Livingston Reporting - page 107

What Homeowners Need to Do Before Renovations Begin

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Remodeling a home can be quite an adventure if homeowners don’t properly prepare.  There are a number of wrong turns that can be made so it is essential to have a full understanding before you jump into renovations of any kind. 

Below are a list of things to consider in order to avoid heartache and regret.

It is Important to Fully Understand What You Like

Seems simple, right?  I mean what is so hard to understand about wanting a new kitchen or bathroom?  It, however, isn’t that simple.  Homeowners need to narrow down what a kitchen renovation means to them.  Some homeowners want to completely change the layout while others are interested in keeping the layout but installing new cupboards, fixtures, flooring, and more. 

It is important for homeowners to work with the designer showing them in detail what they like, important features to them, items on their wish list, and so on.  This allows the kitchen contractor/designer to get on the same page with the homeowners.  Often times it allows the clients to see how vastly different their visions are as well.  This process gets them thinking along the same lines as well.

Run the Numbers, Is the Renovation You Want Within Your Budget?

It’s true that our dream kitchens and bathrooms aren’t always within our means.  When this is the case there are a few options: we can wait on your renovation until your budget increases or we can choose to use different materials in the remodel to keep the costs within your budget.  A granite counter top might be the dream but engineered stone (quartz) may be a close second in looks and affordability.

Ask Yourself If the Renovation Is Feasible

Some homeowners need a reality check when planning renovations.  Some projects seem simple however because of complicated electrical or plumbing are not.  Adding a bathroom to a second-floor bedroom sounds pretty easy but not only do you need the space to install a bathroom you need access to plumbing as well as making sure the structure can withstand the renovation.  Sometimes the renovation make seem easy but in reality, be harder and more expensive then they are actually worth.  These projects often get abandoned before they even begin.

Is This A DIY Renovation or One Left to The Professionals?

For all renovations except for those that are so obviously simple should be overseen by a professional contractor. Most homeowners just do not have the skills or patience to complete a room renovation on their own.  Also, lets face it, not everyone has the kind of time it takes to gut and redo renovations to their home.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Wedding Professionals: Difference Between Planners, Designers, & Coordinators

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Planning a wedding takes a great deal of time.  Many brides don’t have enough hours in the day to make this happen the way they want without the help of a professional.  There are several different professionals that play a role in making your big day come to a reality.  Some confusion comes from who they need to hire vs who is unnecessary.  This will basically come down to how much time and effort you, the bride, wants to put into planning your wedding.  Below we will look into the difference between wedding coordinators, wedding planners, and wedding designers.  These are the three key professionals that are hired to make your wedding dreams come to life.  Here we will find out exactly what role each plays in making your big day go off without a hitch. 

Wedding Planners

Wedding planners are logistic professionals.  From managing vendors, negotiating contracts, and day of execution wedding planners take any guess work out of the day.  The make planning the wedding as smooth and easy as possible for brides and grooms.  A wedding planner will track your budget and ensure everyone, and everything is in place.  Wedding planners help brides make the details of the day become a reality.  Wedding planners often put in between 80 to 250 hours planning for your big day.  The more people and pieces that are involved in the wedding the more hours they will need to spend creating perfection for your day.

Duties of A Wedding Planner

  • Provide referrals to vendors
  • Schedule and attend all meetings with vendors
  • Negotiate vendor contracts
  • Helps determine and manage the wedding budget
  • Attends location viewings and food tastings
  • Suggest ideas and coordinate design details
  • Coordinates hotels and transportation
  • Supervise the rehearsal
  • Manages everything on the day of your wedding
  • Creates a detailed timeline
  • Handles wedding party, guests, and vendors
  • Executes the on-site design vision

Brides should hire a wedding planner when:

  • They have a budget that allows for it
  • Want the least amount of wedding stress possible
  • Have a demanding career and therefore little time for planning
  • Are organizationally challenged
  • Are on a tight time frame
  • Want an event that includes multiple events
  • Are putting on a destination wedding
  • The wedding/reception are being thrown somewhere other than a traditional hotel, banquet room, or restaurant

Wedding Designer

Wedding designers have one specific role and that is to ensure that your wedding is aesthetically pleasing.  They have nothing to do with negotiations or appointments.  Wedding designers consult brides on anything and everything to do with the design of your venue.  This includes everything from the floor plan, lighting, flowers, furniture, linens, and such.  Planners create a cohesive, stylish, and chic look that creates the ambiance that the bride desires.  Wedding designers are artists and can truly transform a blank banquet room into a canvas that represents the bride and groom. They usually work about 40 hours to make your vision come true.

