Home renovations are a large part of owning a home. At some point a home improvement project is in every homeowner’s future. When considering upgrades to your home it is important to remember that not all renovations are created equally. Remodeling should help to increase your home’s resale value. However, others do just the opposite.
If you see yourself in the home for a period of time, of course, feel free to make use of the space how you see fit. The problem arises when homeowner’s know they are going to be selling in the next five years or so and don’t take into consideration the return on investment. If you are concerned with the resale value of your home here are a few renovations to avoid.
When buyers purchase a three bedroom home they want to see that the home has three bedrooms. Turning the space into anything else makes the bedroom seem short a bedroom. If you decide to covert a bedroom into another space, for instance, a craft room, make sure when trying to sell the home you convert it back to a bedroom. Buyers need to see what is being described and the number of bedrooms your home offers is a major selling feature.
Installing a hot tub is also seen as a big turn off to buyers. Although a relaxing renovation for you, new owners have a preconceived notion related to hot tubs making used hot tubs undesirable. If you do plan on having a hot tub consider making it accessible as a non-permanent feature. Don’t build the hot tub into the deck but rather create a space that is the hot tubs alone so that when and if you sell your home it can easily be removed and taken with you.
Another fad that was popular for a while but is seen as a put off now is colored trim and textured walls. Yes, paint is an easy fix for the most part that is for walls but trim is another story. Trim is a lot of work to paint. The same is true for texture on walls and ceilings for that matter. It takes a lot of prep and laborious work to remove the texture and this can be a major drawback to sellers.
When it comes to children’s bedrooms, themed bedrooms are also major turn offs for future buyers. All money spent on a child’s bedroom that is anything above and beyond a classic, simple bedroom is wasted money. That mural, no one else wants it. Built in beds, bookshelves and dressers are not for everyone so don’t do these renovations thinking you will re coup the expense.
Landscaping renovations is another place homeowners can over do it. Landscaping is expensive and is seen as high-maintenance to buyers who aren’t yard work savvy. Keep the landscape simple and appealing. Going over board will not be a good return on investment when it comes to the sale of your home.
The motto in home renovations is keep it classic, simple and appeal to the masses. This is especially true when you are considering selling the home in the next five years. If you know you are staying in your home forever and you don’t care how it appeals to others because you aren’t going anywhere, than live it up! Add in the built in hot tub with full bar on to the deck and litter the yard with beautiful flowering plants! Heck it is your home – enjoy it!
If you interested in home safety modifications, handicap construction and general home remodeling and renovations check http://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com today where you will find useful information and solutions on a variety of home remodeling projects.
Fences are practical:
• They help to prevent drowning in swimming pools
• They keep children and pets contained to one safe space
• They deter thieves and create an obstacle against theft
• They are aesthetically pleasing and add to the appearance of your home, pool area and landscaping
• They add to the resale value of your home
Aluminum Fencing
When it comes to a top notch material to choose from it does not get better than aluminum. When you purchase an aluminum fence you have a variety of colors, styles, grades and dimensions to choose from. Aluminum fencing offers an aesthetically pleasing look to any piece of property from industrial parks, restaurants, home and pools. Basically anywhere a fence can go aluminum would enhance the area. The fence and styles of fencing are art forms themselves. With an aluminum fence around your pool and yard you will feel so much safer in the containment of small children and pets.
The advantages of aluminum fencing over other types of fencing are plentiful. First it is important to note that aluminum fencing is practically maintenance free. You don’t have to paint or stain it, cleaning it is as easy as rinsing it with the hose and if a panel does sustain damage, say from a storm, the panels are so simple to replace.
Aluminum fencing are powder coated and most come with a lifetime warranty that protects against chips, peeling, cracks and workmanship defects. What other material in fencing can say that? Think of the money you will save with the longevity of aluminum.
Another advantage in aluminum fencing is that is comes in a variety of colors, styles and grades. You can choose between residential, commercial and industrial grade aluminum. With all the color fencing that aluminum has to offer you will find something to complement and enhance your space with ease. Classic black aluminum fencing is still the most popular option.
