Livingston Reporting - page 264

Help In Choosing A Shingle Color For Your Homes Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are updating your homes roof you are not only making a large financial investment but also an extreme makeover on the overall look of your home.  The shelf life of your roof can be upwards of thirty years.  It is crucial you choose a color shingle that is not only strong and reliable but also pleasing to the overall look and style of your home.  Below are some tips to help you when choosing a color for the shingles for your homes new roof.

Don’t rush it

The shingle color of your new roof should not be rushed.  A new roof is something that takes serious consideration and considerable thought.  The color of the shingle is something you will have to live with for a substantial period of time.  It will also affect the value of your home in years to follow.   Don’t rush choosing a color of shingling for your new roof.

Talk with your roofing contractor

Ask for an opinion from roofing contractors that are estimating the cost of your new roof.  They have presumably seen a million different combinations of shingle colors and exteriors that work well with one another.  They can share colors that compliment your home’s exterior structure and current siding.  When choosing a shingle color choose one that does not clash with the trim and siding as these larger pieces have the biggest impact on your homes curb appeal.

Go over all of your options

Within the shingle market there are many different, unique options.  Consider your homes architecture to help guide your new shingle purchase.  Does your exterior mix better with a singular color shingle or a blend of multiple color shingles?

Use available technology

Technology is one of the greatest tools in home renovations of our generation.  Many shingle manufactures and roofing contractors have the ability to download a photo of your current home while uploading different color shingles and roofing combinations.  This can help you visualize the new roof with the current exterior or future updated exterior changes.

Examine the shingles in person

Look at the shingles in person.  The colors of the shingles will look different in person.  You should have your roofing contractor take the different color samples up on to the roof while you roof at them from below.  Something that is busy up close may be the perfect blend at a distance.

Check out the roofs in your neighborhood

Don’t go radically different when choosing a color for your shingles than that of our neighbors especially within a neighborhood where homes are lumped closely together.  Your home will look out of place and will garner unwanted negative attention.  You don’t want your house to be known as the house that is totally out of place.

Understand your home’s unique style

Although you don’t want your home to stand out as radically different from the others you do want it to stick out.  Compliment your home’s unique style with shingles that are unique but flattering in a positive way.

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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Popularity In Choosing Reconditioned Manufacturing Parts and Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many reasons to consider buying used reconditioned electrical equipment to replace or repair equipment within your manufacturing facility.  Feeling confident when purchasing refurbished and reconditioned electrical supplies is simple; the market demands high quality equipment and that is what you can expect out of electrical equipment that has been reconditioned.

There are many reasons why the popularity of equipment and supplies that have been reconditioned has risen.  In this article we will explain how price, availability, warranties and quality testing help to create a positive return on your investment when purchasing and using reconditioned electrical equipment over new surplus.

Price: On average a company can save anywhere from fifty to seventy five percent on the cost of electrical equipment when buying reconditioned equipment over the cost of new surplus.  Over time this savings can really add up for your company.  Why not save money where you can especially when there is very little difference between purchasing new over reconditioned electrical equipment.

Availability: The availability of reconditioned products over new is a huge benefit when it comes to making a purchase.  New inventory, equipment and replacement parts, often take a substantial amount of time to come in.  Most manufactures do not keep inventory in stock of a wide selection of new equipment. Lead times to order these products can take anywhere from a week to several months.  This is not conducive to fixing an issue right now.  Used reconditioned equipment can be in hand as fast as it takes the product to ship.  Electrical supply companies tend to stock an abundance of reconditioned electrical equipment so that when an issue arises they can ship the product directly to you minimizing additional down time for your business.

Warranty:  Another benefit of purchasing reconditioned electrical equipment is the warranty that is issued.  Reputable companies will offer a one year warranty on all reconditioned electrical supply purchases.  This is equivalent to what most manufactures offer on new surplus.

Quality: The standards when purchasing equipment that has been reconditioned is fairly stringent.  Electrical parts are fully disassembled.  From there each and every part is cleaned and thoroughly inspected.  Parts are then painted, reassembled and tested.  Products are tested to ensure that they are as close to new as possible.  Each product must meet or exceed the manufacturers UL certification.  Voltage withstands all tests from one phase to another to the ground.

