Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 286

Finished Basement Flooring Options

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to finishing your basement one of the biggest concerns is the flooring. Basement floors are often just a concrete slab.  Before choosing flooring for your basement it is imperative to determine if a moisture barrier had been laid down previously or if you will be dealing with moisture seeping through the concrete slab.  Most often when it comes to basement slabs a concrete moisture barrier is not present.  This leads to issues that are common when homeowners wish to finish their basements.

If you are unsure if a moisture barrier is present underneath the concrete slab in your basement the easiest method to figure it out involves some time and plastic garbage bags.  Lay a few plastic bags out over the concrete basement slab and tape them into place.  After a few days check to see if the plastic bags feel wet or feel like they contain any moisture on the underside of the bag.  If moisture is present than your basement slab does not have a moisture barrier present and this will limit your flooring choices.

If you want to keep your options open when it comes to flooring in your basement consider a waterproofing the basement floor. This will allow you to choose more openly what you desire for the flooring within your basement.  Carpet is a common want in cold, damp basements.  The floor should be waterproofed as well as cellulose underlayment before padding and carpet is laid.  This will help to create a moisture proof floor in your basement with carpet flooring.

Free floating engineered flooring is a great option in basement flooring.  A foam underlayment allows the flooring to float the basement floor.  This underlayment creates a space that balances any unevenness in the flooring as well as providing a moisture barrier.

Laminate flooring is yet another option in basement flooring that is popular.  When using laminate flooring, the look and feel can be warmed up using throw rugs throughout the basement space.  Laminate is only a good choice in basements that have relatively low moisture levels because the backing is susceptible to bubbling in spaces with higher moisture.

Ceramic tile can be installed in basement flooring as well.  This is a great option however one that does tend to add to the coldness already associated with basements.  If you are installing ceramic tile note that low moisture basement ceramic tile will last longer than if placed in high moisture basements.

If all and all you decide the flooring options in the basement are too risky and to dependent on moisture look into painting your basement floor.  Even with high moisture levels concrete paint will adhere to the floor and will last a fair amount of time in between maintenance.  Add warmth with throw rugs that can easily be picked up, washed and dried.

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 for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Summer Landscaping Tips

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Landscaping care is important in every season especially summer. As our seasons change so must the manner in which you care for your lawn and landscape. Summer landscaping should be centered on creating and maintaining an environment that can be thoroughly enjoyed without spending too much of your spare time. The following are summer tips to help create a landscape that time can be spent and memories made.

1) The first thing to keep in mind is how the space within your yard is used. If you have children you will want space to allow them to run around that is free of obstructions but that also maintains an outer boundary. If you prefer to use the space for entertainment and know that many weekends will be spent around a campfire you may consider turning your landscape into more of a patio area centering on a bon-fire pit. If you prefer a more adult landscape to enjoy afternoon tea consider special seating with a focus on beautiful flowers that bring butterflies in and mosquitos out.

2) Your landscape and lawn care should incorporate getting water to your landscape plants and lawn. In the summer to avoid grass and flowers from drying make sure that they are receiving at least an inch of water each week. It is best to water in the early morning or late evening to avoid as much water evaporation. Even though plants and grass need a certain amount of water to survive make sure that you are not saturating the area. Too much water can be just as bad as not enough.

3) Weeding is an essential element in every lawn and landscape. In flower beds use weed barrier to prevent an overabundance of weeds. When it comes to your grass consider using weed control treatments. Fertilization and aeration are all essential for your grass as well. Weeds take away valuable nutrients that are needed to maintain a healthy lush lawn.

4) When looking into fertilizers for your lawn consider only those that offer a slow release and low nitrogen content. Slow release fertilizers continue to give the lawn nutrients throughout the lawn and plants growing season.

5) Mow your lawn frequently using a sharp mower blade. Your grass should be about two and a half to three inches when mowing is necessary. Cutting more than one third of the grass at one time can cause damage to the blade and root system which in turn creates bare spots and brown patches.

