Livingston Reporting - page 262

Bathroom Modification That Make Aging In Place Possible

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The baby boomer generation is reaching the age of retirement.  They are starting to take into consideration the options that they have on where to live.  Seniors have more options than ever before because of the advancements in the technology that makes living within their own homes possible.  In the past a retirement home or assisted living facility was the only option older adults had.  This has been forever changed with the improvements found with age in place modification.

Professional contractors that specialize in handicap construction, ADA building codes and age in place modifications are a new breed of home improvement specialists.  They are able to take an ordinary home environment and make small renovations to greatly increase the quality of life for this older generation. One of the biggest worries for most of us is the safety of our parents as they go about the daily task of caring for themselves.  The number one room in the house for life altering accidents for seniors is the bathroom.  Specific bathroom age in place renovations will help decrease the likelihood of this occurring to someone you love.

The first thing that should be installed is high quality grab bars.  When installing grab bars, professional age in place contractors will use special anchors to ensure that no matter how much weight is put on the bar that it will not fail.  The anchor used is as important as the grab bar.  Grab bars should be placed in the shower as well as on the wall used for support exiting the shower area.  It is preferable at this point in life that a stand up shower without an entry lip is installed over the ordinary bath tub shower combinations that have been present in the past.

A seat should also be installed within the shower area, preferably a seat that is built in and permanently placed.  A temporary shower seat is an okay substitution when necessary but if the bathroom is being completely renovated work to build in a convenient seat for users.  A shower seat is extremely helpful to help older adults clean in areas unreachable from a standing position.  Your age in place specialist will also recommend a removable shower head.  This too adds convenience in accessing and thoroughly cleaning spots that water is unable to reach well from a standing position.

Cabinet hardware and shelving should be upgrades to options that make access simpler.   Seniors often lose mobility in their hands making cabinet hardware difficult to grasp.  Cabinet hardware should be changed to the type that allows them to be pulled open.  The same is true for shelving.  Install shelving that slides in and out.  This makes the entire cabinet accessible without having to dip down or bend over.  Both tasks become more difficult with aging.

As far as the electrical changes in the bathroom it is important to add extra lighting lower electrical outlets.  If a wheelchair is needed the lower electrical outlets will allow seniors to avoid reaching out of their chairs to plug appliances in or turn lights on.  Extra lighting is important as well.  It is important to enhance existing lighting with florescent bulbs and add direct lighting where needed.

Being independent leaves seniors living higher quality longer lives.  Age in place remodeling can ensure this gift is one that you can be bestow upon your loved ones.

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.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

, , , ,

Tips When Comparing Entry Driveway Gates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When comparing entry systems a driveway gate is one of the most effective methods that can be used to keep your home or business secure and inaccessible.  Depending on the level of security you desire along with your budget you have a variety of options to choose from with your entry gate system.  You will want to take into consideration the size and variety of vehicles that will be entering the premise to prevent entry and exit hassles.  All while concentrating on the size, strength and features you desire in an entry gate.

Consideration When Comparing Driveway Gates

Size of the Driveway Gate: The mistake many people make when purchasing an entry system is that they size the gate off of the size of their vehicle without the consideration of other vehicles that may need to enter.  Entry gates must be large enough that emergency vehicles can safely enter and exit the area without hassle.  Leave additional space to prevent accidents and mishaps that can come with automatic driveway gates.

Entry Access System:  When choosing an access control system for your driveway gate the greatest consideration should be ease of use.  A manual entry system has the same inconveniences that come a conventional entry way.  You will have to enter and exit the vehicle each and every time you open and close the gate.  This also leaves room for the gate to be easily accessed by others.  Choose an entry system that allows for automatic entry.  This can be in the form of a remote control, key pad or several other options. Automatic entry access systems are growing in popularity due to their effectiveness in providing privacy, security and convenience.

Driveway Gate Design:  A driveway gate has two different design options: sliding or swing.  There are also several different ornamental style options to choose from as well.  Swing gates are often less expensive than sliding gates.  Sliding gates need adequate space on both sides of the gate where as a sliding gate needs additional room to the front and back of the entrance.   Both options are popular amongst homeowners and commercial users.  The deciding factor for which is better for your entry way will be the space in which it is to be installed.

