Livingston Reporting - page 306

Bring Winter On With A Roof Free Of Damage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Michigan homeowners cannot anticipate what the winter weather will bring.  Some are predicting warm and mild while others are predicting we will pay for the warm and mild winter we had last year.  While we can’t predict the weather on thing we can do is prepare for it.

It is important to realize the importance of having roofing contractors come out to the home and inspect the roof.  The gutters should be checked for clogs as well as proper soffit ventilation to prevent ice from building up and freezing in the gutters as well as dagger icicles. This will prevent damage to your roof and gutters as well as improve the energy efficiency of your heating system.

Call us for a winter inspection today.  The temperatures keep dropping. We service and repair metal roofs as well as being expert shingle roofing contractors.

Okemos 517-349-3144
Brighton 810-225-9080
Rochester Hills 248-852-5170
Farmington Hills 248-324-5733

Home Pro Roofing MI

Considerations In Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When considering fencing options for your residence what are your top priorities? Of course the fencing is to be effective at keeping kids and pets in while keep unwanted guests out but what else.  Finding fencing that is affordable as well as substantial to stand the test of time, the weather and the natural environment that surround us.  Aluminum fencing is one variety of fence material that comes in an abundant variety of styles and colors as well as being durable and long-lasting.

Residential aluminum fencing products are easily installed by do-it-yourself homeowners or relatively inexpensive to have installed by local fencing installer.  If you are someone interested in installing an aluminum fence there are a few things you will want to do pre-installation.

The first step before ordering fencing entails several components.  You first must make sure that a fence is a viable option for the area in which you live.  Many homeowners associations have nailed done on the type of fencing that can be installed also regulating material and heights of fencing to be used.  This can present an issue whether you live in a subdivision or not.  Check with local zoning officials to ensure you are able to have a fence installed within your property.

The next step once you have found it is okay that a fence be placed within your yard is to apply for a permit and to call in your local utility company to mark the lines of any power, gas or other utilities ran throughout the yard.  The last thing homeowners want is a bill from the gas company when a main line needs to be repaired because you dug into and broke a utility line.

Once all the technicalities have been covered and the fence is a go it is important to research types of fencing materials available.  Remember that you want to add to the aesthetic beauty of the yard not draw away from it or remove the beauty all together.  There are several low maintenance options in fencing.  The one that is most desirable for durability, in my opinion, is aluminum fencing.

Aluminum fencing has been a designated pool fencing material for ages now.  Just recently aluminum fencing has become a popular option in yard fencing as well.  It is available in a variety of styles including ornamental, decorative and picket.  You can purchase sections in just about any height you want starting three feet.  You can choose from colors ranging from traditional black aluminum fencing to more modern bronze.  Homeowners can even purchase that little white picket fence in aluminum without the worries and maintenance of wooden picket fences.

With all the decisions before the manual labor begins many homeowners decide that it is in their best interest to leave the installation to the professionals.  Aluminum fencing is actually one of the easy materials in fencing for homeowners to install on their own.  With patience, hard work , reputable materials and the correct tools it is an easy weekend job.

Forever-Fence

Easy Installation Of Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It never is easy to take on a project that you are unfamiliar with which happens almost every time homeowners take on something new.  It is not often that you install a fence for instance or take on the installation of ceramic tile flooring.  These projects happen once so you learn as you go.  This article will walk you through step-by- step the process of installing the perfect aluminum fence.  The perfect white aluminum picket fence or aluminum pool fence and gate are just a few simple steps away.

First things first like with any project outside of your home you will want to ensure it falls within the home association’s guidelines.  After this is covered a trip to the local township to apply for permits and a call to the utility company to mark underground utilities and you are ready to get down and dirty installing your new aluminum fence.

Begin your fence installation by laying out the line that will become the perimeter of your new fence.  This process should be done using a measuring tape, some twine and wooden stakes.  You will begin my measuring and placing stakes within the ground at various points within the fence line.  Corners are marked and twine is run and the line will be ready to be squared off.  During this initial phase you will want to mark on-center locations for each of the posts, corners, end posts and intermediate post locations should be well defined.  This process will help you with the ordering process as well.

The next step is where the sweat starts.  Post holes need to be dug.  Each hole should be twenty four inches deep and eighteen inches wide.  Most of the time when a fence is installed a gate is also installed.  When installing gate posts you will want to make sure the footing holes are a bit larger as the gate continuously is used and worked throughout their lifetime.

