Livingston Reporting - page 272

Things To Acknowledge Before A Kitchen Renovation

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Remodeling a kitchen is a huge undertaking whether you are completely gutting the whole space or just updating a few key elements.  No matter where you are at on the spectrum in remodeling your kitchen space you will be investing time and money so you want to start with a solid plan of action. Before you tear out the cupboards or bash the walls you will want to negotiate a budget that takes into consideration your priorities as well as the must have desired renovations.  The most common mistake that is made, when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, is running over budget.

Budgeting 101

When it comes to determining a budget for your kitchen remodel you need to determine how much you have to spend and if it is enough to cover what you want.  Look online there are a variety of budget worksheets to help determine if you have enough money to move forward with the remodeling process.  If you have not saved enough money you will need to consider if a loan is in your best interest.

Some questions to ask: How long do I plan on living in this home after we remodel? What are my current outstanding debts?  Do I have enough monthly income to cover the additional loan payment?  All of these questions will lead to answers that will help you determine a finite budget for your kitchen remodel.  Once a budget is set in stone you will know exactly how much you have to spend on the remodel and can delegate funds accordingly.

Delegating The Budget

Once you know how much money you have to spend on your remodel you can delegate money accordingly.  If you find that your budget doesn’t cover the cost associated with a full kitchen remodel you may consider minor upgrades to the kitchen instead.  It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint, some cabinet resurfacing and a new countertop can do to update the look of your kitchen.  When you are on a set budget you will need to work diligently at delegating money out to ensure that the top priority renovations within your kitchen are covered before non-essentials.

When you are working with an unlimited budget, the sky can be your limit.  It is important, even when you are on an unlimited budget, that you take into consideration the price that homes in the area are currently selling for.  The worst possible situation you can get into is over valuing your home when in comparison to others in the area.  This is a sure way to lose money when it comes to selling your home.

The Basics

When you are planning your kitchen remodeling keep in mind the following:

  • Decide the budget for your kitchen remodel.
  • Choose where to spend the bulk of the budget.  What is most important to you and what upgrades are secondary?
  • Are you going to hire a home remodeling contractor or are you considering doing the renovations on your own?
  • Add a cushion to your budget as something unexpected always happens when you least expect it to.
  • Remember that a solid plan of action, along with a complete budget will help for a smooth kitchen remodel.

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

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Planning Before Starting Home Improvements

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many variables to take into account when beginning any remodeling project within your home.  Whether you are going it on your own or hiring a contractor there are some things that will help your remodel or hurt it.  Read on to discover the do’s and don’ts with your next home improvement projects.

Be decisive with your decisions from the start. There will be a million decisions to make when remodeling a room in your home.  The best thing to do is to make every decision before you begin any home improvement project no matter how large or small the renovation is.

Hiring a general contractor can help with this process.  They are able to lay out a plan and keep you on a schedule.  Small things like ordering a faucet can derail the schedule of a kitchen or bathroom remodel.  When your faucet is late being delivered then the plumber needs to be rescheduled.  Then if the plumber later installs the faucet only to find that the medicine cabinet door hits the faucet you have a new issue.   It is simple to see how one mishap can lead to a lengthy and unexpected delay in any remodeling process.

Try not to change your mind.  It is inevitable that something is going to happen and you are going to want to change your mind.  The most important thing to remember is that each time this occurs it will result in your order needing to be changed.  This might not seem like a big deal however it usually adds to the cost of your project, increases time spent on the project and can lead to major schedule changes.  Make sure of your choices before placing orders or settling on design renovations.

Don’t buy materials on your own. Many people believe that purchasing materials on their own is the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that the most affordable way to proceed through a remodel. Many people think that builders are just going to mark up the prices on their materials which is true.  However, the fact is that builders get a decent discount on building supplies that many pass on to their customers.  Even with their markup the materials still tend to cost less than they would at a home improvement store.

Don’t wait to make necessary upgrades.  There are times when you want to make cosmetic upgrades to your home but it is not always the right time.  Adding fancy cabinets to a home with a saggy foundation or leaky roof is just not smart.  Before making any upgrades or renovations to the home make sure the house is sound structurally.  Adding central air to a home with little insulation is another renovation that just doesn’t make sense. Make sure all necessary updates are made to the home before choosing cosmetic renovations.