Over the long term, as I mentioned before, aluminum is the most cost effective option. Wood for instance requires detailed maintenance throughout its life span and will of need to be replaced in time. Initially the out lay for aluminum is more but will be less expensive in the long term. Not to mention all the time you will save during the summer when you are out boating and your neighbor is power washing and painting his wood fence once more.
When it comes to swimming pool safety aluminum pool fencing is designed to meet pool codes in commercial and residential applications. The other benefit is that it is simple to install with predrilled post and pre assembled panels, the hardest part for you as a home owner will be digging the hole.
If you are looking for an economical, maintenance free, stylish way to enclose your yard or pool look no further. With aluminum you have all the advantages on your side. The one drawback is the initial outlay between other types of fencing but long term the choice is obvious. Don’t forget the resale value of your home increases substantially when you install aluminum fencing.
Forever-Fence is an industry leader in aluminum pool fencing. For more information on pool fencing or to place an order you can visit http://www.forever-fence.com.
a style of fence for your yard consider what look you are going for to compliment your home. Fence style can accentuate a home that is modern, antique, simple or even sophisticated. One of the coolest things about a fence is that it can transform your landscape.
Fences can be functional and serve a very practical purpose as well. One place that you see this better than all others is swimming pool fencing. When it comes to installing a fence around your pool you will want to choose a material that will stand the test of time and add to the essence of the landscape. Purchasing aluminum fencing is incredibly easy with many online distributors to choose from. This is just one way on which fencing improves security when used.
If you are looking to increase privacy a great way to achieve this is with the installation of wooden privacy fence panels. You can purchase them in a variety of heights. This is a terrific option for homes in neighborhoods where the homes and backyards are close together. Building a “fortress” of fencing around your landscape eliminates the constant wondering eyes of your neighbors. It leaves you with a truly private backyard oasis.
An upgrade for the aesthetics can be found in your landscape with the installation of an electronic entry gate. An automatic gate adds allure to any homes long driveway and increases security, letting homeowners control access entry and exit to the property. When you have small kids or pets along with a home secluded with a long driveway this added security can add peace of mind while sprucing up your homes yard.
Vinyl picket fences are a great addition to homes in town, where a sidewalk is present. When you add the picket fence it makes your yard off limits for people to enter the space. It is a small way to add security to a home that is so easily accessible without taking anything away from your home. Vinyl fence is easy to install and maintain and easily blends into a home’s landscape. Plus the fairy tale of a white picket fence, who doesn’t want that for their home?
Whether you are choosing something simple to keep kids and pets in the backyard, such as chain link fencing or something major like privacy fencing and an electronic gate make sure you have researched the maintenance aspect of the material and gate operator. It is important to properly maintain the material and equipment to extend longevity while keeping up the fences appearance. It would be a mistake to spend all the money to install something as beautiful as a wooden privacy fence if you aren’t interested in the upkeep.
All of us have moments in life that we remember like they just happened yesterday. For some it is their first kiss, going to college, getting married, purchasing a home; this list could go on forever. For me one of these days is the day I was able to purchase my own fixed blade knife otherwise known as a “survival knife”. I was beyond excited. I had waited a long time, done a lot of research and finally decided upon the knife I would come to carry on my hip for years to come.
I purchased it online and when it arrived at my doorstep I was as ecstatic as a young child on Christmas morning. I wear is as casually as a pair of underwear only removing it from my hip on occasions that a knife is not allowed. I won’t share the brand or exact fixed blade knife I choose because I truly believe you decide for yourself when choosing fixed blade knives and in no way do I want to influence your decision. I will however give you a more in depth look at choosing a knife that is right for you and exactly why I believe, especially given society today, that a knife is a staple for everyone to carry; whether it is a pocket knife, fixed blade or liner lock.
Survival knives such as the Cold Steel Tai Pan Double Edged Dagger Knife are not only beautiful to carry and treasure but also incredibly useful. You can use the knife in a variety of ways: cutting, slicing, self-defense, first aid, food preparations, assist in building shelter and to help as a tool in prying and screwing. I know everyone is currently thinking of some random movie scene where the good guys life is saved with the use of the great knife tool, right?
