Livingston Reporting - page 281

Consider Your Space When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Anytime you decide to remodel a space in your home you are filled with emotions that range from stress to excitement. A lot of time and money will go into the job. When hiring a contractor to remodel your homes bathroom there are a few things to keep in mind that allow the job to go smoother. The smoother the job, the less delays and the fewer days you are without a bathroom. Take the tips below into consideration when you decide to take the leap into having your bathroom remodeled.

First things first, it is important that you meet with your bathroom contractor before you start ordering anything. This is important for a few reasons. First they may be able to get a discount on supplies that you need for your space. Second they will help you to understand the different options you have as far as using the space that you have. A large spa tub may be what you want however if it takes away from other essential items in the space a contractor make help you to decide on a smaller space efficient option.

Once you have met with the contractor and you are sure of the details within the project begin the process of ordering the supplies you will need. Have everything in hand before the project starts. This is especially true when redoing a bathroom. Special orders take time to get in. When you order something they may give you a time of reference. Don’t count on this date for anything as you will be disappointed. Before you start the bathroom renovation you will want all the needed tile, fixtures, bathroom cabinetry and so forth. No surprise is a good surprise when it comes to redoing a space as important as your homes bathroom.

When you are considering what to order for the space don’t rule any option out until you have had a moment to think about it. Perhaps it may not be what you initially envisioned but after some time and seeing the design on bathroom software that your contractor has available it may become an option. The best advice is to stay open to the ideas of others especially professionals who have remodeled many bathroom spaces similar to yours over the years. They know what has and has not worked in the past.

A complaint that has been heard over and over for years by bathroom contractors is the lack of storage not only in the cabinets and linen closet but the shower as well. Plan your shower space to accommodate anything and everything you may need. Built in shelving is a brilliant option in shower spaces today. Alleviate the hassle of shower caddy’s and soap dishes with built in cubbies to all your showering needs.

Every detail counts right down to the shower curtain rod. A new option in shower rods is a curved rod. This may not seem like that big of a deal however using a curved shower rod gives you a surprising amount of extra space in the shower without taking away valuable floor space. They attach right to the wall using screws. You will never have to worry about pulling the shower curtain off the wall with those cheap tension rods again.

Add lighting and other extra features that will be important as you age. Bathrooms are the number one space in the home for accidents to occur. Add in safety features while remodeling. They will add to the value of your home as well as benefit your aging body. Little upgrades that cost mere pennies more now during the remodel can be game changers later on. Consider safety bars, upgraded lights and a taller toilet.

When it comes to your bathroom or remodeling any room in your house for that matter always consider what you want, the practicality and advice from the professionals. This is a sure fire way to get exactly what you want and need every time during home improvements.

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Exploring Options When Kitchen Remodeling

When it comes to remodeling your home each and every detail is important. This is never truer than when looking to remodel your homes kitchen. Each detail is as important as the next. When remodeling a space such as the kitchen everything from the new layout right down to the faucets need to be considered. In a kitchen, one of the main focal points is the cabinets. Kitchen cabinets take up a considerable amount of floor and wall space with in the area. When you begin to plan your kitchen remodel make sure to talk to the contractor in depth about the cabinets. This is a great start to start when designing a new kitchen space.

Choosing cabinets is not an easy task. It is overwhelming and without being a visual person often difficult to see within your own space. Many kitchen contractors are now equipped with software that allows you to physical design your space including images of different concepts, cabinetry, appliances and smaller details. This allows you to actually “see” it in place before anything is purchased. When looking at cabinetry for your kitchen there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, look at the different options in kitchen cabinet materials. Most likely you are only familiar with the use of wood in cabinetry for the kitchen. This is the most popular option in kitchens to day but you can also consider other materials such as metal, stainless steel, thermofoil and melamine.

Check out the different options available in kitchen cabinet door styles. Styles are available from ultra-modern and traditional to country and rustic. The more detail on the cabinet door the more expensive it will be. Also consider that a more complex cabinet door also requires more detailed cleaning.

