Livingston Reporting - page 315

Start Your Wedded Life Out Right With The Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring

Marriage is when two people combine their lives into one new adventure.  It is the moment of truth, when you are giving more of yourself to someone else than you expect to receive in return.  The commitment of marriage and the event of a wedding give reason to want and expect the best.  If this is going to be you’re “happily ever after” then at the very least it has to be nothing short of perfection.  This starts from the very beginning gentlemen, so listen up.  You start this whole wedding/marriage thing out on the right note by selecting the most amazing engagement ring.  How in the world, you ask yourself, are you going to make sure you get something that will amaze your beautiful bride to be?

 

There are many things to consider when asking for a ladies hand in marriage.  One thing you should decide is if you are requesting her hand in marriage with her knowledge and for sight in the whole process.  This is important if you think she would prefer to be a part of the selection process of her ring or is she more apt to love the excitement of being surprised when you finally decide it is time.  Again, this is something to consider based on if you think she already is aware that a proposal is impeding and the amount of input she would like to have in picking out the ring that will be a part of her for the rest of her life.  Many women are excited about the whole proposal and like being surprised at the choice her mate has made for her.

 

The first step to take if you have decided that you would like to surprise your girl friend with a proposal is to determine, to the best of your ability, what she wants.  The idea of seeing a shiny diamond engagement ring in a velvet box is ideal however if you were to somehow gauge ahead of time a preference.  The first step to this is to actively start listening.  Almost all women will drop hints. It is up to you to decipher the code.  I guarantee she will eventually let you know what she wants without you ever having to ask or call her attention to the event.

Another tip is to take a sneak peek into her jewelry box and see what type of jewelry she tends to purchase for herself.  Take a look at her.  What does she wear daily now?  Does she like jewelry with color?  Is she into more classic styles? Or does she prefer chunky rings?  This should give you a good idea of something she would choose for herself.

Another aspect you will need to find out is the size of her ring finger. This is not only important for the obvious, you want to ensure the ring will fit perfectly as she will for surely want to wear it immediately but also different size fingers are destined for rings and diamonds of different sizes and shapes.  For instance a fine, classic, delicate ring works more easily on a shorter hand while it could get lost on a long, slim finger. The opposite is true also.  A large and bold chunky piece with extra gem stones could look awkward on a hand with shorter fingers.  The width of the band also affects its appearance on the hand as well.

The stone shape in itself is an important.  The most common shape for a diamond is round, otherwise known as a diamond solitaire engagement ring.  There are a variety of shapes, sizes and colors in diamonds.  A choice should be made on personal choice.  Women accent their hands using their jewelry.  If your significant other has short fingers it might be beneficial to opt away from the popular solitaire and look at oval diamond engagement rings, those length short-handed fingers.

If you are feeling bewildered you can enlist the aid of another female. Unless you are afraid the surprise might be ruined. Another option is to choose a loose diamond for the proposal event and later takes your bride-to-be to pick out the perfect setting.  This is also a good comprise if you are nervous about making such a big decision on your own.

Improving Quality Of Life With Age In Place Upgrades

The first visions that goes through your head when I mention a terms such as home renovation or home remodel is probably of a room addition or kitchen renovation.  However, the one major home renovation on the rise here in Michigan has nothing to do with either of them yet all to do with the aging demographic.   Modernizing a home for age in place living is easier than ever with contractors specializing in handicap construction popping up everywhere.

An age in place remodeling project begins when a family brings in an older relative to live with them and their mobility needs have to be met.  Also, some aging individuals choose to remain in their own home and need accommodations set in place to ensure maximum safety as well as functionality.  The questions still remain the same in either circumstance; how do you achieve maximum functionality in the home, keeping your loved one safe in the most cost effective manner.

