Livingston Reporting - page 250

Aluminum Fencing Is Superior To Other Fencing Materials

When choosing a fence for your yard there are many materials that homeowner’s can choose from two popular options in fencing: vinyl and aluminum.  As you learn more about the two materials, the pros and cons of both, you will be able to determine what the best material is to meet your needs.  Determine what you want and what you need out of a fence.  Have a list of priorities to you, scroll through the pros and cons below and at the end of this article you should know what material best suits the perimeter of your property or pool area.

Strength: Aluminum fencing is superior in strength to that of vinyl.  There are a variety of grades to choose from when purchasing wholesale aluminum fencing from residential grade and pool grade up to commercial and industrial grade.  Depending on what the fence is going to be used for will decide for you what grade of aluminum fencing to purchase.

Price:  When it comes to picking out fencing based on the price there isn’t a clear winner.  Not only must homeowners consider the cost of the fence and the installation, they must also factor in the expense to maintain the fence.   The difference overall between aluminum and vinyl is minimal and therefore is not really a major factor to consider overall.

Maintenance: Both materials, aluminum and vinyl, are pretty low key to maintain.  Both fencing materials do not require yearly treatment, staining or painting.  A yearly spray down with the garden hose to wash off any dirt build up is all you will need to keep both types of fencing looking as good as new.

Installation: Both vinyl and aluminum fence panels are simple to install.  Aluminum wins when it comes to a yard with a slope or grade to it.  Aluminum fencing offers an ease of rack ability that does not easily happen with vinyl.  Both are easily installed in a weekend and fit together like a puzzle.

Beauty: The look of vinyl is completely different than that of aluminum.  The styles they offer are on two ends of the spectrum.  Depending on the exterior look and feel of your home and landscape will determine where you stand on choosing between vinyl and wholesale aluminum fencing.  Both come in a variety of styles and colors to choose from ranging from modern to classic to everything in between.

Seclusion:  When it comes to privacy fencing aluminum vinyl may be a better material to suit your needs.  If you have a spying neighbor or a need to hide the neighbor’s unattractive landscape you will want a solid fence which you will find in vinyl.  Aluminum has an eye catching appeal but if you are looking for backyard seclusion vinyl is a better choice.

Now it is time for you to be the judge.  What material best suits what you are looking for out a fence.  Both offer strong, resilient, stylish, affordable options in fencing that suit the many needs homeowners have when looking for pool or perimeter fencing.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

The Ease of Shopping Online For Aluminum Fencing

When it comes to shopping there is no better place then to shop from then your own home.  Now a day you can purchase almost anything from the comfort of your couch.  From milk to fencing it is simple to find an online realtor that is reputable, affordable and offers customer service that is superior to any retail location you can find.  When looking to find a reputable wholesale aluminum fence supplier there are several things to look into to ensure you are dealing with the best online retailer for your situation.

The first thing that you need when looking for an online retailer of aluminum fencing is a solid customer service team.  In order to purchase a fence online you need to plan and design for where the fence will be installed.  During the planning phase an online fence retailer should offer step by step advice on measuring and laying out the fence.  This will allow you to map out any variations in the slope of the land and visualize the exact locations of the panel locations.  Any changes can be made and laid out before the fence is ordered, delivered and about to be installed.

Fence experts should be the people that comprise the customer service team.  When you are chatting online or over the phone with the customer service professionals it is important that they know exactly what your situation is.  It is important that they are able to visualize each aspect of the process to help guide you through each step.

Buying a wholesale aluminum fence online it is important that you also have access to the professionals when you need them.  Is there a prominent phone number displayed?  Do they welcome you to call anytime during business hours to ask for advice?  If you send an email is it answered the same day or next day?  Are changes to the quote addressed within one business day or less?

Wholesale aluminum fencing suppliers should offer a wide selection of options to choose from.  It is important that you have a large variety of decorative and ornamental choices as well as colors, sizes and optional upgrades to choose from.  Puppy pickets are a popular option that not all suppliers offer.  Puppy pickets adds small picket fencing to the bottom rail to prevent dogs from escaping under the fence.

Shopping online for major purchases is one way that the internet is making life easier for homeowners.  Comparison shopping without the distraction of running from one location to another makes the stress level decrease significantly.  Shopping for major purchases without the agitation that comes from pushy sales people is also another major benefit to online shopping.  Whatever your reasoning buying wholesale aluminum fencing online is a better way to purchase fence over going from one home improvement store to another.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Installing Aluminum Fencing On Hilly Terrain

The landscape that surrounds our homes comes in a variety of terrains from flat, level land to terrains that include multiple slopes of different variances.  Of course, when it comes to installing an aluminum fence for the perimeter of your backyard or in-ground pool it is preferable to have a flat yard but that of course isn’t always something that is within our control.  Leveling a yard can be expensive and impractical.  It can also be a tad boring aesthetically to the eye and attractiveness of your landscape.  So it is important to embrace the variations in the land and install a fence that works well with the space while meeting the needs of the homeowner.

