Livingston Reporting - page 137

Tips To Prepare For Your Roof Installation

You probably have given it a great deal of thought if you are reading this article. A roof replacement is often a costly and thoughtful undertaking that will not only render your home a construction site for a couple of days, but without the proper preparation and planning the whole construction project may not go as smooth as it should. Even though local roofing contractors go out of their way to assure you that the installation will be as easy as” taking candy from a baby”.  It pays to be prepared. Consider the following tips:

  • Do research on the different types of roofing materials available to you. You will want to have an understanding of the pros and cons of each material and how the materials will best serve your home and family.
  • Check with local roofing contractors and plan for them to install the roof during their off-peak season unless you require an emergency roof installation. Spring and summer are usually their busiest months, however, with clear communication and consultation, they can accommodate your needs. It also pays to be strategic with scheduling because some roof installation (depending on the size of the project) may take longer than others.  You also may be able to get a better deal on your new roof installation if you choose to have the roof installed outside of peak roofing season.
  • There is also the issue of changes in weather to contend with. If you live in an area where it rains 24/7 you will want to have great patience and understanding in working to get the roof installed.
  • Remember that you might be away from your home for most of the roof installation duration, therefore, take the necessary precautions to cover and secure belongings to protect them from falling debris and dust although unlikely can occur. Your local roofer may provide coverings for the exterior part of the house.  Remember to park your vehicle outside of the area to avoid damage.
  • Talk to your local roofer to find out what they need from you. For example, they might require an outside electrical or water source that you may not have and notifying them beforehand will help them come prepared with an alternative.
  • It is also important to board your pets or take them with you because noises during a roof installation may prove too much for them. Roofing is loud.   The last thing that you would want is for your pet to be startled and spooked.
  • Ensure you have a contract signed ahead of time. Also make sure, before you sign on the dotted line, that the roofing contractor that you have chosen is both licensed and insured.

 

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Challenges of Planning A Wedding Without A Consultant

Weddings restore our hope and belief in Love. They have a way of opening our hearts and uplifting our spirits.  It’s a day where people get dressed up and come together to celebrate the union of two people in love. There is a lot to love about a wedding however, not so much the planning of a wedding. Most brides-to-be don’t even know where to start. Most brides to be end up feeling like they need to quit their day job to get everything done. Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, especially for those planning it without a wedding consultant.

Challenges of Planning a Wedding Without a Consultant

Where to Budget vs Where to Splurge

Every couple wants a wedding that stands out; a wedding where every vision is realized without worry about a budget.  Is it possible to plan a wedding within a budget without sacrificing on the vision you have for your wedding?  The answer is simple; yes, you are able to plan a beautiful extravaganza without blowing your budget with the help of an experienced wedding consultant.  A wedding coordinator will help you prioritize your desires and work to stretch your budget.  Event planners also have their own connections within the wedding industry which can often help.  Whether it is saving on catering, invitations, décor, flowers, transportation, entertainment, venues, or more a wedding planner and their connections can help brides on a budget stretch their dollars to make sure every detail is met.

Vendor Relations

If you think choosing your bridal attire is a challenge, then dealing with multiple vendors and getting them to deliver on their promises in a timely manner is going to really test your patience.  Wedding consultants are used to working with multiple vendors at one time and getting them to coordinate with one another which can save couples money.  Often vendors will offer multiple vendor discounts that are only advertised within the industry.

Thank You Cards and Gifts

Not only does your wedding party deserve personalized thank you gifts and cards but so do your wedding guests.  A wedding coordinator can not only ensure you don’t forget anyone they can make personalized gifts and thank you cards easy.  With a planners help you will be sure not to miss the goodie bags at the hotel that welcome out of town guests and the little personalized trinkets to remind your bridal party just how much they mean to you.  These small, personalized touches can take up a lot of the bride and grooms time however wedding consultants do this day in and day out and really know how to make the little details stand out to your guests and wedding party.

Minimizing Stress Before, During, and After

Often brides want to be in control of every aspect, down to the color of the nail polish their bridesmaids wear, which can turn them into Bridezilla.  When working with a wedding planner brides can remain in complete control of the decision-making process, streamlining the entire process.  Minor details and aggravations from behind the scenes will all be handled by the consultant without compromising the wedding integrity of the wedding and you will be none the wiser.