Beginning any age in place remodeling one thing to keep in mind is the future of the home.  At some point the house will need to be sold.  With this in mind all upgrades and changes should be consistent with the style of the home, add safety and allow for an individual to function independently.  Some general suggestions to accommodate physical changes that occur to the body as we age are as follows:

  • When initially remodeling your home make it so everything you need is accessible on one floor or accommodate a chair lift in the design.  Ranch level homes are most adequate for maneuverability of individuals throughout.  With a few simple modifications to allow for easier access, multi-level homes can function quite nicely as well for aging individuals or for those with handicaps that limit them in terms of mobility.
  • Doorways can be easily widened when upgrading old doors throughout the home.  Wider doorways ease access for wheelchair users, walkers and canes.  This type of modification will blend into the home and not pop out as an age in place renovation.  This type of renovation is best for resale.
  • Plan for entry into the home using a porch that includes a wheelchair access ramp.  As we age this is helpful for individuals whose knees don’t function like they used to or those using a device to help with their mobility.  Most wheelchair ramps can be built as a permanent structure onto the home or as a temporary structure depending on the desired need.
  • Think ahead as much as possible.  If an individual is in their late forties, early fifties and in the midst of having a bathroom remodel or kitchen renovation it is time to begin thinking about adding in place features to help for aging. Items such as bathroom grab bars, barrier free showers or storage in a kitchen within an optimal reach zone or drawers instead of cupboards.  These are all easy adjustments to make when planning for major room renovation.
  • Another easy transformation is adding levers or pulls instead of knobs.  This is an easy addition to any door or cupboard.  This is also a way to add style to a home.  The variety of colors, textures and styles of levers and pulls available add to the style of any home.
  • Flooring renovations are another area that help with age in place movement and increase a home’s attractiveness.  Carpet is often difficult for walkers and wheelchairs to maneuver. The installation of hardwood flooring or flooring renovations that include smooth surfaces will greatly improve the quality of movement and decrease the risk of falls.

A few easy age in place renovations can add up to a safe place for individuals to age in place.  If you are making accommodations in your home for a loved one it is possible to add safety without taking away the style of your home.  Renovations are no longer bulky and out in the open.  Handicap construction in 2012 leaves individuals unable to recognize anything other than stylish updates to a home.

Tips On A Career Change To Network Marketing

Have you ever made a career change only to wonder after three weeks if you made the right decision?  Once you have started to second guess yourself the end is near.  Often when individuals turn to network marketing for a career change they envision loads of money, tons of opportunities to grow and tons of leads.  However, the change happens, you move careers and all of a sudden you find yourself alone.  Why has this happened?  Often this happens when you sign on to a company that is far from reputable.  How can you guarantee that you find yourself that does not allow you to become anything other than successful?

In order to become successful within network marketing it is important to consider and evaluate a few characteristics before joining any network marketing opportunities.  Many different characteristics need to be evaluated and thought through before you join a network business opportunity.  The first thing to remind yourself of is that any network marketing opportunity is that it will take time, effort and a fair amount of work to find yourself amongst top network marketers in any company.  Working with a networking company with proven success and an experienced team behind you will lead to you to a higher success rate in network marketing.

What You Are Selling

What is the product or service you are going to be selling?  Is the market one in which will see growth or is it a declining industry?  It is not a good idea to base your financial future on a product that is an industry fad.  In networking opportunities it important to sell based on diversity as well.  Is the product or service that you are offering viable for men and women, all ages and demographics?

These are all important elements in deciding if you are considering becoming a network marketing consultant for their product or service.  It is impossible to sell something of little to no value.  It is important that you are marketing something that is high quality.  Only place your name alongside something you are proud to represent.

Look Into The Company

It is important before aligning with a company that you know who they are and make sure they represent the same things that you do.  Look into their management team; have the proven to be a united team with a track record that backs this?  In the industry they represent are they well thought of with a high reputation?  It is important to ensure the company has a solid financial back and that they are not currently drowning from the debt they carry.  In times when the economy is bleak how has this company fared?  The last thing you want is to build a solid foundation within a networking business to see your residual income earnings flushed away due to a crack in the firm.

