Livingston Reporting - page 290

Factors In Choosing An LTL Freight Carrier

When it is time for your business, no matter how large or small, to find an efficient way to ship less than truckload freight there are a number of factors to consider.  Listed below are just a few considerations to take into account when looking to save your company money while still providing excellent customer services and LTL shipping services

First consider transit time.  When it comes to shipping your goods from your place of business to your customers, or the time it takes to receive goods from a vendor consider the amount of time you that is works most efficiently for your business. If you need goods shipped quickly you will need regional and multi-regional shippers over long haul shippers which offer longer transit times.  Take into consideration that shorter routes don’t cover the distance longer routes do so if the goods need to be sent a fair distance from where they are this may not be an option for you.

Consider the geographic coverage that is available with the LTL shippers you are looking into for your less than truckload shipping needs.  Most LTL freight carriers ship regionally with direct pick-up and delivery services. When you understand the area in which your LTL shipper ships to and from you are better able to find a carrier that suits your company’s exact shipping needs.

When deciding upon an LTL carrier look at their service performance record.  On time pick up and on time delivery are two very different things when it comes to customer satisfaction.  Both equally important however measured differently.  Note that most services can be guaranteed by carriers by paying an additional expense. Check with carriers that you are considering for your businesses shipping needs to locate a shipper that has at least a ninety percent on time delivery and pick up history with in the areas that your business services.

Before you sign on the dotted line with any LTL shipping freight carriers check out the amount of liability insurance coverage that they provide.  Reputable carriers will offer coverage equivalent to ten dollars per pound being shipped.  This is a base rate.  Insurance coverage can be increased with different premiums.  Many things will come into play when looking at insurance coverage options available for your LTL shipments including whether you are shipping new or used goods, different freight classifications as well as the care needed throughout the shipping process.  Items that are incredibly fragile, easily perishable or extra-large will require special handling.

The last consideration after all of this is factors involving pricing.  Many companies find this to be the most important factor of all however in my opinion this is the least important factors as all.  When it comes to pricing the true price of shipping comes after the consideration of the above as well as discounts, base rates and net price.  A discount of sixty eight percent at one carrier could be less of a net price than a discount of eighty percent through another LTL service carrier.

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

Computer Virus And Adware Infestation Removal Techniques

When your computer is infected by a virus or other malware there can be huge security risk to the data stored within your computer including a lot of personal information.  It can also have extreme effects on the performance of your computer and hardware as well as the fact that is can be incredibly difficult to get rid of.  Computer viruses are difficult to get rid of and virus removal on computers is incredibly tricky and should be left up to computer repair specialist.  If you have a nasty computer virus infecting your computer here are some proven ways to save your computer.

The first step in any and all virus removal techniques is to backup all of the data on your computer.  This should happen before the virus removal process starts.  This will help to make sure that the data is backed up and that anything of value will not be lost if in fact the computer needs to be reformatted.  This will allow you and your business to get up and running without a lot of time invested.

If you are trying to remove the virus on your own without computer help or a virus removal technician the next step is to check for outside factors that could be slowing down your computer and giving it the same effect that would occur if it is in fact infected with a computer virus.   Some issue that could affect your computer if indeed is not a computer virus would be issues with memory, storage, adware and of course any number of issues.  Hardware and failing hard drives could also slow down a computer and corrupt the files on the computer giving the same effect as a computer virus would.

Having anti-virus protection installed is super important when it comes to protecting your computer and eliminating computer viruses.  When one does slip through however there are a number of things to do to remove the threat from your computer. There are a number of free and paid versions of anti-virus computer protection that can be installed on your computer to keep it out of harm’s way.  Consider options such as Microsoft Security Essentials, Kaspersky and BitDefender.

You will also download a number of anti-malware programs that will allow you to scan your computer to eliminate any potential threats  These programs pick up things that anti-virus protection do not always catch.  Consider Malwarebytes Anti Malware as well as Adwcleaner and Spybot S&D.  Having and installing a variety of anti-malware programs will allow you to eliminate hazardous programs, tool bars, down loads and so much more before you install them on to your hard drive.

If the virus is affecting your ability to download these programs then you will need to use a USB card to install them.  The problem is that most serious infections have already overtaken your computer and need professional computer virus removal.  Once you have done this and the virus is removed then having these programs and using them regularly will keep your computer free of viruses.

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.

Home Improvements That Increase Your Home’s Value

Are you looking to sell your home this summer? There are some minor tweaks that can really add value to your home.  Inexpensive upgrades may not increase the value of your home however they can help you sell your home faster.  When looking to sell your home quickly here are some tricks that can improve the time it takes to sell your home.  There are also some improvements that hurt you when going to sell your home.  Here is a list of things to think about when working to sell your home before summer ends.