Consider the type of finish you desire if you have chosen wood doors. Often times homeowners will choose to finish kitchen cabinets with stain but there are other finishes available. Consider paint, glazing and distressing for something different.

Cabinet door mounting is another decision you will need to make. Most cabinet doors lay over the cabinet case. You can choose a full cabinet mount which allows the door to lay over the cabinet exposing none of the cabinet case. The doors will close together tightly to avoid any exposure to the case. You can also chose to inset the doors however this is the least common cabinet door mounting. Cabinet doors that sit flush inside the cabinet may not be common but are incredibly stylish and give a clean lined look to a kitchen space.

Cabinet hardware is one of those decisions that is not one that needs to be made right away. Hardware can wait to be chosen until after the kitchen is well on its way to completion. Cabinet hardware can easily enhance the overall look, feel and design of your kitchen. The knobs and pulls you choose can dress up or dress down the feel of the space. If in the end you feel you may have gone a bit one way or another with the kitchen design use the hardware as a way to bring the design back to exactly what you were looking for.

With cabinets there are an array of things you can analyze straight down to the height and depth of the cabinets. When considering cabinetry for your kitchen think of the space as a clean slate. A professional kitchen contractor can help you to envision something completely new and different in your space to bring out the best that your kitchen has to offer.

 

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds. Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Trusting Your Instincts In Divorce

When women begin to consider divorce or start the process of filing for divorce they begin to receive lots of unwanted advice. The same thing happens to women throughout life I suppose. Consider when you first announced you were getting married, having a baby, quitting your job to stay home with your children; you name it when it involves your family and personal decisions you need to make everyone has an opinion. That is just one of the funny parts of life.

The best advice is advice not given. When it comes to your divorce, just like your marriage, it will be unique to you and so will your experiences as you proceed. There are some tips that may or may not apply to your situation. It is best to decide for yourself your next move. Do research on your own about divorce. This will help lead you into a position that allows you to think for yourself without being swayed by the tips or opinions of bitter divorcees.

When divorce is initially considered or thought of it is a good idea to meet with an attorney that specializes in women’s divorces. Find an attorney that comes with a solid reputation for defending women’s rights in divorce as well as child custody and support. Most often the initial consultation with the attorney is free even if this is not the case one hour of time with an attorney will allow you to get a good feel for their practice as well as their reputation. You will want to be comfortable with this person as you will be sharing incredibly intimate details of your marriage with them.

During this first initial meeting with a divorce attorney you should get a basic understanding on the divorce laws of your state. Each state is different when it comes to divorce laws. It is crucial to understand the laws of your state and how they apply to your situation. During this meeting you will also want to get information about attorney fees, mediation and different parenting agreements that are applicable to your situation.

Some divorces are fairly amicable and can be settled through mediation. Your divorce attorney should accompany you to any meetings set by the mediator. This is important to help protect you and your rights. Even when divorce is amicable doesn’t mean that your ex-husbands attorney will play fairly. Never sign or agree to anything involving your divorce without the advice of your divorce council present.

Before you leave the residence you share with your spouse check with your attorney. This is a decision that should not be made in haste. There are real implications when it comes to leaving the marital home during a divorce. If you find you are concerned for your safety or the safety of your children you should seek out a personal protection order, otherwise known as a PPO, or restraining order while things are settled with your divorce.

In the next installment on divorce we will look into more tips and strategies for you to investigate as you move through the divorce process. Remember one size does not fit all when you are considering a divorce and your divorce proceedings are meant to fit you.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce. For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Michigan you can find more information athttp://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com

Handling Your Divorce In Your Own Way

In our first installment regarding tips for your divorce we talked about the importance of looking out for yourself and not taking advice from other divorcees as it may not fit your divorce. We discussed looking as your divorce as its own separate entity as it is unique to you, your marriage and your situation.