Material Durability: Your driveway entry gate must be made from a material that is made for durability in the climate you live.  It must be resistant to the harsh weather of your area.  Consider the materials sturdiness and maintenance level as well when picking a material for your fence.  Wooden entry gates are beautiful but require expensive upkeep to keep them looking as if they were just installed whereas aluminum and wrought iron gates are a bit more expensive upfront they don’t require the intense maintenance of wood.

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/.

SAC Fence

, , , , , ,

Increase Your ROI On Industrial Equipment With Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In manufacturing it is important to extend the life of your equipment.  The return on investment is examined in great detail even before pieces are purchased.  The equipment alone can’t be held responsible for this feat; the people running the machines need to be responsible to perform regular, routine maintenance as well.  To ensure a proper ROI look into developing a companywide policy on the residual care of equipment.  Below are some considerations to look at as you develop a plan of action to extend the life of your equipment.

One of the first steps to take when working to improve the longevity of industrial equipment is to ensure the employees running the machines are trained properly.  If there are multiple users for certain larger pieces of equipment maintain a usage log along with a checklist of procedures to perform before, during and after the machine is used.

Make sure that all operators of equipment are set with the knowledge they need to spot issues before they arise.  Replacing electrical wear items before failure saves manufacturers thousands of dollars.  Not only do you prevent employee down time while the machine is being serviced you also prevent emergency service fees which quickly add up to triple the cost of regularly replacing electrical components that are known to wear with extended use.

Create a checklist for machines with many moving parts.  Ensure that these pieces of equipment are on a regular schedule for lubrication.  Lubricating parts that are constantly moving increases the longevity of the machine.  Create a checklist that is specific to each piece of equipment and the types of oils and grease to be used on each.  Teach users what to look for to help diagnosis problems before the problem becomes critical.  Check for residual build-up and signs of excess oil during this process as these issues can be a sign of problems before they arise.

By simply replacing electrical components as they begin to wear companies can save themselves a tremendous amount of money.  Electrical components on large equipment each have a unique life span.  Take this into consideration and replace items such as fuses, circuits, bus plugs, transformers and switchboards.  Even if the component has not failed yet replacing it before it does works to benefit the equipment.  A components failure while in use can cause more damage to the piece as a whole.  A modern example of this is refilling the gas in your cars tank before it is completely empty.  Running a car without gas causes many other components within the car to fail.  The same is true of running manufacturing equipment with failed electrical components.

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

, , , , , , , ,

Roofing Within An Allotted Budget

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is important for homeowners to consider what they want in a new roof, roof replacement or roof repair and how to go about getting it within their allotted budget.  In order to do this it is crucial that you know exactly what you can afford to spend on the venture and define cost saving alternatives available to help make your project work within your allotted budget.  Below you will find steps to help you refine the roofing process.

Should you replace or repair your roof?

This question is one that is not easily answered.  In order to determine if your roof is in need of repair or replacing you must take into a variety of considerations.  Repairing a leak in your shingle roof may be a preferable option over a complete roof replacement due to lower cost and time restrictions.  However, there are several things to consider before jumping to that conclusion.  Some of the things you will need to look at are the age of the roof, the history of previous repairs on the roof and the consideration of finding materials that will match the existing roof structure.

How will the structure and design of your roof affect the materials available and cost of labor?

The selection of roofing materials to choose from in replacing your roof will be limited to the underlying structure of the roof.  Not all existing structures can support new materials.  It isn’t common to replace a shingle roof with tile or slate which is the heaviest of roofing materials.  Different roofing materials, as well as the design and angles of your roof can increase the cost of a new roof significantly.

What style and cost considerations are there?

When looking into putting a new roof on your home you must take into consideration the style of your home.  If you have a shingle roof budget but a villa style home you need to seriously consider one of two things: saving more money or looking for a material that is complementary to the homes style that fits within your allotted budget.  It is crucial to the curb appeal of your home to consider the aesthetics of the new roof.

Who will you choose as your roofing contractor?

