Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 312

Sprucing Up Your Home With New Window Treatments

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are looking to spruce up a room one of the most inexpensive ways to handle this is to upgrade the homes window treatments. Below are some tips to effectively go about choosing new custom window treatments for your rooms and home.

One tip to remember is that minimal is in when it comes to covering the windows in your home. Taking away thick, heavy window coverings and replacing them with simple light colored blinds or shades.

Another tip is to include natural light in your design.  This is especially true when it comes to kitchens and bathroom window treatments.  Using pleated shades offer privacy but allow plenty of natural light and lightness when closed.

Another easy window treatment trend is the use of up to date current colors in contemporary tones.  Neutral shades and blinds give any room a cozy warm feel and allow the space to look up to date while mixing well with color on the walls or furniture.

Another current window treatment trend is adding in natural materials and textures such as wood, bamboo and other fibers found within nature. This adds dimension while keeping colors neutral in the rooms overall design.

Window treatments don’t have to be complicated to be custom, up to date and modern.  When looking into updating rooms consider adding some neutral blinds and shades to lighten the environment that can play well when mixed with current trends in color and personal style.

Comfort Blinds

Does Your Website Represent Your Business Today?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Does your current website reflect your business?  This happens when you have had a website that has been running for years; it suddenly looks completely outdated and indeed needs a facelift.  There are many ways to evaluate your site to determine if it could use a bit of attention.

1)       How is your current site ranking within search engines?  If your search rankings are not showing up like they previously had it might be time to look at the sites design that is not visible.  Meta tag changes are just as important as the visual changes in website design.  Search engine optimization is a key element in your website design.

2)      When you pull up your website do you feel it accurately reflects your business?  If your business has grown or changed at all it is important that those changes are reflected within your website.  You want to make sure that the site is keeping up with your growing markets and that it is keeping pace with the industry.

3)      Another aspect to consider is the changes in technology that have happened since your website was programmed.  Is the site compatible with newer browsers or mobile applications?  This can be a common problem with so many people accessing information with mobile devices.  It is important to make sure your site is able to been seen when clients are using their phones and other devices.

4)      One more thing to consider is if the images on your site take longer than two seconds to load.  It is proven that web users are impatient and want instant gratification.  If it is taking forever for the images to load within your site they will close out and go elsewhere.

These are just a few of the many reasons to look into a website redesign.  Most business owners have a difficult time being impartial when it comes to marketing their business online or in print.  It is important to get several opinions on your website and the design when considering the growth of your company.  Online marketing campaigns can do a lot for your business however if your site is still missing something or lacking luster you could be losing potential clients.

Creative Programs and Systems

The Benefits Of Aluminum Handicap Ramps

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you or someone you care for using a wheelchair, walker or scooter for mobility than a handicap ramp is an absolute necessity for your home.  The most desirable ramp is not only based upon initial costs but consider the big picture. When installing a ramp consider that it will need to be maintained as well as need to be adjusted from time to time as well as possibly removed at some point.  The ramp may not be a structure that is meant to be permanent.  This will all play a role in the type of accessible ramp you choose for your home.

Aluminum Handicap Ramps

I personally think it is best to look at all the advantage that aluminum handicap ramps posses when determining what style ramp to use for you or your loved one to enter and exit the home environment.

1)      Aluminum handicap ramps can be incredibly versatile.  Any type of landing can be accommodated with an aluminum ramp.  This is also true if the ramp needs to be re-configured later on down the road should you move or need to change the place the ramp is installed at.

2)      Handicap ramps that are aluminum are durable and strong.  This quality exists even though they are lightweight.  Another benefit that comes with this lightweight durable material, aluminum, is that the upkeep and maintenance is non-existent. Wooden handicap ramps, although beautiful, are difficult to maintain.

3)      Aluminum handicap ramp installation is cheaper as the time required to build and install these ramps is half that of wooden ramps.  The other benefit is that often a permit does not need to be pulled to add on an aluminum handicap ramp where as a wooden ramp requires building permits and inspections.  It is best to check with your local government offices to determine if a permit is required.

4)      Whatever your need be it a modular ramp, a folding ramp or a ramp to rent aluminum handicap ramps have an option available for you.   That is another benefit of aluminum handicap ramps is that there is always one to meet your need.

A professional handicap ramp installation expert will evaluate your home to help you determine exactly what you need and the best route to go when purchasing a ramp that meets all of your or your loved ones needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Navigating Through The Challenging Maze Of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Policies

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Choosing a Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan is one of the many decisions that need to be made upon turning sixty-five or qualifying for Medicare.  The problem is that without ever having Medicare coverage before you probably are having a difficult time determining where the gap will be for your needs.  Medicare Part A and Part B cover only basic physician and hospital coverage.  The rest is up to you to obtain at a premium from individual insurance companies. The best option is to shop around and research the options available to you within Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

The one thing to remember when purchasing Medicare Supplemental Insurance is that no matter what company you choose to purchase the insurance from the coverage will remain the same.  The coverage is the same the premium however may not be the same. This is the part that you really need to be careful about.  The government regulates the policies so every plan x from every insurance company is the same the difference is in the premium.