Now comes the time to lay out the fence.  Put the posts in their places and lay the sections of decorative aluminum fence out in between them.  This will help to ensure you have properly measured the spaces in between for the poles to be in place as well as the sections of fencing.

Using quick drying concrete will help the next process come along. Each post will take patience and time to set.  Fill the hole with quick drying concrete until it comes to just about four inches below the ground level.  This allows room for dirt to be piled over the footing area blending it with the rest of the lawn.  A level is needed to make sure each post is leveled and plumbed correctly.

As you go along you will want to recheck the previous posts to ensure you are staying level and plumb.  You should straighten the posts as necessary to ensure that the aluminum fencing sections are leveled upon installation.  If you are consistent in checking the concrete will not be completely set up so it will be easier to make adjustments.

The final steps involve inserting each section of aluminum fence panel in between the poles once the concrete has completely dried. This is where the hardware that same along with the fencing sections is needed.  Once this is complete it is time to install the gates and there you have it a completed aluminum fence.

 

Forever-Fence

Tending To Your Lawn In The Fall

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When the air starts to cool down and you start to enjoy hot tea instead of ice tea you know it is time to start thinking about fall lawn care.  Fall lawn maintenance is important to keep your lawn growing healthy year round. When you properly mow, fertilize, water and seed in the fall your lawn will be a glowing indication in the spring when the air transitions from crisp back to balmy. This article will give you fall lawn care tips to take you through the season and prepare your lawn for the fall and winter seasons.

Mowing is essential to keeping the exterior of your home looking its best.  The curb appeal of your home is what sets your home apart from the rest of the homes in the area.  You want people to drive by and be inspired and in awe.  A healthy fall lawn needs to continue to be cut.  Just because the weather is chilly does not mean that you stop mowing the lawn.  You will however need to adjust the length in which you cut the lawn.

When the temperatures are hot we tend to leave our lawns a bit longer to avoid burning the grass and root with the heat of the sun’s rays.  Once summer comes to an end and the rays of the sun are farther away and less intense it is time to start mowing the lawn to about two inches.  Don’t go any shorter than this as you will run the risk of killing the grass.

The grass in the fall naturally stays greener in the fall then the summer even without constant water.  This however does not eliminate the need for watering your lawn throughout the fall season.  Normally the water levels are naturally higher when the weather turns colder.  If however the rainfall is less than an inch a week you will want to go back to watering your lawn with the sprinkler. Water is needed to keep your fall lawn lush and full.

The next area we will look at is fertilizing the lawn.  This process should be done in late fall perhaps the perfect time would be the end of September through the middle of October.  When you fertilize your lawn it is better suited to handle the harsh winter weather and become a healthy lawn quicker in the spring.  Fertilizer gives the lawn a high nitrogen content that will help achieve all of this for your lawn.

You will want to fill in any areas of grass that have thinned throughout the summer by adding seed that will help to fill in bare spots and make the lawn more lush in the spring.  The temperatures and rain fall levels in fall are usually ideal for the seeds to germinate.  There are two schools of thought with fall planting.  One is to plant the seed in September so that it is able to germinate for this year the other is to plant it in mid October when it will stay dormant and establish itself when the spring season comes around.  In late fall birds and seed eating critters are less likely to steal the seed allowing a greater chance for more seeds to become viable.

Fall lawn care involves a lot less maintenance than summer lawn care but is such a key element in keeping your landscape design fresh and appealing.  It is important when using products on your lawn that are new to you that you read all labels and don’t abuse products like fertilizer.  More fertilizer will not give you a healthier lawn. In fact the opposite affect can happen rather quickly if fertilization of your lawn is not done properly.  Contact local lawn care professionals who are available for hire to care for your lawn year round.

 

Bladerunners Landscape

Outdoor Home Improvements That Compliment Your Homes Exterior

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Now that we have some cooler days upon us it is the ideal time to get out and spruce up the exterior of your home using little more than paint.  This article will give you tips on what you can do to offer curb appeal to your home in nothing more than a long weekend.

Before you run out and buy paint, accessories or landscaping to spruce up the exterior of your home there are a few things to consider. The major thing to consider is what colors will compliment the pieces in the yard and around the exterior of the home that you won’t be replacing or repainting.  The house will definitely have style issue of its own to consider as well such as the architectural design, the homes size and the age of the home and the current exterior material.  You can easily find ideas online, in home catalogs and driving through neighboring areas.  Color combination on homes similar to yours that catch your eye can be noted so that you have options to consider when sitting back in front of your own home.

