Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 239

The Difference Between Licensed, Bonded and Insured Contractors

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

What exactly is the difference between a contractor that is licensed, one that is bonded and/or one that is insured?  Competition in the construction industry is brutal.  Wading through contractors to determine the most qualified individual at the most reasonable price leaves many consumers baffled.

Where can consumers skimp and where shouldn’t they when it comes to hiring contractors?  Is hiring a contractor that is not licensed, bonded and/or insured worth the risk?  Probably not; in fact many consumers employing contractors without the proper credentials in place are placing their time, money and project completion in jeopardy.

Below we will detail bonded, licensed and insured contractors. This will allow consumers to have insight into why each is an important certification for hired contractors to have.

Licensed: Contractors are licensed as either a general contractor or specialty contractor.   Specialty contractors are those that offer a specific skill such as plumbing, electrical, drywall and the likes.  Specialty contractors are required to hold a special certification on top of their license.  The contractor’s license number is required to be displayed on any posted marketing materials.

Consumers are able to search for contractors by name or license number to ensure that the contractor’s license is up to date.  When an unlicensed contractor takes off after receiving a deposit there is little protection offered to the consumer this is one of the drawbacks of hiring any unlicensed contractors to do work for you.  An unlicensed contractor may cost less initially but there is no recourse if work is not done in specification to the contract.

Bonded: Bonds are purchased by contractors looking to prove their stability to consumers.  There are a variety of bonds that contractors can purchase to ensure they are trust worthy.  A bond is a contract between the contractor, the property owner and the bonding company.  It ensures that the contractor has financial backing incase the project is not completed as stated in the contract.  Common bonds that many contractors have are bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds.  All of which cover consumers from contractor negligence.

Insured: Contractors are required to have insurance to cover their business.  General liability insurance is purchased by contractors to insure that any damage to the property or people is covered financially if anything should happen while completing work at your location.

There are a few more things to consider when hiring a contractor.  Make sure that the contract is comprehensive and that no detail has been left out.  The contract should include the bid and scope of work expected to be performed.  It needs to offer an estimate on the price of permit fees as well as the payment terms, warranties and procedures for changes in the contract.  Often it pays to contact consumers that have recently used the contractor’s services to discuss the contractor’s ability to complete the job on time, within budget and so on.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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Tips On The Installation Of A New Aluminum Fence

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Installing a new fence is not difficult to do.  There are however a few things homeowners must keep in mind prior to ordering and installing their aluminum fencing.  Spring is here and the warmer weather and budding trees inspires many do it yourselfers to get started on those projects they have been putting off.  When installing a new fence or replacing an old one review the list of common mistakes that have been made before you and how you can avoid making the same ones.

  • The Lack of Proper Planning: When it comes to home improvements the one mistake that homeowners frequently make revolves around the lack of planning.  Before ordering your new aluminum fence online take the time to make a plan of action.  Any project that is to be done around the home, especially with aluminum fencing installation, needs to have a project plan, material list and detailed installation timeline.  Proper planning allows for a smooth project that stays on task from start to finish.
  • The Lack of Proper Property Markers: This is perhaps one of the most costly mistakes to make when installing a new aluminum fence.  Have the property surveyed by a licensed surveyor prior to ordering aluminum fencing.  Even though the surveyor will use stakes to mark the property take pictures and video for future reference. If the stakes inadvertently get removed there will be visual data to support the boundary lines that are in place.  Installing the fence on property that is not yours can add exorbitant costs to your project.
  • The Lack of Properly Examining Local Zoning Laws: Not all areas allow fences to be installed.  Check with local ordinances, H.O.A.’s and such to be sure of all the requirements that must be met.  Also look into materials that are off limits, along with colors and styles that might not meet the requirements set forth.  Installing a fence that doesn’t meet the guidelines is costly.  The rules will not change just because the fence is installed so be prepared to uninstall that new fence if it doesn’t follow the guidelines in your area.
  • The Lack of Properly Checking for Underground Utilities: Make the proper phone call before you start digging.  Miss Dig will come out to the property for free and mark all of the underground utilities in the area.  Proper planning will allow you to place the fence in areas that avoid these areas.  Aluminum posts need to be dug into the ground with at least one third of the fence posts height being in the ground.  Aluminum gate posts need to be installed at a minimum of thirty inches deep.  This call is an important one.  Don’t forget to make it.

