Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 253

Planning For Summer As A Divorced Parent

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Summer is a tricky time for divorced parents.  Below you will find some hands on tips to create a summer with less stress and minimal conflict.

A key element to summer is structure.  Parents who are separated or divorced must have a plan in place that helps to define how their children time will be spent throughout the summer months.  If planning your children’s summer out together is too much for the two of you to handle alone meet with your divorce attorney’s present with a mediator to establish clearly the division of time.  This way each parent can structure their children’s summers as they see fit when they are in their custody.  If one parent is pro summer camp then set up an arrangement where they attend camp while with that parent and they also assume the cost.

Expenses throughout the summer need to be planned out carefully.  Childcare is large expense that may not have been a part of the equation in past summers.  Again, the cost of childcare is something that needs to be specifically addressed.  Clarity with these situations will help prevent surprises.  This process can be seamless with the help of your divorce attorney and a mediator.

Summer can often be a time of last minute changes.  This may not work well if you are not able to communicate with your ex-spouse.  To avoid any unnecessary conflicts for your children don’t assume that your last minute plans and changes will not be met with resistance.  When these occasions occur put yourself in their shoes.   The changes you are making may interfere with plans that they have set in stone.  Follow the written plan that is in place.  If you need to make changes or are asking for your ex to adjust time request the change in writing with as much advanced warning as possible.  Don’t put your children in the middle if your spouse declines and chooses to remain true to the schedule set in place.

Try to put all other personal conflicts aside when working out a parenting plan for the summer.  Detach yourself from other conflicts and divide them into smaller more manageable pieces.  Don’t let your feelings towards one another affect summertime fun.  Never try to outdo each other.  Your goal as parents throughout the summer should be clearly defined, financially reasonable and simple to accomplish.  It is only three months; a plan should be established and followed by both parents.

Don’t involve your children in summertime conflicts.  Make sure that summer is kept carefree and filled with memories.  Memories don’t cost money.   Make sure you understand even the simplest day trip can make a long lasting impression upon your child.  After a divorce it is especially important to understand that your children want your time and attention not fancy vacations and non-stop summer camps.

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

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Upgrade Your Home With Kitchen Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Nothing updates a home quicker than a kitchen renovation.  Don’t think that your dream kitchen and upgrades need to come with an extreme price tag either.  Using the tips below and by hiring the right contractor you can reinvent your kitchen with limited funds and little stress.

The first thing to any home renovation is with the materials you choose.  Always choose quality materials as they really do change the total feel of the space.  Many contractors have an inside relationship with local nters where they can get exceptional discounts or deals on quality merchandise that may be limited or soon to be out of stock.  With this inside edge it is easier than ever to avoid having to use subpar materials in your renovation.

Consider the height of the cabinets. If you have a small space it is important to utilize as much of it as you can for storage.  With this in mind choose cabinetry that goes from the floor to the ceiling.  This will allow you to use extra wall space for other uses.

Purchase naked cabinetry to lessen the expense.  You can choose to either stain or paint your cabinets.  Stained wood is often the most forgiving but quickly becomes dated.  Brush painted cabinets can lead to a unique look in cabinetry but if not done properly can cheapen the look of your cabinets.  This is really up to the homeowner’s style and the look desired for the kitchen space.

No matter what details you decide to forgo never should one be the countertop.  Using the right material on your countertops will provide elegance to any kitchen space.  Slate, limestone, granite and marble are all amazing choices for a sleek kitchen renovation.  Consider mixing and matching complimentary materials to create a unique kitchen space.

An open, airy style island works well in any space.  Try to avoid appliances within the island space.  This tends to create a clunky, closed in feel where as in a kitchen you are looking to create an open, clean, wide open space.

Keep the kitchen renovation simple.  Don’t overdo the details and accents.  The style of your kitchen should be compatible with the entire home.  You kitchen should be an example of what is to be found throughout the rest of your home.

For a kitchen to be nightmare free avoid high maintenance materials and appliance surfaces.  Materials such as slate, brick or terra-cotta are difficult to clean.  Smooth surfaces in light colors and ceramic floors are easy to clean but not necessarily able to hide flaws or dirt.  As popular as stainless steel is the material is difficult to keep clear of smudges.  So be careful when adding these materials to your kitchen space.