Compensation Plans

Let’s face it we are not building a work from home business opportunity not to make money.  Your efforts will need to be compensated.  This is an important feature to know upfront.  Knowing that the effort and time you have to put into the opportunity is equivalent to the wage.  Is this a part –time or full-time business opportunity?  Do you make money only by selling your products or is it important to recruit new entrepreneurs?

Get To Know The Team

One thing that is prevalent in almost every network marketing opportunity is a team.  Even though networking businesses lend to making money from home the team behind the scene is important for several reasons.  The team that you will be working with should exhibit integrity.  Evaluate the way they conduct business and recruit.  Does the team seem honest or do they use deceptive tactics to lure employees and sales?  Can you for see yourself connecting with the other sales people?

All of these different questions should be looked at to determine if the company is a fit for you.  If everything aligns and you have positively answered the above questions all you need is the time and effort.  The company you have chosen will help you on your path to success.

Choosing The Right Promotional Product For Your Company

Are you a business owner?  Have you ever thought about using promotional products to represent your business?  Are not sure what promotional items would best be suited for your type of business?  While there are several thousand terrific products to choose from, not every item is right for every business.  When considering your options take time to analyze your customers and exactly what would be the most effective promotional product to use to keep your company logo top of mind at all times.

Below are some examples that will help you on your way to choosing promotional items that you work to market your company in the most effective way:

If you are in a field such as insurance, banking, finance or any position that focuses around an office then products and services would benefit from promotional item that are used in an office.  Office supplies can range from pens to calendars.  Consider items such as sticky-notes, planners, magnets and unique office accessories.  This type of promotional gift will be appreciated by employees and important clients.  These promotional products will be appreciated and useful.

Another popular promotional gift used to market a variety of businesses if reusable bags with your company logo embellished on the outside of the bag.  Bags can also store hidden goodies from your business such as magnets, pens and pads of list paper.  These are all perfect items for the consumers who will be using your reusable bags at the store most often.  Busy eco-conscience mom love free goodies and a reusable bag will keep your company logo in the eye of the public as well as this individual consumer.  This is a true double duty promotional tool for companies.

Clothing with your firm’s logo is a great way to show employee appreciation and promotion for customers.  Promotional logo clothing should be reserved for situations where you can afford to supply free clothing products which can be a pricier promotional product to consider as an option.  These items are best used sparingly for free giveaway prizes at trade shows, golf outings and company picnics.

If your company is in the home construction, home sales, appliance business or something of that nature than promotional household items will be a great advertisement for your company. For instance, if you are a general contractor and have just finished a job a promotional item such as a bread carving kit or knife set would be appropriate.  It is useful for their home and in direct line with the service you provided for them.

These are just a few ways in which promotional products can be utilized in advertising your company. The ultimate decision for the promotional item best suited for your company is determined by the need and budget that is set.  Promotional products can be purchased with every budget and industry.  Another consideration is the occasion that you intend the product for.  Picnic events for employees may get by with fun, plastic Frisbees but will not be well received in corporate gift baskets.  Take some time and determine the right combination of promotional products for your company logo to adorn.

Home Renovations Tips On Hiring A General Contractor

What comes to mind when I say home remodeling?  Dread I bet! Remodeling, renovations, sprucing up, whatever you want to call it can all be done without headaches guaranteed.  I know it is hard to believe but it is possible to do kitchen and bathroom remodeling, flooring renovations, home additions, porch upgrades and general upgrades without stress or breaking the budget.

Our home, like many, is in a constant state of repair and could always benefit from a minor remodel or home renovation.  I can think of many things that need to be done right now.  The bathroom renovations would include a flooring renovation along with updates faucets and a new styled mirror.  The kitchen remodel could easily start with cabinet refinishing, flooring upgrade and hardware touches.  This is not to mention we could use a room addition for extra storage and possible a guest bedroom along with some work in the basement.  A basement transformation would be on that wish list too.  I am sure if you spoke with my husband an out building, shed addition would be first on his list.