In our next installment we will cover more mistakes to avoid when installing or replacing fencing.  Small avoidable mistakes can add extra stress to a large project such as installing an aluminum fence.    Articles like this are provided to help homeowners from making the mistakes that those before them have.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Benefits of Purchasing Refurbished Electrical Equipment and Parts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Perhaps one of the largest benefits of purchasing refurbished electrical components comes from the savings to individuals and business owners alike.  No matter the undertaking, be it a repair to a home appliance or industrial-grade breaker, it is in your best interest to look for the quality and cost savings in refurbished electrical components.  No matter what electrical project you take on the same rules apply; look for quality components at inexpensive rates.

No matter if you are repairing appliances within your home or industrial grade equipment it pays to find the most inexpensive, efficient product at the lowest cost to ensure a complete solution to the project at hand.  Refurbished products are the most suitable options in most circumstances involving both commercial and residential users.

Used and refurbished electrical component suppliers have been a popular resource for years.  Buyers prefer to purchase these types of electrical components not only because of cost efficiency, quality and availability to options that are often older and harder to find.

Cost Savings: Everyone is looking to buy electrical components that will get the job done without costing an arm and a leg.  Brand new parts may seem ideal but when looking at the life span and cost many find that for a real cost savings refurbished components add as much life to your equipment.

High Quality: Even if a part is new it doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to receive a high quality component.  Refurbished products go through a rigorous reconditioning process and are tested to meet and often exceed manufacturers UL certifications.

Availability: This is one of the reasons that the sale for refurbished electrical components has risen so much in recent years.  Industrial equipment is built to last.  Often times it is difficult to find suppliers that have new parts in stock for older equipment.  It is not cost effective to always upgrade a large piece of equipment and often unnecessary as the life span of the piece is far from reaching its peak.  Reconditioned electrical parts come in clutch when you find that new parts are obsolete.

Options:  When equipment goes down companies lose money.  No one wants to be in the middle of product and unable to fix their electrical equipment.  With refurbished components, users have a plethora of options at their finger tips within the refurbished electrical component industry.  Many reconditioned component suppliers will have in stock or assist you in find the part you need, at a reasonable price with immediate availability.

Companies save time and money when purchasing quality industrial electrical components that are refurbished.  At J&P Electrical Company, we sell a wide range of industrial electrical components from all major manufacturers, including bus plugs, bus duct, panel switches, disconnects, transformers, fuses, circuit breakers and more. We have two large warehouses that hold over 20,000 sq feet of new, used and obsolete electrical equipment.  We are sure to have in stock the product you need when you need it.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Best Season For Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The material of choice for most northern roofs is asphalt.  Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material in a majority of homes for many reasons including cost, ease of installation and its longevity.  Asphalt roofs, when installed properly, are known to last on average for twenty plus years.  Is the lifespan of your asphalt roof reaching its peak? Maybe now is the perfect time to start considering your roof replacement options.  Most homeowners want to complete home improvements when the time is right.  When is the best time to install a new roof?  It just may not be what you expect.

Winter Roof Replacement

Everyone that is familiar with northern winters understands that roofing isn’t really a great option.  The snow, ice and colder temperatures make roofing materials such as asphalt difficult to work with.  The asphalt shingles become brittle and hard.  Professional roofing contractors will tell you that these are not the ideal conditions in which to install a new roof.  The cold is not ideal for roofers, roofing tools, sealants or much else that the northern climates offer during the winter season.  New roofs in northern climates are better installed during another season.

Spring Roof Replacement

Spring roof replacement tends to be one of the least expensive times of the year to install your homes new roof.  Spring is a great time to replace ones roof if the issues your roof has had are not worsened by waiting through the winter.  Roofing contractors are not as busy as they will be in the upcoming seasons and roofing materials can often be found at a discount.  Most manufacturers are offering discounts on materials from last season to clear the inventory for new arriving roofing supplies.  This allows roofing contractors to bid lower on residential roofing projects than they normally could during the summer and fall seasons.  If money is an object and you are working within a budget consider spring roof replacement.

