Livingston Reporting - page 302

Looking Into Different Aspects Of Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Before you sign on the dotted line and choose a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan it is important that you become informed about what is best for you and your health situation.  It is important to know how each Medicare Supplemental Plan works in conjunction with Medicare Part A and B.

The first thing most participants are confused about is that you still belong to Medicare Part A and B even after you choose a supplemental plan. All the same benefits apply that come with Medicare Part A and B with the supplemental insurance plus the benefits that are acquired through the plan.

It is also important for you to know that all Medicare Supplemental Plans are standardized.  What this means is that your coverage is the same no matter what you pay or where you purchase the plan from.  The only difference will be the company, the level of service from their personnel and the price.

One issue that is near and dear to our hearts when considering health insurance is prescription drug coverage.  It is notable to understand that any Medicare Supplemental Policy you currently purchase will not come with prescription drug coverage.  This is something that needs to be purchased through separately and is referred to as Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Later we will go in to more depth on when it is the best time to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance, requirements for eligibility and options within each plan.

Senior Health Direct

Creating A Safe Pool Environment With Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In ground swimming pools are becoming more and more popular with homeowners. With that being said it is also important to look at a trend in the deaths of children under fourteen – drowning.  Pools are a lot of fun and in order to keep summer about fun and not tragedy an aluminum fence around your pool should be installed.
An aluminum pool fence helps in many different ways. It protects homeowners from people sneaking into the pool when they are not home or are inside.  It also helps keep small children who are playing in the backyard out of the pool area when adult supervision is not nearby.  A benefit of aluminum fencing around a pool that is often over looked is the benefit of keeping animals, household pets or nuisances out of the pool and away from the danger of drowning.
Another great reason for the addition of residential pool fencing is to add privacy to your backyard pool area.  Although pool fencing might not be a requirement from your local county ordinances adding an aluminum fence will increase privacy.  This is a benefit whether or not you have small children or pets.  As a homeowner with a pool in their backyard it is important to know the risks involved with the water and the surroundings, be it children or animals.  The one sure way to prevent an accident is by installing a residential aluminum pool fence with a locked access entry system in place.

Forever-Fence, SAC Fence

Window Treatments For Homes With A View

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Window treatments are incredibly tricky for novice interior decorators as is the average homeowner. One issue arises when you have windows that have awesome views.  If the view is not terrific it tends to be okay to add in window treatments that disguise the bad view.  When the view is amazing it is important to enhance the window using custom blinds and shades that allow the view in.

 

The answer is simple if you have a space that is all view and private.  Windows that view spaces that leads to private terraces or enclosed garden spaces or water front property without neighbors require no window treatment at all.  Truth is most of us are using window treatments to add privacy and this setting does not require it.  Let the wooden frame of the window frame the view outdoors and enjoy.

 

If you are similar to me and have a need for privacy even though you enjoy the view it might be a good option to consider a layered window treatment option.  Cellular shades are perfect to achieve this look and feel.  You can pull them up into themselves until they almost completely disappear during the day leaving you to enjoy the view.  You also can layer sheer curtains on top of them to add a bit of privacy but still allow the view to shine in during the day.  At night you can close the shades, pull the curtains and there you have a cozy and private space to enjoy.

 

The thing to remember when using curtains, blinds and shades is that the reason you choose the home in the first place probably had something to do with the view.  The key is to incorporate custom window treatments without losing the view to maximize comfort within your home space.

Comfort Blinds

Considerations in Security Systems For Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Before you purchase an alarm system for your home there are several things to think about.  Home alarm systems are complicated and expensive this is why it is important to decide what you are looking for in home security as you begin consulting with professional security specialists. To determine what you need it is best to start with some preliminary research.

The first step a homeowner can do is to become familiar with their home.  In doing this consider how many doors and windows you would like to be integrated into your homes security system.  After this has been determined you will want to consider where you will locate the keypad and panel.  Many times keypads are located near bedrooms and entrance doors.  This allows users to easily access the device when needed.

Will the system be monitored?  This option is available for a monthly fee.  Another option similar to this is a system that when the alarm is triggered your system is connected to preselected phone numbers and will call the minute the security is breached.

Another major consideration is your lifestyle.  This will help to determine the type of motion sensor you are able to put in.  If you are up throughout the night or have animals out and about you might need a system that is not super sensitive.

After you have fully evaluated your needs and wants with your home security you will want to consult with a professional home alarm and security system installation company.  They will help evaluate your goals with security and the options that you are interested in and come up with a system that best fits you and your home.