Seasonal lawn care changes are needed to create a lush space to entertain no matter what season. Use the summer to boost the fullness in your lawn as well as the color throughout your flower beds.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties. For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

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Shopping For An Engagement Ring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes time to propose the last thing that should be on your mind is worry or concern over the amount of money you are supposed to spend on an engagement ring. Instead of postponing plans to propose consider some cost saving techniques when it comes to finding and purchasing a beautiful, well received engagement ring.

First things first stop thinking that you must spend at least a month or two’s salary on a diamond engagement ring.  Even if you can devote that type of money to a jewelry purchase should you?  Consider the ability to start married life debt free owning your own home.  If this is not something that is possible with spending that type of money on a ring than forgo the huge ring.  You can find an abundance of affordable rings that are reasonably priced using online jewelers as well as locally owned jewelers.

Maybe a real diamond is not something your fiancé will want.  Consider her wants and desires above your pride.  If she wants the look of a huge diamond but doesn’t necessarily care if it is “real” look into diamond substitutes.  Some women prefer gemstones over diamonds.  Maybe she wants more than a cubic zirconia but less than a diamond, look into moissanite.

Another idea is to buy what you can afford now but purchase through a jeweler that offers upgrades with trade-ins from preciously purchased jewelry.  This is an incredibly common option and is a great way to get engaged and married without going overboard in debt.  Later when you become more established you can go ahead an upgrade if you so desire.

The greatest thing ever is that no matter what you spend at the end of the day your girlfriend will become your bride to be.  If you are choosing the right women and her values align with hers the size of the diamond and the cost of the ring will be the furthest things from her mind when she finds you on one knee proposing to her.  Any ring is far more spectacular than no ring at all when you are sure that the women standing in front of you is your soul mate.   Don’t let the cost of a ring deter your from making both of your dreams come true.

Finding something that fits her style, personality and lifestyle are far more important characteristics to purchasing a ring than making sure you have spent an entire month or two of wages on it.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Finding An Affordable Engagement Ring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Are you ready to pop the question to your girlfriend? Do you envision what she will look like and the surprise upon her face when you start to get down on one knee?  How about the look she will have when she sees the beautiful engagement ring you have chosen?  Do you worry at all?  Choosing an engagement ring that your bride to be will love is something that you will only get one chance at.  Since it is a once in a lifetime event your experience level is subpar.  Below you will find tips to ensure she loves the ring as much as her husband to be.

First things first, throw the rule out that says you must spend at least two month’s salary on an engagement ring.  Any girl that is ready to marry you will not care in the least how much the ring cost let alone go through great lengths in determining how much you are in debt with the ring alone.  A better rule to follow is how much cash do you have in hand or can the ring be paid for in full within a year.  Don’t go into debt to purchase a ring that is way above your means.  The women you are about to propose to is way more concerned with becoming your wife now and forever to worry about a debt from her engagement ring.

More importantly take note of your girlfriend’s style.  Is she modern, practical, old fashion, sentimental, extravagant or outgoing?  Her style should matter above anything else.  If your bride to be is an old vintage sole a flashy, large, abundant ring will overwhelm her and perhaps make her uncomfortable.

Practical girls enjoy a single stone with flush settings; rings like this don’t get in the way with everyday activities.  Reserved women tend to choose channel settings with a few smaller stones creating the statement in the middle of the ring.  If your wife to be is more extravagant look into options involving invisible settings with a large middle stone and several small surrounding stones.  Outgoing girls tend to love classic diamond solitaire engagement rings.  If you are unclear check out jewelry that she tends to wear on an everyday basis.  This will help you decide the best option in engagement ring options for her.

Local small town jewelers and online jewelers are great sources when it comes to finding something reasonable in price as well online jewelers.  Looking online at a variety of jewelry options is also a great way to look into different options that are available for purchase when it comes to engagement rings.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Hiring A Professional Roofing Contractor Saves Time and Money

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many homeowners attempt home renovations every day that are better off left to the professionals.  When it comes to a new roof, hiring a professional roofing contractors will not only save you time but money as well.  Roofing is an art that is perfected overtime.  Seasoned roofers not only offer experience but provide guarantees on a structurally sound, climate resistance roof.  Hiring a roofing contractor also guarantees you won’t be falling off your roof anytime soon!