A quality roofing contractor is even more important than superior quality roofing materials.  Instead of looking for the lowest bid look for an experienced roofing contractor that has a proven record for installing the materials you are choosing for your new roof.  Quality installation makes the difference in all home improvement projects your roof included.

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

, , , , , , , ,

The Cliff Note Version Of Obtaining A Mortgage Loan

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The real estate market is currently in full bloom.  Mortgage rates had been at an all time low however recently have started to come back up.  This makes people want to buy a home sooner than later.  Everyone is looking to pay the lowest interest rate possible on a new mortgage.  With mortgage rates slowly rising many people find now is the time to buy a home.  The steps below are the cliff notes when it comes to finding a mortgage while the rates are still at record lows.

Get Your Credit Rating Ready

Your credit score is one of the biggest factors when determining if you will get approved for a home loan and if so what type of interest rate you will qualify for.  If you know you are going to be looking for a home and therefore a home loan it is important that you get a copy of your credit report and start working on improving your credit score.  Errors on your credit report, applying for more debt and several other factors can affect your credit score.  This in turn can make a huge difference when working to achieve the lowest interest rate on a new mortgage loan.  It can also be the difference between getting approved and not getting approved.

Improve Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Take inventory of how much you have going out verse how much money you have coming in.  This is another large consideration when applying for a loan.  It is important to reduce your debt before applying for a mortgage.   This can be done by making larger payments on credit card debt, car loans and outstanding loans to help boost your ratio.

Start Saving For a Down Payment

A large down payment can save you big bucks immediately.  Without a decent down payment you most likely will end up paying a PMI amount each month with your mortgage payment.  This can add up to an extra payment that could be used towards the principal of your mortgage but instead is being wasted on mortgage insurance.   Most mortgages require a down payment that falls between five and twenty percent to get the best possible interest rate and avoid paying mortgage insurance.

Find a Mortgage Lender or Broker

When looking into buying a home an experienced mortgage lender or broker can completely transform your mortgage experience.  Shop around until you find someone you are comfortable working with.  Find someone who is willing to work closely with you and that works to help you understand the complete home loan process.  Find a lender who is straightforward and cuts through the idiosyncrasies of the process to get you the best interest rate available that you qualify for.

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/.

 

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

, , , , , , , , ,

Tips In Buying Your First Home After Your Family Has Been Established

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are a first time home buyer with a family there are chances you are a bit anxious to begin the process of finding a home to call your own.  Buying your first home when you are single and unattached is different than buying a home when you are married with a family to consider.  There are other people’s needs and desires to take into account and therefore more to think about.

One of the first things to bear in mind is the cost of a new home, not just the payment but the increase in expenses overall.  You will want to determine what you can afford; in order to do this you will want to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan.  The amount that you are pre-approved for is just an estimate of what a lender is willing to lend to you and not to be used as a bench mark on the amount you need to spend on your first home.  Use the amount as a guideline.  Be willing to look at homes under and slightly above your pre-approval amount.  This can be used as a solid negotiation tool if you find a home slightly above your price point in getting the seller to negotiate a lower asking price.

After you have been pre-approved it is time to look into finding a real estate agent to work with.  An experienced, full time agent will help you find a home that meets the needs of your family within your price point.  A realtor will have foresight and connections into homes that are currently on the market and also those that are soon to be coming available.  This can be helpful to you as a buyer with a family because they can put you ahead of other buyers in the chase to find a home within a certain location.  Location will be everything to you as a buyer with a family.  Whether it is a certain school district or distance to and from work you will be more specific on a location over first time home buyers without a family.

Another point to consider when buying a home with a family is that you must have the home inspected.  When you have a family your home needs to be virtually move-in ready.  Minor updates and aesthetic items can be overlooked but when it comes to major structural damage or repairs above and beyond normal maintenance you may want to consider moving on in your quest to find the perfect home.

Buying your first home with your family in tow may not be the easiest of all situations but will for certainly be worthwhile and rewarding.  Take time find a reputable real estate agent that will help you find a solid home well within your budget in a location that works well for your entire family.

