Livingston Reporting - page 114

The Pros and Cons Of Buying a Home in the Winter

In order to successfully buy a home during the winter season it is important to understand the pros and cons of the situation.  When buying a home in the winter both sellers and buyers must be flexible and patient with one another when it comes to viewing properties and choosing a closing date. Never feel pressured to buy a home that isn’t exactly what you want.  If the inventory you are looking for isn’t there in December, maybe it will come available in January.

Winter can be a perfect time to buy a home even though not the traditional time to do so.  Buying a home during the winter season can prove to be cost effective for savvy, patient, buyers.  Below are some tips to making the most out of buying a home right now.

Understand the Pros

No matter what season you buy your home in there will be pros and cons, the winter season is no exception.  It’s important to view the challenges and benefits of winter home buying.  One benefit of winter house hunting is the decrease in competition.  Fewer buyers are out searching and there fore there is more room for negotiations.  During the winter there are fewer bidding wars and home prices are on closing, on average, for $3,100 or less.

Another advantage of buying a home in the winter is the speed at which you can go from finding the home of your dreams to closing on it.  Sellers are motivated to move, and buyers are ready to settle in.  With fewer homes on the market to view the decision-making process becomes a bit more limited and therefore the focus is more directed. 

Recognize the Cons

The major down fall with purchasing a home in the winter is that it is a mess.  The temperatures are not conducive to be in and out of the car and house all day.  Snow, puddles, and ice can be difficult to navigate.  The property can’t be completely viewed in all its glory when snow is covering decks, patios, and driveways.  Buyers must rely on photos or video taken when the snow was not covering the landscape.  The home inspection must also be done in the winter and thus certain aspects like the exterior of the home will not be able to be as thoroughly examined.  Make sure you hire an inspector that has experience in winter home inspections.

Be Flexible

The winter season is filled with holidays which we already know can be a stressful time of year. Even the most motivated seller can find themselves unable to drop everything to be prepared for a walk through. Be flexible in your scheduling of viewing homes, inspections, appraisals, and so forth. 

Research, Research, and More Research

It is important to ask for documentation for work that has been done around the home.  Find out when the roof was last replaced, when windows were last updates, furnace maintenance performed and so on.  This will give you an understanding on when you should expect upcoming repairs to be needed.

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/.

Brachytherapy: Answering Questions You May Have About Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy.  Unlike other types where an external radiation machine known as a linear accelerator is used brachytherapy uses radiation that is implanted close to the cancerous cells. In brachytherapy radiation is implanted within your body as close to the cancerous cells as possible.  A higher dose of radiation therapy can be given in a shorter amount of time than with types of external radiation therapy.

Brachytherapy is not delivered through external radiation therapy but instead the radioactive materials are delivered using a hollow tube(catheter).  The radioactive materials are implanted directly onto the cancerous tumor.  The implants that are used can be either temporary or permanent. This form of radiation therapy allows treatment to be delivered to the cancer cells without damaging the normal tissues close to the cancer. 

Doctors use brachytherapy when they have decided that your best treatment option is a higher dose of radiation delivered directly to the cancer.  External radiation offers lower doses of radiation than brachytherapy can. Higher doses of radiation are often needed for cancers such as: brain,breast, cervical, ovarian, head, neck, and lung. 

How does implantation work?

Implantation of the radiation can be delivered in two ways:through an outpatient procedure or another which requires general or local anesthesia and a stay at the hospital.   

How much time is needed for brachytherapy?

 The time needed to perform brachytherapy depends on whether it is being done on an inpatient or outpatient basis, the type of radiation therapy to be used, and the nature of your cancer.  Internal radiation therapy can be done through the course of three to five treatments when done on an outpatient basis for a few minutes over a number of days while other types of internal radiation therapy is left in place for up to a week and requires a hospital stay during this period of time.

Should side effects be expected?

Although you will most likely avoid side effects during treatment you may feel some discomfort. Having a catheter put in place can cause tenderness.  If you are given anesthesia when the catheter is implanted you can feel nauseous, weak, and drowsy.  Medicine can be prescribed that allow you to relax while relieving your pain.  If you experience any burning, excess sweating, or any other symptoms that seem unusual to your physician.