When looking to find a roofing contractor to install or to make repairs on your roof consider checking online for a list of local roofers.  The internet is a great resource to find professional roofers in your area along with reviews, testimonials and pictures of roofs that they have recently installed.  Many contractors offer free in home consultations.  Take your time online to narrow down the roofers in your area you are considering for your new roof and consult with each of them separately about your new roof.   Choosing a roofing contractor will come down to more than just the price quoted.  As a homeowner time on site, professionalism and a variety of other factors will come into play as you choose the roofer you wish to work with.

When hiring a roofing contractor look to make sure that they are properly licensed and insured.  Each employee must be licensed.  A license is only one piece of evidence that helps to prove that the contractor you are hiring has expertise but is one that is extremely important.  Insurance is another aspect of roofing that is an absolute must.  When an accident occurs, you as the homeowner could be held liable if the roofing company does not have insurance to cover their entire team.  Roofing contractors understand and will often offer up a copy of their insurance policy when giving you a formal quote for your new roof.

The quote itself will contain a list of materials needed based on price verse quality.  A ten year roof may be less expensive right now however in the long run is this little bit of savings important or is a long lasting roof more important.  The quote will also contain a list of labor costs as well as incidental costs.  If this amount seems high in consideration of other quotes that you have received question the contractor to see what all is included.  Customer references are also listed on a roofing estimate.  Carefully look at all of the companies references especially when it comes to homes similar to yours.  Drive by the home and see if you are visually satisfied with the quality of the roof.  Ask the homeowner questions about professionalism, clean up and their overall experience with the roofing contractor.  This will give you a decent idea if you should consider hiring them to install your homes new roof.

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

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Curb Appeal and Your Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to first impressions you only get one chance; that is why it is called the first.  Your homes first impression comes from its curb appeal.  This isn’t something most homeowners think about when it comes to home improvements and renovations. The reality is that curb appeal can truly end up being the deal maker or breaker when it comes to selling your house.  Without a doubt, one of your top priorities when it comes to improving your home should be the home’s exterior.  Things to consider are the homes landscaping, windows, siding and most importantly the homes roof.

Your homes roof is beyond important when it comes to curb appeal as well as structural integrity.  Your homes roof is one of the main aspects of your home seeing that is covers about fifty percent of the home visible surface. The roof often goes unnoticed by homeowners as it is not something that requires constant attention.  With your homes roof often yearly maintenance is enough to keep the roof functioning structurally as well as looking good therefore it is often something that is overlooked with the overall curb appeal of your home.

The time will come when your home needs a new roof to maintain curb appeal and maintain its structure.  An experienced roofing contractor is the best source of information when it comes to the installation of a new roof.  Many homeowners are inclined to select a roofing material based on their limited knowledge in roofing, the color of the shingles or even the price.  An experienced roofer takes all of this into consideration as well as more important criteria such as durability, climate, weather conditions, and exposure.  With this information they find a roofing material that will not only withstand the test of time, add curb appeal but also give you the best value for your new roof.

Roofing contractors also have the added advantage of experience with different roofing materials and styles.  Roofers have the ability to look at the exterior of the home and recommend products that will enhance the existing exterior.  This is also true of homeowners that are looking into changing the exterior all together as well.  There is more to roofing that choosing between shingles and metal roofing.  Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles just like metal roofing.  Roofing professionals will create a roof that enhances your homes curb appeal using appropriate materials that will stand the test of time taking into consideration natural elements that affect your roofs durability.

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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Options In Swimming Pool Coping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Swimming pool coping is the part of your in ground swimming pool that finished off the pool and gives it a quality appearance. Without coping a swimming pool looks unfinished; without it a pool appears classless and without style. Not only is pool coping decorative while finishing off the look of the pool it also offers a safety feature; coping offers a non-slip, smooth edge to your in ground swimming pool.

More often than not an attractive paving is laid around the pool area. Your pool coping will really stand out is this paving is in a contrasting color to the in ground swimming pool coping.