Installing an aluminum fence on a landscape with slopes you have two different options available to you: racked aluminum fencing or stepped aluminum fencing.  Before you can choose which option is best for your situation it is important that you understand both methods.

Raked Fencing

A raked aluminum fence is made with strongly sloped angle landscaping in mind.   The aluminum rails are designed in manners in which are parallel to the ground with the pickets pointing straight up.  The pickets are not square to the rail.  When installing raked aluminum fencing the gap between the ground and the picket remains the same throughout the entire length of the fence.  This creates a look that is functional, appealing and uniform.  There is no gap left in which pets can escape.  There are some restrictions to raked fencing.  If the land is incredibly steep raked fence may not be able to be installed.  The most variation that can be observed in raked fence is twelve inches across any six foot section of aluminum fence paneling.

Stepped Fencing

Unlike raked fencing, stepped fencing uses rails that are perpendicular to the pickets as in traditional aluminum fence which is installed on level land.  The sections of fence are attached to posts that are installed to accommodate the slope of the land.  The fence sections will look like a set of stairs that increase in height as the fence moves up the slope. This type of fencing and installation may allow pets to escape because there is a gap. The size of the gap will depend on the slope of the landscape and the installation of the aluminum fence panels.

Ask yourself three very important questions when determining which method would be best for your home and landscape.

Are the gaps under the fencing bothersome?

Aesthetically what method of fencing fits your landscape and is eye pleasing?

What is the slope of the land; how steep is the landscape?

That is it.  Answer these three questions, apply what you learned above and choose a method of installation that best suits your need.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

What To Expect As A Modern Woman Going Through A Divorce

No one is an expert when it comes to divorce. Every divorce is unique and offers a different set of challenges. There are however common bonds that, frequently made mistakes and unexpected results that all occur in one form or another when women are going through the divorce process. In this installment divorce attorneys share some information that has been shared with them to help get women through their divorces both financially and emotionally.

Not only does the divorce itself take awhile the finality of it tends to take a long time to recover from. This is natural and should be taken in stride. You will recover from your divorce. It may take you a longer period of time than it did your best friend, your sister or co-worker but it will happen. There will be days you can barley function while others where you are concurring the world. Surround yourself with a variety of support systems and continue to move through the process until one day you wake up and it is not the first thing you think about.

The divorce attorney you choose is important. Don’t settle for a criminal defense attorney, a probate attorney or any other type other than a family law attorney that specializes in divorce, child custody, alimony with a focus on women’s rights in divorce. A local divorce attorney specializing in family law will get you a better settlement than anyone else. They are versed in divorce proceedings, local judges and other local attorneys. They will work the system to make sure you come out on top.

Dig into your finances. Don’t let your spouse tell you what you have and what you don’t have. It is important to gain access to all financial documentation that either one of you possesses. So many divorces occur because of financial disagreements. Before you even file or your spouse gets wind that you plan to leave start to organize and access all of your joint accounts and all of the single accounts you both have. Online passwords should be documented along with the name and account number of all accounts that are held by either of you or jointly. The more information you gather the better off you will end up financially once the marriage dissolves.

Consider how much it will cost you to live independently. The well being of you and your children will depend a lot on the financial aspect of the divorce. Estimate high on living expenses and such. Don’t let the emotions of the divorce get in the way of ensuring that you are your children will continue to live the lifestyle you have become accustomed to. Keep in mind incidentals that may not be able to be kept after the divorce such as health care. If your spouse is currently carrying insurance on you and the kids it needs to be specified that this will continue or that they will compensate the loss out of pocket.

The goal in any divorce is to split from one another. It is not important who is at fault and trying to get back at one another only leads to more problems in the end. Leave the complicated stuff to the divorce attorneys to work out and start fresh. Your ex will more than likely be willing to comply with what you are asking for if the proceedings are coming along without a lot of drama. Both parties are looking for a clean break and a fresh start to move on. Your divorce frees you from any obligation you had to your spouse. It is a perfect time to head out into the world and become the you that may have been oppressed in your marriage.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Hiring An I.T. Company That Does It All

Small business, large businesses and all the ones in between rely on computer systems, the internet and a variety of other I.T. services. How do business owners come by professionals to provide these services? Is it possible that one team of I.T. specialist can supply all of the services that businesses need? The answer is simple, yes. It is possible to find an I.T. team that specializes in a variety of services to offer reliable affordable computer repair, computer consulting, networking, server builds and installations, data back-up systems, computer troubleshooting, wiring, website design, graphic design, web hosting, SEO, iPhone and Android programming as well as custom programming.