Focusing on Yourself

It is normal for women to want to focus on everything but themselves however on your wedding day that is not even an option.  Since you can’t be in ten places at one time and really don’t need to stress about the flower arrangements arriving at 6 instead of 5:30 take a step back and allow the wedding coordinator to take complete control the day of the wedding.  They will send out an agenda to the entire wedding party that is customized allowing even the bride to follow a step by step guide to the perfect day while they coordinate the day coming together for you.

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.  Contact the professionals at Event Planning DC http://www.eventplanningdc.com today!

 

Custom App Programming Vs. Platform App Development

Anyone that tells you that they aren’t dependent on technology to fulfill virtually every purpose in their daily life is probably lying. It is quite evident that software development technology is rapidly growing and it’s not pausing for a breather anytime soon because the demand for it is on the increase. In fact, almost every electronic device, machine, or equipment that we use is a by-product of some software development.

Each app development company: custom or platform follows a series of steps known as the software development life cycle.  This includes planning, analysis, design, development & implementation, testing & deployment and maintenance. Each of these steps is vital for the success of app development. Once the software pass through all the stages without any hiccups, then the apps can be placed in the market place for our daily use.

Custom app programing entails designing software applications for a specific user or group to address their needs. For example, customized software development can be tailored to a single or specific entity such as iPhone app development, to be used by that company for which it was designed, in this case iPhone. Companies that require custom app programming work done for them are in control of how the app is configured, which can be anything from the look, feel, functionality, dashboards, etc. to match their businesses’ unique needs and operations.

When it comes to platform app development, there are businesses that need a space where they can not only manage multiple projects within the organization in one central place, they need a platform where they can also monitor their team. A platform app can also have features where a business can upload vital documents within the organization. Such an app can also allow them to keep track of their customers, including tracking the performance of the team and the time they spend on their tasks.  A platform app is designed to be an app that can be used across multiple platforms.

Designing a custom application with an organization’s needs in mind can increase levels of productivity because it provides features that an off-the-shelf software probably wouldn’t. Also, some of mobile apps we use every day have changed the way we conduct business and enabled us to engage in more interesting and innovative ways than ever before. Additionally, the Android app development platform is open source, dynamic and collectively enriching, which simplifies the job of the users and can be used by multiple people in ways that are dynamic to their needs.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

For Sale by Owner Vs. Listing by Agent

Let’s say, for example, you’ve done a great job building your nest egg, then you see a lakefront property for sale by owner sign, would you be confident enough to consider buying the property or would you rather buy a home for sale listed by an agent? Many buyers do not consider for sale by owner homes because they prefer working with a real estate agent who can cut through a few red tapes on their behalf.

When you are new to the home buying or selling game, it helps to have professional by your side who will do more than guide you through the process. Having a house for sale listed by an agent has proven beneficial to many homeowners because for starters, a listing agent has connections and they will know where on the countless websites to list your house, how to up-sell it and how to find cheaper ways to advertise the property.

Also, since you can easily underestimate the value of your property, a listing agent can provide an accurate home value based on a complete market analysis for the right listing price. Realtors are pit bulls when it comes to networking, negotiating better sale contract terms, and preparing intricate and often lengthy paperwork on a client’s behalf. They don’t quit until they make a sale and a homeowner is satisfied.

Realtors know how to present your home to buyers to sell it at top dollar.  Most of us don’t have the eye for detail that real estate agents have especially when it comes to staging our homes.  Real estate agents know what should head into storage and what can stay on display.  The way that your home is presented can matter a great deal to the overall asking price you will receive.

Another benefit of having a real estate agent working on your behalf is that they will help negotiate up until the homes closing date.  You may think once the deal is signed and agreed upon it is over however this is not the case.  After the homes inspection has been completed often buyers will come back to the table with issues that they want the seller to take care of before they close on the home.

This aspect of negotiations is best sorted out between realtors.  Buyers often over estimate the cost of repairs that are needed to the home that they are about to purchase.  This often occurs because of the anxiety that is felt when making decisions of this magnitude.  Real estate agents on both sides have experience that will allow them to make a decision that is best for both parties, wrap up negotiations, and close on the home.