Duties of A Wedding Designer

  • Works with the bride to create a wedding design concept
  • Provides guidance in creating a color palette
  • Manages the décor budget including the florist, rentals, lighting, and stationary
  • Locate and contract special props and equipment
  • Visits the site to devise a layout and identify potential areas of concern
  • Makes sure all decorate elements are in place on-site the day of the wedding

Brides should hire a wedding designer when:

  • Décor is the most important aspect of your wedding
  • You are organized and logistically savvy but are lacking creativity
  • You want a specific theme
  • There are too many wedding styles you like, and you can’t choose one

Wedding Coordinators/Consultants

Wedding coordinators is focused on the logistics of the event however don’t usually get involved with the process until closer to the day up until the end. Wedding consultants are a second set of eyes that in theory are double checking what has been done to plan the wedding up until this point and work as the point person on the day of the wedding.  Wedding coordinators confirm vendor contracts, make sure vendor are paid their final payments, create a day of timeline, coordinate guest counts, and such.  Wedding coordinators unlike wedding planners have nothing to do with budgeting for the wedding or earlier vendor contacts. They bring the end game all together for brides as the wedding day approaches.  They usually put in about 25 hours during to help ensure the bride is set up and ready for her big day.

Duties of A Wedding Coordinator

  • Meets with the bride and groom about 4 to 8 weeks before the wedding to see what has been done up to this point
  • Reviews vendors their signed contracts and confirming the logistics of the day
  • Creates a detailed timeline & floor plan
  • Complete day of final walk throughs at the ceremony and reception site
  • Considers any overlooked details
  • Supervises the rehearsal
  • Oversees wedding day events

Brides should hire a wedding coordinator/consultant when:

  • You want to play an active role in planning your wedding but want help at the end to make sure nothing has been missed
  • You are an extremely organized bride that is very detailed oriented
  • The budget for your wedding isn’t large enough to employ a wedding planner

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.

Event Planning DC

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First-Time Home Buyers: What You Should Consider Before Making an Offer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

A lot of first-time home buyers get in over their heads.  They fall in love with a home before doing any research and end up signing on the dotted line with a home that is too expensive, needs more work than they expected, and are driving longer then they had expected to work each day.  There is a lot to think about when buying a home, three main issues being the offer price, the condition of the home, and location. 

Offer Price:

The offer of the home should be based on more than that it is comparable with other homes on the market. A home’s asking price is the price that is set before an appraisal has been done.  In reality an offer should than only be based on comparable houses in the area that have already closed and not by what others in the area are asking for their homes. 

 The Homes Condition:

When you are pricing out home repairs don’t automatically assume that they will be up into the thousands of dollars.  Also, don’t assume that you can take the cost of repairs off the offer price of a home as some sellers have already adjusted the asking price to consider these repairs. 

Location of the Home:

The area in which the home is located has a lot to do with the price at which the house will sell for.  Consider the location of the home for a number of reasons including how close it is to work and school but also be aware of the physical location.  See if there are train tracks close or it is in a high traffic area, those things will affect the resale value when go to sell.  Consider if granite counter tops and an additional bathroom are worth the inconvenience of a commuter train coming through the backyard every day.

Now-a-days with the internet there is a lot more information available in real time to both realtors and first-time home buyers.  It is important to keep in mind that not all of the information on the internet will be accurate, but it is a starting point.

Some websites offer free estimates to value your home.  They make a lot of assumptions about the value of properties in a neighborhood based on other homes that have sold but for homes that are non-conforming these can be inaccurate.  Consider these to be generalities and not substitutes for the research a realtor provider or an appraisal gives.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Answering Questions Common to LASIK Surgery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Preparing for any surgical procedure comes with its fair share of anxiety, LASIK is no different.  Laser surgery for vision correction has a number of benefits.  Knowing the end benefit, vision without corrective contact lenses or glasses, is only half the battle.  Preparation ahead of time to put your mind at ease is the other half.  Below we will answer the top questions we get during LASIK consultations.  As always, if you have questions that did not get answered during your FREE consultation with the LASIK specialists at Rohr Eye & Laser Center, patients can call the office at any time.