All Star Alarm

Hiring A Professional or Doing It Yourself?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Anytime you are about to conquer a home improvement project you need to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror.  Are you really someone that can finish the project at hand?  Something as complicated as a kitchen or bathroom remodel is not something the everyday do it yourself homeowner can tackle well.  It is important to consider this as getting started and then realizing the professionals are better suited for the job is often more of a budget cruncher then letting them handle the job in the first place.

The details going into the bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel or any home renovation will help you decide if the pros should be called in.  Moving electricity, plumbing or expanding rooms into one larger space are all projects that professional contractors would best to be involved in. Minor room renovations such as painting or simple trim work are areas that most likely can be handled on your one.

One are many homeowners are convinced is a do it yourself project is in the area of flooring.  It is also one area that is easily underestimated.  Flooring is complicated.  From removing the current flooring be it tile, hard wood or linoleum to preparing the area for the new flooring it can be tricky.  Flooring is also a very expensive endeavor and can easily become quite a disastrous event.  Consider a tile floor.  Laying the tiles out and cementing them in place all look like projects that although will take considerable time look relatively possible for a do it yourself homeowner.  The trick part comes in when it comes time to grout and chaulk.  Without a perfect consistency the floor can easily become a mess that does not properly dry or seal.

Bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations and home remodels of just about any kind can become overwhelming quickly.  Look at the time and believe it or not money you will save by not having to call the expert in later to redo your project before actually taking on any home renovation project.

APS

Frozen Pipes – Welcome to Michigan Winters

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is necessary to take precautions in cold weather climates, such as Michigan, to prevent your pipes from freezing on cold Michigan winter nights. Frozen pipes lead to broken pipes which can quickly turn into costly water damage clean up.  If a water emergency does happen in your home do to broken pipes call the professionals at Dreamers Inc. Restoration for quick disaster restoration.

The best advice however is to prevent broken pipes to begin with.  Here are some simple and easy to follow tips to handle Michigan winters without frozen pipes.

  • The first tip is to be aware of the areas in your home most susceptible for incidents with freezing pipes.  Areas such as an unheated basement, crawl spaces and rooms where pipes are located on outside walls.  Often times this is present within kitchens under the sink.
  • Start by eliminating as much cold air as you can from getting into the home especially next to water lines.  This can be done by closing off crawl spaces, better insulating walls and sealing windows with plastic.
  • It is wise to also know how to shut off the water in the home in case a pipe does burst or freeze.  This will help to minimize the amount of damage done to the home’s interior.
  • A great tip is to insulate all pipes.  This can be done with heat tape or insulated wraps that easily are placed around pipes.  This is also fairly inexpensive.
  • When the temp falls below freezing, especially in the low teens to sub zero temps, allow a small trickle of water to run through the faucets.  This is a cheaper alternative than having your pipes freeze, break and the clean up after.
  • Also keep doors to cupboards open to allow the pipes to soak in some of the heat from the rest of the home.

These are just a few tips to keep your pipes unfroze throughout cold Michigan winters. If disaster does strike call a professional water extraction team in to prepare the water damage before it becomes a bigger issue such as with mold and mildew.

Dreamers Inc Restoration

Surviving Michigan Winters While Staying Warm

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

This has been such a mild start to our Michigan winter.  Our furnaces have not been pressed to the limit yet but as Michigan winters promise they will.  So with this in mind it is a good time to share tips on conserving energy this winter and to let you know that Airtronic Heating and Cooling professional home heating contractor offer many services from furnace repair to general furnace tune ups and maintenance.

Tips On Conserving Energy This Michigan Winter

  • Start the winter out right and ensure that your heating system is in good working condition.
  • Turn the thermostat down to a temperature between sixty four and sixty eight degrees. This does help to decrease your energy by three percent per degree you turn your thermostat down.
  • Believe it or not on those sunny days, few and far between here in Michigan, you are advised to open the shades and let the sun shine in.  Then at night to keep the heat in make sure to close the blinds and shades.
  • Check window and door seals to make sure that cold air is not seeping in.  Chaulk any areas that feel drafty and if the gap is on the larger side search out products that offer long term sealing solutions at your local home improvement store.
  •  For any door that is not used on a regular basis use a draft blocker.  This could be something simple like a towel rolled up and placed in front of the door or a purchased item made especially for this purpose.
  • Make sure to have a thermostat that can be programmed and run it on a program that runs the heat warmer during the hours you are home and turns the heat down when away and at night while sleeping.
  • Reversing your ceiling fans can also be of benefit in that they help push the warm air into the middle of the room instead of allowing it to rise up.  Thus in turn keeps the warm air where it is needed in the room.

