Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 223

Signs of Roof Damage After a Storm

Once again severe weather time is here for those of us in the north.  From lightening strikes to thunderstorms, strong winds and sand storms it all takes its toll on the exterior of our homes especially the roof.  Many times homeowners are clueless that there has even been damage to their homes.  Some will only notice damage months after the storms have rolled through.  It is important to identify damage as soon as possible to avoid extensive damage to the structure or foundation of the home.

After a storm has hit homeowners should take time to inspect their roof and home’s exterior.  It is best if small issues are identified and repaired before they become larger and more expensive problems that require extensive repairs.  If you suspect any damage has occurred to the roof after a storm it is best to call in a professional roofing contractor to perform a full inspection of your homes roof.    Most roofing companies offer free inspections or inspections for a fee that comes off the cost of needed repairs.

To assist homeowners we are including signs of roof damage to be aware of after a storm.  If a homeowner can see any of these it is important that they call in a roofing expert for further examination of the damage.

  • Shingling that is bent or folded
  • Shingles or roofing materials that have become dislodged
  • Any part of shingles or roofing materials within the homes yard
  • Roof buckling
  • Discoloration in the shingles
  • Ceiling discoloration
  • Light coming in from the attic space

Some of the damage, after a storm, can be difficult to see from street level.  Take a trip up onto the roof to look for shingling or other roofing materials that have dislodged.  If this is noticed it is important to have the roof inspected properly by a professional roofing contractor.  A contractor specializing in roofing can offer repair services or assist homeowners with insurance claims if a new roof is necessary.

Another common issue, buckling occurs in roofing when a roof is not properly ventilated or when shingles are laid one on top of another.  Noticing spots within the roof that are starting to buckle may indicate that you will need a new roof.

After an extreme wind storm it is possible to find dislodge roofing material in your yard.  One shingle may be easy to replace or repair however when multiple parts of shingling or other roofing materials are seen strewn about the yard it is a completely different issue.

Another sign of damage on a roof is discoloration.  Algae and moss can cause this discoloration and small leaks may occur.  A professional roofing contractor should be employed to restore the roof and treat the problem.

Discoloration on the outside isn’t the only issue that shows roofing damage.  If you see any signs of internal ceiling sagging or water spots it is time to inspect your homes attic.  Any light coming in from the attic space should be immediately repaired to prevent further issues.  This is especially true after heavy rains.

Roofs can be repaired if damage is caught early enough.  These repairs are far more inexpensive then completely replacing your roof which often occurs when homeowners let minor repairs stack up and don’t get properly fixed.  Proper roof care and maintenance will help maintain your roof, foundation and homes structural integrity.

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.

 

2016 Popular Trends In Home Improvements Continued

In our last installment on popular home remodeling trends we discussed several renovating options that are popular for 2016.  These renovations all tend to hold their value and work to increase the overall equity in the home.  Front entry home improvements, replacing garage doors and bathroom renovations work to retain and increase the value in the home.  Other renovations such as kitchen, deck, siding, attics and more will be discussed in this article as other options in remodeling that help boost today’s value of your home.

Kitchen Remodeling:  Minor or major kitchen renovations sell homes.   If you want to increase the chance that your home sells invest in the kitchen.  Buyers are looking to envision themselves in the kitchen when they look at homes to purchase.  The kitchen is the one space within a home that can truly make or break the sale of your home.  Minor kitchen renovations, costing around twenty thousand dollars often are able to recoup eighty three percent during resale.

Updates to the kitchen that work to hold their value the best include: Counter top replacement, cabinetry updates, flooring upgrades, lighting and storage.

Deck Additions: Homeowners are looking to enjoy the nice weather when they can.  A deck is one renovation that can allow homeowners to do just that from the comfort of their own home.  A wooden deck, depending on the size and complexity in design can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars upwards to six thousand dollars with the average falling around four thousand.  Homeowners are apt to recoup about eighty percent of the total cost of adding a deck to the home plus the pleasure you will naturally receive from enjoying the nice weather.

Replacement Siding:  There are a variety of siding options including brink, wood, stone and vinyl.  Vinyl siding is the most popular and least expensive replacement option in siding.  A fresh exterior increases the aesthetics of the homes curb appeal which will enhance the spaces charm and make it more desirable for buyers.

Attic Spaces: Converting an attic space into a bedroom, retreat or space for storage works as a great way to increase the function of your home while adding extra space and value.  Adding a bedroom to a home can return close to seventy five percent of your investment when you do decide to sell your home.  An attic bedroom space is ideal for a return college student or elderly parent.  The storage space that a finished attic space offers to homeowners is invaluable.

