Livingston Reporting - page 218

Take Time To Create An Estate Plan Today

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many individuals do not grasp how important it is to have an estate plan in place.  By taking the time and effort that is needed now to plan for your estate you inevitably save your family and friends a lot of trouble after you are gone.  In reality, after your passing, the last thing that you want to do is to leave chaos for your family to deal with while they are busy grieving.

By working with an estate planning attorney you are able to do all of the following things to prepare your estate.

Immediately provide for your family: It is important for the remaining spouse to have money to survive when their loved one has passed.  Many times couples that have children will plan for their estate to cover their future education while continuing to provide for their upbringing.

It is also important for parents to name guardians in their estate in the unlikely situation both parents were to die at the same time.  Without this in place, the court will be in charge of determining where your kids will live and who will be allowed to make decisions on behalf of their money, education and way of life.

Distribute property quickly: When creating an estate plan with an attorney you will have options regarding any insurance payouts.  With an estate plan the insurance can be paid directly to beneficiaries, joint tenancy and living trusts.  An estate plan allows you to take advantage of laws that allow for partial payments to beneficiaries while the will is still in probate.

Create an incapacity plan: An estate planning attorney will assist you in creating a living will and durable health-care power of attorney. This allows for the individual to make decisions on your behalf if you should become mentally or physically unable to for yourself.  This person will make decisions about life support as well as decisions regarding your medical treatment.

Lessen probate expenses: A solid estate plan can save your heirs a significant amount of money on court expenses. Getting all of your ducks in a row allows you to save on the cost of transferring property and allows more money to go to your beneficiaries.

Lessen the burden on your family: Your family will be grieving your loss while planning for your life’s celebration.  The last thing that they need to have is stress regarding the transfer of your estate.  By having an estate plan in place you are taking care of the details prior to your death.  This allows them to be able to grieve and process your passing.

No one wants to plan for their passing; it is an uncomfortable reality to face in life.  However, by having a plan in place you are basically showing your family just how much you cared.  An estate plan lessens the burden of distributing your assets.

The Law Office of Sean J. Nichols is dedicated to assisting clients throughout legal issues that come with aging including: elder law, estate planning, probate law and more.  Check out the Law Office of Sean J. Nichols at http://www.seanjnichols.com to contact an estate attorney today.

Sean J. Nichols

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Access To Immediate Medical Equipment Repair Services and Parts Is Imperative

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When medical equipment breaks down it is imperative that repair services are almost immediate.  Downtime in a medical setting can literally be the difference between life and death so having the ability to have direct access to medical equipment repair services should be of the utmost priority.  Another detail that is forgotten is the urgency of finding the parts for medical equipment.  Without the proper parts to fix down machines technicians are at a stalemate with getting much need equipment like LINACS and CT scanners up and going again.

Having instantaneous access to OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators, Radiotherapy CT Simulators and Radiation Oncology equipment is pertinent.  With newer equipment it is often difficult to find access to replacement parts.  Newer medical equipment can be difficult to find replacement parts for simply because of the newness of the piece to the market.

This is just one of the many reasons that when medical facilities are in need of new equipment they look into purchasing refurbished equipment.  Parts are more accessible for older, refurbished equipment.  The more universal and successful the model, the more readily replacement parts will be.  The more readily available the replacement parts for LINACS, CT scanners and radiotherapy equipment the less likely you are to have downtime due to service issues.  The ease of accessing these parts will make them more affordable to purchase.  Affordable replacement parts make it possible for facilities to keep key medical equipment replacement components on hand and ready to be installed if equipment failure should occur.

The cost savings associated with purchasing refurbished when looking to replace important medical equipment.  This allows newer, smaller facilities to afford top quality, name brand equipment at a fraction of the cost of buying a similar machine brand new.  It is important to note that we aren’t just talking about a few thousand dollars here.  When looking into buying a Linear Accelerator or CT scanner facilities are looking at a bill upwards of three million dollars.  Many times the purchase of refurbished equipment can save facilities upwards of fifty percent of what they would have paid to buy the equipment brand new.  Think about that, the savings could be upwards of one point five million dollars.  This isn’t small change no matter what industry you come from but especially not in medicine.