A lot of times you will hear people that claim their divorce was completely amicable and they were able to settle without issue through mediation. While this sounds like a wonderful fantasy of what divorce can be it is the most likely a just that, a fantasy. No matter how cooperative you and your spouse are with each other there are bound to be phases throughout the divorce that you don’t see eye to eye. This is especially true when it comes to children and issues relating to parenting time and child support.

This is not to say that you can’t find peace in divorce and throughout yours however know that it is okay if your divorce doesn’t have a fairy tale ending. Your marriage wasn’t a fairy tale so why it is assumed that the divorce should be one is a mystery. Whenever you have third parties involved your divorce becomes trickier. This third party can be an attorney, a new love interest, children or family. When you start involving more people, more opinions come into play and with this come more aggravations. You will never be able to please everyone and in your divorce the only person you need to be concerned with pleasing is yourself while providing a best interest for your child.

When it comes to filing for divorce or being served with divorce papers one thing is true; you will never be as prepared as you will want to be. Once the situation has begun it is important to prepare yourself. Get together a list of important names and numbers that you may need in the future. You will want to also start putting together a list that includes handyman service providers, mechanics, tax preparers as well as any service you were not familiar with in your as wife and mother.

Consider finding something new outside of your divorce to learn and throw yourself into. You will find that you have spare time on your hand. The last thing that is healthy for you or for your family is to sit around and think too much. Be proactive, find something new to do. It can be something as simple as learning how to do small repairs on your car or home. Try anything to occupy your mind and gain knowledge that you didn’t previously have. Start learning about budgeting and retirement as this something you will have to reevaluate now that you may be doing this on your own.

Did your heart skip a beat when you thought about that last statement? Only let that happen this once. Strap on your big girl shoes and get on living your new life and letting go of your old life as you proceed through your divorce.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce. For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Michigan you can find more information athttp://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Knowing You Are Not Alone In Divorce

When a man and a women get married they never want to think that anything could ever end their happily ever after. The truth is that marriage often does end in divorce. The question is why? What are the challenges come between a husband and wife that can tear apart a home? While it is common when looking at divorce filings to see the women as the plaintiff in divorce men do file for divorce as well. Let’s explore some of the more common reasons men say they are lead to filing for divorce.

Infidelity is the number one reason couples give when seeking a divorce. It is hard to repair a marriage once a spouse has lost the trust and confidence of their partner. This is especially true when it comes to a wife having an extra marital affair. It is incredibly difficult to forgive someone for intimacy shared with another person especially one that pledged to share their life with only you.

Another issue that is often given by men filing for divorce is due to the inability or lack of desire to have children. The pressure for men to have children to carry on their family’s legacy is still alive even now when adoption options are incredibly common. Issues arise frequently when one spouse is unable to provide a child either because of a lack of interest or inability. This can lead to many complications in a marriage that can’t stand the test of time.

Love is an overwhelming feeling. Love shows itself in a variety of different ways at first. When you are in a relationship the natural flow of happiness often leads to marriage. The problem that exists is that in this “love” phase we are often blinded by issues with our partners that are sure signs of incompatibility. Incompatibility is another issue that is often cited as a reason for divorce. When there is a difference in attitude, beliefs or opinions that can’t be reasoned with men often seek out divorce. Incompatibility and a lack of compromise can quickly turn that overwhelming love into an annoying conflict of interest.

When a family is created the roles that men and women take on are varied. Children take a marriage that was balanced and often throw it off balance. When parents forget to rebalance their roles this can often lead to issues in the marriage. Often women become caregivers to the children and take on a more domestic role. When a man feels he is bringing more to the table than the woman it often leads him feeling as if he is being taken advantage of. This unbalance, if not quickly corrected, can lead a man to file for divorce.

Another thing happens when children are born, a curve in affection. When a child enters a family a new dynamic of attention and affection is created. Often time’s men feel that there is a lack of tending to and attention on them. When a spouse feels this neglect they often can become incredibly bitter. A lack of attention and affection from their spouse is a reason divorce attorney’s often site as a reason their client is seeking divorce as well.