There are several ways to gain information on Medicare Supplement Insurance.  One of the best methods is to view and compare plans, rates and insurance companies online.  This gives you the chance to see the options within the plan and consider how each plan affects you and your lifestyle.  From there you have the opportunity to see several insurance companies’ premiums and you can decide from there what option is the best for you.

Senior Health Direct

Snow and Ice Removal Services Throughout Livingston County

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Like it or now old man winter is right around the corner.  The leaves are falling and the air is getting crispy.  Every year before the season begins business and residential clients start asking about snow removal and snow plowing services that are offered throughout Livingston County.

For us here at Bladerunners we like our new and returning customers to know and understand the way we look at snow and ice throughout the winter. From the first snow fall to the last we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of your family or clients as we do our own.  Melting snow leads to ice quickly. This is why Bladerunners team of experts work quickly and throughout the night and day to offer initial services and then ice and snow removal and maintenance.

During the season we use a combination of tools and procedures to provide the best snow plowing at the time of need.  We use heavy duty trucks and skidsteers to clear parking lots.  We also provide services that allow us to clear walkways and courtyards.  Everyone knows that the snow melts and leads to ice buildup. At Bladerunners we use preventative measures as well as time effective ones to melt the snow and ice and prevent a refreeze from happening.  All of the chemicals that we use are safe for pets and are non-corrosive.

As a storm passes and lots are initially cleared our team will do a post-storm evaluation on your property to continue making sure your environment is free of residual hazards. We offer a variety of packages at all price levels.  Give us a call today and ensure Bladrunners will be able to service your needs this winter – (810) 923-5111.

Bladerunners Landscape

Important Issues To Face With Aging In Place Safety

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When it comes to the aging population and the issues they face many come to mind that are worthy of upgrading but two in particular that are important to consider immediately.  The installation of bathroom safety features such as a barrier frees hower and grab bars as stabilizers as well as having an aluminum handicap rampinstallation service company to install a ramp designed for your home and porch.
The most important matter in ageing in place is to create the safest environment possible for loved ones. A barrier free shower allows for an individual’s privacy and safety needs to be met.  Often barrier free showers accommodate walking aides such as wheelchairs & walkers and offer seating to accommodate legs that cannot stand long.  The shower head is one that can be removed and held by hand to reach those hard to get spots and be within reach of the individual.
Aluminum handicap ramp installation to the homes porch and entrances is important to allow the freedom of entering and exiting the home without barriers even when assisted with walking aides such as a walker, cane or wheel chair.  Aging in place is all about creating a space that allows for freedom and safety.  Consider these two options when looking at ways to upgrade the space in which you or your loved one with age within.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Preparing Your Furnace For Winter

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Tis’ the season to make sure your furnace and home heating systems are working efficiently.  Home heating contractors work towards maintain your systems to avoid costly emergency repairs that often occur during the most in opportune times.  The last thing homeowners needs is their furnace to be down during a cold snap or winter storm.

Home heating contractors do early furnace maintenance and tune-ups on home heating systems anytime throughout the year however are more common in the fall months leading into winter.  A furnace tune-up is much like something that would be done to any piece of equipment such as a car or computer. A tune-up makes sure all systems are functioning within top efficiency, updates are done and mechanics are checked for wear, rust, dust and dirt buildup.  The furnace is then cleaned, filters changed and programmed for the season.

The process of yearly furnace maintenance is much cheaper than the cost of an average furnace repair and could eliminate the need for future furnace repairs.  Maintenance is the key to keeping most mechanical systems within the home in check and your heating and cooling system works no differently.  Call to have your system evaluated and tuned up today by a licensed HVAC contractor.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Is Furnace Repair and Hiring Home Heating Contractors Better Than Home Heating Replacement?

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Whenever homeowners have problems with their furnace, they often look at replacement services, rather than calling a home heating contractor to come out and take a look. If homeowners knew how inexpensive it is to pay forFurnace Repair, they would probably not want to pay for an entirely new heater. Fortunately, you are reading this article and you will now know how it is inexpensive and profitable to pay for Home Heating Contractors to come out and repair your furnace, rather than purchasing a brand-new furnace.