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

Better Outcome With Fewer Treatments

As if being diagnosed with any form of cancer isn’t hard enough, you also are required to work tirelessly with your doctor to sort through a wide range of treatment to help you decide on the best treatment options.  Putting in place a plan that will increase your survival odds and meet your medical budget too is of the utmost importance once a cancer diagnosis has been given. In order to make a realistic decision, it’s important to keep in mind the type of cancer you have, the stage of cancer, and how likely any of the cancer treatments will work under the circumstances. Your doctor can talk to you about what to expect from each type of treatment, including the side effects you are likely to experience depending on the effectiveness of the treatment offered.

Cancer treatments are sometimes used in conjunction with one other. It is common to pair surgery or radiation with chemotherapy. In these cases, doctors are likely to either use radiation oncology equipment or linear accelerator equipment, both, which have shown promising results in treating different types of cancer. It is up to you to make decisions regarding your treatment, comparing the benefits and risks of the different cancer treatments.  This will help you decide if the treatment options fall within your goals and how treatments will affect your everyday life.

Considering the financial cost of each treatment is equally important.  Time is of the essence when it comes to treating any form of cancer.  It is important to check into the available options of cancer treatment that are covered by your insurance.  Treatment using linear accelerator equipment, for instance, which is the most commonly used devices to treat cancer, is usually covered by insurance mostly due to the fact that it is a popular method of cancer treatment.

Additionally, the process of receiving radiation treatment is painless.  Apart from side effects such as fatigue and skin irritation, radiation oncology treatment is simple and unproblematic.   Some treatments, like external beam radiation (EBR), have proven to be effective in addressing large tumors.  Radiosurgery is better for smaller tumors and those in the brain. While your doctor can help you decide on which treatment is best for you, do not feel intimidated or afraid of seeking a second opinion. It is your life, after all, and you want the best outcome possible with the fewest treatments possible.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

 

Can Surgery Repair Your Cataracts?

Unfortunately, far too many people take their eyesight for granted and just assume that they will always have it. That is until something happens to change it and then everything changes in an instant. Whether it is a gradual, instant, partial or complete loss, having to deal with the loss of sight is truly a life-changing event. Unless you have experienced some degree of temporary blindness or loss of sight, you have no idea what it is like to live with cataracts.

 

What are Cataracts? What causes them?

The lens of the eye plays an extremely important function and as long as it is working correctly your vision will be unaffected. Unfortunately, at some point, the natural lens starts to get cloudy and no longer allows for optimum focusing capability. According to vision specialist, the cloudiness of the natural lens is caused by the buildup of proteins that gather together on the surface of the lens which gives it the cloudy appearance.

 

This cloudiness causes the light that is able to pass through the eye to be unfocused and images appear blurry. Once your vision becomes hazy and blurry it normally means that your vision is at risk and that you will need to talk to an ophthalmologist to determine what is the next the step that you will need to in order to be able to restore your vision.

 

What treatments are options available to correct the condition?

There is only one real treatment to correct cataracts in one or both eyes and that is surgery. The surgical procedure involves removing the clouded lens and replace it with an Intraocular (IOL) implant lens. Once the surgery is complete and the cataract removed your vision will once again return to normal. There are two different types of IOL lens; monofocal and multifocal

 

Cataract surgery

If you are like millions of people who have cataracts, you will eventually have to opt to go through the surgery to have the affected lens in your eye or eyes. Unfortunately, as of now, this is absolutely the only way to treat Cataracts and have any chance of being able to see normally again. The skilled surgeon will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an implant lens and you will be able to see normal again.

 

Cataract laser surgery

As with many eye procedures, the laser has made performing the delicate task of cutting in and around the eye much safer. This is definitely true in the case of the Cataract surgery. Now there is a second type of surgery that can be performed on your Cataract and it involves using a laser instead of the blade of a knife.

 

Common risks associated with cataract surgery

As with any surgery, you should always take into consideration the risks that are involved before you go under the knife. While you are obviously at a point in your life that you are in danger of totally losing your vision due to the severity of your cataracts in your eyes, however, you still need to be sure that you understand all of the risks from having the cataract removal surgery. We put together a list of some of the more common risks associated with the cataract surgery procedure:

 

Risks associated with Cataract Surgery using multifocal IOL
  • Loss of sharpness in vision
  • Halo effect in low light or fog
  • Excessive glare

 

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

Increasing Your Homes Water Quality by Installing a Water Filtration System

Health care experts advise people to drink at least 8 full 8 oz. glasses of plain water every day to stay hydrated. This is important because the human body is two-thirds water and without an adequate supply of fresh, clean drinking water your body will be at risk. Most homes in the United States are either hooked up to a municipal water source or localized well water.