What happens when the actual implant is removed?

After the implant is removed the surrounding area can become sensitive for a bit although regular activity can be resumed when you feel ready.  As with any procedure it is important to allow your body to rest, so you can fully recover after treatment.

If you have a permanent implant installed rest assured, it will safely stay in place.  Once the radiation is completely gone the capsule in which it is contained will become inactive and no longer providing radiation.

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/.

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy.  Unlike other types where an external radiation machine known as a linear accelerator is used brachytherapy uses radiation that is implanted close to the cancerous cells. In brachytherapy radiation is implanted within your body as close to the cancerous cells as possible.  A higher dose of radiation therapy can be given in a shorter amount of time than with types of external radiation therapy.

Brachytherapy is not delivered through external radiation therapy but instead the radioactive materials are delivered using a hollow tube(catheter).  The radioactive materials are implanted directly onto the cancerous tumor.  The implants that are used can be either temporary or permanent. This form of radiation therapy allows treatment to be delivered to the cancer cells without damaging the normal tissues close to the cancer. 

Doctors use brachytherapy when they have decided that your best treatment option is a higher dose of radiation delivered directly to the cancer.  External radiation offers lower doses of radiation than brachytherapy can. Higher doses of radiation are often needed for cancers such as: brain,breast, cervical, ovarian, head, neck, and lung. 

How does implantation work?

Implantation of the radiation can be delivered in two ways:through an outpatient procedure or another which requires general or local anesthesia and a stay at the hospital.   

How much time is needed for brachytherapy?

 The time needed to perform brachytherapy depends on whether it is being done on an inpatient or outpatient basis, the type of radiation therapy to be used, and the nature of your cancer.  Internal radiation therapy can be done through the course of three to five treatments when done on an outpatient basis for a few minutes over a number of days while other types of internal radiation therapy is left in place for up to a week and requires a hospital stay during this period of time.

Should side effects be expected?

Although you will most likely avoid side effects during treatment you may feel some discomfort. Having a catheter put in place can cause tenderness.  If you are given anesthesia when the catheter is implanted you can feel nauseous, weak, and drowsy.  Medicine can be prescribed that allow you to relax while relieving your pain.  If you experience any burning, excess sweating, or any other symptoms that seem unusual to your physician.

What happens when the actual implant is removed?

After the implant is removed the surrounding area can become sensitive for a bit although regular activity can be resumed when you feel ready.  As with any procedure it is important to allow your body to rest, so you can fully recover after treatment.

If you have a permanent implant installed rest assured, it will safely stay in place.  Once the radiation is completely gone the capsule in which it is contained will become inactive and no longer providing radiation.

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/.

The Million Dollar Question: How Do I Get My Website on The First Page of Google?

Every business on the internet wants to know how they can get their website ranked well enough to show up on the first page of search engines, mainly Google.  It really is a million-dollar question and if the answer was as simple as the question then I would be out of a job however, it is not simple and instead requires a great deal of patience, time, effort, and understanding.  The good thing is you are in the right place to start the adventure of 1st page Google rankings and we are the team of experts that can help get you there!

It is important to first understand how search engines like Google work.  Many people use Google and the Internet interchangeably.  This is however, incorrect.  The internet is, “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.” (https://www.dictionary.com) In real people speak, the internet is the one source where the world can connect without borders.  This connection involves search engines, web sites, and more.  Google is not actually the Internet and even if your site is not ranking on the first page of Google does not mean it is not showing up on the Internet.  What it does mean though is that your website it lives on the internet but is not displayed as an option in Google’s search results for the exact keyword that was searched.

Google is not human, it is in fact an automated system that works 24/7/365 visiting websites throughout the internet.  Google takes a glimpse of each page within the website and tucks this information into a large database where it organizes this information into usable data for later search inquiries.

In theory Google is “reading” the content on pages of your website including text, pictures, video, and audio files.  This data is used to determine exactly what that page of your website is about and uses it to decide what web pages to show in searches and in what order for specific keywords and keyword phrases.  In real speak, Google uses several elements to create an algorithm to establish what pages (websites) within the Internet are the most relevant to the specific phrase that is searched and displays them in order of relevance.  These results are known as SERP, Search Engine Results Page; the result, the SERP is defined as the first ten website pages that are shown.