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

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Secure Your Home with A Driveway Entrance Gate

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A top priority for many of us as homeowners is the ability to protect our home and family.  We live by the philosophy that more is better and it’s better to be safe than sorry.  Home security has recently become a bigger issue than it ever has been before.  With increases in technology and electronic entry gates putting a home security plan in place is simpler than ever before.

Securing the entrance and the perimeter of the yard and driveway is a key element in home security. An aluminum entrance gate is not only attractive to look at they are a major component in securing your home and keeping unwanted people off of your property entirely.  Security gates are also helpful in that they keep small children and pets inside the property.  When installing an electronic entry gate ask your insurance provider about discounts in premiums.  It is also important to note that the money spent on a driveway gate is often recouped in the equity it brings to your home’s value.

For optimal security install an automatic gate operator to control opening and closing the driveway gate.  This alleviates the need for you to physically open and shut the gate.  The convenience makes the fence more likely to be used all the time.  Exiting the car to open the gate presents a security issue in itself, especially at night.  Gate operators are fairly inexpensive to install and operate.  Many systems are run off of solar energy therefore making them even less expensive to operate.

You will have the choice to in regards to access options as well when you choose an electronic entry gate.  There are several options ranging from telephone entry systems, remote openers, key cards and key pads.  No matter what options you choose make sure to update it often.  Never leave the same code in place for an extended period of time.  Another thing to think about is personalizing the code so that each visitor has a unique identification code.  This will allow you to know exactly who is entering and exiting the property at all times.

Security gates on the driveway and fencing around the perimeter of your homes yard are just one of the few ways to secure your home.  Consider installing lights that detect motion as well as security cameras.  This will allow you to see exactly what is going on at all times within the property without having to leave the safety or security of your home.  This is also a great feature for when you are on vacation as well.

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

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Ensure A Successful Pool Opening With These Tips

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is that time of year again where we begin to think about and plan for backyard adventures including opening backyard swimming pools.  If you are not familiar with opening a pool you may think it is as simple as pulling the cover off, adding water and jumping in but that is not the case.  Properly opening your swimming pool is important to the lifespan of your pool.  Below are tips and pieces of advice to ensure a successful opening of your pool.

One thing to remember when closing the pool to make opening it easier is not to empty the swimming pool completely.  This is true even in the coldest of climates unless of course you need to do structural repairs or plaster work.  Your swimming pools plaster and care is of utmost important when considering the integrity of your pool.  Other than those reasons it is best to leave water in your gunite swimming pool covered by a secure pool cover.

The nest step in the process of opening your pool for the summer is to thoroughly clean the pool.  Put together the pools filtration devices, clean out all baskets that may or may not have been prepared properly when closing and remove any plugs that were put in place at closing last year.

You will need to add water to the pool.  Before you turn on the filter to makes sure it is clean.  Different filters need to be cleaned differently so be sure to read the instructions that come along with your system.  Sand filters are cleaned differently than D.E. filtration systems.

Take a water sample to your local pool professionals for testing.  Do a complete work up of the mineral content, the alkalinity, ph and chlorine levels.  This test will help to tell you what needs to be added to adjust that water to make it perfect for the upcoming season swimming season.   Balance the chemicals to the ideal levels meant for your pool.

Your swimming pool water will not be ready to swim in until it is completely clear.  This process can take upwards of a week.  Chlorine may need to be added to keep the levels correct.  Make sure you clean the filters daily, if not twice daily to help the water get clear quicker.  If you live in an air of increased pollen, dander, cotton weed or other flying tree gunk leave a cover on the pool when it is not in use.  This will save you a great deal of skimming and vacuuming.

At this point your pool is ready to enjoy.  Keep up on the normal housekeeping and maintain the pools water to ensure a season of pool water ready to swim in everyday.

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

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Remember These Tips When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Hiring anyone to work on or within your home can not only be confusing but challenging as well.  In order to find a contractor to install or repair your new roof, review the list of helpful tips below.