From easy access to replacement parts and immediate service to cost savings and customer service buying refurbished medical equipment is a solid business decision.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment.  For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.

RadParts

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Trends In New Construction For 2017

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the many reasons homeowners consider building a custom home is to construct a space that is uniquely their own.  Even though you are working to create a custom home it is important to take into current trends happening in the home improvement industry.  In new construction your home is being designed to your specifications.  Homeowners that take into consideration styles currently are popular when building their new home ensures its marketability at a later date.

2017 New Construction Trends

Use of Natural Materials

Wood flooring has always been popular.  More natural, lighter wood finishes are currently trending in new construction.  Engineered flooring in light, natural finishes such as white, gray and washed woods.  Using stone is another unexpected twist using natural materials.  It may be a better option to consider engineered products that give the appearance of natural materials especially when looking to achieve a more exotic look.

Open Concept Floor Plan

New homes that are in construction are tending to encompass more of an open floor plan.  Homes have cleaner lines and spaces are no longer broken down into distinct rooms but rather open spaces.  Many new construction homes are sticking with the ideal of a traditional exterior while encompassing the open concept for the interior.  This design style leads to less hall ways, fewer tiny wasted rooms while bringing in larger more abundant useable space.  The idea in new construction tends to lead more towards making one hundred percent of the home usable.

Bold, Unexpected Risks

When you are building the home of your dreams it is important to have some fun with the process.  Consider using metal or glass elements when designing your new construction home.  Ornamental ceilings are another trend that adds an unforeseen twist to your home.   Try introducing a bold pattern wall paper in the bathroom or laundry room to create a different effect on the space as a whole.

Exterior Surprises

Don’t forget the home’s exterior in new construction.  Backyard space has been underutilized for far too long.  Make the space outside of your home as welcoming as the inside.  Create an indoor space outdoors such as a patio with a built in fire pit or an outdoor space with a fireplace and built in girl and kitchen.   An option that tends to be popular in the south is an elaborate outdoor entertainment space that includes a swimming pool, elaborate lighting and bar space.

It is important to incorporate yourself into building your new home while working in popular trends in real estate.  This allows you to live in your dream home without worrying about if it will sell when you are ready.

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/.

Aspen Construction

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Is Spring The Best Time To Sell or Buy a Home

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Popular opinion would have you thinking that the only time your home will sell is during the spring.  Although spring is a super exciting time in real estate, it isn’t necessarily the only time you should consider selling your home.  The spring season is known to bring out buyers and sellers alike.  With the onslaught of buyers and sellers it is important to note that there is more competition.  Note that more sellers’ means more homes to choose from; more buyers mean more competition to get top dollar for available inventory.

In some situations it makes sense to wait until the spring but it isn’t necessarily the only time to consider buying or selling a home.  There are many reasons to consider listing your home right now.  Consider the following:

  • Work Relocations: The first quarter of the year is known for people relocating for work.  Changes are made to adjust for work load, retirements, and such.  Sellers are looking to move their homes quickly while promptly looking to purchase a home.
  • Fewer Homes for Sale: Selling in the winter when there are fewer homes for sale can work in your favor. A smaller inventory of homes means that your home will receive a lot more attention.
  • More Agent Attention: Fewer homes that agents are marketing allow the agent to spend more time on your listing.
  • Fewer Showings: When your home is listed outside of the spring season the number of showings your home will have is sure to be less.  The quality of home buyers is increased during slower times in real estate therefore the quantity of people that will be less.  The benefit to you, less work in keeping your home up to date and clean.
  • Quicker Home Sales: Home buyers that are out searching for their dream home in the winter are motivated.  There is no wasting time going in and out of home after home.  It is cold, buyers are inspired to shop quickly and get into a new home and out of the cold.

If you are thinking about selling your home there is no need to wait until April.  Now is the perfect time to meet with a real estate agent to start discussing what needs to be done to get your home listed.  This will give you ample time to hit the market before the spring rush and hopefully get you out of your home and into a new one just in time to enjoy the nicer weather.