Once you have determined where you want to go with the color palette of the home get to work.  Applying a fresh coat of paint and stain to outdoor areas such as doors, shutters, trim and siding are sure to increase the homes curb appeal.  Don’t forget other large areas that are included in the exterior of the homes. This includes the homes fencing.

When looking into redoing the color on a home’s fencing consider the fence material.  Are you looking at adding color to a wooden fence?  Do you like stains or would you prefer exterior grade paint? Are you updating an existing chain link fence? Here is where you can think outside the box a bit. Remember aluminum, chain link or iron fence they do not have to stay silver, gray or black. With paint specific against rust an aluminum pool fence or a chain link enclosing fence can be transformed into a colorful, exterior art piece that compliments the home.

To achieve the best results when you are looking into painting consider using tools that offer professional results.  The rollers and brushes as well as the paint quality all affect the outcome of the projects.

Doors, shutters and trim are all the accessories that bring out the character in your home. These pieces should pop out in a complementary way and not a look at this obscurity type of way.  They are also the elements that are most beat up with the ever changing weather conditions.  Before painting make sure the object is clean, dry and that loose paint has been removed. This will leave a clean slate for you to begin your home’s exterior transformation.

Now that the big project, the home and fence, are completed look at the objects place around the home’s landscaping.  A few freshly painted flower boxes can add a splash of color to a garden while adding some new lawn art can add interest.  The combination of color, materials and textures used throughout the space you will have an exterior that will leave people driving by for more.

 

SAC Fence

The Basics of Medicare and Medigap Insurance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medicare originally is understood to be Part A, which is hospital insurance and Part B, which is medical insurance.  This original coverage allows for many but not every medical or health related service and supply.  There is insurance available, called Medigap or Medicare Supplemental Insurance that covers expenses that are not covered under the general Medicare Part A and Part B. This includes things such as copayments, coinsurances, deductibles and expenses when traveling outside of the United States.  Believe it or not the out of pocket expenses can add up very quickly and before you know it you could have easily paid the monthly premium of a Medicare Supplement Plan.

Many Medicare participants don’t understand exactly how Medicare and Medigap work together.  First it should be understood that when you do choose a Medigap policy, Medicare will still pay their approved share upfront and then the Medigap policy pays its share of the cost.

It is best to understand that Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies. The policy itself is the same no matter who sells it however the cost to participants might change. When you buy Medigap Plan G at one insurance company is the exact same coverage you will receive through another insurance company. The difference being the premium you pay them to offer you the insurance. This is one of the reasons it is so important to do research before settling on a Medigap plan and provider.

Each plan covers a variety of services to their participants. Below is a list of options you should look for when choosing a Medigap policy to suit your diverse needs.

  • Inpatient Hospital Care: This piece will cover the coinsurance for Medicare Part A not the deductible though.
  • Medical Costs: This piece will cover the coinsurance for Medicare Part B and copayments for hospital outpatient services. This can save a lot of money as the coinsurance amount left from Part B is twenty percent of the Medicare approved amount.
  • Blood: Believe it or not without a Medigap policy, blood is not covered.  The right Medigap policy will cover the first three pints of blood you need each year.

Other benefits that are included in Medigap Policies can include a variety of services some of which are in the list below.

  • The annual hospital deductible
  • Coinsurance for skilled nursing facilities
  • The annual deductible for Medicare Part B
  • During travel abroad emergency care coverage
  • Recovery at home
  • Care not covered by Medicare
  • Excess charges from the doctor above and beyond the pre-approved Medicare amount

If you are enrolled in the Medicare Advantage Plan you will not purchase Medigap insurance. It is unnecessary as the items covered by the Medicare Advantage Plan are equivalent to the items covered within Medicare Supplemental Insurance.   If you would like more information on Medicare and Supplemental Insurance a great online resource is run through the government although you are not able to purchase Medigap policies directly through the government. To purchase a policy it is best to research insurance providers in your area that offer Medigap insurance.

123Medigap

The Ins and Outs of Medicare

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The world of Medicare is one in which is ever changing and always a bit confusing for those embarking on it for the first time. Below is a quick guide to enrolling in Medicare and Supplemental Insurance Plans.

When it comes to Medicare Part A enrollment is fairly easy as this is something you don’t have to actively participate in.  Once you become sixty five you are automatically enrolled in the program if you have elected to receive Social Security or a railroad retirement disability.  If you are holding off on receiving social security it is super simple to fill out and file an application.  You can call and have one sent or go to the government site which offers information about Medicare.