Updating your home is always an adventure.  You can keep the surprises to a minimum by following the tips above.

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

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Maintaining Your In-Ground Swimming Pool

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many reasons people decided to install an in-ground swimming pool.  One of the most frequently given reasons for having a pool installed is for the pure and simple reason that they offer relaxation in your own backyard.  Homeowners can choose to install jets and massage elements to help facilitate relaxation and to help ease muscle tension.  Customizing your pool to fit the needs and wants of your family will make it a continuous flow of enjoyment throughout the summer.

Once the custom pool is installed homeowners must maintain it.  It takes commitment to sustain an in-ground pool.  Depending on where the pool is located also depends on the type of maintenance that is required.  In the winter special care should be taken if you live in an environment where the water freezes.  Pool tiles can stain; the surface of the tiles can become rough.  Maintaining a pool is not necessarily easy but is required.  Over time pool plaster can become cracked and need repairs.  It is important if the maintenance becomes overwhelming for homeowners that they hire professionals to care for the pool.

Having your pool resurfaced is complicated and is not a maintenance issue that should be taken on by the homeowner.  It is a difficult and tricky repair that needs to be done by a professional pool plastering company.  The first step in plastering a pool is to drain the pool water.  The first step in doing this is to determine where the water can be drained.  Often times the water can be drained directly into the sewer system.  Before the water is drained it is important that the electrical components are shut off.  When draining the water out of the pool it is also crucial to drain the water out of filters and other pieces of equipment that hold pool water.

The resurfacing of the pool should be done by professional pool plasterers.  It is a skill that is perfected over time and should not be experimented with.  This is especially true because pools are extremely expensive and not a backyard experiment.  When you are re-surfacing the pool the old plaster needs to be chipped off and separated from the gunite swimming pool.  Once the pool plaster is removed it should be cleaned with an acidic solution and then the new plaster can be put in place.

Once the plaster is in place and dried it is time to refill the pool.  This is not a free for all.  Water needs to be refilled slowly and with care.  Try tying a sock onto the hose or source of water to prevent stones or large materials from scratching the new surface.  It is important to ensure that the pool corners are filled before the flat surface in order to evenly fill the pool and prevent damage to the new plaster.

Maintaining a pool is worth the effort for the peace and relaxation it offers to homeowners.

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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Options In Coping For Your In-Ground Swimming Pool

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Having a new pool installed is exciting.  There are tons of decisions to make throughout the process with one of the most important being the swimming pool coping.  The pool coping covers the edge of the pool.  It creates safety as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing appeal to the pool area.  When the pool is being installed talk with the contractor about the options that are available in coping to help create the environment you desire.

Pool coping provides a cover to the sharp edges of swimming pools.  In ground swimming pools are often made from gunite which creates a rigid jagged edge where the patio meets the surface.  When the coping is installed it protects the swimmers from scraps and cuts.  Coping is smooth and curves around the perimeter of the pool.

Coping for swimming pools also helps to prevent cracking that can occur in the pools plaster and foundation.  The borders and edges of the swimming pool are the most fragile point of the pools construction.  When you cover the edges with pool coping you are adding an extra layer of protection against chips and cracks.  Cracked coping is less expensive to repair than concrete and plaster.

Another benefit to coping is how pleasing it is to the eye.  Coping is attractive and adds a decorative border between the patio and the pool.  It is adds visual appeal that flatters the pool area.  Coping magnifies the beauty that a swimming pool brings to the landscape of your homes backyard.  A pool is a great addition to any backyard adding to the splendor of your homes landscaping.  Coping helps to make the pool pop.

With the use of coping you can make your pool unique.  There is simple, plain coping or something unique like natural stones.  Coping allows you to create the look you desire for your pool simply.  Take some time looking into all of the options available to you when looking at coping for your swimming pool.

An in-ground swimming pool is a beautiful addition to any homes backyard.  Creating a safe pool environment is the most important aspect for most homeowners.  Pool coping creates a safe edge where the concrete and plaster meet the deck.  The other benefit to pool coping beyond creating a safe edge is that it helps to preserve the concrete and plaster.  Coping helps to prevent cracks to the pools surface all while creating an appeal visually.