Of course these are the major things.  This does not touch base on the millions of little items that could use some handyman touches.  The doors get loose, moldings could be updated, crown molding added, pavement outside needs some repair and I am sure you could find some lose boards on our porch and deck not to mention some staining efforts could be used.  There is always something big or small to be done.

This is when I begin to tell you the secret to painless home renovations.  Listen close. The key to stress free remodeling is to hire a trusted contractor.  When you hire a contractor you are not only hiring that person but a team of experts that support him.  A licensed contractor has resources available at the touch of a button.  If you need an electrician, a plumber, general handyman, painter or skilled carpenter they will be able to show you the way to a trusted professional.  I am not saying that finding a contractor will be easy but the effort will pay for itself tenfold.

There are some things that will help lead the way in helping you find a licensed skilled contractor that best fits your need. The first step in finding a contractor you want to work with is to get a list of contractors from friends, family and acquaintances have used in the past.  This is a great place to start.  If you are new to the area a quick Google search will lend a hand in supplying a number of home renovation specialists.  A terrific way in which to find out a lot of information quickly is to check their website.  A website is the front window to their “store”.  Your gut will help steer from here on whether you want to interview them in person.

Once you have a list the next step is to call and do some preliminary checking.  You will want to only work with insured, licensed contractors.  This is an important first question.  If they are not licensed and insured move on to the next home remodeler as a possible source for your renovation needs.  Eventually you will decide on a few to meet in person.  Ask them to bring a portfolio with references.  Most general contractors will let you know what their specialty is.  Finding a home remodeling specialist will not be difficult.  Your first impression will immediately tell you whether or not this person is someone that is a professional or a quack.  Ask basic questions, get a general feel and move forward.  It is this simple.

A contractor should be willing to vouch for the professionals they hire to work alongside them.  Professional renovators will ensure satisfaction and will guarantee that a job is not complete until the client is one hundred percent satisfied.  Once you have found someone you like. Trust and that does work that impresses you refer them often and use them often.  A reliable general contractor is a commodity and should be treated as one.  You will find that the quality of work they do is good but is better when you are pleasant and helpful in continuing to help them grow their business as well.

The Perfect Personalized Gift For Any Occasion

Giving gifts has become a year round event.  No longer are gifts only present within the Christmas holiday season but now people are giving more often.  People are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, babies, weddings and many smaller holidays such as Easter, Valentine’s Day and Independence Day.  With all of these gifts how can one giver offer personalized gifts that show thought and relevance while staying within a budget that is reasonable?

 

One element that makes gift giving easier and less of the challenge that is involved in going out to the stores is the blessing of the Internet.  Gift giving and personalization is so much easier when you can search online and everything you are looking for is a click away.  Givers are able to find unique personalized items that are often not found in stores locally or are only found at specialty boutiques.  Everyone knows shopping boutiques takes time and often easily takes us over budget.

 

If you find yourself in search of a gift for a friend, loved one or even an acquaintance it is easier than ever to find something personalized.  A personalized gift that is made for someone is something you can be proud to give and the receiver will be so thankful to receive.  A personalized gift shows the receiver that you have out some thought into why they are special and why the gifts is just perfect for them.  Personalized kids toys are amongst my favorite to give because children light up when something is especially made for them.  It is amazing what that little bit of personalization says for you as a gift giver.

 

I know what you are thinking however it is not true, personalized gifts and toys are no more expensive than any other gift you might choose.  Many presents can be engraved, embroidered or painted with a name, initials or something else unique to the receiver.  An economical approach to personalized children’s toys for an event such as Independence Day is sand toys in red, white and blue with their name on them.  This makes it easy to keep track of all of the sand toys the child brought with them to the beach (nice for mom) and also shows you put thought into the reason for the gift. A gift like this can be kept easily under ten dollars and is something that any young child would love to have.