When equipment is not longer manufactured you may not have a choice other than to purchase reconditioned parts.  This is something that occurs frequently as technology changes.  Components are reconditioned to ensure that your manufacturing equipment doesn’t also become obsolete when parts fail.  Equipment is an expense that most business owners don’t want to make until they have exhausted all other options.  Another major benefit in when it comes to the reconditioned electrical component market.

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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Selecting a Quality Aluminum Fence

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As you are choosing which style of decorative aluminum fence to install it is important to understand that not all aluminum fencing is created equally.  If low quality aluminum is used in the making of your fence you could be in for troubles down the road.  Lesser quality materials lead to weak fence panels that will not withstand normal wear and tear, let alone the beating pool fencing takes throughout the summer months.  Low grade material used in aluminum fence also leads to an inferior finish making your fence age fast and take away the aesthetic beauty of aluminum.

Do research on the company you are looking to purchase fencing from to ensure the quality of your new fence.  One thing to look for is the warranty offered.  Top model fencing will offer a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects.  It is crucial to find out about the warranty that is offered when looking into ordering aluminum fence panels online.  If you don’t see a lifetime warranty it is time to move on to another company no matter how inexpensive the fencing is.

Another choice you have when it comes to aluminum fencing is picking a style that suits your home, landscape or pool area.  There are a variety of options when it comes to ornamental fencing options, handrails and bottom panel designs.  Not only do you have choices when it comes to the decorative options in aluminum fence but also the grade of fencing, the color and the height.

Most companies offer a variety of grades including residential, commercial, industrial and pool grade.  Colors vary a great deal from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Black aluminum fencing continues to be the most popular options but other color options include bronze, white, green, beige and sandstone to name a few.  The height of your fence also will vary depending on what look you are going for.  It is important to note that standard regulations for pool fencing and B.O.C.A. regulations state the fence enclosing the pool area must be a minimum height of forty eight inches.  It is also important in aluminum pool fence have a self closing, self latching aluminum gate.

There is a lot to think about when ordering your new fence.  The best advice I can give to you is to find an online company to work with that also offers expert fence contractors to speak with when going through the entire fence process from measuring your yard, ordering fencing and the installation process.

iFenceUSA offers a 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 value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Basic Principles in Product Packaging and Labeling Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Within business it is common knowledge that the products packaging is a distinctive part of marketing and production.  The package plays a vital role in the success of your product.  Learning about the role of the packaging process as well as label design can help you achieve the best marketing mix for your product.

In order to guide you there are significant principles that need to be pursued in terms of product packaging and label design.  Below you will find some key considerations that will allow you to determine how to successfully package your product and label your product.

  • Influential Packaging:  Your products package and label can influence the buying behavior of consumers.  One of the newest, most economical packaging options includes flexible packaging.  The best part about flexible packaging is that it not only contains the product but also the products label as well.  A package that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also functional is one that will draw consumers to purchase your product.  Your package must allow consumers to compare competitive products while allowing them to identify the benefits that your product offers over the competition.
  • Call to Mind Packaging: Another thing your package and label must do is create something that is easy to recall.  Competition amongst products can often be quite overwhelming.  When looking at a shelf of comparative products it is important that your package and label stand out and are easy to recall when a choice needs to be made.  Brand recall is an important aspect of your marketing mix.  If consumers can’t find your product quickly while shopping they will look elsewhere.  Create a package and label that is quick to recall amongst the competition.
  • Enhanced Over Competitors Packaging:  Your products package and label needs to stand out over the competition.  One way that odd shaped product packages can do this is with shrink sleeve labeling.  Shrink sleeves allow for three hundred and sixty degrees of design while allowing the package to be any shape desired.  Shrink sleeve labels allow you accentuate the worth of your product as well.