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.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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The Timely Nature Of Purchasing Refurbished Equipment

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When facilities are in need of refurbished equipment or parts it usually comes at a crucial time.  Businesses can’t afford downtime.  When equipment fails it is crucial that it gets serviced as soon as possible.  It is important that the parts to service the equipment are available as well.  This is just one of the reasons that refurbished equipment and refurbished machine components popularity has increased.  Another benefit being the cost savings that comes with using refurbished equipment and replacement components.

When equipment breaks down or components fail it is important to remember that these expenses are usually unplanned.  This means that most companies that work within a budget are struggling to find the funds to replace or repair the equipment.  Without allotted resources within the budget it can be difficult to find a reliable replacement on such short notice.  This is one of the reasons that the refurbished equipment and refurbished electrical component industries are booming.

When looking to find dependable refurbished machinery or parts that will aid in production for years to come there are a few things you need to ask when shopping.  When purchasing a refurbished piece of equipment it is important to know what components have been replaced or rebuilt.  Determining when service has been done will give you a better understanding of the care that has been given to the machine.  Vital components that have been recently replaced are also important to note.  It is important to keep accurate records and service reports on any and all equipment within your facility.

Another question you will want to ask when looking to purchase refurbished equipment or components to repair machines is about the warranty. Refurbished machinery is not any more or less susceptible to breakdowns than a new one would be.  Refurbished equipment and components can save companies upwards of fifty percent over new.  This savings is often adjusted when a warranty is offered.

If you find yourself in need of equipment for your facility consider looking into refurbished.  Refurbished equipment and parts can be purchased from both OEM manufacturers and companies specializing in refurbishing.   Working with a reputable company that is well known within the industry is just another way to safeguard you against purchasing a lemon.  It is important to have a solid working relationship with equipment sellers and servicers.  Building a relationship allows you to receive the customer service attention you need when faced with a crisis.

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.

J & P Electrical Company

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Installing A Complimentary Roof To Your Home

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The exterior features of your home are super important to curb appeal.  Your homes roof contributes to forty percent of the overall look of your home.  When you are having a new roof installed it is important that you choose a wisely.  It is important to have a roof that protect the home for the long term and enhances the aesthetic value as well.

As a homeowner it is important to understand that a sound roof is the key to protecting your investment.  Proper roofing maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your new roof.  Roofing contracts suggest regular roofing maintenance including: removing waste from gutters, repairing missing shingles, fixing leaks as they occur and regular checks to ensure a proper seal around flashing and roofing vents.

With proper maintenance, quality roofing materials and proper installation by a professional roofing contractor your homes new shingle roof can last upwards of twenty plus years.  When installing a new roof there are two options for homeowners: one is to install a new roof over the old one or tear off the old roofing and replace it entirely.  No matter what you choose it is a chance to update and change the exterior look of your home.

When you are considering a new roof there are a number of roofing materials to consider.  The most popular choice for homes here in the north are asphalt shingles and metal roofing but other materials including wood, tile and slate are also available.  Asphalt shingles are a relatively light and flexible option in roofing.  A fiberglass mat is covered in asphalt and then coated with colored mineral granules.  This helps to provide protection from damage from the sun’s rays.

Asphalt shingles also come in a number of styles including a standard three tab shingle, dimensional shingling and artisan crafted shingles.  Homeowners should consider the architectural style of the home before becoming set on a certain style.  It is important to look at your homes specific roof in regards to the surface area to be covered as well as the pitch and angle of the roof.  These factors will all help you determine what style shingle is best for the overall appearance of your home.

Another consideration is the color of the roof.  The roofs coloring should enhance and compliment the home’s exterior palette.  It should create a balance between the colors within the environment.  For instance a brick or stone home that already has a lot of dimension should opt for a subtle roof to enhance an already busy exterior element.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Deciding Factors In Your New Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many deciding factors when choosing a new roof for your new or current home. A few of these not only look pleasing, but also too are cost, weight, and installation necessities. If building a home from scratch or choosing a roof for an existing home there are many of materials that you can choose from ranging from asphalt, wood, and even composite shingles such as slate, concrete, and clay tiles. Many people are most concerned with style but it is not the only important factor to include. A few other key points are shown below:

The Square

A term that roofing contractors use instead of talking in “square feet” they use is called squares. A square is the basic unit for measuring and is 100 square feet in a given area. For example if a home is 2,500 square feet it would consist of approximately 2,000 square feet of roofing area or by using this new term about 20 squares.