One thing to make sure of is that you don’t improve your home in ways that will not matter to buyers.  When looking to sell your home, before starting any home improvements talk with local contractors and professional realtors.  They will help you better understand the desires of buyers in your particular area. If buyers are looking for extra bedrooms or bathrooms you will know how to change the space you have to fit those desires.

One area in which homeowners often upgrade unnecessarily is high end appliance and fixtures.  While in certain homes, within certain areas this may be a necessity for many homes new appliances from well-known name brands are better than top notch quality, super technical appliances and upgrades.  Instead of high quality appliances, purchase decent appliances and use the extra money to inexpensively update carpet and deep clean grout.  The cleaner, more maintained a home the easier it is to sell.

The layout and use of rooms is another thing that helps sell your home quickly.  If you have a spare room but buyers are looking for nurseries manipulate the space to resemble what they are looking for.  Change the homes layout and use of space to meet the buyer’s demands in your area.  Office spaces may be a must for buyers in one area while game rooms may be what is needed in other areas.  Your realtor will help you to understand what local home buyers are looking for in your home.  The layout of your home should be changed to meet the buyer instead of what was convenient and needed for your family while you lived within the space.

De-clutter and minimize in every room.  Your home should be free of personal litter and knick-knack.    Take your space back to the basics.  Create a home where buyers can see themselves and not just your family.  When buyers are looking to purchase a home it is important that they can see themselves and their belongings in the home.

Other cheap alternatives to making home improvements without too much outlay are new ceiling fan blades, touch up paint on the exterior add touches that buyers in your area are looking for.  Don’t put on a ton of money upgrades when you are looking towards your future in a new home.  Room additions, kitchen renovationsbathroom remodels and basement remodeling are all projects to be left to the new owner. Save your money and only take on the small renovations that will make a visual difference.

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.

Home Improvements That Actually Decrease The Value Of Your Home

When it comes to remodeling and adding on to your home it is important that your upgrades enhance the value of your home.  Many home improvement projects such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, finished basements and flooring renovations all add equity to your home’s value.  There are projects that homeowners decide upon because of the value added to their family that add no equity to the home and in fact decrease the homes desirability to many future buyers.  Home improvements that can actually harm your home’s value should only be considered if the value they add to your family’s enjoyment outweighs the harm.

One great example of this is the addition of a pool.  An in-ground pool does not increase the value of your home in most parts of the country.  In fact this is an expensive renovation that should be avoided at all costs.  In-ground pools limit the marketability of your home.  The maintenance required is expensive, the upkeep constant and many people don’t want this hassle.  Carefully think about the installation of a pool as well as the costs associated with landscaping, safety fencing and maintenance.  Most often the expenses, along with the fact that the pool does not increase a home’s equity is enough to deter from the installation of an in-ground pool.

Another renovation to consider before it is too late is taking your home’s garage and changing it into something it is not.  Small garages or homes with no garages at all is a negative to future home buyers.  When looking for a new home buyers are looking for two car garages.  If you are thinking of home renovations consider the addition of a garage that is a wiser investment than taking an existent garage and transforming it into another room.

When consider additions to your home or any renovation for that matter make sure whatever is being discussed flows with the homes floor plan and also opens it up.  Small rooms, tiny bathrooms and distorted floor plans leave many buyers searching for something more.

When complete room renovations in older homes consider increasing the budget to allow you to update the plumbing and electrical systems.  This is especially true in older homes.  Completing a room remodel without updating the electrical systems is like purchasing a new door for an old oven.  Buyers are looking for homes that have been renovated on more than just the surface.

Neutral renovations throughout the home are desired.  Even when bold colors and funky ceramic tiles are all the rage stick with a neutral pallet on all upgrades that cannot be easily changed.  Add the funk in with the room’s accessories.  This will offer you a greater return on investment when your home is up for sale.  You can pack away bold accessories and replace them with an inexpensive neutral pallet that appeals to the majority.  An example of this is in the bathroom.  Paint, cabinets and fixtures should all be neutral while you accessories with bold shower curtains, towels and baskets.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, 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.

 

Increasing The Value Of Your Home

When it comes to home improvement and remodeling projects there are certain projects that actually improve the value of your home.  Below you will find home renovations that will bring you at least a ten percent return on your investment if executed correctly.