In order to achieve the maximum benefits of your products package it is important to follow the basic guidelines and principles above.  When you follow the basics above you can ensure your time, effort and money will not be wasted on a worthless packaging and labeling design.  Your products package and label are truly one of the most important aspects of the marketing mix.

 

Anchor Printing

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Overcoming The Challenges Summer Brings To Divorced Parents

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Summer vacation is a difficult time for many working parents.  It is stressful to consider what your children will be doing day in and day out throughout the summer while you are working.  Will they be at summer camp?  How will you afford that extra expense or that of child care?  The challenges faced double when it comes to couples that are divorced and sharing time and expenses.  Below are some of the most common mistakes when it comes to summertime with divorced parents.

Summertime is not the time to have a vague parenting plan or a non-existing one.  A detailed parenting plan is necessary in the summer to make for hassle free planning.  It can also help to avoid the monetary issues related summer plans and your children.  Before summer begins have a detailed written plan that states exactly what weeks the children will be with each parent as well as who is to pay for camps, childcare and other extra activities that come about during the summer.  This will help circumvent issues before they arise.

As a result of the divorce there are fewer finances available for summertime fun.  With this in mind it is important to remember that not everything your children did during the summer prior to the divorce is going to be financially able to be done now.  Money is divided differently and therefore activities that are done are different as well.  This is also the case if one parent stayed home with the children during the summer before you were divorced.  This luxury is most likely not available to parents that are newly divorced and childcare will need to be planned and budgeted for.   It is important to remember that fun times and memories of childhood summers don’t come from money spent rather time spent.

With divorce comes conflict between parents and differences of opinions.  This happens a lot with divorce, parental styles tend to change and summer time makes this more evident than ever before.  When parents are not on the same wave length when it comes to parenting the children can often feel the stress.  Don’t allow yourself to be succumbed to arguing over each and every detail that summer brings.

To avoid chaos over summer vacation it is important that you meet with your divorce attorney to ensure that your parenting plan is detailed and realistic.  If nothing is in place addressing summer directly it is important to have a meeting of the minds.  If there are drastic differences you may want to meet with your divorce attorneys and a mediator to establish a plan, a routine and a financial order to cover the bases of summer.

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.

Longton Law

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Planning For Summer As A Divorced Parent

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Summer is a tricky time for divorced parents.  Below you will find some hands on tips to create a summer with less stress and minimal conflict.

A key element to summer is structure.  Parents who are separated or divorced must have a plan in place that helps to define how their children time will be spent throughout the summer months.  If planning your children’s summer out together is too much for the two of you to handle alone meet with your divorce attorney’s present with a mediator to establish clearly the division of time.  This way each parent can structure their children’s summers as they see fit when they are in their custody.  If one parent is pro summer camp then set up an arrangement where they attend camp while with that parent and they also assume the cost.

Expenses throughout the summer need to be planned out carefully.  Childcare is large expense that may not have been a part of the equation in past summers.  Again, the cost of childcare is something that needs to be specifically addressed.  Clarity with these situations will help prevent surprises.  This process can be seamless with the help of your divorce attorney and a mediator.

Summer can often be a time of last minute changes.  This may not work well if you are not able to communicate with your ex-spouse.  To avoid any unnecessary conflicts for your children don’t assume that your last minute plans and changes will not be met with resistance.  When these occasions occur put yourself in their shoes.   The changes you are making may interfere with plans that they have set in stone.  Follow the written plan that is in place.  If you need to make changes or are asking for your ex to adjust time request the change in writing with as much advanced warning as possible.  Don’t put your children in the middle if your spouse declines and chooses to remain true to the schedule set in place.

Try to put all other personal conflicts aside when working out a parenting plan for the summer.  Detach yourself from other conflicts and divide them into smaller more manageable pieces.  Don’t let your feelings towards one another affect summertime fun.  Never try to outdo each other.  Your goal as parents throughout the summer should be clearly defined, financially reasonable and simple to accomplish.  It is only three months; a plan should be established and followed by both parents.

Don’t involve your children in summertime conflicts.  Make sure that summer is kept carefree and filled with memories.  Memories don’t cost money.   Make sure you understand even the simplest day trip can make a long lasting impression upon your child.  After a divorce it is especially important to understand that your children want your time and attention not fancy vacations and non-stop summer camps.