Cost

There are many of factors that will affect what the general cost of a roof will be. The beginning point would be the price on materials. Another factor that would affect cost would be the condition of the existing roof if has one at all. If remodeling a current home and the old materials have to be stripped off sometimes repairs need to be made to the supporting structure. The physical shape of the roof will also contribute to the cost. A house with no breaks in its planes like chimneys, skylights, intersecting rooflines or other structural enhancements will cost less than the house with the additions.

Materials

When deciding on materials, unfortunately not every kind can be used on each roof. Roofs with a flat or low slope may require different materials than one with a steeper pitch. Slate and tile can be very heavy and some homes will not have a structure that will be able to sustain them. Be sure to talk with your designer and get estimates for the job at hand. The most frequently used roof material is asphalt shingles. This is most likely because they are the least expensive choice and does not require as much skill to install. There are two configurations of these to choose from; the standard type and the laminated products. The standard cost half as much but the laminated are more appealing with a texture appearance.

Another choice of material is wood. Through history wood was the main choice and still a good option however fire codes sometime will forbid it. They are typically made form cedar, redwood, or southern pine and have life expectancy in 25- year range but are on pricier side, about double of asphalt shingles. Metal roofs made from aluminum, steel, copper- and- asphalt, and lead are among the most strong and yet very expensive of roof choices. A common style on Spanish Colonial and Mission styles use tile and cement which again is very durable, very heavy, and again a costly decision. Lastly, slate is a great choice and is not all the same and it will outlast the fasteners that hold it in place but will come at a very high price starting $800 a square.

Making a Choice

In most cases, if as person is doing a remodel on the home, the current roof material is the deciding factor of a roofs replacement. If wanting to decide a different material than the existing, keep in mind not only cost but color, weight, durability, texture or each option as well as what other homes in the area have chosen similar to yours.

Installation Notes

After making a decision on material, in most cases you will also need flashing. Flashing is a very important part of any exterior work on both a roof and siding. Flashing is made from metal or plastic film. It is installed in strips to areas where the materials are connected. The main reason for flashing is to keep structure watertight since water is most likely to leak through cracks wear the materials meet just a word of caution when using a contractor who relies on tar for joints.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Save Time and Money Purchasing Refurbished Medical Equipment

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Purchasing medical equipment that is used or refurbished is a great way to save money for your facility without sacrificing on quality.   In all actuality, the only real difference between brand new and refurbished medical equipment and parts is the amount of money and time that will be needed to invest in finding an excellent deal.

Many times medical facilities can save upwards of fifty percent off the original cost of equipment by purchasing refurbished over brand new.  It can result in quite a savings for your medical facility when you consider equipment such as linear accelerators which can run around four million dollars.  In a facility that is just getting established this can be a make or break difference.

The most obvious advantage to buying used or refurbished is the reduced price of the equipment.  For every piece of new equipment facilities look to purchase it is possible to find something similar for a reduced price.  Equipment that you can find at a lower price used or refurbished varies from intravenous poles to CT scanners.

It is important to remember that when you buy equipment that has been refurbished you are buying a device that has been restored to its original state.  The refurbishing process is completed by highly skilled medical technician that specialize in restoring medical equipment to almost new condition before it can be resold.

Refurbished devices have been restored to their original state.  This means that any part that was worn out has been replaced and that the device is comparable to one that is brand new.  When you decide to look into refurbished medical equipment and supplies you will be able to find high end devices that are durable at a substantial discount.

Many companies that refurbish medical equipment offer their own warranty and guhttp://www.acceletronics.comarantee to protect the purchaser for faulty equipment.  The policies will differ from company to company so it is important to know exactly what type of warranty or guarantee comes with your purchase.