 

If you are looking at a personalized present make sure to consider each recipient separately.  For instance I love crabs so I would enjoy a personalized gift with crabs.  In fact my husband took a plain beach towel with a crab design and embroidered a phrase that is personal to us regarding the beach on it.  I appreciated that gift more than anything.  It showed he had been paying attention.  However, this present would not be appreciated to someone who never spends time at the beach and that thinks crabs are nasty. It pays to know your recipients hobbies, past times, likes and dislikes.  This will make it simpler to find a perfect personalized gift.

 

Finding a personalized gift for someone not only makes their day but yours also.  It is so nice to give a gift that you are proud of that someone will appreciate.  The one thing I hate more than anything is on Christmas to receive a candle or something silly for the house.  Put a bit of effort into buying presents year round for your friends and family.  I guarantee they will notice the difference.

Search Engine Placement Increases Traffic To Websites

What is SEO? Search engine optimization is the process of getting your website ranked on the front page of major search engines. The process takes making a website that is easy to maneuver with relevant content so that it is easily recognized by search engines. As you guessed there is a lot more to it than that but in general that is what it takes to get your website on the front page of Google, Yahoo or Bing.

You may ask yourself why it is in your best interest to rank on the front page. Why is this important? How often are you searching Google and find yourself looking at the results on page five? Never! That is because the most relevant information to your search has come up on the front page. Within the top ten results you have an answer to what your search was. It is proven over and over again that ninety-five percent of all traffic to a website comes from front page search results. People are impatient. They want to get the information they need without searching any further than they have to in order to get it.
What does this mean to you, a business owner with an ineffective online presence? You must work toward a long term SEO solution. Many times this involves working with a search engine placement team of experts to analyze, fix and maintain your website and develop an online marketing plan. The forefront of the plan involves making sure your site is functioning optimally. This means looking into the content, the bac-kend, the website design and the overall ease of maneuvering through the site. Look at it from a customer’s point of view not as a business owner. Sometimes too much information can be as off putting as too little.

It is helpful to go into any new business venture with eyes wide open. The same is true when hiring a search engine optimization team of experts for your online marketing presence. There are some key terms that get thrown around a lot that can be confusing to someone just entering the search engine race. Below you will find terms and definitions to help you come out on top when finding a search engine placement team to work with for your SEO needs.
• SEM – This acronym stands for search engine management. This entails the process of designing and marketing your website for the best online presence possible. The goal is to position your

website in both search advertising and paid advertising. Paid advertising is a whole other beast we can talk about at another time.
• SEO – This is the acronym that represents search engine optimization. This is what we talked about earlier, making the sites content and design relevant for search engines to index and appeal to users.
• PPC – This acronym is all about paid advertising and stands for pay-per-click. This is, in very general terms, when someone places an ad and pays each time someone clicks on the ads.
• Natural Rankings – A term that is used for any listing that your site comes by in the free or unpaid sections of the web.
The following terms are used for the design element of the site that really is not relevant to the visual aspect of the site however is needed for indexing purposes.
• Meta Tags: This is the information that is seated in the back-end of the website. The Meta tags are not really relevant to the person searching in any aspect other than they help with the indexing of your site within search engines. Many people will never even have knowledge that such tags and back end info exists.
• Title Tags: This is a Meta tag that briefly describes what the page is all about in short. This is a perfect spot to use the keywords you are aiming your search engine results towards.
• Description: This is a description found on each page that describes the content in detail.
• Keywords: These are the exact terms in word or phrase form. These keywords will be entered in the text as well as the back end of the site in an effort to improve your search engine rankings.

Keeping Your Family Safe At Home With A Few Common Sense Tips

What is the best home security option for your home and family?  When you are assessing the current home security plan any and all corrective action you do to protect your home and family is a step closer to more secure home.