An insured roofing contractor is a must:  Before you sign on the dotted line or hire anyone to install your new roof or repair your old roof it is crucial to see paperwork to validate their workers’ compensation and liability insurance.  The liability of injury and damage should be on the roofing contractor and his company not on you as a homeowner.  Any roofing contractor unwilling to show proof of either document should not be considered.

Choose a local company with a proven reputation:  Hiring a local roofing company with an established reputation in the community is good for your local economy.  Hiring locally also allows you to hold the company responsible for the work they have done on your roof is something does come up and warranty work is needed.  Companies that don’t have a local state are often not as concerned with their reputation and therefore not as eager to complete repairs or warranty work that is their responsibility under your contract.

Don’t look only at the cost:   Don’t choose a roofing contractor based on price alone.  Roofing contractors that offer cheap bids often do so to run down the market.  In order to keep up with overhead costs and proper insurance low roofing bids are often unheard of.   Not only are you paying for the labor of having the new roof installed but the materials to be used on your roof as well.  Make sure that your roofing contractor is using quality materials with reputable warranties and that this is written directly into the contract itself.

Remember it is your time and money:  You should be in control of the work on your home.  Don’t pay the entire amount due ahead of time on any job done on your home including a new roof.  Reputable roofing contractors may ask for a deposit upfront to purchase materials and reserve a time for your roof to be installed; never will the full amount be asked for upfront to ensure complete client satisfaction before full payment is made.  The terms of your payment need to be discussed, agreed upon and written in a formal contract before work is begun on your home.

Communication is key to success:  When you were pursuing them for a quote were they prompt?  Did they return calls?  Was documentation sent when it was asked for?  Did the company follow through?  Don’t hire a roofing contractor that does not communicate with you.  Communication is a key element to working with a contractor on any job around your home especially your homes roof.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Preparations In Applying For Mortgage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to buying a home and applying for a mortgage a lot of preparation is required.  It is simple not something that is done on a whim.  Mortgage rates are ever fluctuating and as of recent months we have seen some of the lowest rates in a long time; this leads new home owners to pursue their option in refinancing and sparks the interest of first time home buyers.  If you are new to the mortgage industry it is important that you have a basic understanding of what you are embarking on.  The process of securing a mortgage does not happen overnight and requires hands on approach from both the home buyer and the lender.

The first step involved in refinancing or securing a mortgage for a new home purchase is to determine your current credit score.   In order to get the best rate available on a mortgage you need a stellar credit rating.  You want to personally review your credit report and look for areas of inaccuracy.  Make sure your score is where you want it to be before you seek lending.

If upon reviewing your credit report you see inaccuracies it is important that you report them and get them updated.  Disputes need to be addressed with all three credit rating bureaus.  This process may take some time but is a crucial step to assure your credit report accurately reflects your financial situation.  Now is the time to evaluate your debt to income ratio as well.

Your mortgage payment will be one of the main sources of debt that you will acquire in your lifetime.  It is important to research the different home loans, rates and lenders available.  Depending on your situation you may be able to qualify for special financing.  Examples of special financing options available are for veterans, first time home buyers and self employed individuals to name a few.  Before you sign anything or commit to anyone research your entire lending options as well.  You may choose to work with an individual lender or a mortgage broker.  These options are up to you and are a matter of personal preference.

Being pre-approved and knowing what you comfortably can afford are two very different things.  Be realistic in your desire for the American dream.  You may be pre approved for a loan of up to two hundred thousand dollars however might not be comfortable with the monthly payment that comes along with it.  If you not only want to own a home but want to travel and have a life outside of your home take those financial commitments into account when budgeting for a mortgage.

There are several options in regards to the terms of financing available for new home loans and refinancing.  Research your options and determine if you are going to look into a fifteen or thirty year mortgage.  Are you looking for a fixed rate or an adjustable rate?  If you are looking for security and a guaranteed payment a fixed mortgage is your best option where if you believe rates could fluctuate and you want flexibility you may consider an adjustable rate mortgage.

Homeownership is a big step.  Financing it is an even bigger step that is often overlooked.  Be sure you take time to understand the steps involved and ask questions to clarify any and all matters before ever signing on the dotted line.  When working with a reputable lender or mortgage broker this shouldn’t ever be an issue.