When choosing pool coping you have a lot of options to choose from. Coping tiles come in a variety of styles, colors and materials. From expensive travertine to inexpensive poured concrete there is material that will enhance your pools natural beauty. Styles include bullnose coping which allows the concrete to be poured butting up to the lip of the pool whereas cantilever style coping extends over the lip of the pool wall.

Natural stone is an option many pool owners choose when it comes to coping. Natural stone pool coping is available using a variety of materials including sandstone, marble, granite, limestone, travertine and bluestone. Natural stone usually comes in tile form however can be cut to fit bends and corners. You can choose to treat the stone with sealer or not. If you choose not the treat the stone it will weather naturally enhancing the stones beauty.

Concrete coping can be installed in pre-made forms or poured into formers surrounding the pool. Concrete is versatile and can be patterned using stamps, colored and distressed making it look like more expensive coping materials but without the cost or expensive maintenance. Poured concrete is a material that is easy to work with and is laid without the work required in installing natural stone coping.

Brick, porcelain tiles and natural clay bricks are all alternatives when it comes to in ground swimming pool coping. When choosing a material for your pool coping look at your overall budget and decide what you are willing to allocate on coping. This will help narrow down the options as you will be limited by a smaller budget on your material choices. This however does not mean that you can’t have a more expensive look using poured concrete. Contact a professional pool plasterer that specializes in all aspects of pool services including coping, tile, plaster resurfacing, caulking, decking and more.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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The Importance Of Swimming Pool Coping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How many in ground pool owners know the importance of their swimming pool coping?  A pools coping is nothing more edging for your pool however it serves a greater purpose than being a decoration.  Swimming pools coping helps prevent the water from seeping out on to the deck as well as hiding the rough edges around the pool.  These rough edges if not covered by pool coping would cause many cuts and bruises.  There are a variety of coping materials to choose from when it comes to coping for your pool.  Depending on your budget you can find a variety of quality coping materials for your pool.

One option in coping for your in ground swimming pool is poured concrete.  Known for its durability, long life span and affordability concrete is a popular option in pool coping and can be dyed to a variety of colors to match your pool area.  With pool coping the concrete must be poured in.  This helps to limit stress on the pools edge and keep the surface even and uniform in strength.  Regular maintenance and repairs on your pools coping will prevent cracks from expanding with the temperature changes.

Another option in pool coping that is not as popular as poured concrete is brick.  Using brick in pool coping adds a unique look to the pools edging.  The biggest disadvantage when it comes to brick is the rough surface as well as the fact that it tends to retain heat.

Stone is another charming alternative to swimming pool coping.  It is a material sought out for pools coping as it is tough, attractive and stays cool even in the hottest of temperatures.  The main disadvantage with natural stone pool coping is the cost associated with purchasing and installing it.

When it comes to commercial pool coping, safety grip is a popular option.  Safety grip coping is created using a concrete base that minimizes slipping with increased grip.  Many public swimming areas will use safety grip coping to help create a slip resistant surface for their swimmers.

Pool coping materials should be chosen based up your climate, the pools use as well as maintenance time and costs.  The style of the coping is something that needs to be considered as well.  There are four main types of coping styles including bull-nose, cantilevered, rolled edge and rough cut.  Bull-nose coping offers a flat surface with a rolled edge, cantilevered coping offers a straight angle drop to the water, rolled edge offers an upward curve, and rough cut which is often flat.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Updating A Newly Purchased Home

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Purchasing a home is the most incredible investment anyone can make.  When you own a home you are in charge of creating a space that is all your own.  The problem for new homeowners is that this can be an expensive endeavor.  Here are a few low cost improvements that can be done with the help of a general home contractor or by doing it yourself.

The biggest change one can make within a home without spending a ton of money is through the use of paint.  It is inexpensive and easy for most homeowners to do on their own.  General handyman service companies can be hired fairly inexpensively as well to achieve the same results if talent and time are an issue for homeowners.  A coat of fresh paint transforms any house on the interior or exterior.  Update any part of your home with the use of paint.