A SERP itself is broken down in a unique format.  The top results are usually comprised of paid ads that come from Google Ads, formerly known as Google Adwords.  The next section is filled with local businesses listings and a map laying out the locations and basic service area.  After that you will find the main area where the organic listings are found.  These are the top 10 webpages Google has found that are relevant to the search term(s) as described above.

Often clients are on Google but just aren’t showing on the first page results.  There are several factors that play into where your site pages are ranked within Google for searches using keywords and phrases that are relevant.  The goal is to rank on the first page but just because you aren’t on page one doesn’t mean that you aren’t “on Google”.

To get ranked by Google your website and pages need to be indexed.  This is the case for all search engines not just Google.  There are several ways that this can be done: manually through an indexing tool such as Google Search Console or automatically over time as Google is scanning the internet it will find your site.  This process can take some time though so if you have a newer site it is in your best interest to have the pages of the site manually indexed.  If your page is not showing up in Googles search results for a keyword or phrase you think it should be it is time to evaluate the reasons this is occurring.  Remember to look as you may not be coming up on the first page results but instead on a later SERP.  Both are “issues” that can be resolved.

I know what you are thinking, “Ok, my site is there on page 17 but how in the world do I get it on page 1 where it will actually be seen?”  This is the million-dollar question, it is what all website owners strive for. In fact, so much that there is an entire industry that was created to do this one specific thing, RANK WEBSITES AND PAGES ON GOOGLES FIRST PAGE! As we have mentioned, there are two ways that first page Google rankings can occur: paid advertising (Google Ads) and organic listings.

In our next installment we will dive into each method of reaching Googles front page.  The one thing to remember is that if it was easy everyone would be there.  The process of ranking on Googles first page through either paid or organic listings is not simple or overnight.  It will take time, patience, and perseverance to obtain the status you are looking for with your website.  Thankfully you have found right where you need to be!  The professionals at Creative Programs and Systems are here to lead the way.

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.

Reverse Osmosis Improving Your Homes Water Quality

Everybody knows there are a number of ways in which you can improve the quality of water in your home.  What adds increases your homes water quality may not be the same system that is bringing quality water to your neighbor.  Your waters specific needs are based on exactly what issues are found when analyzing your homes water.

One system that is often recommended to improve your water is a reverse osmosis drinking water system.  If your water is analyzed and has a high concentration of metals, minerals, or microorganisms a reverse osmosis may be your best option.  Reverse osmosis systems improve the overall taste of the water in your home.  Below we will answer a number of questions that are often asked about RO, reverse osmosis, water treatment solutions.

Can you use a RO system to remove sodium in your water?

YES!  RO can remove up to ninety eight percent of sodium in your homes water.  It is a perfect combination when homeowners are concerned with the sodium levels in their water from using a water softener. RO systems also are used to remove chlorine, lead, nitrates, and several other impurities in your water.

What is the difference between the four and five stage RO systems?

Four Stage RO: A four stage RO system is used within most homes where the water is being treated by a whole house water treatment unit such as an iron filter or water softener.

Five Stage RO: When a whole house water treatment unit is not used within the home the best option is to use a five stage RO system.  This option gives you additional protection in an added filter for contaminants such as arsenic and nitrates.

There is no need to use a RO system less than four state as it will not provide the needed filtration.  The opposite is true of any RO system over five stage which is an overkill and considered a waste of money.  Filters are costly and the more filters that need to be changed the more money spent.  Why waste money on RO filters that are not adding to the actual filtration of the water.

Can a RO system be used in conjunction with an ice maker or my refrigerator water?

YES!  RO refrigerator kits are available with thirty-foot hoses and all the fittings needed to be used with your home’s refrigerator.  Think about the crystal-clear water and un-cloudy ice cubes you will be enjoying when your refrigerators RO system is used.

To understand if a RO system could improve the quality of your homes drinking water bring in a sample of your water to be analyzed by the experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning.

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.

LASIK: A Popular Laser Eye Surgery Method

LASIK is a widely practiced method of laser eye surgery.  Vision is improved using laser vision correction techniques like LASIK through a reshaping of the tissue underneath the top later of the eye.

