think fit into what you are looking for call their offices and schedule a time to meet with them to discuss your case in particular.  This short meeting is where you will accumulate the information needed to determine which attorney you feel will represent you and your best interest in your divorce.

Choosing an attorney to represent you in your divorce will not be simple but taking time to find someone qualified, that has your best interests in mind, will pay off for you in the end.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

, , , , , , , ,

Finding A Divorce Attorney To Represent You

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

 

Where do you turn when you are faced with divorce?  Most people don’t really know the legal ins and outs.  Navigating the difficult process of divorce requires that you hire an expert divorce attorney, preferably one that is specialized in all aspects of family law.  Finding the right divorce attorney is key in a faster, less expensive divorce.  People that complain of messy, drawn out, expensive divorces most likely did not take the time to seek out the support of the right divorce attorney for their situation.  In this article we will give you tips on finding and choosing the right divorce lawyer.

Six Steps When Choosing The Perfect Divorce Attorney

1)      Be Practical

During a divorce this can be a really lofty goal.  It is important to maintain your emotional balance throughout the divorce and understand that the only purpose in your divorce is to divide your joint assets and solve issues in child custody.  Anger, aggravation, pain, sadness and frustration are only a few of the emotions that will strike you throughout this process but don’t let those take over.  You need to be sensible when it comes to the demands you place on your attorney.

2)      Pay Attention To Your Goal

The ultimate goal is to get a divorce without any depreciation to your lifestyle. The end goal is to finalize your divorce, split assets and walk away fairly unscathed.  When children are involved the end goal may be a bit different but generally remains the same.

3)      Identify What You Want

Identifying what you want is not only about marital assets, custody agreements and alimony; it also has to do with the type of divorce you want.  If you are looking at getting the most out of your spouse your divorce will be different than a divorce in which both spouses are willing to compromise and mediate the details of their divorce without litigation.  Different situations require different types of divorce attorneys.  You will want to make sure your attorney is one that can help you get exactly what you want out of your divorce.

4)      Consult With At Least Three Different Divorce and Family Law Attorneys

When searching for an attorney it is best to go online and look for divorce attorneys that work in your area.  Once you have reviewed their websites set up consultations with the three that best look like they will fit with what you are looking for out of your divorce.  Once you meet with them in person you will get a better feel for which on is perfect for your needs.

5)      Be Wary Of Red Flags

Don’t fall for a divorce attorney that tells you everything you want to hear to close the deal.  Look for red flags that make you uncomfortable and follow your gut feelings.  You won’t always hear what you want and that is actually the type of divorce attorney you need; one that will tell you how it is even when it isn’t what you want to hear.

6)      Choose The Divorce Attorney That Will Represent You

The final step is to choose the attorney that will represent you and your best interest.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce. For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

, , , , , ,

Benefits Of Using A Mortgage Broker Continued

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our last installment we discussed a few of the mishaps that can occur when looking for a home loan without the help of a mortgage broker.  In this follow up article we will discuss some more ways that mortgage brokers assist lenders through the minor bumps that can occur when seeking to get a new mortgage or refinancing an existing one.

One common complaint that lenders have when it comes to providing a mortgage is that the applicant has an insufficient amount of money in savings, a down payment that is too small or even income requirements below what they require.  When using a mortgage broker they will seek out lenders that offer mortgages within the limitations you present.  Since they work with a myriad of lenders they know ahead of time what minimum requirements each has in place therefore can weed out lenders that don’t fit within what you are able to bring to the table.

Another issue that arises that can throw a red flag is a recent change of jobs or status of employment.  To certain lenders this is viewed as a lack of stability and therefore less likely to finance a mortgage for you.  Mortgage brokers understand that life is unpredictable and can offer ways around such events.  They can assist you in finding a lender that is able to calculate the repayment in a more favorable manner or a lender that will accept the word of your employer, in letter form, as proof that your position is secure.

Lenders are looking to offer mortgages to those of us that have regular incomes and saving patterns.  In the six months before you start the process of looking for a new home or considering a refinance it is important that you begin saving regularly and obtain a position where your income is stable.  If you are self employed this may be something that is difficult.  Often times you have highs and lows with income and savings.  A mortgage broker can help you to obtain a mortgage from a lender that specializes in small business owner mortgages or even find a lender who will accept gift deposits or parental help as collateral on your new home loan.

Does your partner have undesirable credit but you need their income to be considered to afford the home of your dreams?  If this occurs a mortgage broker will look into securing a mortgage for you from a nonconforming lender.  What happens is that you are offered a mortgage at a higher interest rate then what is available to lenders with a good credit history.  After three years in your home, making regular payments thus hopefully improving your partners credit score you can then refinance your home loan to a lower interest rate.

Mortgage brokers tend to be able to work the system in favor of the borrower.  This is especially important when you are looking to obtain a mortgage or refinance with less than perfect conditions.  They are familiar with the different requirements set by lenders and will be able to work with what you can offer to secure you a mortgage that meets both your needs as well as the lenders.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

, , , , , , ,