Medicare Part B is also a plan in which participants are automatically enrolled when participants become eligible. Part B of Medicare is one that is optional and can be declined.  Part B requires a monthly premium be paid for coverage.  Remember you may have to apply for coverage if you are not receiving social security are employed by the government or have kidney disease.

You are only able to enroll without penalty if you enroll during open enrollment.  Three months before participants turn sixty five and three months after is the period in which open enrollment for Plan B takes place.  After that or if you previous declined insurance there is a ten percent plan increase per twelve month period you could have signed up but didn’t.  This changes however if participants are covered under a separate group health plan in which case you have up to eight months after that coverage ends as open enrollment for Medicare Part B.

The Medicare Advantage Plan takes the place of Medicare Part A, Part B and Supplemental Medicare Insurance.  You can take part in this plan or stop taken part of the Medicare Advantage program during the annual coordinated enrollment period which is November 15th through the 31st of December.  While Medicare Part A and B are enrolled through Medicare direct the Medicare Advantage plan requires enrollment through individual companies that offer the plan.

Next is the step involving supplemental plans.  In order to purchase a Medigap policy you must be enrolled in Medicare coverage.  Enrolling in Medigap begins on the first day of the first full month that you are sixty five or have enrolled in Part B Medicare and ends after six months.  This is the period in which an insurance company must waive all exclusions such as pre-existing conditions and accept all participants.  The must also allow your coverage to begin immediately.  After the six months insurers have the right to deny selling you a particular Medigap Supplemental Plan.

This article contains the basic enrollment information for the general arenas for Medicare.  There are other areas to consider such as prescription drug coverage plans, otherwise known as Medicare Part D.  For more in depth information is a good idea to contact an insurance agent that sells Medicare Supplemental Plans.  They will be able to guide you through the complex maze of Medicare and all that encompasses it.

 

 

123Medigap

Choosing Comfort Features For Your Electric or Gas Furnace

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In recent articles we discussed the pros and cons of choosing between gas and electric furnaces.  Of course there is not one clear winner with this issue for everyone.  Some like the monthly efficiency gas heat brings while others prefer to do away with the yearly maintenance and carbon monoxide risk with gas heating.  Whichever way you and your family lean on the issue once you have chosen which type of heating system you prefer there are more options to decide upon.  This article will focus on the details surrounding the furnace and are the same when talking about gas and electric heating for the home.

When considering the amount of money you are willing to spend on home heating you need to be realistic with some of the extras you are looking for and consider if they are realistic.  You are not necessarily going to get the top of the line quality with a mid-level budget when you are looking for high quality, lots of controls and a whisper quiet machine.

When looking at the quality of a furnace you are actually purchasing the number of years it will last and how it will perform during those years.  When picking a brand of furnace, look for a company that has a history of building reliable, quality appliances.  Spending a bit more on the system upfront may mean less cost down the road. Consider asking for free estimates from several installation companies and while they are in your home evaluating your current needs question them about certain brands and what they suggest and why.

The next feature to give thought to is the efficiency of the home heating system.  A higher rated furnace will cost more initially but could save you money in the long run of owning the furnace. We can break furnace efficiency into two basic categories mid range and high range.  A mid range efficient furnace will offer the homeowner an efficiency rate of about eighty percent over a high range efficiency furnaces which offers as high as a ninety six percent rating.

Comfort features add to the cost of a furnace and are the items that are not necessities but offer something extra that makes the system desirable over another.  One special feature is the option of a two speeds.  This allows the furnace to function on low and is substantially quieter.

This is nice because it runs longer and has fewer start and stop cycles and allows for a more consistent temperature in the home. With two speeds the temperature swing is about two degrees where as a single speed the temperature variance is around four degrees. This also allows for better air circulation and keeps the warm air from settling at the ceiling.

Variable capacity is another option that provides comfort and efficiency.  The motor regulates the home heating needs and automatically adjusts the air speed and volume output.  This system is the most efficient heating and cooling option for your home.  A fan is also installed in this furnace option and is run throughout the summer to increase central air efficiency as well.

The noise level of the furnace is something that needs to be considered in depth especially in ranch homes where the homes heating and cooling systems are in ear shot of main living and sleeping quarters. There is not a standard rating for furnace noise so you will need to do extra research to determine this.

Purchasing a new furnace comes with an abundant amount of decisions.  The extras can add up quickly but it is important that homeowners realize a little more outlay out front can save money in maintenance bills and monthly heating costs.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Choosing Between A Gas and Electric Furnace

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are some home improvement choices that are difficult however purchasing a new furnace should not be.  This article will give you information on purchasing a new, energy efficient furnace for your home. This list will help serve as a guide of what you might want to look for when you are researching a new furnace for your home.