It is often hard to really describe what LASIK is and what is involved without using a lot of technical mumbo jumbo.  The jest of it boils down to the fact that when vision needs correcting and a surgical option is sought, whether we are correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatisms, a procedure using a refractive laser is performed to restore proper vision in the eye.  LASIK is the most popular and most widely accepted surgical method used in treating refractive errors and is done by reshaping the cornea in a manner that allows light to focus properly.

LASIK surgeons create a flap near the front of the eye that exposes the inner layers of tissue on the cornea to allow the laser to shape the cornea.  This is done by removing exposed tissue that is preventing the light to focus as need be.  The surgery is completed when the surgeon seals up the eye by closing the flap.  The eye is given time to heal and vision often returns to near perfect within a matter of twenty-four hours.

Benefits of LASIK

  • Experience: LASIK is a form of laser vision correction that has been in place form more than twenty years. Surgeons have been performing this procedure for many years and are very experienced correcting several defects within the cornea of the eye.
  • Recovery: The recovery process is unlike any other. Your vision starts to become clearer within just a couple hours of surgery.  What other surgical procedure of this nature do you see drastic results like this?
  • Obtainability: LASIK is a very popular procedure and performed across the state of Michigan. Rohr Eye & Laser Center sees patients from all around the area.  It is safe to say that almost every office offering laser vision correction offers LASIK as an available procedure.

Possible Side Effects

All surgeries have the potential for side effects and LASIK is no different, although highly rare.  Possible side effects can include:

  • Flap Complications: In order to reach the cornea a flap is made in the outer layer of the eye. Side effects to the flap specifically can include infection, inflammation, and dislocation.  The flap is intended to adhere back into location right after surgery however is it doesn’t seal back together with the corneal tissue, issues can arise.  The flap rests on the eye so there is opportunity present for it to dislodge during healing.  Therefore, it is recommended to lay low and avoid any contact sports or intense activities during the healing process.
  • Dry Eye: Dry eyes can occur after laser vision correction surgery. Nerves in the eye are cut during the procedure which can reduce the sensation to blink.  When a person doesn’t blink often enough it will not stay as lubricated as it needs to.  Although uncomfortable, dry eyes will often improve quickly.

LASIK is one of many laser vision correction methods performed at Rohr Eye and Laser Center.  For a detailed, FREE consultation call the office to schedule a time to meet with our dedicated team.

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.

 

 

Choosing a Contractor for Your Next Home Improvement Project

This is the article to read if you are looking for some great advice on your next home improvement project!  Not only will we discuss tips on choosing a contractor we will throw in some advice on keeping you both communicating throughout.

Be able to articulate exactly what you want:

Being able to articulate your expectations is the most important aspects of any renovation.  Before meeting with a contractor, it is crucial that you know exactly what you want.  Spend time considering your end goals for the project at hand.  Consider how this project flows into future renovations.  Take time to layout a visual representation of what you expect the renovation should look like, the different amenities you desire, your needs vs your wants, etc.  If you can’t explain your goals into specifics, then a contractor won’t be able to translate this into a design.

Take time when interviewing contractors:

It is important to have a clear understand of what you are getting when you hire a contractor.   You should get at least three bids before choosing a contractor, upwards of six is even better as it gives you a clearer picture of what you can expect.  It also allows you to compare services: a six grand from one contractor may get you half of what another contractor is offering.  This will give you a clear perspective on material costs as well as the rates between contractors.  Make sure that all bids are measured equally.  Not all contracts include materials and labor.  When choosing a contractor make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Complete background checks before signing a contract:

No matter who recommends the contractor, even if they used them in the past, it is important to do some basic background checks on the contractors’ credentials.  Not only should you know the company’s full name and address it is important to have copies of both the company’s liability & workers compensation policy’s along with a current state license.  Verify that they are up to date.  This is also the time to investigate complaints and legal actions that are pending or have been previously resolved.

Look into a contractor’s past work:

Not all contractors are created equally there are those that specialize and those that perform more general labor.  When hiring a large company, such as Kearns Brothers, you get both however this is not the case in all situations.  Before you hire an individual contractor, you must understand what they can and cannot do.