Summer Roof Replacement

There is no denying that summer has become the best known time for home improvements for homeowners in the north.  One thing to remember is that the heat of northern summers is never a joke.  Northern summers can reach unbearable temperatures and out of control humidity levels.  This can make roofing unpleasant for both roofing contractors and the materials they use.  When installing roofs it is best to avoid the extremes within any season.

Fall Roof Replacement

The best time of the year to install a new roof for homes in the northern regions is the fall.  The temperatures are perfect; not too hot and not too cold.  Roofing contractors and their crews can work without the worry of heat exhaustion or hypothermia.  With mild temperatures also comes easier installation.  Roofing materials are easier to work with and the elements are not such a huge factor. It may also be the busiest time for roofers!  To be sure you get an appointment when the timing is most convenient for both homeowner and contractor schedule your roof replacement now instead of waiting until roofing contractors are well on their way managing through their busy seasons.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Trends In Roofing For Spring of 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A trend is defines as a general direction in which something is developing or changing.  In roofing we often see trends come and go right along with new the movement in home designs.  If you are looking to replace your homes roof in 2016 roofing contractors suggest that you make the most out of your investment by looking at styles that are popular amongst homes currently being built.  Leave the past in the past with home improvement on the interior and exterior of your home.  As for a new roof take a look into the following fads that roofing contractors are seeing this spring.

  • Roofing that is Environmentally Friendly: It is very clear that eco friendly home improvements are selling homes. The more efficient and environmentally friendly your house is the more attractive it is to buyers.  Environmentally friendly roofing reduces the carbon footprint you leave along with lowering utility bills.  When replacing your roof look for an efficient design, using eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction practices.
  • Lighter Colors In Asphalt Shingle Roofing: Traditionally roofs have been designed using darker color shingling; this is all about to change. Lighter shades of roofing are popular options in 2016.  Consider shades in white, gray, beige and light blue all of which are popular trends within the roofing industry.  Lighter shades of shingling give a soft, warm look to the exterior of your home while also attracting less sunlight.  This helps keep your home cooler during the heat of summer.
  • Reflective Roofing: Some homeowners still prefer the look achieved with darker roofing. If this is more your style consider reflective roofing.  Darker roofs that use reflective materials help increase your homes efficiency.  Consider coatings that make use of latex, silicone, acrylic or polyurethane which all work to keep the roof cooler.
  • Roofs That Are Flat: Another trend that is popular with roofs for 2016 is flat roofs. This was a popular option for homes during the midcentury, modern design era.  Flat roofs offered clean lines which are once again becoming popular in modern home design.  A flat roof offers a bit of nostalgia and a nod to current styles.
  • Sheet Metal Roofs: For both commercial and residential buildings sheet metal roofing is becoming more and more popular. Sheet metal roofs offer homeowners a roof that will last two times longer than that of traditional roofs. Sheet metal offers a low carbon footprint, the eco-friendliness that was mentioned earlier which will make your home popular when you go to sell it.

Contact local roofing contractors to determine the roofing trend that meets your needs and adds to the overall aesthetic value of the exterior of your home.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Collecting Antique Canes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to collections it is possible that antique canes, walking sticks and gadget umbrellas might just be the most interesting collections of all.  There was a time in history where you the streets were lined with well dressed ladies and gentlemen all carrying a cane, umbrella or walking stick of one kind or another.  In times of yesteryear it was not for support that these devices were used but instead to accentuate an outfit, show a level of status and wealth.

Antique canes, from the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s were often made from rare and unique materials.  Materials like ivory, tortoiseshell, enamel, porcelain, gold, silver, various precious and semi precious stones were used to create rare walking sticks, unique antique canes and unusual gadget canes.

These items often told a story.  The materials that were used, the carvings that were engraved and materials that were blended together all were used to express the history of the time.  The events of the time were chronicled within these unpretentious accessories.

“Shadow canes” are a prime example of this.  Upon first glance shadow canes look to be a simple stick in which the handle top is designed with concentric rings.  When a light is cast upon the cane it reveals a shadow.  The silhouette tended to be of a controversial figure of the time.  Also known as the Napoleon Shadow Cane, as supporters of the dynasty used them to pledge their allegiance during his infamous exile.

