Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 316

A Look Into Closed Circuit Television Monitoring

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

In a world of ever changing technology people are encouraged to look at their residential and commercial alarm systems. Thieves are becoming more technologically advanced in their methods and finding new, innovate ways into the private, secure environment you have within your home or business. This is why it has never been more important to look into and have installed more modern technology to secure your loved ones and valuable possessions.

One piece of technology that is being used more often today is the CCTV DVR. If you are not familiar with this technology what it stands for is Closed Captioned TV Digital Video Recorder. This system takes images and records them sending the recording to monitors and televisions hooked into the monitoring system. CCTV DVR systems have an incredibly large capacity to store and restore images into a non-public entity. This is why this type of innovative technology is being installed and used in more business and homes than ever before.

As you research different options in alarms and monitoring systems you will come to see that CCTV DVR is one of the simplest and safest monitoring software to rely information back when needed. This type of system can be used in basically any type of setting that needs monitoring that is stored and able to be recovered easily.

Before installation begins of a closed caption television digital video recorder you must make sure that it will cover the entire location that you are aiming to monitor. You will want to look into features for the software that are important for the recorders application. Check for a day and night vision recorder, the resolution of the recording, the number of days that can be recorded and stored, how it will be accessed and a budget for your security system.

A monitoring system will not eliminate the need for an alarm system combined the two make an effective security system for your home or business. With a CCTV DVR system there are different ways in which recordings are done. The system records when it detects motion or any change in the environment or when an alarm triggers it. There are features available that will allow you to see the date and time as well on the recording.

Together a CCTV DVR monitoring system and an alarm system can be used together as effective tools against theft and promote security in your home and business. Today when thieves are becoming ever more technologically savvy it is more important than ever to have advanced security and monitoring systems to protect your family, possessions and business endeavors.

A CCTV DVR system allows you to have visible access within the allotted monitoring space anytime day or night. Whether you are monitoring employees when you can’t be around to supervise or children that are being cared for inside your home by a nanny your mind will be put at ease. The nice thing about type of monitoring and alarm system is that it can be installed within most every budget and space restriction.

All Star Alarm

High End Home Improvements On A Budget

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Everyone has advice on ways to improve your home. Home improvements come in all shapes, sizes and budgets when it comes to a person’s home. You can improve your home by enhancing your kitchen with some new hardware for the cabinets, a visible home improvement. A less noticeable way but much needed home improvement includes adding a home security system. This article will explore various home improvements that completely change the look and feel of your home and those that change the way you feel when you are in your home.

The first home improvement that I like to explore is home security. There are a variety of home alarms on the market that allow you home to be monitored and secured when you are at home or away. Besides the standard door locks’ being changed when you purchase a new home it is important to have a home security professional out to advise you on a security system set up for your home.

The smaller the budget the better I say when it comes to improvements within the home because it makes us get creative and use items we have on hand. My favorite home improvement that packs a huge punch under a hundred dollars comes in the kitchen. Often time’s cupboards are dated while appliances are changed and improved upon over the lifetime of the space. A coat of black paint made to the edges of the cupboards or middle piece can make old oak country cabinets updated and modern. This along with some new hardware completely changes the look of the area under a hundred bucks and leaves you a happy homeowner.

Another inexpensive improvement is something that changes each room in your home at the cost of about thirty bucks a gallon. Painting your home is the quickest, most inexpensive route to change and improve upon the existing space. A little fresh color makes every room pop. Adding a bit of flair to the home using bolder colors really improves the home.

A favorite home improvement if mine is the installation of ceiling fans. I am a huge fan of reducing energy bills and adding to the look of each room. Ceiling fans add circulation and help to cool the home throughout the summer months. Throughout the winter the fan can be reversed pushing the warm air down into the living space. This combined with adding a unique look to each room makes a ceiling fan another inexpensive home improvement project.

Major home improvements such as furnace installation and central air conditioning are important as our items on the exterior of the home. Homeowners have the ability to choose where their improvement dollars go when it come to their home. Function and safety are often projects that come before the addition of the frills and decorative changes. The end goal remains the same in any project that combines your house and family; improve the space to improve the overall enjoyment of time spent within the space.

All Star Alarm

Choosing The Best Roofing Material For Your Climate

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to replacing your homes roof the first decision usually is regarding the type of roofing material that will be used. This article will give you tips on different materials you can choose from for your new roof to ensure you get something long lasting and durable that will stand the test of time.