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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Factors When Choosing An Electrical Circuit Breaker

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Every home and business has an electrical circuit breaker.  Many of us have no idea what the circuit breaker really does or how it works.  A breaker is a unit that is installed that protects your circuits from becoming overloaded essentially causing a short which could create an unsafe situation.  By design, when the breaker becomes aware of a disruption in the system it breaks the electrical current flow thus protecting the rest of the circuit.

Commercial and residential electrical circuit breakers are purchased based on a number of essential factors including the vast abundance of different designs that they are sold in.  Other factors to weigh before you buy a circuit breaker include the voltage load, the mounting style and the unit’s trip style.

Voltage Load

This is a fairly obvious feature to figure out.  Commercial and industrial settings need higher voltage circuit breakers then a residential environment.  This is because of the amount of electricity that will be flowing through the circuit.  Larger equipment requires a higher amount of electricity therefore requiring a higher voltage breaker.  It is crucial when buying or selling circuit breakers that you understand what purpose the breaker is serving.  Installing a circuit that is either too big or too small can end up being detrimental.

Low Voltage Circuit Breakers: Consider this style of breaker for most residential applications.  This circuit takes a load up to 1000 volts without issue.

Medium Voltage Circuit Breakers: Consider this style breaker for commercial office buildings or residential uses when using high voltage tools.  A home wood working shop is the perfect example of a residential environment that needs more than a low voltage circuit.  A medium voltage breaker is good for circuits between 1000 to 72,000 volts.

High Voltage Circuit Breakers:  For any use that requires more than 72,000 amps of voltage this is the breaker you need.  This is what is needed for industrial and commercial applications that use large pieces of equipment for manufacturing.

Mounting Style

The manner in which a circuit breaker is mounted is also another consideration for which purchasers choose the correct mechanism for their need.  Two main styles include fixed mounting and removable mounting.  Draw out mounted breakers are used for medium voltage breakers.  Bolt on and plug in electrical circuit breakers are also options that can be obtained from companies that sell electrical equipment and supplies.

Trip Unit Type

When you are purchasing a circuit breaker you need to also take into consideration the unit’s trip type.  There are a few main types including magnetic, thermal, thermal magnetic and magnetic hydraulic trip units.  Another consideration is the temperature operating range in which the circuit breaker operates.  You want to purchase a breaker that operates at different temperature ranges.

It is important to take into consideration all of the essentials pieces of purchasing a circuit breaker before installing one in your home or business.  The electrical component will prevent accidental electrical issues from occurring down the road.  Overworking a circuit can cause shortages that will cause fuses to continually blow. This is only one disruption that can occur if a circuit is overloaded.

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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Understanding The Importance Of Proper Switchgear Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Electrical power systems, often referred to as grids, are created using a combination of electrical components.  The combination of disconnects, fuses and circuit breakers, known as a switchgear provide a way in which power equipment can be de-energized and faults can be cleared.  You often see large electrical lockers within manufacturing factories.  This is where the switchgear is located.  The switchgear, using circuit breakers and fuses help to isolate each piece of electrical equipment.  This is helpful because it allows plant managers to de-energize and repair issues to the electrical system before a breakdown occurs.

There are two main types of switchgears: high and low voltage.  High voltage switchgears are used for electrical supplies such as motors and large capacity electrical equipment requiring upwards of 35,000 volts.  Low voltage switchgear run electrical equipment under 1,000 volts.    Electrical switchgear can be found on the inside or outside of buildings.  When switchgear is located on the outside it is contained within a weatherproof metal locker.

As is the case with any equipment utilized by your company it is important to take care in preventing issues before they arise.  When it comes to care and preventative maintenance for switchgears a plant supervisor is in charge to oversee that the equipment is kept in working condition.  When the power is shut off to your plant nothing is accomplished.  Work is shut down completely and money is being lost.  When a machine breaks because a malfunction in the electrical circuit it is important to understand that maintenance could most likely have prevented the issue.

Switchgears help to protect electrical machines.  What occurs is that a breaker is tripped causing an electrical surge which indicates a fault.  With switchgear the power can be re-directed from another source on the circuit until the issue is fixed to help keep machines online.  It is always better to prevent issues with normal maintenance to your switchgear and electrical equipment then to react to the challenges that occur when power outages occur and machines are unable to function.