Flooring is another way homeowners bring new life to their homes without breaking the bank.  New carpet is relatively inexpensive as is refinishing hardwood flooring.  Ceramic flooring is a relatively inexpensive option to bring to life old linoleum floors.   The great thing about flooring is that it can be updated in stages.  Consider doing one room each quarter until you have updated the entire home.  Start with the areas in the home that are most visible and move on from there.   Flooring contractors can often get a better deal on flooring than everyday homeowners so if looking to redo your entire homes flooring consult a flooring expert.  This is especially true with hardwood flooring contractors as well as contractors that lay ceramic tile.

Landscaping is another area in which homeowners can update their homes relatively inexpensively.  Your homes curb appeal is something that should never be ignored.  Landscaping that has become outdated should be updated. When you can tell the year a home was built by the way the home is landscaped then it is overdue for a landscape makeover.  Your landscape should continue to evolve with your home throughout the time you live there.  Maintain the landscape, upgrade accessories and be conscience of changes in style.  Never make drastic changes; simple changes are more effective then large changes especially when it comes to landscaping.

Another major improvement for homes that can save you a ton of money without costing you a ton is with the addition of insulation.  Many homes are poorly insulated leading to loss of heat and air conditioning.  This increases homeowner’s monthly bills.  Adding insulation lowers monthly heating and cooling expenses without too much expense.

Update your kitchen.  This does not mean do a complete kitchen renovation however it does mean taking a look at the space and update the outdated areas within your space.  This can be done with a fresh coat of paint, some new faucets and updated hardware.  Even small kitchen updates can completely transform an outdated space into one that is modern and more accommodating.

Owning a home is a large expense in itself; updating your home doesn’t have to be.

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.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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The Road To Purchasing Quality Kitchen Cutlery

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The road to finding the perfect kitchen cutlery is not one that has to be complicated or expensive.  Buying quality kitchen knives isn’t about purchasing an expensive set of knives; it is all about the basics.  The most important tip is to purchase knives that fit and feel right in your hand.  It will not matter what the latest chef is endorsing or what celebrity name accompanies the knife block set, what matters most is how it feels when you are using it.

The basics are important when buying cutlery.  When it comes to the assembly of a kitchen knife there are four basic components to every knife; the front of the knife, the tang, the bolster and the handle.  Each component offers a unique benefit to the user.

The front of the knife contains the knife blade, spine, tip and heel.  The part that cuts is the knife blade.  This is the sharpest part of the knife and is incredibly important to the knife’s use.  The spine of the knife is the area opposite of the blade.  The spine is used to add stability and weight to the blade and is the area in which you can add pressure when cutting without the worry of slicing your hand. The knife tip is the area that comes to a point on the end of the blade.  The tip is perfect for smaller cuts and for help in opening packages that are difficult to open.

The knife tang is the metal piece that extends from the knife blade that the handle attaches to.  The tang, along with the spine are the pieces of the knife that offer balance and weight.  Without the tang the knife would be too front heavy for proper use.

The knife bolster is the area on the knife that looks like a collar that separates the handle from the blade.  The collar is an important part of the knife as it acts as a guard for your fingers against possible slipping when cutting with the knife.  In knives the bolster can run all the way from the spine to the edge or on a partial way.  Quality knives for the kitchen will have a bolster.  Knives without bolsters are not a good choice for use in the kitchen.

Kitchen knives can be purchase with handles made out of several different materials.  The importance when choosing a knife handle material is how it feels in your hand as you are cutting with it.  Note that just because you choose a paring knife with a plastic handle this does not mean that all of your cutlery will feel best with plastic handles.  In cutlery it is okay to mix and match to meet your preferences.  Look at all the options in materials for your knife handles including wood, composite, stainless steel and plastic.

When seriously looking to purchase kitchen knives it is a good option to go to several department stores to test out the different options and to see what fits your needs.  When purchasing kitchen cutlery look online. Many online knife specialty stores offer the same knives as department stores at a discounted price.  Online shopping for knives is a great way to get the cutlery you are looking for without breaking the bank.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including kitchen cutlery and top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Knife Mule

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