Home remodeling projects that are popular and trendy and add to the overall function of your home help to increase the appeal buyers may have to purchase your home.  This can only work in your favor if you ever find yourself selling during a buyer’s market.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

2016 Popular Trends In Home Improvements

Home remodeling is done either because of personal interested or because of popular trends.  There are pros and cons for doing both that we will focus on.  When homeowners choose to remodel based on trends that are popular in the home improvement industry it may improve the chances the homeowner has at recouping the cost that was put into the remodel.  The focus today will be on popular housing trends in 2016 and how to work in your personal interests and recoup the money you put in.

Front Entry Home Improvements: The addition of a new entry door along with some updates in paint, fresh rugs and a bit of fresh greenery can really boost the charm of your home and the overall appeal of the home’s exterior.

Home entryway updates can cost an average of five hundred to a thousand dollars.  A new front entry door can cost around six hundred and twenty five dollars with paint and rugs running another fifty dollars.  Entry landscaping makes up the rest of this update making one heck of a return on your investment when the time comes to sell.

Bathroom Renovation and Remodeling: Although a bathroom renovation may require more time and money than other home improvement projects it is will also draw in the most attention from buyers.  Bathroom remodeling is also known as one of the best return on investments within the home improvement industry.

If you aren’t looking to do a complete overhaul on a bathroom which can cost upwards of twenty five thousand dollars consider simple updates that easily recoup their value.  Replace sinks, cabinets and countertops along with fixtures to create an update remodel.  Consider a fresh coat of paint and some updated linens for a complete bathroom makeover.

Garage Replacement Door and Remodel: This is a renovation that is not often considered when homeowners think about upgrading the exterior of their homes.   Replacing a garage door and updating the space adds to the total value of your home.  At resale you are apt to collect at least eighty seven percent of what you put into out of a garage renovation.  A new garage door can turn an old outdated exterior into a modern marvel.

Don’t just repaint the garage door replace it.  A garage door replacement ranges from around seven to eight hundred dollars all which is usually recouped within the sale of the home.

For more renovations that are popular in 2016 continue reading our next blog installment.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Consult A Bankruptcy Attorney If You Are Thinking About Filing Bankruptcy

There is a certain appeal to bankruptcy.  By the time you have reached the point in which you are considering bankruptcy you have endured countless hours of harassing phone calls from debt collectors and have spent many sleepless nights stressing about making minimum payments.  The idea that you could move forward into a financial future that is wiped completely debt free or with a detailed court ordered repayment plan is tempting.  This is especially true when faced with an overwhelming debt and little means to pay the funds back.

Bankruptcy is of course more complicated than running a few numbers.  There are some long lasting affects that should be taken into consideration before filing for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  The impact that bankruptcy has on your credit lingers and impacts a variety of aspects within your life.

Not only does bankruptcy wipe most of your debts away it also makes it difficult to establish yourself financially for years to come.  It will be difficult to open new credit accounts, buy or rent a home, find a company for insurance, get a cell phone and even possibly impact your employment.  In fact most bankruptcy attorneys will tell you that bankruptcy should be considered as a final, extreme method to resolving your financial issue, only considered after trying other budgeting, credit counseling and financial efforts to remedy the situation.

In order to begin the bankruptcy process it is recommended that you seek counsel from an experienced, reputable attorney that specializes in bankruptcy cases.  In order to seek relief from bankruptcy you must first take a step towards credit counseling from a government approved organization.  This must have occurred within six months of filing.  A means test will be performed to confirm that your income does not exceed an amount specified by the state.

After this is accomplished, with help from your bankruptcy attorney you will properly fill out the forms applicable to your bankruptcy situation.  An attorney should be present with you throughout all proceedings going forth.

The type of bankruptcy in which you choose to file for will be directly related to your situation including the assets and property you own, including your home, your income and several other factors.  Those debtors with a consistent income are encouraged to look into filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy over Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 allows individuals with a consistent income to keep their homes and cars which may be lost under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  With Chapter 13 bankruptcy the bank will create a repayment plan to allow you to hold on to certain property.  You must repay certain debts such as outstanding child support, student loans, taxes and other debts that are specified by the court.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy essentially allows you discharge most all of your debts.  Property of value is collected and then sold off.  A trustee of the court will take the funds raised and split them accordingly to creditors.  Certain debts may not be written off such as child support, spousal support, student loans and such.