Take time to meet up with past clients to see the work they perform.  This is especially important in bigger renovations such as additions, complete kitchen renovations, and large scaled exterior home improvements.  Look at the similarity between each project, the quality of the materials that were used, and overall craftsmanship.  Also investigate how satisfied current and past clients are with the work that is done.  Other qualities to look for in their overall professionalism is the timeliness of returned phone calls, if they keep appointments and are, they on time, do they drive company vehicles and wear uniforms?

There are lots of little ways to make sure you get the renovation experience you are looking for.  It is important to understand that home improvement projects don’t happen overnight, and neither will hiring the perfect contractor.  Take time and have patience; due diligence will make the renovation run smoother than you ever thought possible.

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.

Home Improvements During the Holidays

No matter what time of year you are preparing to renovate your home, you will be under extra stress, it’s even worse when those renovations are taking place during the holiday.  Remodeling done in the months of November and December can come with a mixed set of emotions.  You are thrilled to have the home improvements underway but are a bit ready for them to be completed so you can get on with the celebration aspect of the season.

To avoid emotions that are already on fire from turning into a full-blown boil it is important to manage your frustrations while preparing your space for the holiday you desire despite the holiday celebration happening around it.  Obviously, there are greater issues when the renovation is of a kitchen or bathroom however, these basic tips will help you manage.

Managing Home Improvement Projects During the Holiday

  • Include Your Contractor in Your Holiday Plans: This doesn’t mean inviting them over for dinner or purchasing them new tools for Christmas but instead making sure they know your plans in regards to having people over and when you will be using the space so that they know they have to clean up more appropriately.
  • Be Realistic: Work in conjunction with the contractors and subcontractors to create a schedule to make sure you are all on the same page.  This will also help contractors when hiring subcontractors as well as making sure tasks that need to be completed are when they need to be.  For instance, if you need the toilet in the first-floor bathroom to accommodate company then it is important it is installed and ready before they are set to come over.
  • Create an Environment of Honesty and Solid Communication: Don’t beat around the bush when communicating your expectations of requirements.  Your contractor will tell you if the expectation is realistic or if your requests are way off base.  This allows you to plan accordingly.  If you find that something is not working how you thought it would and you need to reevaluate the holiday renovation it is crucial you feel able to do so.
  • Set a Spot Aside for Materials and Tools When Not in Use: Holiday accessories already quickly clutter the limited space within your home with added company in the mix. The last thing you want is to have the renovation materials and contractors’ tools in the mix of any already chaotic space.  To prevent this from occurring have a space to place materials and tools when they are not in use and company is expected.  Of course, this is not something that should be expected on a nightly basis especially when contractors will be performing work the next day.
  • Create Flexibility: All relationships are based on flexibility and so should the one that you have with your home improvement contractor. Everyone is working towards the same goal, you want your renovation completed in a timely manner with minimal stress and your contractor wants to please you and complete the renovation in a timely manner all with minimal stress.

The holiday season is stressful all alone let alone adding in a major or minor home improvement project.  Working with your contractor will allow the two of you to manage this stress while allowing the holiday happenings to continue on around it without major disruption.

 

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/.

Installment Two – The Process of Treating Cancer Using Radiation

In our first installment on treating cancer with radiation we took a look in to exactly what radiation therapy was, how it worked, and how treatment is planned and delivered.  In today’s installment we will look deeper into what patients can and cannot doing during treatment, how long treatment sessions take, what to expect, and potential side effects.

During treatment are there particular things I should or shouldn’t do?

It is hard to believe however, life as normal can continue while you receive radiation therapy.  In fact, the less interruption to your overall schedule, the better.  Try to think of radiation as you would any other appointment, don’t make it any more important than any other task in your daily life.  Taking the importance away helps to ease anxiety.  Consider the following when planning treatment:

Radiation therapy is performed using a linear accelerator.  Some Skin tumors require a superficial x-ray unit, however for the most part radiation is delivered using a LINAC system.  You will be required to lay still while on the table/couch underneath the linear accelerator while the treatment is occurring.  You will feel nothing at all during the procedure.  Many times, you don’t even know that treatment has occurred.  A myth has circulated that you will be radio active after radiation therapy however this is incorrect.  There is not a possibility of this at all.