Brand-new furnaces cost thousands of dollars
A brand-new furnace is going to cost you thousands of dollars or maybe even tens of thousands of dollars. This is not something that you want to fork out money for right away. Furnaces don’t often increase the resale value of homes, because a furnace is expected in the home. You can advertise when selling the house that there is a brand-new furnace inside, but don’t expect this to increase the resale value by very much. Unless you find a specific buyer that is enthusiastic about the presence of this heater, it will not raise the resell value by much more than a couple thousand dollars, which is basically what you paid for it. So what do you do if you want to increase the resell value while still getting an affordable furnace for your home? Instead of buying a brand-new furnace that is going to cost you thousands of dollars, you pay for furnace repair services. These are repair services provided by home heating contractors that can do a professional job for you.

Home heating contractors are inexpensive and paid by the hour
Home heating contractors often charge their clients by the hour, so you don’t have to pay a huge price to have your furnace repaired. If the job is relatively easy and it only takes them an hour or two, they will be done in no time. What does this mean for you as the homeowner? It means that you are going to have a working furnace that is functional and not expensive to have repaired and it will be done within a short period of time. You can call home heating contractors right away and find out about the furnace repair services that they offer. This is a great way to get an estimate on the costs so that you know what exactly it is going to cost you in the long run. This is important when you’re comparing the prices of a brand-new furnace to furnace repair services.

Furnace repair companies are available everywhere!
What are the benefits to hiring a furnace repair company and their home heating contractors? They are available all around the world! There are furnace repair companies everywhere that you go. Regardless of where you live, there is bound to be one in your local neighborhood. You can check online, check Craigslist, check Angie’s List and lots of other websites to find a local heating company that can provide you with affordable furnace repair.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Privacy Found With Window Treatments

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

No matter where you live privacy is found when you close your blinds and shades for the evening.  It is true no matter if you are living in the city or in the country the minute your window treatments close for the night your privacy is found.  No matter what type of windows you have there is a custom window treatment that offers privacy for you.

Difficult window are often left uncovered just for the simple reason that no one ever knows what to do to cover them.  Take for instance French doors.  They are beautiful and let a lot of light come in during the day.  This is why we are drawn to them within our homes.  The same reason we want to add shades or blinds that do not take away from their beauty.  Today though it is possible to add blinds or shades that disappear into themselves so that during the day you have the beauty you crave and at night you have the privacy you need.

To find out more about ways to add custom window treatments including designer blinds and shades to any window you find yourself in a dilemma with check out custom window treatment options online at www.ComfortBlinds.com/.

Comfort Blinds

Things to Do to Save Money during a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel Project

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Whenever you are going to do a Kitchen Remodel or Bathroom Remodel, there are some things that you need to do to save money. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of my favorite DIY suggestions that can save you a great deal of money during a renovation. These are suggestions that revolve around countertops, flooring, cupboards, sinks, faucets and all sorts of other components to a kitchen or bathroom.

Instead of replacing, sand and stain the kitchen or bathroom cupboards
When you are doing a kitchen remodel or a bathroom remodel, you should always consider sanding and staining your old cupboards instead of just replacing them. Replacing cupboards can be one of the most expensive things to do. It often takes a ton of money, sometimes even tens of thousands of dollars. This is not money that you want to spend during a kitchen remodel a bathroom remodel. It’s unnecessary when you could just remodel your old cupboards to make them look like they were brand-new once again. Fortunately, sanding cupboards is fairly easy to accomplish and once you have done it, you can easily apply a coat of paint or stain to make them look fresh and exciting.

Consider laminate rather than hardwood
A lot of homeowners today are looking to install hardwood in their homes. The problem with hardwood is not that it is a bad product, it’s that it is very expensive. Instead of putting hardwood in your home, why not use a high-quality laminate? You can purchase laminate at very affordable prices online, there are many online sites that can offer you great discounts and savings. The benefit to laminate over hardwood is that it is very inexpensive and it can sometimes be just as durable. Laminate can hold up very well, provided that you take care of it. It’s a perfect flooring option for a kitchen or bathroom, especially if you purchase a high quality laminate instead of going with the cheap stuff.

Find a nice backsplash for the kitchen and bathroom
A backsplash can make the kitchen and bathroom look drastically different. It will make your kitchen and bathroom look like a completely new environment. Pick out a good quality backsplash to use while you are renovating. This will help you substantially and it will make you feel great about what you have accomplished. Try to find colors for the backsplash that are going to match the room and the decor. Make sure that it matches your cupboards, countertop and other features of the room.

Granite is not always necessary when you can go for an alternative
Granite is a very expensive product to put in your home. When you’re using granite as a countertop, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are actually alternatives to granite that can still look great. Some alternatives include sprays that you can get at your local hardware store that you can spray onto your old countertop that it is designed to replicate granite. It will add a nice texture to the countertop and it will make you look brand-new.

APS