If you are considering bankruptcy the first step you should take is to meet with legal representation.  They will offer you advice on how to proceed including those items that can hinder your ability to receive a discharge of your debt through bankruptcy.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

 

Top Vintage items To Purchase

Antiques have increased in popularity within the last couple of years.  The interior design industry shabby-chic movement encourages the use of vintage items in decoration to add character to any space.  Not everyone has caught on to the phenomenon but this article may just change your opinion.  Continue on if you haven’t yet fallen in love with the idea of repurposing items for the golden era of home entertainment.  Vintage items allow you to decorate on a dime while getting quality products that money just can’t buy you now-a-days!

Vintage Art

Most vintage art pieces that can be found at auctions, flea markets, garage sales and the likes are truly interesting.  You can purchase antique art at a fraction of the retail price of a poster.  In fact many vintage art pieces will also come framed in wooden antique frames that can hang the art or be used separately elsewhere in the home.

Antique Canes and Umbrellas

Antique canes and umbrellas are a purchase that serves multiple purposes.  First there is the practicality of a vintage cane or umbrella in everyday use.  Secondly they make a beautiful conversation piece when displayed within your homes entryway.  Antique canes were the go to fashion accessory of the day showing class and sophistication.  When used today in home decorating or for added stability they are sure to be a conversation starter.

Wooden Furniture

The greatest benefit of purchasing older furniture is that it actually made completely from wood.  Unlike furniture that is made today from particle board, formica and plastics.   This means you are not only getting a piece of well made furniture when purchasing antique wood dressers, head boards and more; you are also getting a piece that can be customized with paint and new hardware for your home.

Antique Dishes and Glassware

Matching glassware and dishes are a thing of the past.  Even with fine china mixing patterns is seen as a very chic thing to do.  Purchasing vintage dishes is often done so at a price far lower than you would pay for new.  The best part is if a pieces break there is no worry about replacing it as there is always an abundance of mismatched dishes for sale at antique outlets and vintage flea markets.  The same is true of glasses and stemware.  Stemware that varies in shape and size is a popular option especially if you tend to host gatherings.  Guests can differentiate their drink easily from other guests.

Not everything is better vintage though.  Be wary of furniture that has been reupholstered, vintage appliances and electrical light fixtures.  Upholstered furniture could harbor an irremovable scent or worse yet, bugs!  Lighting and appliances may not be up to today’s electrical standards and therefore should not be used that is unless you are willing to shell out the money to have them refurbished to today standards of safety.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Electronic Components and Flooding

Unexpected weather happens all across the country.  Flooding is a natural occurrence that is occurring more and more nowadays due to the changes in our climate.  Heavy rains tax the infrastructures that are in place to contain the overabundant water causing failures.  Once the water recedes it is time to evaluate the damage that has occurred.  This is true in both residential and commercial settings.

Evaluating electrical equipment is a serious issue.  Large manufacturing equipment is quite costly to replace.  After equipment has been subjected to large amounts of water it needs to be properly evaluated.  A thorough evaluation will give companies an idea on the most cost effective way to get up and operating.  Electrical equipment that has been involved in a flood is dangerous especially if the equipment is not properly re-energized before the equipment is properly reconditioned, refurbished, repaired or replaced.

Certain guidelines have been put in place recently due to the increase in floods.  Flood water comes from a variety of places and thus can be contaminated with chemicals, oils, saltwater and a combination of materials that can wreak havoc on electrical equipment affecting the manner in which the machine operates.  The NEC, National Electrical Code, states that internal electrical components subjected to flood water must not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials.  This allows electrical equipment inspectors to reject the use of equipment that has possible damage or deterioration from corrosion or chemical actions and/or reactions.

Inspectors handle each type of electrical component differently based on the possible risk.  A working knowledge of electrical equipment is a must when evaluating the intricacies of each piece.  If it is deemed that the equipment can be salvaged it is crucial that properly trained technicians assist in the equipment reconditioning process.  The inspector will evaluate the piece based on several factors including the role it plays, the degree of flooding it was subjected to, the age of the equipment and the time it was submerged or exposed to flood waters.

The National Electrical Manufacturing Association, NEMA, has many public policies in place regarding electrical equipment standards after flooding.  There are several components that must simply be replaced no matter the circumstances of the flooding.  Items such as molded-case circuit breakers, Mylar wrapped busways, low voltage fuses and electronic trip power circuit breakers and more.   However, items such as busways with powder coated bushbars can often be reconditioned when the damage that is present has not inflicted damage to the over coating applied to the bushbars.