No matter what reason you have for wanting a divorce it is valuable to know that you are not alone. Your reason is as valid as the next. If your marriage is lacking in any way shape or form you have every right to seek a divorce and create happiness for yourself and your children. If two people choose to stay married when they are clearly unhappy this creates a different set of issues especially when children are involved.

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 Michigan you can find more information athttp://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Learning To Live Life During And After Divorce

When your marriage ends and you suddenly go from being a couple or family to being single it is a huge life adjustment. Getting back into the single life can be hard for men after divorce. This not only includes dating but also hanging out with friends, taking care of yourself as well as your home and other areas of your social life that you left your wife in charge of.  This process will take some time and can be an adjustment for many; the tips below will help you get back into the social groove.

First thing understand that you may need some time after your divorce to clear your head and grieve.  You may have had time while the divorce was in process to get a feel for the single life. Be aware however that many times you will find yourself coping with a different feeling once the divorce is actually final, assets are split and child custody & support agreed upon. You may find yourself starting the grieving process over again and that is okay.  Allow yourself time to mourn the loss of your marriage and old life.

Take time to be alone without being in a relationship or dating.  This time period allows you time to discover who you are, on your own, without the influence of anyone or anything else to compromise with.  The new you, especially the new you with children may not be what you remember from before your marriage.  You owe it to yourself to find out who you are and to adjust.

Take time to do things that you avoided and put off while you were married. This is the time to explore those things you wanted to while married but didn’t because your wife didn’t like it.  Now is the time to do what you want being it travel, fish or buy a motorcycle.  Enjoy yourself and do those things that you compromised because of your commitment to your wife and family.  When you are divorced there is no one to compromise with so the sky is truly the limit for you.  Take time to enjoy it and discover your single life.

Take some time when getting back into the dating game.  Play the field, go on a lot of dates and stay out of relationships to start with.  Many women will understand your desire to stay commitment free for while after your divorce.  If they don’t understand that desire most likely you are falling back into the same traps you may have in your first marriage.  Compromise is good to some point however if you find yourself always on the giving end you are dating in the wrong direction.

More than anything your life after divorce should take into consideration all you learned from your marriage and throughout your divorce.  Take the good and bad experiences and amplify the areas that work while reducing those that don’t.  Learn and grow from past mistakes, bad decisions and hardships.  Move past them and bring only the positives out of what you have learned into your new life.

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 Michigan you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Living Life Without The Hassle Of Glasses Or Contact Lens

If you are one of the millions of people that are living life with the hassles of wearing glasses and contacts I bet you are also one of the million that have thought about Lasik eye surgery.  Lasik is a procedure used to correct vision by reshaping your cornea using a laser. The cornea of your eye is the clear round area that is shaped like a dome in the front of your eye.  Lasik improves the way the eye centers light onto the retina.  Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or Lasik for short is growing in popularity for the many ways it eases the life of contact and eye glass wearers.

There are a few things to think about before going ahead with Lasik eye surgery.  Below you will find a list of the top items to consider before making an appointment with your Lasik eye doctor.

As with any surgery there are complications that can arise.  Take this into consideration especially with elective procedures.  Lasik eye surgery is a procedure performed on one of the most delicate areas of the human body, the eye.

Lasik is not able to be reversed.  If you are unhappy after the procedure has been done you cannot undo it.

Laser eye surgery has been done and will continue to be done by millions of people. This being said however, Lasik is not a procedure for everyone.  Do not be persuaded by the sheer volume of people who have gone done it before you.  Make sure Lasik is something that is beneficial to you and your lifestyle.

If you are looking for perfect vision make sure you understand that Lasik does not guarantee perfect version.   Nine out of ten patients report vision between 20/20 and 20/40.  This however may not be clear, sharp and in focus enough for some precise work or some detailed leisure activities.