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.

Longton Law

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Upgrade Your Home With Kitchen Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Nothing updates a home quicker than a kitchen renovation.  Don’t think that your dream kitchen and upgrades need to come with an extreme price tag either.  Using the tips below and by hiring the right contractor you can reinvent your kitchen with limited funds and little stress.

The first thing to any home renovation is with the materials you choose.  Always choose quality materials as they really do change the total feel of the space.  Many contractors have an inside relationship with local nters where they can get exceptional discounts or deals on quality merchandise that may be limited or soon to be out of stock.  With this inside edge it is easier than ever to avoid having to use subpar materials in your renovation.

Consider the height of the cabinets. If you have a small space it is important to utilize as much of it as you can for storage.  With this in mind choose cabinetry that goes from the floor to the ceiling.  This will allow you to use extra wall space for other uses.

Purchase naked cabinetry to lessen the expense.  You can choose to either stain or paint your cabinets.  Stained wood is often the most forgiving but quickly becomes dated.  Brush painted cabinets can lead to a unique look in cabinetry but if not done properly can cheapen the look of your cabinets.  This is really up to the homeowner’s style and the look desired for the kitchen space.

No matter what details you decide to forgo never should one be the countertop.  Using the right material on your countertops will provide elegance to any kitchen space.  Slate, limestone, granite and marble are all amazing choices for a sleek kitchen renovation.  Consider mixing and matching complimentary materials to create a unique kitchen space.

An open, airy style island works well in any space.  Try to avoid appliances within the island space.  This tends to create a clunky, closed in feel where as in a kitchen you are looking to create an open, clean, wide open space.

Keep the kitchen renovation simple.  Don’t overdo the details and accents.  The style of your kitchen should be compatible with the entire home.  You kitchen should be an example of what is to be found throughout the rest of your home.

For a kitchen to be nightmare free avoid high maintenance materials and appliance surfaces.  Materials such as slate, brick or terra-cotta are difficult to clean.  Smooth surfaces in light colors and ceramic floors are easy to clean but not necessarily able to hide flaws or dirt.  As popular as stainless steel is the material is difficult to keep clear of smudges.  So be careful when adding these materials to your kitchen space.

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

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Secure Your Home with A Driveway Entrance Gate

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A top priority for many of us as homeowners is the ability to protect our home and family.  We live by the philosophy that more is better and it’s better to be safe than sorry.  Home security has recently become a bigger issue than it ever has been before.  With increases in technology and electronic entry gates putting a home security plan in place is simpler than ever before.

Securing the entrance and the perimeter of the yard and driveway is a key element in home security. An aluminum entrance gate is not only attractive to look at they are a major component in securing your home and keeping unwanted people off of your property entirely.  Security gates are also helpful in that they keep small children and pets inside the property.  When installing an electronic entry gate ask your insurance provider about discounts in premiums.  It is also important to note that the money spent on a driveway gate is often recouped in the equity it brings to your home’s value.

For optimal security install an automatic gate operator to control opening and closing the driveway gate.  This alleviates the need for you to physically open and shut the gate.  The convenience makes the fence more likely to be used all the time.  Exiting the car to open the gate presents a security issue in itself, especially at night.  Gate operators are fairly inexpensive to install and operate.  Many systems are run off of solar energy therefore making them even less expensive to operate.

You will have the choice to in regards to access options as well when you choose an electronic entry gate.  There are several options ranging from telephone entry systems, remote openers, key cards and key pads.  No matter what options you choose make sure to update it often.  Never leave the same code in place for an extended period of time.  Another thing to think about is personalizing the code so that each visitor has a unique identification code.  This will allow you to know exactly who is entering and exiting the property at all times.

Security gates on the driveway and fencing around the perimeter of your homes yard are just one of the few ways to secure your home.  Consider installing lights that detect motion as well as security cameras.  This will allow you to see exactly what is going on at all times within the property without having to leave the safety or security of your home.  This is also a great feature for when you are on vacation as well.