There is a lot to consider when looking into I.T. services. A lot of times the idea that a company would need all of these services is a lot to think about. This is especially true because half of them are services that you had never heard about. Let’s look a bit deeper into each area and how your business uses these services to run more efficiently.

Computer Repair, Computer Tune Ups and Computer Malware and Virus Removal: Computers are a main stay in running any sized business. When the computer fails it can take the entire business down and out of service. What you need is I.T. services that quickly repair your computer issues so that your business is not out of commission for too long. Computer viruses, hard drive repairs, new mother board installation and more are services that your I.T. company should be efficient at.

Computer Consulting: Part of servicing company’s I.T. services it devising a technology plan for the company. Considering their budget and time frame a company then can begin implementing the stated plan and put it into action. Many times an I.T. plan includes computer networking, building and installing a server; putting back-up systems in place and the ability to trouble shoot any current computer issues.

Website Design, Graphic Design, Web Hosting and Search Engine Optimization Services (SEO): Much of a company’s business comes from their internet presence. It is crucial that not only does your business run with up to date computer technology but web presence as well. Companies that already work with you and understand your I.T. needs have a better understanding of what represents your business. That information can be taken and turned into a graphic playground in the form of a website. The presence of your company online is also crucial which is why SEO services are performed. It is important that your clients can find you online and that they are drawn to use your business services from the online presence that is present.

iPhone and Android Programming and custom programming: Apps have taken on a life of their own in the world we live in. These app ideas don’t come to be magically. They require custom programming. Bringing your ideas to life, in order to grow your business you will need to develop a mobile presence with the use of a website that is mobile friendly and apps for both iPhones and Android phones.

All of these services tie into one another and to find an I.T. company that can provide all of them for you in a one stop shop is the best possible scenario for your company. An all inclusive I.T. service company knows your company inside and out. This means that they will provide better services based exactly on what they know you need to continue to grow your business.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas. You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Making Home Improvements That Make Aging In Place Possible

The baby boomer generation is one of the largest segments that create the population today.  In fact it is estimated that everyday ten thousand baby boomers turn sixty five.  This is a huge shift that is being seen in America.  Although the senior population is growing it does not mean that the nursing home population is growing as well.  In fact over eighty three percent of baby boomers are preparing to age in place instead of moving into an assisted living facility. The older population is looking to age gracefully while continuing to live independently within their homes.

If you are part of this population or are helping to care for someone who is aging and hoping to live at home as they age it is important to start making small changes to keep their homes safe, comfortable, functional and easy for them to use.

One of the first recommendations that age in place contractors give to the aging population is to avoid a home that requires you to access areas via stairways.  Stairs are difficult to maneuver as we age.  Our knees don’t bend well and balance is at premium.  For some this may mean relocating while for other it may mean adjusting the current space.  Some homes have bedrooms only on a second floor.  If this is the case it may mean turning a formal dining space into a master sweet and adjusting the current space a bit.  For others it may mean that the addition of a handicap ramp.  Stairs leading into and out of the home can be tricky for seniors to navigate as well.  It is in the best interest of individuals looking to stay in their homes to have an access that is handicap modified.  Adding a handicap ramp eases access of wheelchairs, walkers and canes.

It is important that homes where seniors are aging in place are as maintenance free as possible.  This doesn’t mean that the home will not have some maintenance but it is possible to lessen the responsibilities of the individuals as they grow older.  Vinyl siding, metal roofing and composite decking are three easy exterior modification to homes where seniors wish to age in place.  Choose landscape materials that come back each year on their own as well as varieties that do not require yearly trimming.  Install automatic sprinklers as well.  These are all great options for keeping the curb appeal while allowing independence and aging in place.

It is also important that you look into the rooms within the home.  Remove all throw rugs, baskets sitting on the floor, cords in areas that individuals will be walking and easy the simple things like light switches and cabinet door pulls.  In the bathroom many choose to do age in place remodeling such as installing entry free showers with a built in seat.  Grab bars are also an important feature.  Lighting should be bright throughout the home as well.  Install rocker switches at all the entry and exits of a room to avoid having to walk into a room in the dark.

