Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 301

Tips On Hiring A Snow Removal Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Brrr… If you are in any of the northeast states you realize that winter is upon us. With the cold weather comes snow fall. With snowfall comes slick ice and mounding snow.  Many people begin the snow season believing that they will continue to snow shovel every snow that falls however after about the eighth snow realize this is far to unrealistic and set out to find a company to handle the job for them.  Here are some last minute tips to help you in hiring a snow plowing contractor.

 

1)      Have several snow removal companies out to survey your situation. The estimates given will vary a great deal.  You will want to define the area to be cleared before they can accurately set the price. If you will require some hand shoveling above and beyond the driveway clearing this will need to be worked into the estimate.

 

2)      Make sure your expectations are in line with the contractor. How much snow warrants them to come out and plow.  Is it extra if the snow is more than a certain depth?  Contractors price out their services differently. Some offer a fixed price for the season while others use the depth of the snow to charge for their services.

 

3)      Another thing you will want to do is find out if the contractor uses salt or another chemical to melt the ice that accumulates.  Certain materials used on driveways can eat away at the cement or asphalt.  Be sure if you have a drive that is sensitive to salt that this is conveyed to the snow removal contractor that you hire.

 

4)      Ask for and call references.  You will want to make sure other clients have been and continue to be satisfied by the snow removal job that the contractor does.

 

5)      Finally ask for a written contractor.  Everything you discuss should be in writing.

 

Keep your expectations realistic. Remember if snow is abundant many snow contractors will begin with the business lots before they move to residential lots.

Bladerunners Landscape

Is It Time For A New Roof?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How do you know when it is time to replace your roof instead of just repairing it?  Below you will find common roofing issues and how to handle them.  A roof should last upwards of twenty years with proper care and maintenance.

Algae:  Algae is a nuisance.  It will discolor your shingle roof making it look dirty. Often times people mistake algae for dirt or tree droppings. Algae often occur in the southeast where temperatures are warm and humid.  It is best to purchase algae-resistant shingles to prevent issues from arising. The good thing to note is that an alga does not cause the service life of your shingle to decrease however it is an eye sore.

To get rid of algae it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor to treat the issue.  Using a gentle solution they will work to decrease the discoloration of the roofing while taking special care to not loosen or remove the granules covering the shingles.

Flashing:  Flashing on a roof can become damaged from improper installation or settling of the structure.  If you find this is the case with your roofs flashing it is good to know that this can be repaired.  The roof does not need to be replaced. The flashing can be removed and replaced only needing to repair the flashing and asphalt shingles that had become damaged.

Buckling: Roof buckling is a common issue with roofing.  It can be caused because of several different issues such as improperly laid felt, poor roofing ventilation or a wrinkled underlayment.  The process to fix the buckle is a bit more complex than fixing algae or flashing.

In order to correct the issue with your roof buckling it is best to call in a professional roofing contractor. You will need to allow the moisture that has built up in the roofing to escape and return to the proper moisture level. This should allow the roof to lay flat again.  Next the shingles and felt where the wrinkle has occurred will need to be cut out and replaced adding extra roof ventilation as well.  Roofing contractors will be able to properly vent the attic if it is not adequately done so to begin with.

Ceiling Spots:  When a leak occurs in your roof you can get occurrences of ceiling spots.  This is a roof repair issue in most cases although if the issue has gone unnoticed for some time you could be looking at issues with mold and mildew along with the ceiling spots.  If enough damage has been done and several spots of water entering have been noticed a new roof may be in order.

A professional will come in and determine if there is a leak in the attic, they will check the chimney and flashing for cracks, will look for a travel source for the leak from the original spot and will check the roof for shingle damage.