When considering your knife purchases always consider its practicality. For some people a pocket knife or liner lock knife make more sense as their jobs don’t entail a knife to be worn on their hip. For other like myself my career makes it a necessity. Pocket knives are easily concealed and are simple to use. This is a popular option for almost everyone. I make my daughter and wife carry one when they leave the house. Sometimes it assists them in opening a box or removing a tag but there in case something occurred that it might become a tool in saving them from a bad situation.
The things I considered when choosing my fixed blade knife were basic considerations such as the blades size, I like to be at around 5- 6 inches, it was full tang, one continuous piece of metal, it had a single-edged blade with a flat ground spine and a sharp point tip along with a solid pommel.
The decorations that have almost no bearing on the function of the knife include items such as if the blade is carbon steel or stainless steel, the material of the handle, the finish, millings, whether to have a serrated or non-serrated blade as well as the designer or brand name of the knife. Knife enthusiasts argue that Cold Steel, Boker, Case and Smith and Wesson are amongst the top brand names amongst knife makers and who am I to argue with that!
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Mold accrues on shingle roofs frequently. Roofing is susceptible to mold and mildew when it does not receive enough sunlight or wind movement to properly dry the shingles leaving them with excess moisture and normal bacteria’s which cause green algae and mold to build up on the shingles. A common question from homeowners is how to get rid of the unsightliness without doing damage to the roofing or shingles.
The mold that can be seen some times is green mossy or black mold can appear in blotches or streaks on the roof. This is especially true of light colored asphalt shingles. The blue-green mossy algae are usually found in warm climates or humid summers. Although it is unsightly it does not usually do damage to the roofing material itself.
As for getting rid of the algae there are several ways to go about it. The first is to completely remove and replace the shingle roofing material with dark shingles. This will remove the issue currently and hopefully help you disguise the staining and moss growth later on down the road. Replace the roofing material with shingles that have copper granules and this will prevent the algae from forming as the copper is lethal to algae. A complete roof replacement is only needed if the current roofing material is in need of being replaced. This is the least cost effective manner in which to rid your roof of algae and moss.
Another technique that can be used to remove the algae on the shingle roof and is least expensive is to spray the roof down with a mixture of bleach and water. A 50/50 mix is best and will leave the roof clean without removing the granules on the shingles or bleaching the color out. No matter what do not use a power washer. This will remove the granules on the. shingle which will lead to the deteriorating of the material. Also it is important if you have landscaping below make sure you saturate the landscape with clean water before and after the job. Plants are notorious for not thriving in an environment when covered in bleach water.
To keep the algae from coming back add a piece of six inch strip of copper under the shingles at the roofs peak. The metal molecules will wash down with the water and will prevent algae from being able to foot into the shingles in the future. This is the same true of the copper flashing around the chimney. Look around at the roofs around you. Any of them with copper flashing are probably free of algae.
As always I do believe it is best to have a professional come and evaluate the situation. I think this is the best practice to ensure that there are not other issues that are causing the mold issue on the shingles. They also can remove the mold and algae and prevent damage to the shingles. As homeowners we tend to over clean the shingles which damages the structural components of the shingling.
Home Pro Roofing is a Michigan based company that installs and repairs roofs using a variety of roofing materials including composite asphalt shingles and metal roofing. For a free on-site quote contact them online http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.
Home Pro Roofing is a Michigan based company that installs and repairs roofs using a variety of roofing materials including composite asphalt shingles and metal roofing. For a free on-site quote contact them online http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.
I have always had a deep affinity for pearls. To me they are a signature piece and signify grace, elegance, sophistication and all things right and proper in the world. It wasn’t until I was 27 that I was given my first pearls. I had longed for them for so long but being a woman of modest means and becoming a mother I never allowed the extra funds to make the purchase. My husband, sneaky devil, knew just how much a pair of pearl earrings meant to me and found a way to purchase them on my 5th mother’s day. They are exquisite and they are mine!
If you are like me and interested in owning a set or pearl earrings, a string of pearls to wear around your neck or a fabulous necklace including a pearl pendant there is a lot to know when choosing the perfect pearl much like there is when purchasing a diamond. Below I will give you a brief understanding of what you are looking for when choosing a perfect pearl for yourself or someone you love.