The first consideration to make when choosing a material to use for your roof is the temperature and climate that you live in. If you live in a place where the climate is mostly hot asphalt shingles will not hold up well whereas a variable climate with four seasons they are one of the most durable options. The other nice thing is that asphalt shingling comes are offered in a variety of grades that also come with warranties to back them. This is something you will want to look into with the roofing contractor that you hire to install the new roof.

Another thing to consider when choosing material for your roof is how you might make your home more energy efficient and eco friendly. One option that lends itself to energy efficiency and eco friendly is wood shakes. Wood shakes are a material that will help hold the heat in your home. While this feature is attractive one con to consider is the durability and fact you will do much maintenance and have more roofs replaced when using this material. No matter what material you use make sure that you examine the how environmentally friendly the material used is along with the roofing contractor.

If you live in an area where heat is extreme and insects are an issue a good choice in roofing material for your home is clay tile. Tile roofing is often a pricier option and can be difficult to install because the tiles break easily. Clay tiles though are considered environmentally friendly and are otherwise an incredibly durable option for homes where freezing temperatures are not an issue.

If you are looking for a low maintenance, easy to maintain, long lasting option in roofing consider a metal roof. This option is costly however the benefit is that your roof is basically maintenance free and last two times longer than traditional asphalt shingling. Once metal roofing is installed it will be a long time before you need to worry about it again. This material also holds up well in a mixed climate and can handle drastic changes in temperature.

Make sure you take into consideration the look and style of the home when choosing roofing material options as well. Color is another thing to consider with the style of your home and roofing material choice you make. Shingles come in a variety of colors as well as architecturally deep textures and layered looks. Metal roofing comes in a few colors and the selection is growing as the popularity of the product continues to grow. The main goal is to make sure you are informed about the materials being installed on your roof in regards to maintenance, upkeep and long term product and labor warranties. An informed consumer is the best kind of consumer.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Hiring A Professional Saves Time and Money In The Long Run

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to building a new home or having home improvements done on your home it is important to research before you jump into the project. This also refers to project on the exterior of the home such as the roof. Whether you are putting on the homes first roof or replacing an existing roof you will want to educate yourself fully on the process. This way if you realize that there is much more involved than you thought, you can save time and money and hire a professional roofing contractor.

You may ask why it is important to have a well-constructed roof installed. Is it really that important to the home? Yes, the roof is the most important component of your home. Without care and proper installation homes can experience water damage or a variety of other issues. A new shingle roof, installed by a professional will cost you more than doing it yourself however without proper knowledge homeowners can easily forget valuable steps in installing the roof in order to save some money upfront. Consider that if an error is made to have it fixed is sometimes more costly than having it done by a professional from the start. However if you are set on going it alone here are some steps to follow.

If you are replacing an old roof remove the asphalt shingles. Much has been written about leaving the old shingles on the roof and applying the new roof on top of it. This is not necessarily the best option. When you strip away the layer of shingles you are able to assess the condition of the current foundation before adding on shingles.
When looking at the roof foundation check the plywood out and look specifically for any water damage that may have occurred. Any damage should be repaired by replacing the affected boards and applying all new materials for the damaged section of roof.
Examine the drip edges that are in place on the current roof. If there aren’t any to be found install them, if the ones installed are in rough shape replace them. They need to be place all along the roof line including on the bottom and sides of the roof. They can easily be kept in place with roofing nails.
The next step is to install a felt paper to the plywood foundation of the roof. A fifteen pound felt paper can be put in place using a simple staple gun. This helps to protect the roof from building up moisture.
The first step when it comes to the actual asphalt shingles is to place a starter strip of shingles in place. This will be unseen and provides a strip to prevent water from seeping in between the notches in the shingles.
The installation should begin in a bottom corner of your roof moving to the right and then up. Each shingle should be put into place with a roofing nail just below the tar strip. You will want to stagger the shingles not allowing them to line up perfectly. If they line up they will leak damaging the roofing below.
Any obstructions should have the roofing tiles cut around them and then tar will need to be used to seal them.
Shingles should be nailed in until you reach the top. A ridge cap will be applied to the top. Tar needs to be applied to the corners of all of the ridge cap shingles to hold them in place properly.

As you can see there is a lot to installing an asphalt shingle roof. Consider the pros and cons of any home improvement project before you embark on the adventure. There are times when doing it yourself makes sense. Other times though you will find in the long run you could have saved time and money hiring a professional. Installing a new roof might just be one of those times when hiring a professional is cheaper in the long run.

Comfort Blinds

Innovative Ways To Improve Your Home

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Many home-improvement jobs can be done without a professional. Homeowners are able to achieve much more than they believe they can on their own when it comes to improving the look and feel of your home. Often times a big change can happen on a small budget. Using home design books and tips from the internet will help you get a supply list together for any project that can be done around your home for a big impact to be had. Below is a list of home improvements to look into that make a big impact on a budget.