These are just a few issues that can occur with your roof. Other things to keep an eye out for are missing shingles.  If a shingle is missing the area underneath is not protected. Be sure to have this fixed ASAP. Roof blistering can occur when too much moisture is allowed to build up within the shingle area.  Missing granules can occur as the shingles age.  If you find many shingles are becoming bare or the granules thinning it may be time for a new roof.  Rotting as well is an issue that can lead to a new roof.  Consult a professional roofing contractor if you suspect any issue with your roofing material.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Online Fencing Options

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Choosing a material for your backyard fence used to be so simple; chain link or wood.  Those were your option if you wanted affordable, lightweight and easy to install.  Wrought iron fence was an available option but due to the weight and cost not many homeowners sought this out as a reasonable option.  Thankfully two styles of modern fencing have been introduced to give consumers options in available fencing that is affordable, lightweight and easy to use; vinyl and aluminum fencing.

Both options have many alternatives over wood and chain link.  The main attraction is the ease of maintaining vinyl fencing and aluminum fence options. With wood and chain link there is maintenance in staining or painting it to keep the fresh look and appeal.  Both aluminum and vinyl are basically maintenance free.

Aluminum fencing is popular to use when enclosing an in ground pool area.  It is designed to maintain itself overtime. The fence does not rot, rust and is not treated with chemicals hurtful to the environment.  The sections of fencing are lightweight and are usually shipped in assembled pieces making it easy for the do it yourselfers.

Buying aluminum and vinyl fencing has never been easier either.  Online option in fence purchases let you shop anytime of the day from the convenience of your home. You may view several styles that are available in all different price ranges and quality levels. Another option many fencing companies offer is the ability to upload your space and visually add the fence into the picture for shoppers that are more visual.

The option in style and function are endless when installing an aluminum fence.  Residential aluminum fencing for around the yard or pool area can be purchased to include electronic access controls to ensure pool safety when adults are not around.  When using an access control systems including a key code or card reader access is only granted to those with the information.  This is a popular option with homeowners in subdivisions that own pools.

Whatever the reason you need to add an aluminum or vinyl fence to your yard shopping online for fencing has never been easier and more convenient. Online fencing options are also all inclusive to available option in fencing. Home improvement stores cannot offer the selection online fencing companies can as they don’t have space for the physical inventory.  Another bonus in case you don’t want to install the fence yourself is that many online companies work with local contractors to ensure the fence is installed properly for their clients.

Forever-Fence, SAC Fence

Shopping Online For Custom Window Treatments: Blinds and Shades

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Shopping for window treatments can be tricky enough in person let alone online.  Below you will find tips on making your online window treatment purchase simple.

When it comes to buying window blinds and shades online the key is to be prepared. Before you head online measure the windows you are looking at treatments for.  This will help you narrow down between blinds, shades, curtains or other window covering options.

Thoroughly read through the details and description of the blinds and shades you are looking at. When buying curtains you will want to know whether or not you are looking at receiving one panel or a complete set. Also be sure you know the type of material you are purchasing and any options that are available to you for customizing your purchase.

Another thing to consider is the number of windows you will be using the treatments for.  The variations in fabrics and textures can be evident when the order is not placed at the same time. If you have two windows in close proximity of one another that you place to use the treatment on make sure you order them at the same time to avoid minor discrepancies in the detailing.

Consider the style and weight of the window treatments. Certain shade and blind option work well in a living room but fall flat in a kitchen.  This is something to think about before you order custom items you may not be able to return.  One way to get a feel for the treatments you are admiring is to search home magazines and online images to see how they look in different rooms.

All windows are able to have coverings even those hard to treat windows like arch windows and bay windows. The key is to find a way to visualize the option you are considering in your home to make sure you are not purchasing something you will not be happy with.

Comfort Blinds

Home Protection With An Alarm and Monitoring System

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Unfortunately we live in a world that involves crime, burglars, theft and robberies.  No one can be a hundred percent sure why crime exists but one theory revolves around the classes within our society.   The goal for homeowners is to keep their families and possessions free of harm which to many involves the installation of a home alarm system.

One way to effectively protect your home or business is with the installation of a home security and monitoring system.  When thieves are confronted by an obstacle, such as an alarm system, they often think twice and continue on to the next home and family.  Home security means your home and family are protected against the threat and harm of an intruder.  The nice thing about it is that security systems are easy to install and operate.