There are companies throughout the area that are hired specifically to maintain switchgears and other valuable electrical components to ensure they are properly maintained.  One of the methods they use is thermal imaging. When a hot spot is detected by the thermal imaging equipment it allows for the issue to be fixed before it becomes a problem.  Discover a fault and fixing it before any down time occurs saves manufacturing plants valuable resources including time and money.

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

Decisions To Be Made When Installing A New Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When I became a homeowner six years ago I could have never guessed the number of decisions that would need to be made. Every home improvement endeavor we venture to take on turns into fifty different decisions that need to be made before work is even started. The same can be said of exterior improvements on your home as well. Our homes new roof, for instance required a variety of decisions we weren’t even aware would need to be made. Not only are there a variety of shingles, there are choices within each shingle category including styles, colors and warranties. Who would have ever known there was so much to roofing?

To narrow down the choices you will need to make when looking into a new roof start by determining a reasonable budget as well as a sensible time frame that you desire for the roof to last. If you are looking to live in your home for another thirty years and don’t want to have to deal with replacing the roof every again that will affect the choice you make when picking out a material for your roofing.

Asphalt Shingles

The most commonly used material in roofs today is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive to manufacture therefore is a cheaper material to purchase when installing a new roof. The truth is that it is an easier material to work with when installing a new roof as well so hiring a roofing contractor will be less expensive when installing asphalt shingles. If considering asphalt you will also need to decide if you want to go with three tab shingles, laminated or architectural shingles. Shingles can be found in a variety of colors and often last anywhere from twenty to thirty years if installed and maintained correctly.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are super nice to use when looking for a natural appearance to your roof. The main disadvantage is that you pay extra for these aesthetically pleasing shingles. Wood is more expensive over the asphalt roofing counterpart. Consider though that wood shingles last anywhere from thirty to fifty years with proper upkeep. The longer lifespan and pleasing natural look may be worth the extra expense.

Metal Shingles

Metal roofs an option that is growing in popularity. Metal is a perfect material to use when looking to add to the longevity of your flat or extremely steep roofline. Metal roofs are not cheap but last up to fifty years. You can choose from solid metal or constructed metal shingles. Not only is metal roofing a material that is known for longevity it is incredibly durable and is reasonable priced when taking into consideration the length of time it will last you. There are also a variety of colors available in metal shingle roofing.

Slate and Tile Shingles

Both slate and tile shingling options are unique. They are not found on the majority of homes. Slate and tile are popular because they are incredibly durable and have a one of a kind appearance. If you are looking for something to allow your home to stand out from other homes in the area consider slate or tile. Your roofing contractor will check to ensure your roof’s structure is stable enough to support the extra weight.

Your new roof is filled with important decisions that need to be made. It isn’t all about the style and color of the new roof. You will need to look at a variety of options in roofing materials as well as the longevity that you hope your roof installation results in.

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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The Benefits Of Shingle Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Shingles are one of the most common materials used in roofing today.  Meeting with a roofing contractor will help to determine is shingling is the best option for your home. The most important piece of the puzzle is that the roofing material you choose is the right style for your roof and roofing desires.  There are a number of options available to fit a variety of budgets and needs.  Shingles tend to be an option that is often more often chosen over other types of roofing materials.

One of the biggest advantages of asphalt shingling is that it tends to be one of the most inexpensive roofing materials to purchase and install.  Roofing contractors can often install a shingle roof at about half the costs involved with the installation of metal roofing.  Manufacturing asphalt shingles is relatively inexpensive when compare it to the cost of other available roofing material options.  Your roof is a large part of your homes curb appeal.  It is important to remember this especially when you’re considering selling your home soon after installing a new roof.  You are more apt to get the money that you put into a new shingle roof out of your homes resale values over that of a metal roof.

Another reason shingle roof tends to be purchased more often than any other material for roofing is the ease of installation.  Roofing contractors charge less to install shingle roofs because the process is simpler.  Shingles are extremely flexible and can be easily manipulated to fit most any homes structure.  Some homeowners with a lot of experience in construction even find that they can install a shingle roof without too many issues.  This is not recommended because even one shingle installed improperly could cause hundreds of dollars in damage to the roof’s structure.