Will LASIK hurt?

The number one question we are asked involved the pain level that is experienced with LASIK.  The truth is that most patients experience very little pain or discomfort during surgery.  In fact, many patients explain the sensation as a slight pressure that is felt as the laser is reshaping the cornea.  Of course, everyone’s pain tolerance is different but overall this is the experience patients have described after their procedure.

What occurs during the LASIK procedure?

The actual LASIK procedure itself is fairly quick and easy.  Numbing drops are applied to the eyes.  Once this occurs, doctors will cut a very thin flap on the surface of the cornea.  The surgeon will use the laser to shape the cornea according to the prescription from the most recent eye exam.  After this is finished the eye surgeon will carefully place the flap back into place and perform the same procedure on the other eye.  Lasers are used in both the creation of the flap and shaping the cornea although in the past a thin blade had been used to create the flap.

Is LASIK performed on both eyes at the same time?

YES!  Laser vision correction can be performed on both eyes at one time.  With LASIK, vision improvement is virtually instantaneous, and healing is minimal.  During LASIK the laser is only used for about 60 seconds per eye.  Although LASIK can be performed on both eyes at the same time some patients prefer to have one eye done at a time.  This is possible however, rare.

Do surgeons use anesthesia during LASIK?

No, anesthesia is not given during the LASIK procedure but instead eye drops are put into the eye just prior to the procedure.  Some patients with higher levels of anxiety about the procedure require oral medication to be given for relaxation.  Needles and intravenous drugs are not required.

How long does the LASIK process take?

LASIK is a quick process surprisingly.  On average the procedure can take less than 15 minutes once the patient is settled in the treatment room.  The laser aspect of the procedure usually takes less than 60 seconds per eye.

If I blink during LASIK what happens?

Surgeons use a speculum to keep patients’ eyes from blinking.  Some patients remark that there is a slight pressure from the speculum.  Patients are told to focus on a blinking light throughout the procedure.  Movements of the eye are expected, lasers that are used include an eye tracker which accounts for movement and helps to ensure accurate delivery of laser pulses.  

What are the side effects of LASIK?

Although infrequently experienced there are some side effects that patients experience following LASIK.  The most common side effect is dry eye which is easily remedied through over-the-counter artificial tears.  Rare side effects include:

  • Inconsistent vision
  • Difficult night vision with halos
  • Sensitivity to light

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.



Michigan Lasik

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The People Behind the Installation of a Linear Accelerators

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Purchasing a linear accelerator takes a great deal of planning, an experienced team to pull it all together, and a commitment to purchasing a quality piece of equipment.  The planning process, as previously stated includes:

  • Understanding the goals of your clinic
  • Facility Planning
  • Schedule
  • Budget

In this installment we will look at the team of experts that you will need as you go about purchasing and implementing treatment using a large scaled piece of radiation therapy equipment such as a LINAC.  Putting an experienced team of experts in place starts by involving individuals who share a similar vision for the facilities project.  A unified group of professionals who will communicate with one another throughout the project.  This team should include: vault designer/construction, provider of the LINAC, physics support, IT team, and the facilities clinical team for implementation.  Choosing the best players for your team ensures success.  It is your responsibility when making a purchase of this magnitude to perform due diligence every step of the way.

Vault Designer/Construction

Only a specialist can design and construct a vault that is capable of safely accommodating a linear accelerator.  Not every construction company can create this safe space, it requires experience.  Having a reliable company, with proven results in your corner will not only save you money but also critical time as you begin planning the installation of your linear accelerator.

Linear Accelerator Provider

Not all LINAC and radiation therapy equipment providers are the same.  Don’t purchase equipment based solely on the basis of price as this is not the true cost of owning a linear accelerator.  It is crucial, whether you are purchasing a new, refurbished, or used linear accelerator that you work with a company that provides the necessary specialized installation and support needed throughout the ownership of the equipment.  Vendors such as Accelectronics, that can complete sales, delivery, installation, servicing, replacement parts, and removal provide reliability and accountability that many companies cannot compete with. 