Home security systems are installed to detect intrusion, fires and carbon monoxide all while monitoring the system at a central monitoring center.  Systems can be installed to create noise while others alert the police, fire and all emergency personnel. The most important aspect is that when an emergency happens the alarm system reacts as it should.

When it comes to properly installing a security system make sure to investigate all of the option that are available in the market.  There are many options, some with remote entry, some with home monitoring and some as simple as a loud sound upon entry.  It is important to have a professional alarm contractor come out and inspect the home and offer suggestions as well.  A properly installed alarm system is also a key element in making sure your home and family is protected. Remember professional results happen when professional people are hired to do the job.

All Star Alarm

A Gift That Lasts A Lifetime

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Jewelry is a gift that lasts a lifetime.  Jewelry is given on many different occasions to signify many different events.  Diamond jewelry is a favorite to receive and can be given for other occasions than just engagements.  The good thing is that truth be told diamond jewelry can be given anytime for any occasion.

 

Diamond earrings are a favorite gift to be given to the young ladies in our family on their sixteenth birthdays.  It is a symbol and token of our love and trust.  Families give jewelry to signify many different life events.  Our son will receive a pair of white gold cufflinks and tie tack upon his high school prom.  I like to believe that jewelry is a gift that signifies growing up and moving on.  If we think about it isn’t that what engagement rings and wedding bands are all about?

 

Custom jewelry can be a special gift.  Something that is semi new to the market is bracelets such as Pandora bracelets where charms can be added that represent the person wearing the piece. The charms come in several styles representing hobbies, colors, vacation destinations, sports and so on that help to define the receiver.

 

Antique jewelry is another popular option in jewelry gift pieces. These can be true antique pieces which are found along the way at antique shops or pieces that have been replicated to resemble antique pieces.

 

The great thing about jewelry is that as long as you are thinking about the person receiving the piece you should hit a home run.  Jewelry is a gift that keeps on giving!

DaRoche Jewelers

Why Buying A Home Is A Lot Like Selling One

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

What are the few things you want when you are purchasing a new home?  Those are the things as a seller you should be thinking about when preparing your home for sale.  Your home is a real estate investment for you when you sell or when you buy.  The goal is to get the best price for the home you are selling and get a deal on the one you are buying.

If you are looking to get the most out of the sale of your home the first piece of advice to consider is the condition of your home.  It is not enough to mow the lawn and retouch some of the scuff marks on the walls with paint you need to get the professionals in to repair the roof and fix the plumbing. It isn’t enough to only make the real estate investment aesthetically pleasing it has to be structurally strong and in complete working order.  The process of having the home inspected should be flawless.

Find a real estate agent that has experience selling homes in your area and is able to move a house in the economic time we are in.  You want to know the agents stats.  Find out how long it takes the realtor to sell a home on average as well as how long it takes the agent to find a home when working with a buyer.  The average time to sell a home from start to close should be no more than four months.  The same is true when looking to purchase a home.  It should take you agent no more than four months of looking to know what you want and to find it for you.

The best tips that can be offered are tips that remind buyers that they to are sellers and the opposite.  When selling your home you know what you are looking for in purchasing a new home, make your home exactly what you would be looking for.  Essentially you are one in the same when it comes to real estate when you are selling or buying a home.

Susan Doyle Real Estate

Staying Warm In The Winter and Cool In the Summer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Energy efficiency and cutting energy bills is one of the most prevalent conversations amongst homeowners in Michigan throughout the year. In the summer everyone is concerned with ways to make their air conditioners perform better and run less in winter they are worried about their furnaces.  There are so many different ways to make your home efficient.  Below you will find a list of just a few ideas we have heard from our clients.

 

1)      Control the temperature on your thermostat at all times of the day.  When you aren’t at home and while you are sleeping the heat and air don’t need to be maxed out.  A good sleeping temperature for any home is right around 68 degrees.