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

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The Growing Popularity Of Reconditioned Electrical Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

To many people the idea of purchasing something that is used is not something that they would normally consider.  Most people just prefer to purchase new.  The luxury of buying new isn’t always available in business.   This is especially true when discussing electrical equipment and parts.  There are many reasons that you may have to resign yourself to purchase products that are up-cycled.

One main reason that a reconditioned product may be preferable over new surplus, especially when it come to electrical supplies is price.  Reconditioned products, as will other up-cycled goods, can cost from anywhere between fifty to seventy five percent less than a new one.  In industrial applications where you are continually replacing, repairing and maintaining equipment the savings with reconditioned products can really add up.

Another reason that reconditioned surplus is so popular in industrial applications is because of the products availability.  New surplus, especially on older pieces of equipment can be difficult to locate.  If you need to replace a component time because a sensitive component to the equation a two week turn around for a new part is just not feasible.  Reconditioned parts are often in stock for even obsolete electrical equipment making downtime equivalent to shipping and installation times.

It is also important to note the varying definitions of the term reconditioned, recycled, refurbished and up-cycled.  When speaking about electrical parts and machinery, especially in manufacturing the terms reconditioned and refurbished mean that a part has been used.  Electrical surplus companies purchase these used products and recondition them to sell as “new”.   The part is brought in completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, replaced if needed, painted, out back together and tested.  Only if the product passes the highest quality standards in testing will the product be offered for sale.  Reputable electrical companies will offer a one year warranty with sales on reconditioned electrical components. This is the same warranty that is offered on new electrical parts as well.

In other industries these words have other meanings.  Sometimes manufacturers will call a product that is overstocked and no longer being produced by the manufacturer used or reconditioned.  Sometimes a part that’s package has been damaged in shipping will be discounted or offered as refurbished even though the product itself has not been damaged and is perfect working order.  A product that has been used as a display model or comes with a cosmetic defect a product can also be marketed as reconditioned or refurbished.  This means to you as a consumer that a product of like new quality being sold as a discounted price.

Saving money where you can is important in today’s tight economy.  This not only relates to residential consumers but industrial consumers as well.  This is why, although many people prefer to buy new products and supplies many are leading to reconditioned or refurbished supplies to keep their homes and businesses running.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Stress Free Checklist When Buying A Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

  • Determine what you can afford:  When you are looking for a home to buy one of the best rules of thumb is to consider a home that is only two to three times your annual household income.  This allows you to stay within a comfortable range with your house payment, insurance and household bills.  If your lifestyle is one in which you like to travel or spend a bit more money on other toys consider this as well.  Don’t strap yourself into a house payment that does not allow you to continue enjoying the activities you desire.
  • Find a mortgage broker or lender to work with and get pre-approved: In order to really start looking for the home of your dreams you must find a mortgage broker or lender to work with.  They will help guide you through the entire process from cleaning up your credit, preapproval, mortgage terms and the final mortgage application process.
  • Figure out what mortgage is right for you: How long is it practical for you to pay on a home loan.  There are different mortgage terms for different needs.  Some people choose a less expensive home because to them having a home paid off in fifteen years is ideal.  Others prefer a smaller payment so they spread theirs out thirty years.  Also consider a fixed or variable rate depending on how confident you are with mortgage interest rates.
  • Consider a financial dry run:  Before you actually decide to purchase a home do financial dry runs.  Take what is equivalent to the amount of your new payment, insurance and utilities and sock it away in a savings account.  Be sure you can do this for at least six months without dipping into it to ensure you can swing the extra payments. 
  • Decide must haves verse what would be nice to have:  You may not be able to find everything your dreams desire in one house.  Make a list of the items you can’t live without, the deal breakers verse this feature it would be nice to have. 
  • Find a real estate agent and start house hunting: Finding a reputable, local real estate agent that specializes in the type of home you are looking for will help in your search to find the perfect home.  If you are looking for recreational living find a real estate agent that specializes in waterfront property, homes on golf courses or homes for sale near recreational adventures. 
  • Put in an offer, review your contract, and sign the papers: The final step in stress free home buying is to put in an offer, have it accepted, review the contract, sign the papers and move in.  With the right real estate agent and mortgage broker or lender working with you the process of buying a new home should be as simple as the steps listed above. 