A Kitchen Update

When purchasing a house people immediately seek out the kitchen area to see if it is a space they could see their family.  When remodeling your kitchen think about what you want that would also be desirable to the homes next owners.  Solid counter tops, high-quality flooring, upgraded appliances and new kitchen cabinets are all desirable. It is also important that the space opens into the home which makes the space seem inviting and full of entertaining possibilities.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom upgrades are important whether they are master baths, half baths or second bathrooms.  When remodeling your bathroom add space to the shower.  Large stand up showers increase the home’s value.  Also consider adding in double sinks and an extra area for a commode. Another great feature is within the hot water heater and adding an on demand system so that hot water to the space is abundant and plentiful.

A Master Suite

Buyers love an area that they can call their own away from the main home and the hustle bustle of kids.  A master suite is a bedroom, lounge and spa area that creates a space that is away from the rest of the world that is a home in its own.

Upgraded Natural Materials

This integrates into the entire home.  Natural countertops and flooring are things that all new home buyers are looking for.  When thinking in terms of flooring renovations look into ceramic or hardwood instead of carpet and linoleum.   Counter tops out of granite, marble and even colored concrete are what buyers are interested in as well.

Curb Appeal

Your homes outside appearance is the most important factor in your homes appeal to the rest of the world.  It is the first impression that anyone has that visits your home.  Spend time on landscaping and lawn care as well as the home’s exterior features such as roofing and siding. When it comes to curb appeal and landscaping remember that mature trees increase the value of your home $1,000 per tree.  To keep your older trees looking top notch hire tree trimmers to regularly trim dead branches and keeping them looking their best.

Solid, Energy Efficient Windows

When updating your home add light via windows.  Natural light is the greatest selling point for homes.  Energy efficient windows and door walls add appeal to your home.  Home improvements that bring in natural light to rooms throughout the home are ideal.

Look into hiring a contractor to ease the hassles involved with your next home improvement project whether it is a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, master suite, counter top upgrade or new windows.  Contractors work efficiently and bring harmony to your space without the disruption brought on by handling larger renovations alone.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, 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.

A Guide To Understanding Your Eyes

To understand the LASIK procedure it is crucial to understand your eyes.  How do we see?  What takes place within your eye to allow it to process images and give us the gift sight?  They eye is made up of several different parts, one being the cornea.  The cornea, together with the lens refracts light rays so that they focus on the retina.  The retina is a layer of light-sensing cells that line the back part of the eye.  It is the job of the retina to take the light rays and convert them into little impulses that are sent to the brain to create images. Any light rays that don’t focus on the retina give you blurry vision and are known as refractive errors.  This refractive error is what is corrected to bring you better sight with glasses, contacts or eye surgery.

When the eye has imperfections to the shape within the eyeball itself, the cornea or the lens a refractive error will occur.  The four basic refractive errors are:

1)      Myopia:  The term that is commonly used for Myopia is nearsightedness.  This means that only objects that are close are clear.

2)      Hyperopia: The term that is commonly used for Hyperopia is farsightedness.  This means that only objects that are far are clear.

3)      Astigmatism: Astigmatism causes the images to be blurry no matter if they are close or far away.

4)      Presbyopia: The term that is commonly used for Presbyopia is aging eye.  This usually occurs to the adult population between forty and fifty making it difficult to see things that are close.  Reading glasses help.  This is a condition that cannot be treated using LASIK.

Now that you know more about the eye and the different ailments that can affect them it is time to consider if you are a candidate for LASIK.

  • LASIK can only be performed on patients over eighteen years old.  People younger than eighteen still have changing vision.  Some ophthalmologists prefer to operate on patients over twenty one.
  • Patients that are pregnant or nursing are not candidates for LASIK. Pregnancy changes some women’s vision.
  • Check out the list of medications that you cannot take if you are considering LASIK eye surgery.  Some drugs like Accutane and oral Prednisone are not to be taken if you are considering eye surgery.
  • You must have good eye health and your eye prescription should have been stable for awhile.
  • Your personal health should be good.  If you have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, retinal diseases or cornea disorders your eye doctor may recommend that you don’t have Laser eye surgery.
  • If you have dry eye from wearing contact lenses, medications or some other reason your eye doctor may also recommend that you forgo LASIK eye surgery.

To better understand your vision issues as well as the risks and rewards involved in LASIK it is important that you meet with a local eye surgeon.  They will provide valuable information that can help you determine if you are a proper candidate for LASIK.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center out of Grand Blanc, Michigan 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.