The bedroom is a great starter place for home improvements. Building a new bed frame or re-doing the current one always adds new life to the bedroom. Something else that adds a big impact is a change in color and bedding. Adding texture to the walls or using depth with alternating colors is often a statement in the bedroom. By adding a mirror above a dresser you can add a lot of character as well. Whether you need help hanging a mirror or refinishing a bed the internet will be a good source for ideas and directions.

Another way to change up a room’s character is with the addition of custom window treatments. I would leave designing the blinds and shades to the experts and look into installing the window treatments on your own to save on money. Consider the statement and function of your current window treatments; what do they say about the space? Custom window treatments give a room character while possession a function within your home.

An example I will give is in my daughter’s recent bedroom renovation. She wanted layers of window treatments. We knew she needed a dark room to fall asleep in but also that room darkening shades are not stylish for a pre-teen room. In order to mix both her needs and her wants we looked online and found a company that sells cellular shades that are single celled and offer a blackout effect when used. They also disappear into themselves during the day. We installed them with the sheer layering of curtains and valance every pre-teen dreams of and at night the bonus is she can sleep.

Speaking of home improvements where children are involved and do it you self project; consider them when it comes to your project. Kids love to help and it is often a hassle to keep them occupied while you are busy improving the home. Consider involving them in a project that they can complete with minimal supervision. Make them the supervisor of their project and have them take ownership and responsibility for seeing it through.

For my daughter she was in charge of building two frames with plywood backer. We pre-measured and cut the items for her. She was in charge of painting and putting them together as well as hanging them. One is used as a chalkboard and the other as a cork board. Something simple to work on that kept her out of hair while we painted, redid her bed frame and installed new window treatments.

A simple home improvement project that will help in homes where pipes are in crawl spaces or under sinks with little insulation is by adding pipe insulation. This is simple, cheap and effective in preventing pipes freezing gin the winter and sweating in the summer. Both which can cause damage to the structures around the pipes over time if not dealt with.

Many home improvement projects can be done by home owners willing to put in the seat equity to get the results desired. Bigger home improvement projects such as new roofs and barrier free improvements might be where I would call in the professionals but for the minor household improvements most homeowners can handle them easily on their own.

Comfort Blinds

Window Treatments For Windows That Are Hard To Fit

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

When you begin your search for new window treatments it can often be difficult to figure out exactly what type of blind or shade will work on the type of windows you have. This article will give you some tips on choosing blinds and shades for your home and various windows.

French Doors: When it comes to window treatments on French doors there are several option to look into. Curtains are an option although they block the view and often are inconvenient when it comes to the doors function. It is better to view French doors as a window rather than a door. It makes adding window treatments simpler. Another tip is to keep with the treatments already used in the room to offer a united look and feel to the room. Cellular shades are often the best option as they come in a variety of materials from sheer to complete room darkening. You can easily install hold down brackets at the bottom of the door to hold the shade in place. They allow for the shade to be opened easily.
Windows with a View: If your yard backs to a beautiful view the last thing you want to do is to block the view. I love looking at the river outside of the back windows however I do like privacy from boaters as the evening winds down. A great option for spaces that offer a great view in custom window treatments is the honeycomb shade. This shade offers the option of opening and closing from both the top and bottom as well as offering the ability to pull up into itself so that the window looks as if there is no window treatment in place at all.
Arches: When it comes to having window treatments installed in window arches the best option is a custom designed honeycomb shade. It will literally fan out into a semi-circle. These can be ordered in room darkening or light filtering materials depending on the desired effect in the room.
Sliding Doors: Vertical blinds are still a very popular option when it comes to sliding doors. Another window treatment to look into is sliding panels. It is important that the room’s window treatments are consistent. If you have sliding doors consider the other treatments in the room before settling. If you are using sheers throughout the rest of the room it is okay and consistent to use sheers on the door wall.
Windows with Harsh Sun Rays: Sunscreen Roller Shades are a great option when looking to insulate a room against harsh sun rays. They offer protection from the sun as well as the heat the sun emits.

A room with new window treatments is immediately changed and upgraded. When we move in we started with low end mini blinds that offered privacy while we slowly made head way in each room in the house. There are so many lovely options in window blinds and shades available online with easy tips on measuring to ensure you are purchasing the proper size for your windows. Online window treatments are also incredibly cost effective especially when redoing more than one room.