Anytime your facility incurs flood damage it is crucial to have all electrical equipment evaluated.  It is dangerous to operate any machinery after exposure to flood water even if it appears to be dry and free of damage.  Many times the damage done by flooding is internal or unseen to novices.  The safety of you and your employees must come before the urgency of operations.

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.

Quick and Easy Home Buying Checklist

If you are seriously considering a house to purchase take time to really look into it before making an offer or hiring a home inspector.  Many buyers don’t take the time necessary to look into a home’s they are seriously considering spending many years in.   A quick twenty minute once over is not going to suffice when really considering a home.

Make a checklist when working with a realtor.  A home without any potential can instantly be pulled from the list.  Homes that deserve consideration should be gone through using the check list below.  This list alone can save home buyers a ton of time and money.   This will help to ensure you aren’t paying for professional home inspections on homes that aren’t truly worth your time or money.

Checklist for New Home Buyers

Inspect the home for dampness:  Dampness can occur in a home for many reasons.  Some are easier to locate and fix than others.  A damp, moldy smell or flaking plaster may be coming from a small, easily repaired leak in the attic however it could also be coming from the place of a deeper more expensive issue.  It is best to find the reason the home is damp and evaluate it for yourself before putting an odder in on a home that exhibits any signs of moisture.

Examine the homes structural soundness: Look for cracks in the structure.  These may be small hairline cracks or larger fissures.  Check areas of stress such as window bays, extension joints and areas of the home where the structure can fall or bow away from the homes structure.  If you see serious issues understand that these repairs are costly and bringing in structural inspectors will cost you major money upfront for evaluation purposes only.  It may not be worth falling in love with a home that exhibits structural issues.

Check out storage space: Storage is a make or break deal for many homeowners.  Small issues such as where the trash will live or the vacuum cleaner will be stored are minor issues.  However, don’t overlook the need to store gardening supplies, holiday decorations, bikes, boats and more.  Check to see if cupboards or shelves can be installed to increase the amount of convenient and available storage space within the home.

Look into size of individual rooms: Measure each room to determine the exact size of the space.  Staging can be pretty tricky.  Designers take smaller scaled furniture and bring it in to enhance the spaciousness of smaller rooms. Be aware of this practice and don’t fall victim to it.  Measure the space and visually layout the size of your furniture or appliances in the room.  This will give you a more accurate way of determining if the space will fit your current belongings.

In our next installment on things buyers should overlook when buying a home we will examine further tricks involved in staging and how to spot issues when homes have had fresh flooring and paint updates.

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

Three Common Interior Surface Options For Your Pool

In pools there are three recommended surface options that are commonly used to update the interior surface: plaster, quartz and pebble. Quartz and pebble finishes were created to counterbalance the deficiencies found in plaster. No material is perfect when it comes to the interior surface of a pool. In looking for a material to use as your pools finish compare how the three of them stack up against each other.

Plaster: Both residential and commercial pools are most commonly surfaced with white pool plaster. The finish is smooth and the white plaster often turns the water a radiant blue color. There are a number of other color choices when it comes to pool plaster but white is the most common choice to install.

Plaster is the most inexpensive material to use in resurfacing a pool however it is not always the hardiest of options. Plaster is a combination of white cement and marble dust. The surface is naturally porous which makes it more vulnerable to stains and growth of bacteria. Plaster surfaces require more chemicals to keep the water chemistry balanced. A brand new plaster pool surface lasts about five to ten years with proper care.

Quartz: Another common material used to surface the interior of the pool is quartz. The quartz aggregate material is mixed in with plaster and offers multiple benefits including that it is hard and non-porous which makes it stain resistant. Quartz is a longer lasting, durable surface over that of conventional white pool plaster.

Another benefit of using quartz in surfacing pools is the variety of colors it comes in. It is a bit more expensive than traditional pool plaster however you can expect the lifespan of the surface to increase five to ten years over conventional plaster.

Pebble: A pebble interior pool surface is a mixture of plaster with pebble aggregate. The pebbles will actually cover most of the pools surface. The greatest benefit of pebble aggregate is that it is the most stain resistant and durable within the pool industry. A pebble surface is more expensive then plaster alone. A pebble surface lasts upwards of twenty years if it is well maintained.

Most pool plastering companies have a variety of pool surfaces available for consumers to choose from. Unique finishes and a variety of colors can create an interior pool surface that will make any residential or commercial pool more visually appealing. Traditional plaster is a good inexpensive option with a traditional look, quartz is a strong, non-porous option with a finish sprinkled with glitz and bits of color and a pebble finish looks like a stony riverbed with increased stain resistance that is long lasting. All three finishes on a pools interior surface are good choices.