Physics Support

Successful treatment and patient outcomes only can occur when a continuous quality assurance program is in place.  This group must have the tools and knowledge needed to make sure the installation and implementation of said equipment in your facility will be successful.  This can include but is not limited to the assurance that you are offering the best possible treatment, to ongoing FAQ support.

IT Team

The hardware and software of all types of medical equipment is ever changing, the same is true of radiation therapy equipment such as linear accelerators and CT scanners.  An IT team must be in place to ensure that equipment is kept up to date with the latest upgrades.  They also must understand the overall impact to the facility a new piece of equipment such as a LINAC will have.  Different systems must work together.  It is up to your IT team to implement this network in order to have successful patient outcomes.

Implementation

Once the other pieces of the puzzle are in place including technology, the clinical implementation team will work together to ensure the best treatment plans are delivered to patients. This team includes: in-house therapists, physicists, and dosimetrists.  This team is in place to guarantee an optimization treatment from beginning to end.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.



Acceletronics

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Answers to The Top 5 Questions About Water Softeners

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


There are many questions that people have when contemplating the installation of a water softening or filtration unit in their home.  Professional water treatment specialists such as the professionals at Reynolds Water Conditioning can help.  Below you will find the top questions we receive on a regular basis when clients are considering treating their homes water supply.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains more than 1 grain per gallon of minerals that include magnesium, manganese, calcium, and magnesium carbonate.  Our professionals can test the water in your home to determine if you have hard water or if there is another issue affecting your homes water supply.

Should I Have Concerns About Hard Water?

Hard water can affect your home in a number of ways, in particular the fixtures and plumbing fixtures.  Heat dissolves the minerals in hard water which causes the minerals to re-crystalize and create what is known as scale.  Scale affects all appliance that use running water and reduces their life space.  This can include your homes water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, water dispenser, and more. 

Another common concern that comes from hard water is the soap scum that builds up in your showers.  The combination of soap and hard water forms a scummy substance that deposits on your shower and also your skin. Even after rinsing really well, hard water can leave soap residue to build up on your skin thus leading to skin irritation.

Should I Soften My Water?

Of course, softening your water, like any decision around your home is a personal decision.   Hard water does have obvious affects on your home as stated above.  If you choose to soften your hard water with the use of a water softener, you will find yourself using less soap, less detergent, and fewer chemicals overall.  You will notice that you no longer have to work so to get your dishes and clothes clean.  A water softener will also reduce the scale build up on glasses and dishes as well as on faucets, fixtures, and plumbing. 

Are There Any Reasons I Would Not Want to Use a Water Softener?

There are two types of water softeners: those that use salt to regenerate and those that use potassium chloride.  If you need a low sodium diet it is important to consider the options in water treatment.  When people are talking about water softeners, they are often talking about using water softeners that use salt.

Why Do Water Softeners Add Salt to Soften Water?

Water softeners use salt ions that attract hard minerals in water including magnesium and calcium ions, and then depositing them on water softener resin.  Salt ions trade places with mineral ions which is why the water from the water softener contains more salt than “normal” tap water.  There is about an extra 150 to 300 milligrams per quart of water which works out to about the same amount that you would find in a slice of bread.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.



Reynolds Water

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Answers to Every Day Roofing Questions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


One of the most neglected areas on the exterior of a home is the roof.  Many homeowners don’t notice problems with their roofing until it has turned into a real issue.  Maintenance, although important, is not often done yearly, leaving small roof repairs to become major issues.  Homeowners often have a lot of questions by the time they are reaching out to the roofing contractors of Kearns Brothers.  Compiled below is a list of questions and answers to the top roofing questions we are regularly asked when seeking roof repair or roof replacement services. 

How Will I Know It Is Time to Replace My Homes Roof?

The age of your shingle roofing is one of the most tell tale signs your home needs a new roof.  Most shingle roofs have a lifespan of between twenty to thirty years without issue.  Regular roofing maintenance can help increase the longevity of shingles and underlayment.  Older roofs often have visual signs that it is time to consider replacement.  If you notice curling or buckling shingles, missing shingles, leaking, or sunlight coming through attic boards it is time to call the roofing experts at Kearns Brothers roofing experts.

Is a Shingle Roof Something I Can Install on My Own?