Comfort Blinds

The Secrets to SEO Revealed

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Online businesses becoming aware that they need to have a presence to be successful in the economic business environment we are in. The question remains how? The answer to this question is search engine optimization. This includes a great detail of things such as a well designed, easy to use website that directly links key words and phrases associated with your business throughout the site.

It also requires that the web designer be knowledgeable in placing quality META tags on your site. META tags that are unique to each website page and content on the page. SEO also encompasses getting your companies URL out and about on the web within other pages that are highly ranked and trusted by top search engines. This article will give you some basic SEO tips to get you on your way to a long last online impression.

The first piece of advice is to commit to the SEO process. You will not achieve the results you are looking for treating SEO like it is a onetime event. Things online change quite a bit and so do search algorithms. The key to success is longevity.
Results require patience. Don’t expect to see results over night. If you do see results overnight you are likely to soon see those results disappear as your site will quickly become blacklisted.
If you hire a company to do SEO for you ask about the process they use. After you meet with them go online and do some research about the techniques they use. This will give you an idea on if the company is using ethical techniques to get your site ranked.
Define your SEO goals before you begin. Don’t be overzealous be realistic when deciding what you are looking for out of your SEO results and the time frame to achieve these goals.
Again, a quality site will speak for itself when it comes to SEO and the site rankings you achieve. Quality content that is not cluttered with key words and instead is informative to the business will rank better than sites with little content and filler.
Sitemaps are important in allowing search engines crawl your site. Make sure that your site has a sitemap set up.
When considering URL’s watch the length. Use relative keywords in the URL but limit the length. Anything over three hyphens appears to be spam when it comes to search engines.
Spend advertising dollars on a PPC account. Pay per click offers more visibility, quicker to tide over business until natural search engine rankings take over.
Create links on sites that are ranked well. Seek links from authorities in your industry.
Create a blog and use it. Also participate in other industry blogs.
Social media is another aspect to look into. Make sure you are adding valuable content that will not be considered spam.
Diversify the way you traffic sources to your URL. One day it might work but when algorithms change what worked wonderfully to begin with may leave you without an online presence. Create an online following with your presence. This will help diversify your presence enough that if the way search engines find your business changes it should be easy enough to ride the wave.

SEO is not an exact science. No matter what you are told by anybody results are not instant and take time to be achieved. Once results are achieved the balance can be overturned quickly with a change in the search algorithms so be prepared to have a long term relationship planned with your businesses SEO.

Creative Programs and Systems

Barrier Free Living Tips For All Seniors

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

What is the number one rule seniors give when asked why they want to stay living within their own home? Would you be surprised if I told you the main reason is so that they do not want to live with anyone or anywhere that they aren’t living by their own rules. If you or your loved one is in that group of seniors looking to stay independent and continue to live by their own rules this article will give you some insight on changes to consider in the home.

It is important to consider all aspects that will affect the quality of life individuals lead in regards to their safety, comfort and accessibility given that their mobility will become limited and may need to accommodate a walker or wheelchair in the future.

Entryways and thresholds are an important aspect in getting around and in and out of the house. First consider the entrance to the home. Are there steps that present an obstacle? If so how many steps are there? A fair amount of aging adults add a wheelchair ramps on to existing porches to ease the entry and exiting of the home. Aluminum handicap ramp installers can add ramps on to most an existing space to add safety to coming and going once mobility is limited to wheelchairs, walkers or just to ease the wear knees take using steps.

Look at the entry to the garage and the amount of room for exiting the vehicle. An automatic garage door opener should be put into place for ease of use and security. Having a garage that is accessed via remote allows for the senior to enter the garage without exiting the car and then close the garage before exiting the car. This offers security and convenience to aging adults.

Another space to consider is the bathroom. So many age in place modifications can take place to make the bathroom a safer place for individuals loosing mobility and muscle control. Grab bars are an essential in the shower and around the toilet area. If possible a barrier free shower should be installed that allows access without having to step over a barrier. Also increased toilet height makes it easier to get on and off of the toilet for individuals with weaker muscles.

Bedrooms are a place where extra space and a minimalistic approach to furniture should be taken. A bed with ample space on either side and of the bed to get in and out easily and have room for walkers and wheelchairs once they are needed, if they are needed. Make sure lighting is well within arm’s reach and that the closet and drawers have pulls which allow them to be easily opened.