 

Some home security tips to begin thinking about are items that will detour or basically stop a potential intruder from coming into your residence.  A home alarm system is always a terrific option to take into consideration with the rest of these tips.

 

The first thing you will want to do is examine your home from the outside.  Make sure your home is well lit.  Motion sensors are one way to go however a home with lightening that is substantial and always on.  Another thing to look for his potential hiding spots close to all the doors and windows.  If you spot an issue on the outside of your home than be for sure a burglar will take advantage of that.  A seasoned burglar looks for ways in to your home. Your job is to make sure that they are all well lit.  Why?  A well lit yard is a burglar’s worst enemy, darkness is its friend.

 

It is important that you think of ways that you can slow a potential intruder’s entrance into your home.  Simple home security measures help along with the use of home alarm systems.  The addition of deadbolts on the homes doors is an important step to take.  Another element is to add a solid bracket inside of all door walls.  These elements help to deter potential intruders and at the very least will slow them down.  The more time it takes for them to enter the home the more discouraged they will become and since time is of the essence this is important.

Another element like light that acts is a deterrent is noise.  Choosing a home security alarm that is activated by doors and windows opening or by any motion is effective.  The alarms that are the most efficient at turning intruders away are loud noises such as a barking dog whether real or a recording is most effective.

 

The three most successful tips and biggest enemies to burglars are light, noise and time.  If you put these home security tips into place you are helping to prevent any possible break-ins.  Here are a few other ways you can help yourself.

 

  • Don’t display valuables in view of people on the outside.  It is temptation to some people.  Consider putting items of great value that are on the smaller side in a safe.  Many safes can be made to look like common everyday items, these are called diversion safes.
  • Implore the people in your community to begin a neighborhood watch.  Anyone who is a stranger will stick out like a sore thumb.  With a neighborhood watch in place the police will be notified when someone suspicious is in the area.
  • Anytime you leave your home on an overnight trip or extended vacation make your home look occupied.  Use lights on varied timers so that they all go off at different times each and every night.  Televisions and radios can also be set on timers to make it appears as if you are home even when you are not.
  • Lock all doors and windows even when gone for brief periods of time.  This is especially important during the summer.  A huge temptation for thieves is open windows and garages.

 

A few simple changes can make a world of difference in making your home less intrusive.  Begin with an assessment of your home.  Create a well lit, secure home that detours intruders from making your belongings theirs.

Seniors At Home Living Safely With Handicap Modifications

When life deals a blow to the quality of life one is leading what can be done to keep and create independence in the home environment. The fact that we or someone we know will become disabled at some point or another is a vast reality.  How the event is handled to ensure that proper care is given to the home environment to will depend on the severity of the disability and the time frame of which the individual’s life will be affected.  When looking at people handling handicap disabilities or elderly individuals the prognosis is more severe and more permanent renovations need to be planned for independence within the home environment to be established.

The first question that usually arises is a question about whether or not it would be easier to move or modify the existing home.  It is important to remember that most individuals will probably want to live and retire within their own home rather than move to a facility that offers assisted living situations. Most homes will have to go through modifications and renovations to become modified for safety.

Seniors at home are more likely to hold on to their independent desire leading them to stay more physically active, leading longer lives.  The same is true for individuals living with a handicap.  Accessible living solutions and an abundance of home safety equipment in the market place make handicap construction a feasible option for almost everyone.

One of the first steps in making a home wheelchair accessible is on the outside.  Handicap/wheelchair ramps, which are also useful for walkers and scooters, are the most desired additions individuals desire when research handicap construction contractors for their homes. Another key area where safety is at a premium and needs attention is home modifications to the bathrooms.  Bathroom safety solutions and aides can be purchased and installed for maximum safety throughout the homes bathroom.

Mobility is a premium we take for granted until we have it no longer.  When injury, old age or illness that leaves us handicapped the need for independence does not dwindle.  It is important no matter our age or levels of maneuverability we still have a desire for privacy and the ability to do things for ourselves.   Handicap construction allows this to be accomplished within our home environment.