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

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Ensure A Successful Pool Opening With These Tips

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is that time of year again where we begin to think about and plan for backyard adventures including opening backyard swimming pools.  If you are not familiar with opening a pool you may think it is as simple as pulling the cover off, adding water and jumping in but that is not the case.  Properly opening your swimming pool is important to the lifespan of your pool.  Below are tips and pieces of advice to ensure a successful opening of your pool.

One thing to remember when closing the pool to make opening it easier is not to empty the swimming pool completely.  This is true even in the coldest of climates unless of course you need to do structural repairs or plaster work.  Your swimming pools plaster and care is of utmost important when considering the integrity of your pool.  Other than those reasons it is best to leave water in your gunite swimming pool covered by a secure pool cover.

The nest step in the process of opening your pool for the summer is to thoroughly clean the pool.  Put together the pools filtration devices, clean out all baskets that may or may not have been prepared properly when closing and remove any plugs that were put in place at closing last year.

You will need to add water to the pool.  Before you turn on the filter to makes sure it is clean.  Different filters need to be cleaned differently so be sure to read the instructions that come along with your system.  Sand filters are cleaned differently than D.E. filtration systems.

Take a water sample to your local pool professionals for testing.  Do a complete work up of the mineral content, the alkalinity, ph and chlorine levels.  This test will help to tell you what needs to be added to adjust that water to make it perfect for the upcoming season swimming season.   Balance the chemicals to the ideal levels meant for your pool.

Your swimming pool water will not be ready to swim in until it is completely clear.  This process can take upwards of a week.  Chlorine may need to be added to keep the levels correct.  Make sure you clean the filters daily, if not twice daily to help the water get clear quicker.  If you live in an air of increased pollen, dander, cotton weed or other flying tree gunk leave a cover on the pool when it is not in use.  This will save you a great deal of skimming and vacuuming.

At this point your pool is ready to enjoy.  Keep up on the normal housekeeping and maintain the pools water to ensure a season of pool water ready to swim in everyday.

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/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Remember These Tips When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Hiring anyone to work on or within your home can not only be confusing but challenging as well.  In order to find a contractor to install or repair your new roof, review the list of helpful tips below.

An insured roofing contractor is a must:  Before you sign on the dotted line or hire anyone to install your new roof or repair your old roof it is crucial to see paperwork to validate their workers’ compensation and liability insurance.  The liability of injury and damage should be on the roofing contractor and his company not on you as a homeowner.  Any roofing contractor unwilling to show proof of either document should not be considered.

Choose a local company with a proven reputation:  Hiring a local roofing company with an established reputation in the community is good for your local economy.  Hiring locally also allows you to hold the company responsible for the work they have done on your roof is something does come up and warranty work is needed.  Companies that don’t have a local state are often not as concerned with their reputation and therefore not as eager to complete repairs or warranty work that is their responsibility under your contract.

Don’t look only at the cost:   Don’t choose a roofing contractor based on price alone.  Roofing contractors that offer cheap bids often do so to run down the market.  In order to keep up with overhead costs and proper insurance low roofing bids are often unheard of.   Not only are you paying for the labor of having the new roof installed but the materials to be used on your roof as well.  Make sure that your roofing contractor is using quality materials with reputable warranties and that this is written directly into the contract itself.

Remember it is your time and money:  You should be in control of the work on your home.  Don’t pay the entire amount due ahead of time on any job done on your home including a new roof.  Reputable roofing contractors may ask for a deposit upfront to purchase materials and reserve a time for your roof to be installed; never will the full amount be asked for upfront to ensure complete client satisfaction before full payment is made.  The terms of your payment need to be discussed, agreed upon and written in a formal contract before work is begun on your home.

Communication is key to success:  When you were pursuing them for a quote were they prompt?  Did they return calls?  Was documentation sent when it was asked for?  Did the company follow through?  Don’t hire a roofing contractor that does not communicate with you.  Communication is a key element to working with a contractor on any job around your home especially your homes roof.

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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