Canes come from three basic categories: decorative, gadget and weapon canes.  The most intriguing element of antique canes is that there is one that matches any interest the collector may have.  A Faberge Cane is a style of cane that uses a combination of elegant materials including precious stones to create an accessorial piece.  When it comes to those that are interested in music there are Dulcimer and Flute canes.  This style of cane is incredibly rare and includes a system of working systems built directly into the canes shaft to create music.

A rare type of weapon cane that is familiar to most collectors is the La Diabolique.  These canes were eventually outlawed.  The stealthy sticks were used by wealthy Protestants during the Revolution.  When someone in the crowd would grab the piece, the force would release little metal spikes along the shaft and would shred the attacker’s hand.  The owner of the cane could release the spikes by simply tapping the cane quickly on the ground.

There are so many stories to be told through collecting especially when it comes to antique canes, gadget canes, and weapon canes.  To view more on cane collections check out antique cane collections online today.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

 

Antique Cane World

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Trends in Product Labeling and Packaging 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Trends run the marketplace.  It doesn’t matter what avenue we are discussing, if something is trending market popularity will latch on to it until it over saturates the marketplace.  As the trend fades only those brands that have successfully integrated will stay to compete while others will follow what’s new.  With any luck the new niche will be exactly what their brand and product was looking for.

Trends occur everywhere from home designs to car colors to custom product labeling.  Below are some popular trends in package and labeling to hit the scene in 2016.  What trend will catch and bring success to your brand and new products hitting the market?

Popular Package and Labeling Options For 2016

  • In-Mold Labels: In-mold labels are just finding their way to the United States package and label market. Injection molded cups, tubs and such offer complete graphic coverage.  Graphics can cover all sides as well as the top and bottom of molded containers.
  • Thinner Labels: Thinner labels are trendy in 2016. This trend has been brought about because of consumer’s desire for eco-friendly labeling options along with manufactures desire to reduce costs.  Thinner labeling without changes in the labels performance is a win for consumers and producers alike.
  • Shrink-Film Labels: Shrink film labeling has been trendy for awhile now but what is new for 2016 is a white pigmented shrink sleeve film. The white pigment provides a barrier to light and can also yield more film per square inch.  Shrink sleeves offer a great deal of tamper proof protection verse other options in labeling.
  • Curved Containers With Flexibility: Contouring labels to product packaging continues to be a popular option. Shaped containers have been labeled using shrink sleeves as one of the only options for years.  A new pressure sensitive label is being introduced in 2016 to add another option to labeling curved product packages.
  • A “No Label” Label: This is a fad that is sure to take hold within the product labeling industry.  Pressure sensitive labeling manufacturers have identified and eliminated clear-film applicator enemies: static and dust.  This allows the label to be installed in a fashion that allows it to look like no label exists at all.
  • Labels without Liners: This is a trend that is slow in taking its hold on the marketplace.  The cost of labeling without liners is still at a peak without performing at the highest level possible.  Thus making it slow to emerge.  Over time it is thought that technology will catch on and that liner-less labels will be something that is a viable option for print and apply labels.

Our next article will continue to focus on trends that are impacting the package and labeling marketplace in 2016.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Critical Elements In Product Labeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the more critical elements when it comes to establishing a brand or product lies within labeling.  There are many important functions of product labeling. Not only do consumers use this as a way of identifying a product or brand they also look to the label for a variety of other purposes.  In the article below we will dive into the various ways that labeling affects the success or failure of a product or brand.

Labels Offer a Detailed Description of the Product and Its Contents

Consumers looking for information about a product go straight to the label.  The label is designed to include a detailed list of ingredients along with a description on proper use.  Many labels also specifics such as product precautions, product care, use by dates and identifying batch numbers.

Labels Are Used to Identify Brands and Products

Product identification is made simpler with the help of product labeling.  When a consumer is looking for a specific product they simply look for the familiar label amongst the contenders that line the shelf.  Tomato paste is just tomato paste without the label.  The label distinguishes the special features of each unique brand which allows it to stick out from the others.  Most consumers can be shown a blank label with just the basic design and colors to determine the name brand of the item.  That is the power off proper labeling.

Labels Present Insight on the Products Grade or Quality

Products offering several qualities or grades use labeling to differentiate amongst themselves.  The label itself may be similar however distinct.  A grade A product may come with a green label where as lower grade product may be red.  Companies use colors, numbers, and alphabetic order amongst other ways to separate different grades amongst products.