Creating a safe, comfortable space for the senior in your life is fairly simple.  Always hire contractors that are certified in handicap remodeling and age in place remodeling.  They will be the best guide to analyzing the current space and offering suggestions on what areas could use some improvement to create a space that is as safe as possible.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Six Factors That Smaller LTL Shippers Need To Consider

In order to avoid being squeezed out by large LTL freight carrier’s small freight carriers must be resourceful.  Smaller LTL companies but consider the factors that follow to provide efficient freight services and compete within the shipping industry with so many large carriers.

  • Transit Time: How fast do shipments need to get to you or to your customers?  Slower transit times are common with long-haul carriers within regional lanes.  Whereas regional and multi-regional carriers tend to produce faster transit times in these lanes but may not provide services in longer haul lanes.
  • Geographic Coverage: It is crucial to understand where different carriers deliver. When you understand where carriers offer their services you can optimize which carriers are best suited for the service.  There are many carriers that provide only regionalized direct pickups and delivery services.  Find carriers to work with that provide service to the areas you desire.
  • Service Performance: Customer service is incredibly important in shipping. You need vendor shipments to make it to you when you need them and your carriers need to deliver to customers when they are expecting them.  Reliability for most carriers range within the ninety percent range for on time pickup and delivery performance.   Long haul carriers have less reliability than most regional carriers.  Almost all carriers however provide guaranteed delivery services for additional fees.
  • Liability Insurance Coverage: Liability insurance coverage is offered on most shipments.  The price that this coverage will cost is different depending on the carrier, freight classification and if your product is new or used.   Most LTL carriers provide coverage to shippers at a rate of ten dollars per pound.  Best in class coverage is harder to find and tend to be a bit pricier at twenty five dollars per pound.   Some regional carriers offer liability insurance coverage for as low as a dollar per pound.
  • Financial Stability: It is necessary to use carriers that are financially stable. Carriers that are struggling with profitability and debt issues have complications that should be avoided.  It is a risk that can be avoided and should be. With so many LTL carriers it is unnecessary to choose a carrier that is unstable in any element of their business.
  • Pricing Factors: When working with different carriers it is crucial to understand the pricing. This is especially important for smaller businesses.  In order to determine the true cost of transportation consider: discounts, base rates, net pricing, minimum charge floors, freight classification, weight, accessorial fees and FAK provisions.

Other things to consider when looking for LTL freight carriers there is almost never one carrier that fits every need you may have.  Work with and established freight broker to do the heavy leg work so that you can focus on what is really important, running your own business.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Reasons The Divorce Rate Keeps Rising

Worldwide the rate of divorce continues to rise.  Despite the fact that going through a divorce is viewed as the number one cause of stress.  Divorce causes stress for not only the two of you but for your children and extended families.  It is a difficult process to divide a lifetime of assets let alone the children within the family.  This is not to say that you should ever stay in a marriage that is unhealthy or unhappy.   When your marriage is over the process of divorce will feel like less of a difficulty and more of an end goal to a happily ever after.

The laws around the world have made it more feasible for divorces to occur.  This may be one of the many reasons that the divorce rate continues to rise.  If one partner feels that they would be better off after a divorce than continuing to live unhappily married the divorce process can begin.  In the U.S. there is a law that states no one person has to be at fault in order for a divorce to be granted.  A no-fault divorce is common now-a-days.  When proceeding with a divorce before no-fault divorces became the norm individuals had to prove fault.  One partner had to prove that their spouse was mentally incapacitated, cheating, lying, abusive or any other of the viable reasons that a divorce was better than the couple staying together and trying to work it out together.

Another reason the divorce rate is rising is that more and more women are seeking careers outside of the home.  In a society where specific roles are still seen it is difficult for many men and women to adjust to this new development.  A lot of men have been raised in a manner in which they see themselves as the sole provider for their families.  When a women seeks a job outside of the household both roles have to adjust.  It is impossible for women to be solely responsible for the household as well as holding down a full time career.  For some men this is not an easy adjustment and therefore leaves them feeling wounded and fragile egos aren’t easily repaired.

Both men and women have a lot of support and options once they have decided to get a divorce.  Support groups, counseling and therapy have become accepted in society.  Men and women are less fearful of the stigma that was present before.  Divorce is seen in movies, on television and is perceived differently than it had been in previous years.