To get a better idea of exactly who you are purchasing equipment from take time to do a little research.  Before making a final buying decisions check out the companies background information.  Has the company been in business long?  What type of reputation do they have regarding their services after a purchase has been made?  What about their quality standards and customer service?  As important as it is to buy a quality piece of refurbished equipment it is as equally crucial to be sure that they will be able to offer you support after the purchase.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Acceletronics

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Purchasing Large Scaled Medical Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the biggest obstacles faced in running a medical facility is the expense of purchasing equipment and supplies.  It is a struggle to stay within the allotted budget while continuing to offer the highest quality treatment to patients.   The ability to scale back on expenses in the medical field is far more difficult than in many other areas of business.  To save money while continuing to provide top notch care, medical facilities must plan ahead and make smart business purchasing decisions.

One way facilities work to achieve this is to purchase refurbished medical equipment instead of purchasing brand new.  There are a number of advantages involved in purchasing refurbished medical equipment including: cost, quality, environmental, service, and reliability.

Cost

The most obvious benefit of buying refurbished medical equipment is the cost advantage.  Medical facilities can cut a lot of excess out of their allotment for medical equipment by purchasing equipment and supplies that have been refurbished.  Inpatient care is one of the highest costs in the industry with most of the expense coming from basic supplies and equipment use.

Quality

When the choice is made to purchase an item that is refurbished from a reputable medical equipment supplier, you can rest assured that the piece has been thoroughly tested.  In order to be sold, refurbished equipment must go through a stringent examination to test that it is both safe and reliable.

Environmental 

Think of refurbishing in the same way that you think about recycling.  It is all about using something again over buying something new in order to prevent waste. Purchasing refurbished medical equipment like linear accelerators and ct scanners help in reducing the carbon footprint that that the medical industry is leaving.  Finding eco-friendly medical supplies and equipment can often be difficult.  Buying refurbished medical equipment is a safe manner in which to bring eco-friendliness to your medical practice.

Service

There are a number of benefits to working with a refurbished medical equipment supplier.  One of the main perks is the detailed customer service you will receive.  With knowledgeable support people at the helm you can rest assured that all of your needs will be taken care of.

Reliability

There are a variety of reasons to buy a product that has been on the market.  When buying new you are buying a product that has yet to stand the test of time.  With a refurbished model, the equipment has had time to be tested and all of the kinks worked out.  Think about it, if the model is unsafe for any reason it will be off the market by the time you are searching for a refurbished model.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Acceletronics

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Designing Product Labels When Space Is Limited

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In label design space is limited.  It is important that designers deliver their message in a clear and concise manner within the limited space available on the label.  This needs to occur while making sure that key elements are not left out.  When designing a label, the graphic designer must work in conjunction with the manufacturer and design team to create something visually appealing and effective at marketing the product.

The product label holds a variety of information that is important to consumers.  Some key information that is needed on the label includes:

  • The product/brand name
  • A product logo if it is applicable
  • The size, quantity or weight of the product
  • A description of the product
  • Product tag line
  • Ingredient lists
  • Direction on using the product
  • Item barcode

Two of these items, the product story and directions tend to be longer and may need to be edited to avoid becoming too wordy.  If you want to have more product information available to consumers put it online or on the outside of the packages case.

With custom product labeling it is important that it is easily read.  Designers need to make sure that the label is clearly legible.  The font size and color are crucial elements.  For really important information designers should strive to use font that is ten points or larger.  Text that is not crucial should be no less than six points.  The color of the font is also significant.  It should contrast with the background color.   A bright font is often good because it is thought to entice people into making a purchase.  The color font that is used may also depend on the product and its existing aesthetic appeal.

In custom product labeling it is best to use a solid color for the background.  A pattern or photo when used for the background really affects the readability of the label.  Both options, a pattern or a photo, are not conducive to the readability and presentation of text.   It is important to have blank space, otherwise known as white space within your label.  This is favorable as it separates information and creates a visual distinction within the label as well.  White space within a label is an understated minimalist way to state what needs to be stated without being overwhelming.  It offers a calm and open feel to the label design.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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