Treatment can range from a single treatment, one time to multiple treatments a week for several weeks.  This depends on a number of different factors including the type of cancer, where it is located, and how it is responding to treatment.  Treatment is most often done during the week.    The duration of your session will vary as well depending on the LINAC system that is used, and duration set in your treatment plan.  Certain linear accelerators operate faster than others and certain cancers require slow and steady treatment.  Your radiation oncologist will go over your specific case when reviewing your treatment plan.

During treatment it is important to drink plenty of fluids while eating regularly.  A small, balanced meal several times a day will help with energy loss.  It is also important to keep up on your regular, daily hygiene regimen.  Try to avoid extreme foods of any nature, too spicy, too hot, too cold, and so on are not desirable when receiving treatment.  It is also important to avoid extreme sun exposure during radiation as your skin will be more sensitive to burns.

What side effects should I be prepared for?

Radiation therapy provides a localized treatment which means that any side effect will depend on where it is received.  You may experience the following:

Nausea: Depending on where treatment is given you may feel nauseous during or after treatment.  (This could also be nerves) Whatever the case symptoms can easily be treated with the use of anti-nausea medication.

Diarrhea: As with nausea, diarrhea can be treated with medicine.  Depending on severity a dietician can help prepare your diet to prevent future occurrences.

Sore Throat/Mouth: If you are having treatment done on your mouth or throat you can experience some tenderness.  Your oncologist will offer suggestions to help prevent chewing and swallowing difficulties.

Increased Urination: Treatment in the lower abdomen and pelvic region can lead to frequently needing to relieve yourself.  To prevent discomfort be sure to stay well hydrated by drinking extra water throughout the day.  Take note of drastic changes which could be signally an infection verse side effects from treatment.

Hair Loss:  This too is localized to the treatment area.  Hair loss may occur on your chest, arms, legs, face, and head depending on where the radiation treatment is performed.

Can I continue to work?

As stated earlier, keeping your routine as normal is possible is key.  Of course, each treatment plan is different, and your oncologist may recommend rest after treatment.  If this is the case, you will want to follow their specific instructions.  Once treatment is finished any side effects and symptoms should subside within a few weeks.

Will I need to follow up?

After radiation therapy is performed you will need to follow up with your physician.  In most cases, the first time you meet after treatment will be between four and six weeks.  This is not true in all cases and therefore it is important to work with your doctor to make these arrangements at the time of or before your last treatment of radiation.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.

The Best Option in Fencing Is Always Aluminum and Here’s Why

There is no reason to struggle when it comes to purchasing a fence for your home or business.  No matter where your fence is going to be installed it aluminum fence panels are the solution to your fencing needs.

Aluminum fencing has been a popular option in commercial pool fencing for awhile now.  Do you want to know why? The answer is that not only is it simple to plan for and order online, it is also easy to install and best of all DURABLE and practically MAINTENACE FREE!  Why spend an entire weekend over the summer cleaning and staining fencing when you don’t have to?  Time is precious and the last thing that should consume an entire weekend is fence maintenance.

Choosing the Best Fence Material

Let’s start where we began in the article, pool fencing.  Why is aluminum the best option when fencing in the perimeter of your swimming pool?  As earlier mentioned, outdoor commercial pools have been choosing aluminum for their fencing needs for years now.  Pool water contains chlorine or for some salt water, both corrosive to many fencing materials.  Without a doubt the fencing around your pool will get wet and needs to be able to withstand the harsh chemicals.  Aluminum is coated with a powder coating that allows the paint to withstand not only harsh pool water chemicals but also the beating of most natural climates.

Another reason that aluminum is used when fencing in swimming pools is because of its overall reputation for safety.  In a pool setting the number one concern is safety and aluminum fencing and gates provide both.  Aluminum pool gates from iFenceUSA are equipped with self-closing swing mechanisms that automatically latch.  This prevents a gate from accidentally being left open.  Not only do our aluminum pool gates contain these extra safety devices our aluminum fencing panels are suited to meet B.O.C.A. regulation, narrowing the spacing between vertical and horizontal pickets.  This close spacing helps prevent children from climbing the fence to gain access when not supervised.