 

Unfortunately, just because the water source is supposed to be safe and healthy to drink, there have been issues in the past whereas one or more of the water sources like a water well was contaminated. If this is a fear you have then there is something that you can do to prevent your family from drinking contaminated water without any knowledge that it is happening.

 

One solution would be to have a full house water filtration system or one that attaches to the faucet and filters the water before it comes out. Most water filtration systems work by having the water flow through some type of media material that is designed to trap even the tiniest of contaminants present in the water. There are several different types of water filtration systems and each one works in a unique way to clean the water and prevent you from being contaminated.

 

5 Different Types of Water Filtration Systems

Activated Carbon Filter Systems

Activated carbon filters or carbon filters for short work trapping suspended particles in the water and also helps to absorb chlorine and other chemicals that after often responsible for causing the smelly odor in your water that comes out of the faucet. Most of the systems that use these type of filters make it possible for them to be replaced periodically.

Reverse Osmosis Filter System

This filter system works by forcing the water under pressure through a membrane that will only allow water to pass through it and nothing else. This is also why RO is used to convert seawater (saltwater) into drinkable freshwater. The RO filter is usually part of a total water filtration system.

Alkaline/Water Ionizer

One of the more popular health kicks these days is alkaline water. One of the reasons is because is being reported that many of the most common illnesses thrive in acidic conditions.  By drinking only alkaline water, you reduce the acidity level within your body you could help to possibly prevent one or more of them.

UV Filters

Ultraviolet filters are used specifically for killing dangerous bacteria when present in a water supply. By exposing the water to ultraviolet radiation any bacteria will be killed without having to use dangerous chemicals or heating up the water. This type of filter is also typically found as part of a multiple stage filtration system.

Infrared Filters

This type of filtration system combined heat and electricity to filter and soften the water by negatively charging the water to change its molecular structure. These type of filters work a lot like Alkaline and Water Ionizers.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

 

Comparing Medigap Plans in Texas

For those who do not know what Medicare it is the federally provided insurance that covers the millions of American seniors who have qualified for and been accepted to receive Social Security payments from the Federal Government. The insurance premiums are paid directly from your Social Security check, so you never really see it. Unfortunately, much like all other insurance plans available across the country, Medicare does not cover everything at 100%.

 

This will leave a gap in the total coverage that each covered senior have and that would leave them responsible for the balance. One of the big reason for this is because the cost of healthcare has gotten way too out of control. Fortunately, there are plans available that are designed to fill the gap beyond what Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B cover.

 

These plans are government approved and are referred to as plan A all the way through plan L. Each one of these Medigap insurance plans are federally regulated in order to attempt to keep them at least somewhat cheaper for the senior.

Medigap Insurance Eligibility

A good rule of thumb to certain if you are eligible for one of the 10 Medigap insurance plans is that if you are at least 65 years of age and signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B. There are also a few requirements that you must meet in order to be able to qualify for coverage under Medigap insurance plans. You must at least meet the following tough requirements:

  • You must be a legal resident or US citizen
  • You have lived in the United States for at least 5 years
  • Worked at least 10 years at a job that is Medicare covered

Common misconceptions about Medicare and why Medigap insurance is so important

One would think that a health care plan established by the US Federal Government that is designed to cover the medical expenses for senior citizens that are currently receiving Social Security payments would truly cover everything. Unfortunately, you would totally wrong and on top of that, each and every Medicare recipient has to pay their own premiums that are automatically taken out of your monthly SS check.

These Medigap plans are also not automatic and if you don’t qualify, you would be financially responsible for all of the doctor bills above what Medicare allows. Then there is the list of services that are not covered by Medicare at all. This list is actually quite extensive and is filled with things that might surprise you to find out that Medicare does not cover and that the Medigap plan you chose would have to be able to cover as much of those things.

Here is a brief list of some of the medical procedures that are not covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B

  • Routine eye care or glasses
  • Eye refractions
  • No yearly exams
  • No Chiropractic services
  • Hearing aids, tests, or exams
  • Prescription drugs

 

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com.  Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

 

 

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans Available in Texas

In order to be covered for services that are not currently allowed by Medicare, a senior would have to carry and pay the premiums, copayments for supplemental insurance plans. Unfortunately, these plans can be a bit tricky when it comes to trying to figure out which of them is best for you to choose in order to get the best deal for yourself.