First you should know there are two types of pearls, natural and cultured. Most pearls for sale today are cultured which in laymen’s term means that a person has had a hand in the pearls creation. They are grown in a controlled environment be pearl farmers. While natural pearls are created in nature without any nurturing or assistance by human hands. A natural pearl is quite rare however when they are found they are harvested, cleaned and made into jewelry. The pearls my husband purchased for me are cultured as are most pearls you will find in stores today.
The variation of pearls today is also quite different from yester years. In the past the Japanese Akoya was virtually the only variation in pearl. Today you will find Freshwater pearls, South Seas white, Tahitian black and South Seas golden pearls. My pearl earrings are Japanese Akoya.
Most often pearls are treated to help improve upon their color. Of course this is all personal opinion but I believe the natural color of the pearl is the most beautiful. Mine have been dyed. Most are. If your pearls look to good to be true it is safe to assume they have been irradiated to look that way.
Pearls are most often round. An odd shaped pearl is known as a baroque and are quite beautiful in their own way. If the baroque pearl has good luster, is scratch and crack free a modern look can be created turning the pearl into something different, a young, modern hip version of itself.
Pearls are like diamonds in the sense that flaws occur and with flaws should be discounted. A flawed pearl should never cost the same as a perfect pearl. If the pearl has dimples, scratches or cracks it is imperfect and should be highly discounted to reflect that. Finding a piece with scratches at a discount is a great way to give a gift for a young child as a starter pair of pearls. From the distance they are being viewed no one will see the imperfections and the cost is one in which if the earrings are misplaced as things often are with teens you will not be out a ton of money.
When choosing a pearl with color the color itself is irrelevant when it comes to price unlike diamond jewelry. The color should be attractive when placed against the skin of the person wearing it. The color in your pearls should come alive when placed on the skin of the wearer. My pearls are a cream color and compliment my skin tone and hair coloring.
Good luck finding your perfect pearl pendant, pearl necklace or earrings!
Get information on diamond engagement rings at http://www.darochejewelers.com today where you will find useful information on wedding jewelry including custom engagement rings, loose diamonds, engagement rings and gemstone jewelry.
DaRoche Jewelers is an online company with a local flair. Get information on diamond engagement rings at http://www.darochejewelers.com today where you will find useful information on wedding jewelry including custom engagement rings, loose diamonds engagement rings and gemstone jewelry.
Driveway gates always intrigued me. In my mind I always consider that in order to own an electronic entrance gate for your driveway you were either a millionaire or hiding something good. Obviously now I know this is not the case. Choosing to add a driveway gate to our home comes down to security, value and ascetics.
Electronic gates and fence systems have come so far in design and function. You can find gates in wrought iron, wood, aluminum as well as chain link and a multitude of other materials. The material that is chosen for your fence and gate will be determined by so many factors such as budget, maintenance level, home and landscape style, color, gate operator needed and size.
First let’s discuss a reasonable budget when considering the addition of an electronic gate. It is important to determine if a fence is needed as well and the size of the fence. Larger gates and yards that require a fence as well will of course require a budget substantially higher than a space that only needs an electronic gate installed. Chain link driveway gates, which I would think represent the least expensive material, start around two hundred and fifty dollars. Be sure to note this does not include the price of the gate operator which will need to be purchased and installed as well.
Speaking of gate operators you will need to determine what operator best fits your existing space. Sliding gate operators and swing gate operators are common and both have advantages depending on your space. Sliding gates slide into themselves to open while swing gates swing open. Swing gates are not a feasible option in an area with unlevel ground as the gate needs level space to swing.
Maintenance of an electronic gate is going to happen the material of the gate however can be maintenance free. Aluminum entrance gates are virtually maintenance free where as wooden gates require yearly cleaning and staining.
The style of your home will help you decide upon a color and style. A super country home with a modern fence style is just not going to be attractive to most people. Likewise a country fence is not going to fit with a modern home. Make sure the color and style of your home and electronic entrance gate all look like they have always been together.
Another quality to consider is the size of the driveway and the height of the fence. Driveway fences can easily be customized to the size of your driveway. Gates are normally six to eight feet but can be as short as four feet. The general idea of an electronic entrance gate is to promote safety for your home and family. For this reason it is best to find a gate that is not able to be climbed along side of a fence that also restricts access.