Considering Lasik Eye Surgery

Perfect vision is something we all wish for.  Wearing contacts and eye glasses are an inconvenience.  They tend to get in the way while pursuing sports and many recreational activities.  This is the reason many people seek LASIK treatment.  With LASIK eye surgery the patient has surgery using a laser to reshape the eyes cornea.  The cornea is the clear dome that makes up the front of your eye.  The cornea is shaped to improve your focus of light rays sent to the retina.

With any surgery there are risks to way in connection with the rewards that you will receive.  Before you meet with a LASIK eye doctor here are some things to consider.  When initially meeting with your ophthalmologist make sure to get clear answers to all of your questions and concerns.  This list of things to think about before LASIK surgery will hopefully lead to meaningful conversation between you and your eye surgeon.

  • LASIK eye surgery is not reversible.  It is also surgery to a very sensitive part of you, your eyes.
  • With LASIK there are serious risks and complications involved.  This is true for any surgery no matter how minor it may seem.
  • LASIK is not for everyone.  It is however a surgery that offers freedom from eye glasses and contacts to millions of people.
  • It is a misconception that LASIK provides perfect vision for everyone.  Nine out of ten patients have vision ranging between twenty-twenty and twenty-forty.  Twenty-forty may not always be crisp enough for detailed work or recreational activities.  Be sure to ask what type of results are expected for you personally.
  • After LASIK eye surgery that corrects distance vision, reading glasses could still be needed.  Age-related loss of sight cannot prevent further aging of the eye.  It corrects the vision problems that you are dealing with currently.  The loss of focusing within the eye happens as we age.  This is not something that we can correct with LASIK.
  • Another thing to consider is needing reading glasses sooner that you may have after LASIK.  This is a possible side effect of using laser eye surgery to correct nearsightedness.  This could be the case even if you previously did not have to wear reading glasses.
  • Again, as you age your eyes will age as well.  There is nothing that can be done to cure the aging process.  Even after LASIK eye surgery is performed your eyesight and focus may start to decrease.  The thing to think about is that it is now decreasing from perfection.  Without LASIK your eyes continue to diminish from the sight point where you are at.
  • It should also be noted that laser eye vision surgery is not covered by most major insurance plans.  The procedure is seen as elective and therefore as something that does not have to be done but rather is done as a convenience. For you this means that the expense will be out of pocket.  You will want to talk with your LASIK provider about the costs associated with the surgery as a whole including care before and after the surgery.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center out of Grand Blanc, Michigan 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.

Caring For Your In Ground Swimming Pool Through The Seasons

Owning an in ground gunite swimming pool requires a certain degree of upkeep.  Below is a brief overview on what you can except in season and off season for pool care.

In Season Care Of Your In Ground Gunite Swimming Pool

1)      Check the pools chemical levels.   Your pools pH and chlorine should be checked at least twice a week.  The pool should maintain a chlorine level of one to three parts per million and chlorine ph of at least seven point four to seven point six. Always check the water towards dusk after swimmers are done swimming for the night and the water has had time to settle.  Follow all directions on pool testing kits and chemical additions.

2)      The pool should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week if not more. This will depend on use as well as the local weather. Cleaning the pool consists of skimming the debris from the top, brush the pools plaster in a circular motion loosening dirt and debris and running a vacuum to suck the dirt up after it has settled on the pools floor.  Cleaner can be used and applied if necessary.  Be sure to also check all filtrations systems and clean them out as well.

3)      Shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine every few weeks. Allow the pump and filter to run all night.  Swimming should be avoided for twenty four hours to allow the chemicals to run through the pools systems.

4)      The more the pools filter is run, while the pool is being actively used, the cleaner your pool will remain.  This is true throughout the summer swimming season.  It the water is in constant motion the dirt, debris, body oils and algae will have a hard time settling on the pool sides and floor.

Off Season Care Of Your In Ground Gunite Swimming Pool

1)      The pool should be inspected completely before you close the pool for the season. Check the pools plaster for cracks and imperfections that will need to be addressed before re-opening the opening the pool during the next swimming season.

2)      Adjust the chemicals in the water to perfection before completely closing the pool.

3)      All objects should be taken out of the pool.  Do not leave in ladders, diving boards, slides, pool toys, skimming baskets or any other pool accessory.  All items should be removed, dried and stored in a safe, dry environment throughout the winter season.

4)      Drain all of the water from the pool pumps, pipes and filtration systems.  Water that remains in the pools systems will likely freeze over the winter and could potentially cause expensive damage.  If you need help draining water from tubing a shop vacuum used on the lowest setting is gentle enough to assist in this.

5)      The pools water level should be lowered to just below the lowest pool return.  If you have any decorative tile on the pool walls it is important that the water is left below the tiles during the off season.