Labels Work to Promote and Market Brands and Products

Another operation of the label is to promote and market the products with their brand.  An attractive label can often entice consumers to purchase a product.  The labels design is often the first element of the product to draw customer’s attention.  Therefore making it important especially when it comes to new products and impulse purchase; items where the brands history is insignificant hence not the guiding factor in purchasing.

Labels Provide Information Required By Law

Another role that product labels play is to include any and all legal warnings that are required by law.  This is common in products that are known to cause ill effects such as tobacco, alcohol, over the counter medications and more.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

 

 

Anchor Printing

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Creating A Life After Bankruptcy

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Bankruptcy can literally throw a curveball into your life when you really need a fastball up the middle.  It may look like a dead end at the end of a long bumpy road but in reality bankruptcy is the yellow brick road to getting your financial life back on track.  When you go through with a bankruptcy no matter if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy there is a process in which to get back on your financial feet.

It is crucial that you begin by creating a budget.  Take into consideration the source and amounts of income coming in verse the debt source and amount of debt going out each month.  When creating a budget it is crucial to set a realistic goal of saving and spending.  The most important piece in any budget is saving as much as you can and decrease the number of disposable expenses that is feasible.

After bankruptcy you learn that cash is actually the best method of spending that you can use.  Paying with cash allows you to only purchase those things that you absolutely need.  It allows you to save for those items that aren’t necessary; allowing you time to really consider the purchase.  It isn’t that credit needs to be feared, as eventually you will need to rebuild your credit in order to purchase a home or car, credit is not necessary to live on a daily basis.

After bankruptcy it is vital that you pay all of your bills on time.  Even the smallest of bills, including utilities should always be paid on time.  Overdraft fees and bounced checks show up on your credit report and affect your overall credit rating.

Keep a constant eye on your credit report.  Equate it to being on a diet.  When you are on a diet it is crucial you check in on your weight regularly the same is true of your credit.  As you are building your credit it is important to see the increase in your score on a regular basis.  The numbers increasing will only help to boost your pride exactly like seeing the scale decrease increases your ability to continue to lose weight.

This may seem like an oxymoron but apply for a credit card to help you establish your credit.  There are a few options: a secured credit card which works like a debit card or an unsecured card however get one where you only are approved for a very small credit line.  Don’t accept credit line increases until you are one hundred percent sure that your budgeting skills are on track.

This is just the beginning.  In our next installment we will continue exploring rebuilding your financial life after bankruptcy.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

Dickron Bohikian Law Group

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Tips On Purchasing New Construction

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The main piece of advice anyone can give homeowners looking into new construction is to be sure everything from even the smallest changes is in writing. When you preview the model make sure you note all of the things that you like within the home. The model isn’t ever the base model; the model always includes upgrades that are not included in the base price of the home. Builders can customize the models available to meet your needs and wants. This is one of the great reasons to purchase a new construction home. It is however not without costs and additional time to complete the overall job.

A realtor is needed even when purchasing a new construction home. Strong realtors will guarantee to guarantee that you are covering the entire base. Realtors that specialize in new construction homes are familiar with working with builders and contractors. They understand the intricacies of negotiating add-ons and ensure that the buyer gets all changes in writing. A completion date on the initial contract becomes null and void when changes are continually made. It is impractical to add on customizations without adding time to the completion date. When the contract changes make sure that the contract gives you a new completion date.

A new home also needs a final home inspection as does a used home. Everyone makes mistakes. It is important to be sure that that a professional new home construction inspector does a final inspection on the home before you close on your new home. Inspectors find things that were not done or done incorrectly that could eventually cause bigger problems down the road for you as new home owners. An inspector is hired to do a final review over the work that has been completed. It is the largest single financial purchase you will make so be sure to have it inspected with a fine tooth comb before you sign on the dotted line making it officially yours.

Newly constructed homes often come with a new home warranty. Typically a third party will offer a home warranties for new home builders. Each builder will determine what they will cover in a warranty verse what they won’t. Negotiate a warranty in to your deal with the builder to ensure that your new construction home is covered in all ways possible.

New construction is a perfect way to ensure you are getting the home of your dreams down to the most minor details. Look to friends and family when considering a realtor and builder to assist in bringing the new construction home of your dreams into reality.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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