Fence and gate systems are meant to last. With proper installation and maintenance, no matter the specifications, your fence and gate will withstand the test of time. Hiring a professional gate installer is the best way to go when initially adding an electronic gate to your driveway.
Forever-Fence is an industry leader in aluminum pool fencing. For more information on pool fencing or to place an order you can visit http://www.forever-fence.com.
SAC Fence is an industry leader in electronic driveway gates and fencing. For more information on pool fencing or to place an order you can visit http://www.sacfencemi.com.
http://www.forever-fence.com/blog/everything-electronic-driveway-gates-have-to-offer/
http://www.forever-fence.com/blog/maintenance-free-aluminum-fencing/
Closing your pool for the winter is a important part in the longevity of the pools life. Inground pools are protected from freezing water and clean before stored away for the winter making opening the pool next season that much easier. One of the most important aspects of closing a pool is making sure that the main structure of the pool is prepared for the impending cold season. This means ensuring the plaster is free of cracks and damage. Pool plaster repairs can be done in the winter before storing the pool for the season so that when opening it in the spring it is all set and ready to go. Pool plastering is a job specific for professionals to ensure the material is applied correctly and is thoroughly set before closing the pool for the season.
The first step after making sure the inground gunite pool plaster is set for the season is to begin winterizing the pools water chemistry. It is important to balance the pH, overall Alkalinity and calcium hardness. This will keep the surface of the pool, the plaster or shell, from staining.
Pool suppliers also sell a chemical that is intended to keep the water blue and clear throughout the winter season to ensure that opening the pool in the spring is simpler. As with all pool chemicals either call in pool professionals to assist you or read and re-read the instructions to make sure you are properly handling the chemicals and applying them as direct.
I recommend not using the chlorine or bromine tablets. In my experience they tend to sink to the bottom of the pool and damage the surface as they sit all winter dissolving in one spot. I feel the same way about pool floaters containing chemicals. Without the activity in the pool the floater will stick to the site of the pool causing a stain.
Take precautions against freezing water as it will destroy your pool plumbing. It is recommended to completely blow the water out and make sure the water is not left in the system to freeze. You can do this using a shop vacuum or once again calling in a pool expert. You will plug the ends of the lines after the water is blown to prevent the water from filling the line up again.
As for the water within the pool it is recommended that you lower the pool level below the mouth of the skimmer. If water is left above this level and water gets in the throat of the pool it can easily cause a great deal of damage to the pool system.
The next step is to cover the pool. This should be done to prevent the pool from collecting winter debris. The type of cover you use will depend on the climate where you live, the type of pool you have and personal preference. Certain pool covers are pricier than others but do tend to prevent accidents from pets and children stepping out onto the covered pool and falling through.
The filter equipment should also be stored and winterized. Drain and plug the equipment and be sure that you open any air relief valves if there are any. Remove pressure gauges and put multiport valves in the winterize position. Drain the pool pump; look carefully as some pools have two. After draining the pump open it to release built up water or air in the vein. All chemicals should be drained from the feeder as well as draining the cleaner pump, heater and other pool equipment with water potentially sitting in it.
Proper care and winterization of your pool increases the pools lifetime as well as that of the pool surface. If a gunite pool is cared for it can easily last fifteen to twenty years. This is longer than most people reside within a home. Proper care of the pool will also help increase the price of your home on the note of how long homeowners reside in a home!
Fall is here! Can’t even believe this is being said so soon as it seems like just yesterday the kids got out of school and now summer has happened, memories have been made and school is back in session as well as the lawns being scattered with leaves. Now is the prime time to ensure the health of your lawn, trees and landscape.
The first step it to ensure the canvas is left blank and ready to go for winter and spring. This entails cutting down trees that have died or become infected with disease or pest as well as trimming branches in trees. This leaves the canvas healthy and blank for the next year. Tree removal and trimming is best left to the professionals.
Next engage your lawn with some food. The worst thing to happen is to your lawn awakening in the spring with “feed me Semour screams”. The first application of fertilizer should be done in the middle of September with the next application happening before the frost has set in, around the end of November.