With divorce rates increasing it is important to understand that it is crucial to have proper representation.  A divorce attorney specializing in family law will provide the best representation in divorce.  The outcome of your divorce will strongly be dependent upon the council you choose to represent you.  A divorce attorney that specializes in men’s rights in divorce will procure the best results for any man seeking a divorce.  If you are looking to create equal parenting arrangements, equal financial distribution and equality in the process as a whole seek a divorce attorney that represents your best interests.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Electronic Driveway Gates Add Security To Your Home

Are you moving into a new home or looking for a way to increase the security in your current home?  Maybe you are just looking for a way to enhance the overall curb appeal of your home?  One solution for all three of these situations is the addition of an automated entry gate.  Not only is it cost effective but it also adds a lifetime solution to the security of your home and family.

There are two types of electronic gate systems commonly used for residential purposes: swing gates and slide gates.  As the names suggest a swing gate in an entry gate in which the gate operator swing the gate open.  A sliding gate is one in which the gate operator moves the gate by sliding it open and closed.  Depending on the area in which the electronic entry gate is to be installed will greatly determine the type you choose.  If the area is on any type of slope or grade a swing gate is most likely not going to be possible.  The same is true for smaller driveways.  A slide gate works well for both of those scenarios.  A swing gate is a very majestic peace and can be installed on larger, flat driveways.  The elegance of both swing gates and slide gate options are just incredible.

It is important for homeowners to be aware that a swing gate is powered by two gate motors where as a sliding gate requires only one.  The gate operator that you choose to install will be dependent upon several factors including the size of the gate that is chosen, the speed at which the fence will open and the surface it will be installed on.

To get an understanding of what types of driveway gates would be best for your home have a gate surveyor come out to review the land.  Once this occurs the local gate automation company will look at the gate surveyors’ assessment and recommend different styles and designs of electronic entry gates that work well within the space you have.  They will recommend appropriate gate operators, gate motors and accessories to fit your desires and will base their quote off of what you finally choose.

Installation of electronic entry gates is best left to industry experts.  It is not an easy do it yourself job.  For the best results have the gate installed by experts in driveway gate installation.  They will not only get the gate in place but install the motors, entry systems and sensors to ensure a fully functioning electronic entry gate.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry 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/.

Choosing Materials In Building Your Dream In-Ground Pool

You have decided to build a pool; in fact your dream pool is already built in your mind.  Now comes the hard part, getting the details on what is needed to build it.  An in-ground pool needs a foundation, piping and electricity to work.  After the basics are covered the goal for homeowners is to create a dramatic landscape around the pool keeping in mind safety and local, state and national rules and regulations.

There are various materials that can be used as the final layer of the pools interior.  The finishing layer of the pool is what is put on to create the water affect.  It gives the pool color and enhances the reflections of the lights surrounding the interior of the pool.  The finishing layer is also the layer that adds protection from slippery textures.  It is for your own benefit that you consider the material used to finish the pool.  Selecting the wrong material can throw off the entire pool and the feeling that you get when you use it.

It is also important to choose the correct finish for your in-ground pool as it will determine the level of maintenance required and the life span of the finish before resurfacing is required. Below you will find a list of pool materials that are used for pool finishes.  Research the advantages and disadvantages of each before you select the perfect material for your family’s in-ground pool.

Plaster:  Plaster is the most economical material used to finish the interior of in-ground pools.  The one disadvantage is the maintenance required to keep up on the plaster finish.  Plain white plaster when used on an in-ground pool finish needs to be reapplied every five to ten years.   It is important if you choose a plaster finish for your pool that you must take the time to keep up on the chemical balance within the pools water.  Discoloration, which makes pool unsightly if the chemicals are not kept up on in a plastered pool finish. It is important to know that pool plastering is a simple, inexpensive repair when needed for your in-ground pool.

Tiles: Tiles are a great pool material for the finish of an in-ground pool because of their increased lifespan over other materials.  They take more time to install than other materials although they tend to be worthy of the investment because they tend to be less expensive.

Pebbles: If you are looking for a natural appearance in your pool consider pebbles as a finish for the interior of your pool.  Pebbles can make the pool look like a lagoon or new rainforest.  Vary the aggregates used to vary the effect of the mixture. Pebble pool finishes are incredibly durable and resistant to the effects of chemicals used in treating pool water.  Another benefit of pebbles is that you do not need to use grout and they are resistant to staining.

Vinyl:  A vinyl pool finish is low maintenance and a good material that does not crack easily.  The lifespan of a vinyl in-ground pool is extensive as well.  The disadvantage with vinyl is that you are limited in the size and shape of the pool.

Fiberglass:  Fiberglass pools are expensive but are one of the best materials for in-ground pools because of how it feels on your feet.  Fiberglass is smooth and resistant to algae because it is non-porous. It is stronger than a lot of other pool finishes while remaining quite flexible.

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/.