Less Maintenance

The fence specialists are always answering questions regarding the maintenance of aluminum fence.  Most consumers don’t understand how aluminum can look exactly like wrought iron but that it doesn’t rust.  What allows aluminum fencing to stay rust free?  The answer is that although the oxidation process still occurs with aluminum it doesn’t concern aluminum fencing panels because of the powder coating that is used on top of the panels and posts.  The powder coating protects the aluminum from moisture.  This protection against moisture creates an environment that is not favorable for rust to form, thus aluminum fencing stays free of rust.

Installation is another common concern surrounding fencing.  Although the installation of a fence is a large scaled job, aluminum fencing is easier than most other types of fencing naturally.  Can homeowners install aluminum fencing without hiring an installation expert? The answer is an unequivocal, YES!

The entire process from ordering to installation is easier with aluminum fencing.  There are several online tools at www.ifenceusa.com for homeowners to use when planning for and installing aluminum fencing.  The online ordering options allow homeowners to upload an image of their space and virtually plug in the different styles and sizes of aluminum fencing.  Once you have established a layout diagram that you are pleased with ordering is as simple as answering a few basic questions about your landscape.  Following the diagram will ensure you order the right number of posts and panels.  This diagram will be included in your fencing shipment with detailed installation instructions.  Do you remember those paint by number canvas’s we all painted as little kids?  Yep, your fence installation can be that simple.  Many customers have been blown away by the simplicity of the installation process.  This is not to say it is done without some good ole fashion hard work, time, and patience however it can be done without stressful complications that are found with the installation of other fencing materials.  You don’t sacrifice quality saving money on installing aluminum fencing with the DIY method.

Aluminum fence panels and gates have an abundance of benefits over other materials available to homeowners and commercial users.  Not only is aluminum affordable it offers durability, low maintenance, ease of installation, an abundance of options, styles, and more.

 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/.

 

Here Comes the Holidays!

The holidays are upon us!  Of course, we all know what this means… PARTY TIME!  There is no better way then to start getting in the spirit of the season than with a company holiday party.  Although company parties can become the source of water cooler stories for years to come, they are the perfect time to get to know the people you spend eight to ten hours a day with.

Yes, some co-workers will take this opportunity to enjoy a few beverages which can lead to some tipsy revelations, funky dancing, or perhaps some mild filtration it will also be a time for some fun and entertainment. Corporate holiday parties are similar to that once a year wedding we are all excited to attend, they allow employees to have a little fun and reward them for the hard work that has been put in throughout the year.

Below are some ultra-exciting corporate party ideas to ensure your event is something that your employees enjoy.

Company Olympics

Instead of running, swimming, skiing, and so on create a few fun events that employees can participate in for prizes.  Consider creating teams by randomly drawing names and have them compete in fun games like wine cork shooting ranges, team table tennis with one partner blind folded, bouncy ball basketball using mason jars as baskets, balancing by the books, and so on.  You really can come up with just about anything to create a night of activity and unexpected team bonding.

Rent an Indoor Field

What better way to get to know your employees and them one another than to rent an indoor athletic field for a game of kickball, softball, flag football, and more.  After the game, surprise employees with an entertainer that is able to set up a stage and perform for them after they have cleaned up and are ready to party.

Take Over a Museum/Zoo

How awesome would it be to attend a corporate event in a venue that is normally over crowded and unable to be enjoyed.  Think about having the Smithsonian, the Shedd Aquarium, or San Francisco Zoo all to yourselves to enjoy.  Having food and drink stations throughout for employees to enjoy.  What a treat it would be to have time to enjoy something so amazing without the crowds, just your co-workers and their families.

A Bar Crawl

Not all places of employment would consider this but a less conservative, smaller company might see this as a perfect opportunity to let loose.  Rent rooms for each employee and a company party bus to explore several bars throughout the area without having to worry about driving and getting home.

Of course, your corporate party needs to be planned with your company and employees in mind.  No matter what type of event you decide on you have to be prepared for a bit of “backlash” by outsiders uninterested in participating in activities outside of normal business hours.  As an employer your job is to plan for the masses and make sure to give your employees an experience that lets them know just how appreciated they are!

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 http://www.eventplanningdc.com.