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

 

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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A Deeper Look Into How Computer Viruses Affect Us

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Through the course of working with technology and using the internet most of us have had an encounter with a computer virus.  Most systems use anti-virus software, a program that can help to eliminate common computer viruses from invading your computer system as well as prevent common symptoms that occur when a virus is attacking your computer.   Often times when a computer is infected it is because a new virus has been created to override the anti-virus prevention allowing the virus to infiltrate your computer system and network.

Computer viruses can attack your system in several different ways.  One way to get a virus is to download it from an email.  A virus can disguise itself in a funny image attachment, a greeting card or an audio video file.  Don’t open any type of email that looks suspicious even if the email is from somewhere or someone you are familiar with.  If you are unsure just don’t open it as it may just be a computer virus sent from an infected network that their computer is connected to.  This is true of instant messaging programs as well.  When opening outside materials use caution.

Another way a virus can attack your computer is through downloads off of the internet.  Coupon bars, illicit software or files and programs that you have downloaded can all potentially contain a virus.  When downloading anything off of the internet know the source from which the download is coming from.  If you need to download software or a program to run something on the system go directly to the site to start the download.  Many pop ups with downloads for the software will pop up all over your computer.  It will be impossible for you to tell whether one is infected or not before it is too late and your system has become infected.  The best way to avoid this is to go straight to the site to access the download.

Removable media may also become infected if the media is used on a computer that is infected.  Use precautions when using the same media disk between public computers and your private system.

In order to minimize the risk of infecting your computer it is important that you take precautions when opening emails, downloading software and using removable media.  It is also crucial that you update the anti-virus protection on your computer system regularly to keep newer viruses from being able to creep in and infect your system.  If at any time you find your computer is acting differently turn the machine off and take it in to a local computer repair shop for a virus removal and tune up.  Turning the machine off immediately helps to prevent the virus from spreading throughout your machine.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

 

Creative Programs and Systems

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Advantages of Aluminum Over Other Fencing Materials

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a variety of benefits for installing a fence with a gate around your yard or pool.  The advantageous of choosing aluminum are endless as well.  This article will show you how aluminum fencing can not only protect your family but add value to your home.

The Usefulness of Aluminum Fencing

  • Using a fence helps to prevent the drowning of children and pets in backyard and community pools.  The addition of a pool gate allows access to be gained only when unlocked.  Locks can be put at a height that is out of the reach of children therefore not allowing them in the area without an adult to unlock the gate.
  • Fences also allow backyards to be enclosed keeping pets and children contained within a safe space.  Not only does a fence prevent them from escaping into busy roadways it prevents unwanted guests within your space as well.
  • Another benefit that comes from fencing is that it keeps unwanted people from entering the property.  This is a large deterrent for thieves as is the addition of a driveway gate.
  • Gates and fences enhance the appearance of your home, landscape and pool area.  This adds aesthetic value as well.
  • One last way fencing is useful is by adding to the value of your home.  A fence adds equity to your space whether it is a home or business.

The Main Advantageous of Using Aluminum in Fencing

  • Aluminum fences are powder coated and come with a lifetime warranty against cracks, peeling paint and chips as well as manufacture defects from craftsmanship.
  • There are a number of options in style choices, grades, colors and optional features when it comes to aluminum gates and fences. 
  • Over the long term when you take into consideration the expense involved in maintain other types of fence materials the extra aluminum costs to begin with is greatly outweighed.  Initial expense aside aluminum is cheaper overall in the fence arena.   
  • Maintenance on aluminum is almost nonexistent.  With its power coating it is rust resistant.  The fasteners and gate hardware are created from stainless steel and nylon therefore creating a rust free fencing material.
  • There is ease in installation when it comes to installing an aluminum fence.  The material is lightweight and easy to maneuver.  The panels are also preassembled making the process to put the fence all together simpler.
  • Aluminum is the chosen material when it comes to pool fencing as it meets B.O.C.A. safety standards in both residential and commercial applications.

The list goes on and on when it comes to the wide range of benefits that come with aluminum fencing.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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