When it comes to maintaining a shingle roof it is fairly simple and most homeowners can achieve a long lasting roof with minor yearly maintenance.  Shingles are lightweight and simple to replace.  For most shingle roofing repairs you will not have to involve a professional roofer.  Algae on shingles are also easy to maintain and prevent.  With the use of copper strips at the peak of your roof you can prevent the growth of algae and moss on your shingle roof.

Shingles add to the curb appeal of your home. Shingles come in several different styles as well as a variety of colors to fit your homes unique look.  Many professional roofers have software that allows them to take a picture of your home and change the look using different colors and styles of shingles before making any purchases.  This allows you the freedom see the change before committing to it which is so nice especially for homeowners looking to do something new with their homes exterior.

To reach your homes full potential when it comes to a new roof the best option is to start by contacting a local roofing contractor.  Most offer a free initial consultation where they can discuss different options in roofing materials as well as associated costs and the time frame for installation.

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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Get A Better Understanding Of Your Product Label

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to labeling there is no shortage of products in need of accurate, attractive product labels.  The market today is one in which labeling has never been more important. With food allergies and specific ingredient-free products on the rise labels are vital.  When a product is stored in a container that the contents cannot easily be identified, which most are now a days, the label is the only source of information on what is in there.  Labels come in a variety of forms and can be pasted or printed on the outside of the package.

The shape of your products package and the form the product comes in are all important marketing tools to help sell your product and company image.  Making your product easily recognized and remembered by consumers is what will differ between a product that succeeds or fails.  A combination of characteristics that make up your products exterior will help to give your product a boost over the competition.

There are two ways that product labels can be adhered onto a package; they can either be printed directly on the package or onto a label that is then placed on container.  Paper labels are less expensive and more vibrant in design but can easily come off if not attached to the container in a strong manner.  When a label is printed directly onto the container it is more expensive but also can be more easily read by consumers and less likely to wear off.

It is valuable to not only the company but also to the consumer to place relevant product information in a place that is constant and clearly visible location. Labels can come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit all products and containers.  If a label that adheres directly onto the package is what you are looking for you can choose between cut & stack labels, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling and shrink sleeves.  Flexible packaging is one way that labels can be printed directly onto the product.

One thing that is important to remember is that there needs to be enough space to not only includes the “important” product information there needs to be space to ensure the product is recognized.  This can be done with the use of a brand image or company graphic without over powering or over crowding the label.

If you choose to have a label printed and designed for your new product look into finding an experienced and reputable printing company.  Look for a company that is able to offer in house design services for your label as well as updated resources that cater to your specific product.   Finding a company that caters in industrial and commercial product label printing will be helpful as your brand further expands.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Influence Consumers Using Your Product’s Label

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A product label is an intricate part of what influences consumers to buy your product.  A label identifies your product from similar products that are selling in the marketplace.  It is crucial for business owners to have a label designed that is plentiful for marketing and promotions as well as complete product information.  The label on a product is meant to provide an accurate ingredient list as well as to highlight everything that distinguishes you from the competition.  The more attention your label is able to grab from consumers the more likely they are to make a purchase.

When you are marketing your product within foreign markets your product package design and label will separate you from others.  If the item that you are selling is edible it is important that your label clearly states all the ingredients as well as what ingredients your product is free from such as nuts, gluten, dairy or other allergy inducing things.  Allowing your customers to be knowledgeable about your product makes it easier for them to commit and make an educated purchase right away.  The label should engage the customer and allure them into committing to buy.

A label embellishes your product and is made to continually bring attention to your product.  Not only should it grab their attention but it should drive them to make a purchase.  What is the best way to do this?  Marketers work diligently to design a perfect product label.  The label design should be professional, unique and engaging.  When a product is visually interesting people tend to want what you are offering.  When consumers are stimulated, which can be done with an appealing label, they often make a purchase.

When looking to produce a label there are several different types of labels to consider that are of higher quality.  A higher quality label will speak high volumes for your product.   There are a variety of superior types of labels including cut & stack, pressure sensitive, roll-fed and shrink sleeve labels.  If you are looking for labels that are printed directly on the product consider the option of flexible packaging.  Flexible packages are good for products ranging from chemicals, beverages and nutritional supplements.

The products tag or label as it is more commonly referred to delivers information, grabs the attention of consumers and help to inspire a purchase.  With each of these features working together it is remarkably easy to persuade the buying decision of your customers.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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