 

2)      Insulate pipes throughout the house.  This is true for the pipes that are under the sink, in the basement and pipes throughout the homes crawl space. Any pipe can be insulated with inexpensive foam coverings.  This will help the heat loss in the winter and the sweat accumulation in the summer.

 

3)      Air filters should be changed more frequently, keeping the dust down and the air flow filtering more efficiently.  The better the airflow through the system the less it will cost you to run the system.  Air filters are a lot less expensive than high energy bills.

 

4)      Another tip is to install a damper in your fireplace. This keeps the air inside from filtering to the outside and vice versa.

 

5)      One client insists on using candle light in the evening and dimmer switches to keep from wasting electricity.  This is especially true in the winter when it is dark at five o clock.  Of course you need to be extra careful with open flames at all times.

 

6)      Make sure the seals on all windows, doors and door walls are correctly installed and that air is not leaking.  Also in the winter you may choose to cover windows in plastic to keep the chilly air out.

 

7)      Keep a pair of slippers at the door.  Your feet allow a lot of heat to escape out of your body leaving you chilly.  This will cause you to want to turn the heat up to get warm.  Why not keep warm in the first place.  Even a cheap pair of slippers will keep your feet warm.

 

8)      Furnace tune ups and Air Conditioner maintenance yearly keep your appliances running at their peak. This also saves in furnace repair costs as well as repairs needed on central air conditioning units.  Home heating contractors will make sure your appliances staying running at the top of their game throughout the changing seasons.

 

I know many people have great ways to save on heating and cooling bills and tips to keep Michigan homes running efficiently. Log in and leave a comment with your best energy efficient tips.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Popular Asphalt Shingling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Asphalt is a popular roofing material throughout Michigan.   The advantages of asphalt shingle roofing are plenty maintenance, installation, look, cost and weight.  Below you will find details regarding the ever popular asphalt shingle from the view point of a professional roofing contractor.

Let us begin with the ease of maintenance.  Several types of roofing materials require constant maintaining to keep up their attractive appearance.  This is not the case with asphalt shingles.  They are easy and hassle free to maintain and can be easily repaired if damage.

One benefit for roofing contractors is the ease at which asphalt shingles install onto a home’s roof.  They are without a doubt the easiest type of roofing material to install on the market today. They are easy to install because they are super flexible, sturdy and are compatible with many different roof shapes and designs.

The look of asphalt shingles is also one of the major advantages of that this roofing material possesses. They come in many different textures and colors it makes things look much more consistent when replacing them as they become damaged.

Of course the cost of shingles is a major advantage.  They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and have installed in comparison to metal roofing or a variety of other roofing materials. This is the case because it is an easy material for manufactures to produce.

One final advantage that many people find when considering asphalt shingles is the fact that they are lightweight. This is important because some structures are not meant to hold the weight of heavier roofing materials such as metal, slate or clay.

These are just a few of the many advantageous that come along with asphalt roofing.  If you have questions or are looking to replace your roof contact a local roofing professional. They will come out to your home, evaluate the current state of your roof, structure and material and give you an estimate on repairing your roof or replacing the entire roof.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Answers To Some Unanswered Medigap Questions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many unanswered questions that arise when looking into Medicare Insurance and Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans for the first time.  In previous articles we have covered why it is important to have a Medicare Supplemental Insurance and why prescription drug coverage is needed and able to be purchased separately. There are so many pieces to the Medicare puzzle that it is often easy to overlook something or to become confused.

 

One of the first things people are most confused and concerned about is when the best time is to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans.  The best time to buy Medigap Insurance is during your open enrollment period.  The open enrollment period for Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans is from the first day of the month when you turn sixty five or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.  

 

Eligibility requirements for Medigap Insurance are similar to that of Medicare with a few differences.  You can start applying for Medigap if you are sixty-five or older, or have a disability that allows you to be covered earlier, are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B and are a resident of the state where the policy is offered.  

 

So much can be discovered about Medicare and Medigap Supplement Plans.  It is important to be educated and make an informed decision when choosing a plan that will work best for your health history and future.

123Medigap