Many homeowners think that they can save money by replacing their homes roof.  Although it is possible for homeowners to replace their own roofs, we don’t recommend it.  The process to remove and replace shingles is time consuming.  If roofing materials are left without shingle protection for too long the underlayment will take on moisture which can lead to problems.  Also, let’s face it, homeowners are notorious for getting in over their heads when it comes to DIY projects, especially large scaled ones such as replacing a roof. 

While some home improvement projects can be done in time and are completely possible for DIY homeowners, roofing is not one we would recommend tackling.  Proper roofing is done through years of experience and decades of knowledge, both which the roofing experts at Kearns Brothers offer to homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

There is a lot that goes into determining how much a roofing expert charge to replace a homes roof.  An accurate estimate will be given once roofers are able to determine the square footage of your home, the type of roofing material that will be used, the number of stories and pitch, accessibility to the roof, time frame for job to be completed/labor, and such all need to be considered.

What Is the Time Frame When Getting Your Roof Replaced?

The same factors that go into determining the cost of a new roof are used in calculating the time frame for installation.  The extent of roof damage and the climate where your home is located also can affect the time frame for having a roof replaced.  Expect a new roof to be installed over the course of a few days.  Some roofs can take a couple of weeks to install but this is rare.

What Type of Material Is Best When Roofing My Home?

Asphalt shingling is the most popular option for homes here in Michigan however there are a number of materials in roofing that homeowners can choose including: asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, metal, tile, clay, slate, and more.  To determine what material is the best for your home talk with the roofing contractors at Kearns Brothers.  Here are a few things to consider:

  • How much will each type of roofing cost to install?
  • How long can I expect my roof to last?
  • Does the roofing material hold up under the most extreme weather conditions in the area?
  • What roofing material will compliment my home best?

No matter whether you are building a new house, having your roof repaired, or replacing an existing roof the experts at Kearns Brothers have you covered.  Not only do we offer a wide selection of roofing accessories, we also offer gutter installation, and offer professional chimney repair, rebuilding, and installation. 

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.



Kearns Brothers

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Custom Servers and Workstations are Better For The Growth Of Your Company

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Computers are an essential element to both our personal and work lives.  Our reliance on computer technology makes it so that hardware and software maintenance must be done on a regular basis.   Building a server, workstation, or personal PC is becoming a popular option verse purchasing a pre-built PC simply because end users can fully customize their new machines without an exceedingly wild budget.

Having a computer built allows you to select and purchase the components of a PC separately.  For servers and workstations being able to customize components is critical.  Custom built computers are often less expensive and better performing than pre-built, higher priced computers. 

Although price is usually the first thing that consumers care about when it comes to building the technology for your company it should not be the most important factor.  It is crucial to work directly with IT consultants that are familiar with how your company runs, the software that is needed, and hardware requirements when purchasing and building the technology that will be used to help run your company. 

Specific software systems only run using operating systems that meet their precise needs. The last thing you want to do is to customize a computer that will not run the most basic of software programs used daily in your operations.  An IT professional can help to make sure the computers that are built use the appropriate motherboard, graphic card, and RAM for your needs while ensuring room to grow as technology is updated in the future.

Not only is price a huge benefit of custom-built servers and workstations so is the flexibility in regard to the unit’s specifications.  With the ability to purchase components according to the user, each computer can be built to meet the specific needs of the users.  The function of the computer is different depending on the user.  Certain workstations need to function with specific software systems crucial for day to day business operations and therefore will need to ensure the computer is built to meet this need.  Some considerations that need to be considered are word-processing functions, audio-visual features, and gaming abilities.  Let’s face it, there is no need to spend extra on a fancy gaming video card to be installed on a workstation where graphics and gaming are not a priority.  Instead a less expensive, entry-level, card can be installed. 

Although many times a pre-built computer will work just find for most situations however, when you can save yourself money and purchase a pc that is customized to your needs, why wouldn’t you?  Working with professionals you can work together to ensure that your network is set up for the most optimal results for your company and industry.  This also helps to ensure that your technology can keep up with your company’s future technology needs.  PC’s don’t need to be replaced on a yearly basis to enjoy the latest in technology.  A few basic upgrades in hardware and software as needed, on a regular basis, can save company’s thousands of dollars each year without sacrificing on technology.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

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Do Aluminum Driveway Gates Need To Attach To a Fence?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Homeowners should understand that although many times a driveway gate is attached to perimeter fencing it doesn’t have to be in order to be effective.  There are a number of ways in which an aluminum driveway gate can be installed.  Matching a fence to the entrance of the driveway can be preferable however is not necessary.  There are a number of options in driveway gate installation to ensure it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also sturdy and purposeful. 