Check the outside of the house as well. Make sure lawn care is easily maintained or hire a company that can come in and take care of these jobs when it becomes too much to handle and take care of properly. In a recent study taken by the AARP, eighty two percent of individuals want to remain within the comfort of their own homes for as long as they possibly can. If you or someone you love wants to stay living in their home these tips and more can make the home the safest possible place for aging.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Helping Seniors Age With Grace

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

The key to aging is an old age mystery to many including how to go about it gracefully without becoming needy upon others. Many people fail to do this for one reason or another. Sometimes illness strikes, often times an injury happens and frequently aging just becomes overly strenuous for individuals. The secret is to manage aging with grace and dignity all while keeping yourself happy, healthy and living independently. In the article below you will find some tidbits to help you along the way.

The first tip is to start with your home. I know this is a weird aging tip however this is one that will truly pay off in the long run saving you on accidental falls and independent living. This process should start when as you remodel the home you are in as your children start leaving the nest.

When you begin to start remodeling spaces throughout the home start putting in place age in place solutions such as barrier free showers and increase doorways widths. This will benefit you as it becomes necessary to use devices to help your mobility such as walkers and wheel chairs. Simple steps such as removing throw rugs can help prevent tripping. All these steps help with aging mobility and keeping you safe as you age. Age in place remodeling is my number one tip to staying youthful and preventing aging disabilities.

Another thing you can do to help slow down aging or make it more bearable is to keep fit and remain active. Not only will remaining fit and active help with the challenges in mobility as we age but also will help keep your mind focused. Exercise also helps to keep you feeling well and looking your best at any age but is especially important in the aging process. Pick one activity you love, maybe it is hiking or playing tennis and get out there and enjoy it with friends.

Eating right is another huge step in the right direction to help individuals age well. Choose foods with increased vitamins and substantial quality staying away from sugar and foods with a high fat content. Think about possibly growing your own garden. Organic food is incredibly healthy and gardening is a terrific way to stay youthful and active.

One part often overlooked when it comes to aging is mental stability. This is so important when it comes to aging. Mobility is needed but without your mind being healthy life becomes increasingly difficult. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Many people start doing puzzles and playing games that involve strategy. Starting hanging out with the grandkids as they play the wii. The wii is a terrific console that combines the mind and body. Keeping your mind sharp will help you through the aging process as well.

The last thing we want as we age is to become a burden to ourselves, our family or our friends. It is important to age with dignity and to keep independent for as long as one possible can. This presents a variety of challenges, some of which I addressed above, that can be conquered with the motivation to age gracefully.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Filling The Voids Left With Medicare Part A and B With Medigap Insurance

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

When a participant becomes eligible for Medicare and is enrolled in Medicare Part A and B there is usually a gap left between what expenses are covered and those that are not. This is where the purchase of Medicare Supplemental Insurance, often know as Medigap, becomes important. Medicare Supplemental Plans are sanctioned by the federal government. This means that the coverage for one Supplemental Plan G and another Supplemental G purchased from two different insurance companies is the same.

No matter where you purchase the supplemental plan the coverage is the same. The price you pay might not be as that is set by individual private insurance companies. That agreement is set up between you and the insurance company. Payment for you premium goes directly to the insurance company and not to the government. This is why it is important not only to shop for the plan that best suits your lifestyle but also an insurance company that you trust and feel comfortable with.

A question that is often asked is who should consider adding on supplemental insurance along with Medicare Part A and B. People automatically assume the coverage in from Medicare Part A and B will suffice. The problem comes into play with the limitations that surround the initial coverage. Medigap is exactly what you would think; insurance that fills in the voids left by Medicare. Some of these voids include; acupuncture, chiropractic services, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, dental care, eye exams, hearing aids, preventative health care, travel and prescription drugs.

The tricky part is knowing which Medigap Insurance policy will work best for your situation. This is where it help to work with an insurance professional. Most Medicare Supplemental Insurance agents will start by asking their clients a few basic questions. Coverage cannot be denied if purchased within the grace period allotted so that is not something that you should be concerned with when enrolling in Medicare and Medigap soon after you turn sixty-five.

Another thing people are often concerned with is the cost of Medicare Supplemental Plans. Many factors play into the rate you will pay for the premium you choose. Of course the more coverage that comes with the plan the more you will spend on the plan however that is not all that goes into the fees associated with coverage. Factors such as; the plan chosen, age, gender and where you live play a role in setting the premium. Also different insurance companies have different cost associated with their plans so even though the insurance is guaranteed to be the same no matter where you purchase it, the price is not.

The best time to enroll in Medigap insurance is within the six months after you have become eligible for Medicare. I say this because this is the period in time in which insurance companies cannot deny you coverage under any circumstance. It is prohibited by law for them to do so. If you choose to wait the insurance company has the right to ask questions related to your medical health and make a decision to grant you coverage on this or to grant you coverage at an increased rate. This could be substantial when living within a retiree budget.

Senior Health Direct