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.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

, , , , , , , , ,

The Benefits of Cut and Stack Product Labels

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Product label options are just one area in marketing your product that offers a great deal of consideration.  The exterior of your product adds appeal and allure to what’s inside.  The label is what gets your product noticed amongst the competitors.  That is why it is so important to think about what label is best suited for your company’s product.  Product manufactures can choose from shrink sleeves, cut and stack, pressure sensitive and roll-fed labeling options to increase brand awareness.  Packaging labels come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.  They are each manufactured using their own unique method.  For commercial products, one of the most popular options is cut and stack labels.

Cut and stack labels are able to be printed in large quantities.  Once the labels have all been printed they are cut into individual labels and stacked to allow for easy shipping.  The printing process of cut and stack labels starts out with a large roll of paper that are roll fed into a printing press.  From there the labels are cut into the desired size and shape, most often rectangular.  Once cut and stacked the labels can be applied to the product.  Most often this process is done by overlapping the two ends of label and gluing them together.

There are many benefits to each type of product label manufactured today.  Cut and stack labels have many benefits over other options.  The first and often most recognizable to product manufacturers is the fact that they remain one of the most cost effectively custom designed product label on the market.  This makes them affordable to print even in the largest of quantities.  The label is also incredibly durable which allows them to be shipped without damage and can be made from a variety of materials.

Cut and stack labels can be used on a variety of products that consumers use every day.  Some product you may be familiar with that use this type of label are aluminum juice containers, canned good, aerosol cans as well as other food and beverage needs.  They are an extremely versatile option used in custom product labeling.

The benefits of cut and stack labels are overwhelming, they are not only inexpensive but also simple to customize.  The labels are good to use on most any size or shape package.  The label design and print influence consumer’s decisions to purchase.  It should consider highly when putting together a unique marketing plan for your product.  Cut and stack labels are a solid option to consider in product labeling.

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

, , ,

The Many Reason and Benefits in Choosing Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Why do homeowners choose to install fencing?  There are many different reasons that people choose to install a fence but one of the main reasons is always for the safety and security it provides to their home and family.

Reasons To Install An Aluminum Fence

Pool Safety: Fencing around the perimeter of an in ground pool, with the use of a locking gate helps to prevent children and children from accessing the area without an adult.  The fence helps secure the area to prevent accidental drowning.

Pet and Children Containment:  An aluminum fence prevents children and pets from leaving the enclosed area.  This helps to keep them from running out into the road accidentally and helps protect them from people and other animals from entering the area.

For the Prevention of Theft:   A fence detours people from thinking your house is an easy target.  A fence makes your house a trickier target for thieves.

Aesthetics:   If homeowners are looking to enhance the outer appearance of a home, garden or pool area a fence is the way to go.  It is a large statement piece that significantly improves the exterior look and feel of your home.

Added Value:  Adding a fence adds to the equity of your home.  It is a home improvement investment that you get back what you put into it.

Reasons to Choose Aluminum Fencing

Warranty:  Not all fencing materials offer a lifetime warranty but aluminum does.  The warranty covers against paint cracks, peeling, chips and workmanship defects.  The powder coating makes the fences finish last for a significant period of time over other fencing materials.

Colors:  Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of colors, black being the most common choice amongst homeowners.  Different colors are available in every style and grade of aluminum fence.  You can choose a color that coordinates with the exterior of your home.

Economical:  Over the long term, aluminum fencing is the most economical type of fencing.  Other types of fencing materials require replacement not to mention maintenance and painting expenses over time.

Maintenance:  Aluminum fences are rust resistant and require far less maintenance overall than most fencing types.  Aluminum does not need to be stained or power washed yearly.  There is no need for paint either as the powder coating used on aluminum helps prevent against chips, cracks and peeling.

Safety:  If you are looking for a fence that meets B.O.C.A. standards, aluminum s designed to meet pool codes.  This is true not only of residential use but also commercial use.

Installation: There is no other fence as easy to install as an aluminum fence.  The fence comes in pre-assembled panels with posts pre-punched.  The most difficult part of installing an aluminum fence is digging the holes for the posts.

Aluminum fence is priced according to the ornamental design and grade of fencing you choose.  Residential fencing is less expensive and requires a lighter gauge then commercial or industrial aluminum fence do.