 

These Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans also referred to as Medigap Plans are all pretty much the same since they are heavily regulated by the Federal Government. However, because they are offered by private insurers the pricing will vary depending on the company that is making the offer.

 

You still want to educate yourself on what is fully covered and what is not when it comes to Medicare. This way you can be sure that whatever Supplemental Insurance plan you ultimately choose is going to cover all of your medical needs moving forward. Another important aspect of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan is that you are able to choose one that you would be able to afford to cover the premiums, copays, and deductibles.

 

7 Important things to know about Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

 

You must already be covered by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

You must already be covered by a Medicare Part A or Part B to qualify for a supplemental plan. You need to select a supplemental insurance policy that fit your needs.

 

All costs of supplemental insurance are on you.

You are going to have to cover all of the costs of the supplemental insurance policy which includes premiums, copayments and deductible payments. This is all on top of having to pay your Part A and Part B.

 

Supplemental insurance plans only cover one individual.

Even if both you and your spouse are qualified for a supplemental insurance policy you cannot get a policy that covers you both. You must purchase two separate policies and pay separate fees for each.

 

All fully paid supplemental policies cannot be canceled.

All supplemental policies continue to be enforced as long as you pay the premiums. This includes any major medical issues that would ordinarily be grounds for cancellation.

 

All new supplemental policies do not include prescriptions.

Even though Medicare supplemental policies used to have prescription drug coverage prior to 2006, this has been permanently changed and this means no prescription drug coverage.

 

You cannot combine a Medicare Advantage Plans with Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans.

 

The rules are set up in a way that you cannot have a Medical Savings Account and then buy a supplemental insurance plan.

You can go to any insurance broker who is licensed to sell supplemental insurance policies within your state.

 

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Increase Your Home’s Value Through Exterior Home Improvements

Chances are your home will be the single largest investment you will ever make in your lifetime and because of this, you will want to be sure that you are doing everything to prevent it from losing value. One way that a home’s value can be maintained or even increased is to pay close attention to the exterior of the home.

 

When it is time to consider exterior improvements, you should look for reputable exterior home improvement contractors in your area. These companies have the expertise in planning and carrying out most any type of exterior work that you could ever need. Be sure that do your due diligence when it comes to selecting the best contractor so that you feel confident that they will do all of the work you that are asking them to do.

 

Curb appeal is one of the primary motivators when it comes to planning any exterior home improvements. Making the outside of your home and the surrounding areas will go a long ways in making it more appealing from a visual standpoint. We have come up with 7 ways that you can easily spruce up the exterior of your home that will add value to the property.

Entry door replacement

The front door of any home is absolutely the first thing that most people notice about a house when they are looking at it from the street. That is why it is essential that you pay extra attention to how attractive your front entry door looks from the street. You also will want to be sure that it is up to date, but not look out of place with the rest of the exterior.

Adding architectural stone accent

Architectural stone and rock will add an extra bit of character to the outside of your home. This is one way to really spruce the outside of your home if it looking kind of blah. You may want to reconsider if you have any brick veneer on your home currently, if so the two may clash and not really look good together.

Garage door replacement

If you have an attached garage and it faces the street, chances are it might be the largest single feature on the front of the house. If this is the case, then you might want to consider replacing or even repainting the entire garage door. This will help to add a really nice touch to your home and quite possibly may add some value to your home.

Siding replacement or refinish

If you still have the original wood siding on your home from when it was first built, you may want to consider looking into one or more of the newer siding materials that are being offered by contractors today. Vinyl siding gives you really good looks, amazing durability and extra insulation can be added for additional energy savings in your home.

Adding a deck

Outdoor entertaining is really popular these days and having a deck off the back door can really add quite a bit of value to your home. With so many material options and colors to choose from, you should easily be able to find what looks best for what you can afford.

Replace the whole roof

A good-looking roof is very important when it comes to curb appeal and the elements can easily take their toll on the look and effectiveness of a shingle roof. You may want to get a professional opinion about the condition and look of your roof from a professional inspector.

 

Rework the patio

There is so much that can be done on a patio these days which can easily add some much desire value to your property. If you find one of the top exterior home improvement contractors, you can be assured that they will help you make it look its best.

 

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.