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/.

Mortgage Brokers Bridging The Gabe Between Lenders and Borrowers

Let’s face it most of us are not the ideal borrower.  We don’t all have good credit ratings, substantial down payments, low debt to income ratios and more.  In fact most borrowers have credit problems and obstacles to overcome when trying to meet lender requirements especially when seeking to refinance or to obtain a new home mortgage.

There are however, solutions to these common problems faced by both mortgage lenders and borrows.  A mortgage broker can often help assistance to bridge the gap between lenders and borrowers.

Blemished credit is a common issue that can occur when borrowers have had issues making payments to past creditors.  If you have a history of non payments, late payments or accounts that are delinquent you will have to face these problems head on.  When your credit is evaluated lenders will see these blemishes negatively and may be reluctant to approve your loan.

There is not a sure fire way to improve your credit score immediately.  It will take some time but if you take action sooner than later it will show lenders that you are serious about getting your credit history together. Be upfront with your mortgage broker so that they can address your credit issues head on when looking for a home loan that works for you both.  Offer an explanation as to why there were issues in credit such as the loss of a job, a serious illness or other event that resulted in the inability to pay your bills on time.  Mortgage brokers may suggest that you seek out a cosigner for your mortgage.  This person should have an exceptional credit history along with a high credit rating.

If you are seeking to buy a fixer upper or cooperative apartment it will be difficult to find a lender.  The reason is that there are already complexities when it comes to buying into cooperative living situations.  The mortgage on a cooperative apartment is different than that of a standard mortgage.

Homes that require a great deal of repairs before they are considered safe are also hard to get mortgages on.  These repairs can be quiet expensive and often exceed three percent of the homes overall value.  This makes getting a mortgage loan problematic.  A lender may be more apt to present a borrower with the option of two separate loans.  A mortgage may be given to purchase the home and a construction loan to make necessary repairs and improvements.

More issues that can cause borrowers headaches in lending are:

A low appraisal on the home
A high debt to income ratio
A low income

Don’t let these issues worry you.  Strap on your creative boots while working directly with mortgage broker that has connections within the lending industry to seek the best mortgage option for your situation.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Benefits of Installing A Driveway Entry Gate

Homeowners often think of ways to improve their homes safety.  The first place many begin is with a driveway security entry gate.  As you start researching the installation of a security gate consider the benefits that come along with it besides the added security to your family and home.

List of Benefits That Come Along with Installing an Electronic Driveway Gates

Increased property value: Adding an electronic driveway entry gate to your home enhances the property value of your home.  Installing a new remote entry gate adds equity to your home value.  In fact the cost of the gate is likely to improve the equity on the home above and beyond the actual cost of the electronic gate materials, installation and maintenance services.

Enhanced aesthetics: A new driveway entry gate improves the look of your landscape.  Gates come in a variety of styles, colors, sizes and materials.  You can match the entry gate to your fencing for an enhanced look to your hard.

Remote entry: With remote entry an access entry is the most convenient way in and out of your home.  You never have to leave the car to access entry to the home with the use of access control systems.  A remote access gate works much like a garage door.  Another feature that is extremely handy is that ability to power the fence on a timer.  Once you drive through the fence it will automatically close a few seconds later.

Reduced insurance premiums: Many insurance companies will reduce the premiums for homeowners that have driveway entry gates.  They are highly secure and effective at securing and protecting your family and property from outsiders.  This is of an increased benefit to insurers as the added protection makes your home less inviting to intruders thus less likely you will ever need to file a claim.

Privacy: Electronic entry gates can be made from a variety of materials including wood, chain link, aluminum, wrought iron and more.  If you desire a gate that secludes the yard choose a solid fence material like wood.  A wooden electronic gate when used in combination with privacy fencing allows for a complete seclusion of your home.

Improved security: Electronic entry gates improve safety for a number of reasons including:

The gate itself is designed to block out intruders and prevent physical access to the home and family.

Camera can be installed on the gate so that homeowners can verify who is asking for entry before allowing access to the home.  Cameras can also detect intruders trying to access the space 24/7.

Intercoms can be placed by the entry to permit people to request entry.

The installation of an electronic driveway gate improves the safety of your home.  It also adds convenience to entry with the use of remote controls and keypad entry.  The overall value of a driveway gate is seen over and over with the various benefits it adds to your home.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic driveway gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.