The team at Airtronic can help you save even more money on your heating and cooling needs by installing a new energy efficient heating and cooling system designed specifically for your home.  They also offer a number of services to maintain and repair issues with your homes furnace.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Holiday Engagements and Ring Shopping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The thing about Christmas time or any holiday in general for all that it matters is that we slow down and take time to visit and spend time with family and friends.  The holiday season is a time when people gather and in turn ends up being a time when many people become engaged.  Engagement ring shopping does spike about a month before the major holiday seasons.   With that being said… Christmas is only 21 days away.
When looking for an engagement ring there are many different aspects to consider.  The first and main aspect to consider is your fiancé to be and her preferences in jewelry. Many women with very simple and classic tastes become overwhelmed with today’s bling.  The main consideration when choosing a diamond size and shape as well as the ring setting is her style and tastes.  You can’t go wrong taking her window shopping before a final purchase is made.
Another tip to consider is online jewelry shopping when it comes to purchasing an engagement ring for your loved one. This is a great way to stretch your wedding budget.  Online jewelry shopping saves you the markup chain jewelers have to help with overhead costs.  It is possible to window shop large retailers and find an identical item online for a substantial difference.  My only warning is to check to ensure no matter where the ring is purchased there is a return policy.  You don’t want to be stuck with a ring if she would really prefer a different style ring.  Good luck shopping and don’t forget to look at some of the latest trends in engagement rings such as halo engagement rings and antique engagement rings.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Buying A Home In Livingston County

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many things go into buying and selling a home.  Susan Doyle with Real Estate One in Brighton, MI knows this well.  When selling your home or looking into any type of real estate services in or around Livingston County Susan Doyle is the expert to turn to.  Here are some basic tips when looking to purchase a home within the Brighton, Howell, Milford or the surrounding areas.

Tips For Buying A Home

One of the first things to consider is whether or not your future plans allow you to stay in the home for a few years.  This is important to consider with the cost associated with buying and selling a home. It is a good idea to stay in your home for a period of time to recoup these funds.

The next tip to consider is buying a home that you can afford.  Take into consideration the homes price, the taxes, special assessments to the home as well as heating and cooling costs. These bills should all be considered in the payment of the home as they will be a new part of your overall budget.

Consider the school district of the home you are buying.  This is important whether you have children or not. Homes in thriving school districts retain their market value and are much easier to sell when that time comes.

Seek professional help with all of your real estate service needs. The business of selling and buying homes is overwhelming and easy to miss a step.  This is why it is in your best financial interest to hire a professional to assume responsibility for arranging paperwork and other issues that are involved in the purchase and sale of a home.

It is in your best interest to get a pre-approval on your mortgage before you begin your house hunt. This enables you to stick at looking at homes within your budget and not wasting time with homes that are over the budget. Also consider putting the full twenty percent down to avoid having to pay for extra mortgage insurance.

The last piece of advice is to hire a home inspector. The last thing you want to do is to purchase a home only to find out you have bought a money pit.  A simple home inspection before signing on the dotted line can save you a bundle of money and hassles down the road.

Susan Doyle Real Estate

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November Is Here: Tips To Prepare Yourself For The First Snow Fall

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Snow removal is one of the most challenging aspects of cold weather climates.  Anyone who lives where snow is abundant knows the trials and tribulations that go along with large snow falls and efficiently removing the snow from walk ways and driveways.  If you are one of the lucky few you will have a professional at your beck and call to plow you out and ensure that you’re guaranteed accessibility to your home and main road ways.  However this is not always the case.  Some people prefer to save some money and go it themselves only resorting to a snowplowing service company for large snowfalls.  Here are some tips for those do it yourself types when shoveling snow.

1)      When snow shoveling be sure to only pick up a half scoop of snow each time.  This keeps you from burning out quickly and will allow you to stay injury free.

2)      When dealing with large chunks of snow and ice that are frozen together attempt to break the large piece into several pieces. Although this may be rough on your hands and arms it will save your back.

3)      Shovel the snow as it falls.  This will save you from the mass of snow that happens after the snow has fallen and become heavy through the night.  If it is allowed to become wet and harden it will be heavier to shovel.

When it comes to anything over three inches of snow and you have not been able to keep up as it has come down the best option is to look into your snow plowing options.  This is especially true when looking at longer driveway surfaces and private side streets.

Bladerunners Landscape