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!

iFenceUSA

, , , , , , , , ,

Everything there is to know in the Mortgage Process

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Shopping for a mortgage and buying a home go together like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  It is unlikely you can enjoy the one without the other.  It is the same with buying a home; you can’t do it without shopping for a mortgage.  Shopping for a home loan is easier when you understand what you are doing.  Below are some tips to help with that process.

Know what you can afford

In order to know what you can afford you need to put together a detailed list of your income verse your expenses.  It is crucial to consider the extra costs that come with owning a home.  You are not only looking at an additional monthly mortgage payment but also an increase in utility expenses, insurance and incidentals that occur with home ownership.  Months before you start searching for a home loan it is crucial to get your credit report.  In order to get the lowest interest rate available on a mortgage a high credit score is needed.  This can be achieved by cleaning up any errors in reporting as well as making payment on time and not applying for any new debt.

Compare loan options from lenders and brokers

Shop around for a mortgage.  This is not the same as applying for them.  Shopping around takes time and energy but that is it; it is free to look into what lenders and brokers have to offer.  Not shopping around can actually end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It is essential that you understand the difference between a mortgage lender and a mortgage broker.  A broker arranges mortgage loans with lenders rather than lending money directly as a mortgage lender does.  Brokers sell you a loan from a lender.  Finding the best deal when it comes to a home loan requires work on your end.  Whether you decide in the end that the deal comes from a lender or a broker is up to you and your research.

Find trusted sources to get advice from

Mortgage loans are complicated.  When it comes to the most expensive investment you will most likely ever make it is important to gather advice from trusted sources.  This information can come from educated friends and family or from people you hire such as a real estate attorney.  Have a trusted source to help review all paperwork before you sign them.  This is important in any matters dealing with areas you are not an expert in especially ones with such large financial commitments behind them.

 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/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

, , , , , , , , ,

Tips To Help Keep Your Laptop Running Efficiently

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

For some of us our computers are our life line.  We carry our computers from the café to our work place and even to catch some mid afternoon rays.  Laptops are a preferable choice for many as they are easy to transport.   Laptops are different then desktop computers and therefore have to be cared for in a particular manner.  Below you will find some tips on taking care of your laptop.

One of the leading causes of damage to desktops and laptops is lack of airflow.  When using a laptop it is crucial to have it setting on a hard surface.  Avoid using your laptop on a bed or pillow as the soft fabric can block the vents and cause the system to overheat.  It is important that you ensure the vents are clear of dirt and dust.  Use a can of compressed air to clean the vents out frequently to allow for adequate air flow.  Many computer repair shops offer a complete computer tune up for a relatively low fee.

Purchase an LCD and keyboard protector.  These inexpensive items can guard your laptop against scratches and damages.  The screen will be protected from scratches and the keyboard from crumbs and spills.

Laptops are more susceptible to damage from food and drinks.  If at all possible do not eat or drink while using your laptop.

Keep your laptop surfaces clean.  Wipe the outer part of the laptop free of dirt and dust.  The accumulation of dust will prevent your laptop from running properly.  Purchase fabrics designed to clean laptops and electronic devices.

Keeping the fan on your computer in working order is crucial whether it is a laptop or desktop.  To avoid overheating the fan must be in working order at all times.  If the laptop overheats it can cause issues with the computer’s memory and hard drive.  Look online for information on your particular laptop to see how to visually check the fan.  If you are not at all computer savvy a local computer repair shop will be able to look at your computer for you for a minor fee.

Your laptop should always be stored correctly.  Always turn your machine off and put it in a laptop bag when not in use.  Laptops should be stored away from children and pets; anything that has potential to chew on or damage your laptop should be kept away from stored laptops.

The tips above are just a few of the suggestions to help you keep your laptop running efficiently.  It is not difficult to maintain your laptop properly and keep it running in tip top shape with just a little bit of extra care.  Follow the tips above; if you notice your machine is not running properly shut it down and take it into your local computer repair shop for diagnosis.

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.

Creative Programs and Systems

, , , , , , , ,