It is also important to reseed areas that have incurred damage from the sun. In order to reseed successfully loosen the soil and add seed on top of the loosened soil. Then add another layer of soil to the top. This will assist in the seed taking root.
Keep watering the lawn until the frost is here to stay. The lawn should be moist as it heads into winter but not saturated. Saturating the lawn will create a perfect environment for mold growth. Don’t automatically assume since Labor Day has come and gone that our house should be put away.
Don’t prune! Pruning is meant to encourage growth and going into a season where plants, shrubs and trees are going to be dormant the last thing you should do is encourage growth. Wait to prune until spring time rolls around. Dead wood however, is better to take off in the fall so as said before tree trimming and tree removal is best to be done now. This will prevent the perfect living environment for bugs to live and hide; dead wood.
The fall season is the perfect time to transplant items within your landscape and to divide larger plants such as ferns and hostas. This helps in allowing the root system take hold for spring growth. On a side note now is the perfect time to invite friends to share their overgrown goods with your landscape.
Mulch is an important part of fall preparations. Mulching around trees ensuring that the mulch is shaped in a donut leaving room around the trunk and not like a volcano. This allows the tree to be a less likely home and meal for small critters as it is not comfy at the trunk. Mulch is also best to be applied in flower beds in the fall before the hard freeze. It will help prevent the plant root systems and ensure they are vibrant and healthy for the spring.
Add any bulbs that are required to be planted in the fall for spring growth. Tulips and daffodils are some that add great color in the spring when the landscape is just awakening and color is still bleak and unseen in the grass and trees.
Fall landscape preparations make for an easy transition in the spring. A little preparation goes a long way with your landscape and most things for that matter.
Civil Litigation is a category that encompasses so many different aspects of law. Basically civil litigation breaks down to mean that two or more parties are having a legal dispute and are seeking monetary damages or precise actions to be carried out rather than seeking any criminal actions being sought. Attorney’s specializing in this type of law are known as trial lawyers or sometimes as litigators. When are a civil litigations attorney you represent your clients in all aspects of the proceedings including any and all trials, hearings, mediations and arbitrations. You could be seen in front of local, state, federal and even foreign agencies.
Civil litigation is a broad spectrum covering many varied issues that arise between two or more parties. When seeking retribution attorney’s can represent clients in all types of matters such as: Landlord and tenant issues, issues regarding the environment, product failure, injuries one sustains to one self, construction matters, medical malpractice suits, issues in labor and employment law, real estate and anti-trust/probate issues.
As an attorney in civil litigation you are often challenged. It is assumed that you will be an expert for your client and with that you become an expert in many different situations pertaining to the law. You are basically trying to win a debate. You will assume an opposite position and have to embrace the controversy and conflict that comes with it in representing your client (s). As a civil litigation attorney you will be working with other attorney’s and paralegals to best develop your position/side of the debate. The job of a litigation lawyer is one that includes a great deal of stress and abundant hours.
As with any type of case being handled in the court of law, litigation of a civil nature goes through a process of stages. Civil litigation has seven specific stages it follows and going through the process can range anywhere from a few months to several years to achieve result. The stages can be broken down as such: investigation, pleadings, discovery, pre-trial, trial, settlement and if desired appeal. Not every suit will go through every phase. If you are lucky the case could reach a verdict/settlement before going through the trial process.
Watching shows on television would lead you to believe that most of the attorney’s time is spent in trial however this is far from the truth. The most time in a civil case is spent in discovery. This is the time when information is pulled and accessible to both parties to review. It is a time that is labor intensive and attention to detail is of utmost importance.
As with any specialty in law there are certain character traits that help you a grown and become better at what you do. The best thing you can do for yourself if interested in becoming a civil litigator is to start embracing procedural law. To be an attorney of any degree you must have strong oral skills as well as being able to be an empathetic advocate. The ability to reason and think logically will help you in the discovery process as well as assisting communication with your client. Use and develop these skills to assist in your growth as a litigator.
Longton Law Offices specialize in representing clients who are going through a variety of civil litigation proceedings. Longton Law can help. Check us out today online at http://www.longtonlawoffices.com/.
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