The main purpose for installing an aluminum entry gate is to eliminate access to your home via the driveway.  Just as the main purpose for aluminum fencing is to add a barrier of protection.  It works both ways, fence and gates not only keep unwanted individuals out of your space, they work to keep the ones you want in. 

No two driveways are the same. Driveways come in a variety of shapes, lengths, widths, and even terrain.    The placement of your home’s entry gate is up to you.  Some homeowners choose to put the gate at the end of the driveway, near the street, while others choose to place the gate up towards the house.  The placement of your driveway gate will depend on your preference and landscape.  

Not only is a driveway gate aesthetically pleasing adding to the curb appeal of your home, it is helpful in creating a barrier between your home and the outside world.  Curb appeal is an important element in real estate.  The outside of your home gives buyers a glimpse on what they can expect on the inside. Driveway gates bring a space all together and help to present an entrance that is welcoming while securing the property. 

Aluminum driveway gates and fencing are just one way that homeowners use to separate their private space from the surrounding public space.  This helps to create a secure boundary that also deters thieves.  Seriously, breaking into a home is a lot easier when a thief doesn’t have to penetrate through an aluminum fence or driveway gate. 

If you don’t have an aluminum fence to attach a driveway gate to, don’t fret.  There are a number of ways in which an entry gate can be attached other than to a matching fence.   Driveway gates offer additional security to homes even when a fence is not in place.  A large entry gate can appear quite intimidating.

If your landscape is not set up so that your entrance gate can be attached directly to aluminum fence panels another option to consider is the installation of stone or brick columns on either side of the driveway.  This is another aesthetically pleasing option when installing a driveway gate.  Stone or brick columns add another dimension to the landscape. 

When installing a sliding or swing gate choose a style that compliments the existing space while adding a little flare to make an overall statement.  The end goal is to find a gate that presents a cohesive look and feel to your home and property. 

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.



iFenceUSA

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How Can Custom Software Programming Help You?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


A new year often is a signal of new beginnings, fresh goals, and the enthusiasm to achieve success.  This concept is not only true in many of our personal lives but also in business.  As the new year starts it is a prime time to target top technology needs for your company needs in order to continue to be profitable and flourish amongst top competitors.  

For many companies it is easy to recognize the areas within the organization that need improvement however, implementation process fall short.  It is easy to document and execute when updates to hardware and software are needed within company networks and workstations.  There is often an ease in spotting disconnects between current technology and software that affect the workflow process as well.  Companies, however, often back burner improvements to workflow through custom software development because it can seem daunting.  Sound familiar?

Yes, at first the idea of change especially when it comes to changing the way things have always been done seems overwhelming.  It is important, however, to recognize the old way of doing things is a great way to keep your business stagnant.  The only way to advance is to keep up with advancements in workflow process that keep you competing with emerging and existing competitors.  

Custom app development specifically programmed to the needs and methods of your business not only reduce expenses it can vastly improve efficiency while providing long-term gains to productivity. There are a number of benefits to having software programmed for your specific needs verse buying commercial or off the shelf software models and adjusting your process to match.  Custom software programming allows you to continually adapt the software as you grow, processes change, or future business needs come up. 

Another benefit to having software that is programmed specifically for your company and workflow process is that it allows you to closely examine your current methods.  This gives team members who may not be directly involved in the day to day workflow a chance to see how things are done without being too close to the situation to offer suggestions for improvement. 

Another benefit of custom programmed software is the ability to integrate work processes and procedures currently being used.  Just because you are creating a custom program doesn’t mean you have to start all over again.  Existing software, Excel spreadsheets, and more can all be built into, modified to fit, or integrated as they are into custom CRM software solutions, barcode reader software, QR code systems, or enterprise resource planning services. 

Using software programmed for your company verse off the shelf software programs also allows companies to save on the expenses associated with the costs of yearly maintenance and software renewal that is often associated with commercial software.

Our professional software developers specialize in creating custom workflow solutions for companies in a variety of industries from parks and rec to over the road trucking, Creative Programs and Systems will develop software that integrates your existing systems into one. 

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

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