6)      Cover the pool with a safety cover throughout the winter season.  Secure it tightly and fix any obvious tears, rips or gaps.  A pool cover protects the pool from debris that is shed throughout the winter.

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/.

Every Business Needs Commercial Insurance

Without a doubt the most important investment you can make for yourself and your business is to meet with a professional insurance agent to properly insurance your company.  Commercial business insurance helps to protect owners against financial loss that in turn could make the difference between bankruptcy and staying in business. One lawsuit can end your business and entrepreneurial dreams without the proper insurance coverage.

No matter how small or large your business is, adequate commercial coverage is crucial.  A solid insurance policy and plan can prevent financial loss due to a myriad of issues that can arise within your business and industry.  Some of the most common losses that business experience are from theft, natural disasters, lawsuits and employee injuries.  All of which have specific policies that can be purchase to cover losses to your business.  Adequate insurance coverage allows business owners to regain their footing after a claim is made against the business.

When looking into business insurance coverage it is important to a have a basic knowledge of what there is available.  The three basic insurance policies that most businesses have are liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance and property insurance.  Liability insurance helps to cover loss due to any damages that are inflicted on someone else from the actions of your employees, products or business in general.  This type of policy will cover expenses and cost related to personal injury, property damage, customer injury and the lawsuits arising from such.

Worker’s compensation is required to own and operate a business.  This type of coverage protects the business and the employee if an injury or illness occurs on the job or from the job you are pursuing. This can be anything from covering medical related to expenses from an injury to an employee’s lost wages during an extended leave of absence.  This policy requires proof that the injury or illness sustained comes from the work that was done on the job or from the job.

When it comes to considering an insurance agent for your commercial business insurance needs you it is important that you work with someone with extensive experience.  As a new business owner you will not necessarily be able to know or predict the risks involved with your specific industry.  Working with an insurance agent that specializes in commercial insurance will aim to help you have coverage that meets your every business need.

Remain informed throughout the process of purchasing coverage and policies. Ask your agent any and all questions before the need arises for you to make a claim.  You will want to make sure that you understand your insurance coverage so that you can comprehend what you are covered for as well as exactly what you are paying for.  If a claim is made against the policy you will want to be able to contact your agent immediately so that it can be looked into and processed as soon as possible.  When it comes to commercial business claims you will find that it is more complex than making individual claims and can take a bit longer to process.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com/business.php.

 

Help Assessing Business Risk

No one dreams of the day they can pay insurance.  It is especially true when starting a business when your financial resources are at their tightest.  When your business ownership dreams come true you are dazed with all the bewilderment, excitement and anticipation that comes with any new adventure. The last thing business owners want to think about is the chance of failure or harm that could come to their business. The problem with all the optimism is that is can blind you from reality.  The reality of owning your own business is the risk involved.  The risks come with great rewards. Those rewards can be properly insured with the right commercial business insurance policy preventing the promise of success from being eliminated from a lawsuit or natural disaster.

When it comes to insurance coverage for your business don’t asses the risk on your own.  It is incredibly blinding at the start of any new adventure and the risks cannot properly be assessed without insight from a professional commercial business insurance agent.  When looking into insurance coverage for your business have at least two different insurance companies come in and address your insurance needs.  A risk analysis of your business by at least two outside parties will help to create awareness of what assets need coverage as well as what policies should be obtained.

Insurance needs will vary greatly from one industry to another, one business to another and one entrepreneur to another. Here are a few different types of polices that can be offered to help cover all of your business needs and to prevent the financial demise of business.

One type of insurance coverage that is often seen in business is business owner coverage.  This policy is often referred to as a catch all policy.  The plan covers protection of damages caused from fires and other mishaps.  This policy offers a narrow degree of coverage in liability protection.

Business owners can also purchase additional property insurance that offers protection above and beyond regular business owner protections.  Property insurance covers damage to the building that encompasses your business as well as the assets inside including the inventory, furniture and equipment needed to run the business.

In our society lawsuits come about for the most insignificant of reasons.  This is why it is so important that businesses cover additions liability insurance.  This policy will be the coverage that is needed to prevent financial ruin that comes from litigation over property, injuries that your product is held accountable for.  This is the policy that covers business owners from litigation against things such as a coffee that scorches a client or fan blade that cuts a babies finger.

Insurance against errors and omission is another part of business insurance coverage that is important.  This covers all service based industries against mistakes or harm caused from advice given.  Good examples of people that need this coverage are lawyers and doctors.

When it comes to insurance for your business it is important to take the time to understand what is being offered and the reason the coverage is critical for your business.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com/business.php.