Accessible solutions within the home are found in simple adjustments to the width of doorways and halls.  Simplicity can be found for opening doors and cupboards using open pull handles and lever instead of round hard to grasp knobs. Another accessible home solution that is often overlooked is the removal of carpet and the installation of tile or wood to allow for wheelchairs, scooters and walkers to move freely.  Outside wheelchair accessible ramps and walkways can be installed for ease of entering and exiting the home and enjoying the outside environment.

Simple home solutions allow individuals the quality of life that is so important.  Without independence we rely solely upon others for our care. This is not the most feasible option for people in the society we function in.  Even when struggling with a debilitating illness, a handicap or aging we still desire freedom.  Freedom comes from not having to rely upon others for your care.  This is what handicap construction and modifications to the home can provide for you or a loved one.

Protecting Your Investment By Choosing The Right Roofing Material

Have you ever wondered why we have to have a roofing material barrier over the plywood that makes up a roof?  Yes, it gives a finished look to a home as does it counterpart for the sides of the house, siding.   The main reason we have roofing systems consisting of more than plywood is to create a barrier against the natural elements. Without the barrier present the elements would wreak havoc on the homes structure.  Water is the most intrusive natural element and the one most roofing materials are made to withstand.

To accomplish protection against the natural elements as well as the human elements the roofing material must protect the underlayment.  In order for this to happen the observable roofing material must withstand stresses presented by nature and man.  Industry standards have been put into place and tested to ensure the quality and life expectancy of a variety of roofing materials including; asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, metal roofing, concrete tiles, clay tiles and a variety of other materials now present in roofing.

Weather in the Michigan varies a great deal.  Roofing needs to withstand hail, wind, extreme temperatures varying from intense heat to extreme cold, snow, ice and the various freeze/melt scenarios of present in Michigan.  As with everything involving your home it is important to research the materials you are considering for your roofing need and determine for your environment what is going to be the most cost effective material to use to provide a weather proof barrier for your homes roof.

Below is a list of roofing materials commonly used in Michigan to choose from:

–          Inexpensive and straight forwarded installation

–          Has a high fire resistance rating

–          Is available in different class levels for a variety of weather situations

–          Wind warranties that withstand one hundred thirty mile an hour winds

–          Easy to repair if damage occurs

–          Long lasting and needs to be replaced less frequently than other materials

–          Available in high fire resistant ratings and class ratings to withstand fire and weather

–          Metal material is lightweight and durable

–          Easy to repair if damage happens to occur

Anyone that has owned a home knows that you pour your life savings into it.  Between the interior, exterior and the worldly possessions found inside the amount of time, energy and money put in is irreplaceable.  This is why choosing the right roofing material for your home is so important.

Not only is choosing the right material important but also the right installation company.  Finding a professional in your area should come fairly easy; selecting one however might be a tad bit more difficult.  Follow the steps below and you should be able to find a reliable, trustworthy roofing contractor.

  • Find a contractor that has a permanent place of business.  This should include a phone number, tax id and is licensed.
  • Ask to see a copy of the insurance contract the company has.  It is important in finding a reputable roofing contractor that they are responsible and liable for accidents with his employees that happen while working on your roof.
  • It is important to also find a roofing contractor that maintains financially stability.  You as a consumer have the right to ask for information relating to this.
  • Work with a contractor that has references that can vouch for the work the company provides and the manner in which his employees work.
  • Always get a written contract for the services that are to be performed in detail.  This should include the materials, type and quantity to be used in your install.
  • A contractor should be able to also explain how much he works on your project verse has employees to assist.  You should know if he is a supervisor only or if he has a crew with a supervisor for each individual roofing project.
  • Carefully read the warranties that are provided on the materials the professional roofing contractor is recommending be used on your roofing project.
  • Look especially careful into bids that are way below industry norms.  If is sounds too good to be true it probably is.