Be sure you understand your personal vision issue before you go forth with Lasik.  The laser eye surgery does not correct or prevent all issues you may have in regards to your vision. Presbyopia, also known as age related focusing power for seeing items near cannot be corrected or prevented.  With this being said note that even after Lasik you may find yourself wearing reading glasses later in life.

It is possible overtime for the benefits of Lasik to diminish and for a retreatment to be needed.  This happens to about ten percent of Lasik patients.  Although this is incredibly rare it is a possibility and is something to consider before having the surgery.  This is most likely to occur in patients with incredible nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Another consideration is that Lasik eye surgery is not covered by most insurance companies.  This means that the cost of the surgery is out of pocket.  The good thing is that most Lasik eye surgery providers offer payment plans as well as credit options that make the surgery feasible.

Lasik surgery is a blessing for so many people that have been living their lives with the use of contacts and glasses.  Laser eye vision correction gives patients a chance to live an active lifestyle without the hassle surrounding contact lenses and glasses.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology in eye surgery available to suit your lifestyle.  To see what the leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery has to offer you can find more information at http://www.michiganlasik.com.

Precautions After Lasik Vision Correction

When it comes to advancement in medical procedures one that stands out is Lasik eye surgery.  Throughout the past decade eye surgeons have been working together to correct eyesight permanently using lasers to reshape the corneas thus taking away the need for glasses and contacts. Lasik eye surgery is completely pain free and requires only minor, temporary changes to your lifestyle in order for your eyes to heal.  Avoid the following activities following your Lasik eye procedure to prevent complications from arising.

For the first few weeks after your Lasik eye surgery you should take great care in avoiding bright light.  Your Lasik eye surgeon will provide you with a pair of dark sunglasses that should be warn all the time.  They will help create dim light that your eyes can easily adjust to.  The sunglasses are meant to block out bright light, including sunlight as well as protecting your newly operated eyes.

Your Lasik doctor will also supply a pair of sleep goggles.  These goggles should be warn for at least two weeks anytime you are sleeping.  The goggles are provided to keep you from damaging your eyes.  They protect against nighttime rubbing, scratching and accidental poking.

As a new Lasik patient you will be required to sit out driving for a few days, especially nighttime driving.  The healing process after Lasik is not long or complicated however as with any surgery or procedure you will require patience.  It may be hard to be dependent on someone else to drive you when needed but it is advisable until your eyes are completely healed.

Women that undergo Lasik treatment should avoid all make up and scents for at least two weeks after the surgery.  Make up irritates the eye area and can slow the healing process.

Keep your eyes moisturized at all times.  Eye drops are an essential part of the healing process.  Adding drops to your eye will promote hydration as well as keeping the area moist.  Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the eye drops to the area to avoid passing germs and bacteria to your healing eye.

Another consideration after Lasik is exercise.  You will want to avoid exercise at all for the first few days after Lasik.  After that slowly start exercising again avoiding strenuous activities.  This helps with the healing process and gives your eyes adequate time to adjust and heal.

Avoid showering for the first few days after Lasik.  If you must shower avoid washing your hair and facial area close to your eyes.  Goggles should be warn in the shower as a precaution.  You will want to avoid harsh chemicals as well as directly washing the eye area. It is also so important to continually wash your hands to keep free of any bacteria.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology in eye surgery available to suit your lifestyle.  To see what the leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery has to offer you can find more information at http://www.michiganlasik.com.

All About Gunite Swimming Pools

Swimming pools that are built into the ground are often made from a mixture that includes cement. A gunite swimming pool is created by mixing cement, sand and water together then spraying the combination onto the surface using pneumatic pressure. It is held onto the surface by a frame created out of rebar. Together the rebar frame along with the gunite mixture is what creates the base of the pools structure. A plaster surface, often referred to as marcite is added to finish the pool.