The first decision to make is what type of furnace you will be purchasing. Will you be looking towards a gas or electric furnace?  This decision is often made easier when replacing an old unit as the duct work has been set for the one that is already in the house.  Your budget will need to increase if you are looking to convert from electric to gas or from gas to electric.  This is a personal decision as both methods provide energy efficient options and create the end goal; which is heat for your home.

Let us first take a look deeper into gas furnace systems.  When looking at a gas furnace it is important to point out that this option is more affordable than choosing to go with an electric furnace as a source of heat.  Of course this implies that a gas source is readily available and accessible.  It is important to point out that the downside to gas furnaces is the fumes related to burning fuel.  In a system that is well maintained the fumes generated are sent into an exchanger and then pushed through an exhaust fan out of the house.

When you have a gas furnace it is important to work in the cost of yearly maintenance.  With a gas system it is important to have the gas furnace system tuned up and checked out by a qualified furnace professional once a year before the season begins. They will check out the gas furnace system for holes, leaks or cracks.  A crack within a gas furnace system could lead to carbon monoxide seeping into your home which could prove to be deadly.

An electric furnace is the next option in home heating that the majority of homeowners choose.  Electric furnaces have a higher operating expense than gas furnaces however are generally safer as they do not use a flame and do not generate carbon monoxide.  Having an electric furnace rather than gas often proves to be a cleaner, safer way to heat your home.

The first and foremost decision for new construction or homeowners needing to replace their homes heating is to determine between gas and electric.  Many homes are equipped with systems currently but can be converted if desired.  It is important that owners weigh the pros and cons of both systems; the money spent on yearly maintenance for a gas furnace might be equal to the higher monthly bill of an electric furnace.  These are all cost verse savings estimates that need to be looked at when favoring one system over the other.

Once this has been determined there are a number of other items that come into play and will be more dependent on the budget you have to outfit your home with a new furnace.  Options within the quality of the furnace, the furnaces efficiency, different control features and the noise the furnace produces. We will take a look more in-depth in another article in regards to the details of these features.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Men’s Jewelry That Makes A Statement

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Considering the way many men feel about shopping, let alone shopping for jewelry for themselves, one can understand why many men choose simply not to wear jewelry.  This is a sad reality. This article will give men a look at purchasing jewelry for themselves that will eliminate the mystery involved.

The first things to determine is exactly what type of pieces are you looking for.  When it comes to making a jewelry purchase are you looking for something that is classic and can be worn to work all the time or are you looking for some fun, funky styled jewelry that may be worn when you are going out on the town.  Narrowing down the jewelry purpose will also help you narrow down exactly what you are looking for.

Nice jewelry to be worn for business, church or dinners out for men can include a simple chain necklace, a classic watch or a bracelet.  Nothing over the top but something simple and classic in one tone should do the job for these types of events.  However if you are looking to make a statement with your jewelry and are a man looking for pieces to accentuate the edge metro sexual style you are trying for try a layered look with bracelets and necklaces of different materials. Simple metals might not do.  Check into rope, hemp materials and leather.  Consider simple solid metal rings worn on a thumb.  This look creates funky, fun styles that appeal usually to younger men or men that are a bit trendier and have an aura of edge.

It can help if you know a bit of information when it comes to jewelry as well.  Color is something that was mentioned above.  Jewelry comes in a variety of metals and materials.  The silver look can be achieved using a variety of metals that range in price: titanium, platinum, white gold and sterling silver.  When looking into the gold tones you can choose between gold in a variety of carats, copper and bronze.

It is also important to use terms when it comes to the jeweler’s size and proportions when it comes to choosing something for men.  Men should say what they want if the piece is to be bold a slender link is not going to work. Use good descriptive words to express to the jeweler what you want to achieve.  For instance if you are purchasing a set of cufflinks you can’t expect the jeweler to know what you are looking for if you go in and say that you are looking for cufflinks that aren’t overly showy.  Explain to the jeweler what this means to you.  Showy to one person is drab to another.

Men’s jewelry comes in a variety of price points just as ladies jewelry.  Be upfront when looking for a piece.  The jeweler might sway you towards something costly when in actuality you are looking for more of a costume piece. Being upfront with your budget will help the jeweler stay within your price point when giving you options to achieve the look you desire with your men’s jewelry purchase.

DaRoche Jewelers