Plaster creates a waterproof barrier that gunite alone does not have. The pools plaster should be applied by a team of professionals to guarantee that plaster surface is thick enough that it does not allow water to seep out. If the plaster is not thick enough the entire pool will need to be drained to repair the plaster hence stopping the water loss the pool is experiencing. This is a hassle that homeowners can avoid by hiring a reputable pool plastering company.

One piece of advice I like to give new pool owners, especially those with gunite pools is to never drain your pool without first having professional instruction or hiring a company to help. A pool is not drained properly can end up with extensive damage to the pools surface, plumbing and surrounding area.

Cracking is a common problem in gunite swimming pools. Cracks occur when water seeps into the ground behind the gunite mixture from the ground above and is allowed to seep in over time. With changes in the temperature the structure expands and contracts thus overtime causing cracks. Ground shifting from changes in the water table, earth quakes and erosion from floods, freeze/thaws.

In order to prevent water seepage from the cracks in the pools marcite it is important that the gunite pool be repaired. This can be done using several repairing methods depending on the exact issue. If the plaster is in poor condition the pool plaster will need to be replaced. If the leak is small however it can often be repaired using a waterproof sealant. It is important that the proper technique is used when applying the sealant.

Cracks in the plaster can also be filled using pressurize polymer that adheres to the structure becoming a flexible hinge. This is then touched up by applying a coating of plaster in the desired thickness. A large crack in the plaster is a bit tougher. The gunite structure will need to be stabilized, and then the above technique can be applied.

With proper care of your gunite pool the pools plaster surface can stay in good shape and be maintenance free for years. Proper care includes the correct ph balance for the water, proper cleaning and upkeep on the pools internal systems. To keep the pools water in balnce it is best to check the water every few days or when water is added to the pool. Additional water from heavy rains can often cause an imperfect balance to occur in the pools water that will need to be quickly corrected to avoid damage to the pools surface.


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 http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Refinishing Gunite Swimming Pools

When a concrete swimming pool is put into the ground the cement needs to be covered to protect the pool surface. Gunite pools, commonly referred to as cement or concrete pools are covered with marcite, a plaster composed of white cement and crushed marble. The plaster is an important piece of the gunite pool puzzle as it provides the surfacing to the pool. That being said the plaster requires a certain amount of care when it is applied. Below you will find a guide on caring for your newly plastered pool.

After your pools plaster has been applied by a professional pool plastering company, the company will start to fill your pool. The plaster is cement based and as with cement will require a curing stage of about fourteen days. Filling the pool with water up to the tile helps the curing process and reduces shrinkage and cracking. The proper way to fill the pool is by using a hose that has a towel fixed to the end of it placed in the deepest part of the pool. The more hoses you have filling the pool the better.

Once the pool is completely full up to the tile you will begin the process of brushing the pool plaster. Purchase a nylon bristled pool brush to thoroughly brush the entire pool including the pool walls, floor, steps and seats. It is impossible to brush the pools plaster too much. It is best to complete this process at least three times a day. While you are brushing the pool it is normal for the water to become cloudy and filled with dusty materials. Continue brushing and maintaining the chemical balance as this will keep the dust from turning hard on the plaster. The pool should not be swept until all of the sediment is clear.

The pools filtration system needs to be turned on right away after the pool has been filled. You should continue to run the filtration system non-stop until the water is completely clear. Run the pools bottom suction as well. Continue to check the pools filter and clean it often to ensure that debris does not clog it creating a problem with the system. Once you clean the filter be sure to restart it so as not to interrupt the filtration of the plaster debris from the pool.

One of the most critical parts in maintaining your pools new plaster is encompassed by the pool water chemical balance. It is wise to have the pool water checked daily while the new plaster is curing. Along with making sure your pool chemicals are properly balanced add a chemical into the pool water that helps prevent stains as well as acting as a metal magnet.

When it comes to your pools new plaster it is critical that you follow the above advice of brushing the pool, running the filtration system and chemical balance to the pools water. Following the advice above will help keep the pools plaster free of discoloration.

 

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 http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.