Livingston Reporting - page 159

Which Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plan Works Best For You

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Are you 65 or about to turn 65 years of age, but are unsure of which health plan works best for you? If you already have a comprehensive retiree health plan that provides additional and generous benefits, or benefits not covered by Medicare or Medigap policies, you may not need a Medigap plan. However, it is advisable to review your health insurance plan annually and evaluate whether it’s right for you based upon cost, convenience, and coverage. It is time to reconsider your current health plan if you are paying too much for benefits you don’t necessarily need or your health is worsening and you need more benefits.

Depending on the type of health insurance plan you are looking for, your risk factors and how much insurance you want, or what you want to be insured for, a supplemental health insurance plan can be purchased to cover additional expenses that are not covered by the basic health insurance plan such as co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance.

Eligibility For Medigap

Supplemental health insurance policies such as Medigap supplemental insurance offer disease-specific insurance. While there are possible exceptions, but, if you are on Medicare, Medicare Advantage Part C health plan, have a disability or pre-existing medical condition and are under 65, you aren’t eligible to enroll in a Medigap plan. Available, contingent on the state you reside in, are eleven Medigap policy plans from A through G and K through N that offer different groups of benefits, filling different gaps in Medicare Parts A and B coverage.

It is a general rule that by law, insurers can’t sell you more than one Medigap supplemental health insurance plan. If married, your husband or wife will need to purchase a separate policy if they too need a Medigap coverage, but only if they have Original Medicare Part A and B. Generally, Medigap supplemental insurance plans do not cover any out-of-pocket costs for Part D plans, long-term care, private-duty nursing, dental care, vision care, eyeglasses, or hearing aids.

Standard Medigap policy will cover are some or all the costs of the following:

  • About 20% of what Medicare doesn’t cover, such as your Part A hospital deductible and coinsurance
  • Part A lifetime reserve coinsurance for 91 to 150 days
  • A portion of Part B services such as your doctor’s bills
  • Part B deductible
  • Part B 20% coinsurance
  • Part A and B first three pints of blood annually
  • Hospice care and coinsurance
  • Foreign travel emergency coverage
  • Up to 365 lifetime hospital days beyond Medicare coverage

Rights You Have With Medigap

A few changes have also been made to Medigap rules that require companies to issue a Medigap policy without both a health screening and a new waiting period limitation. For example;

  • You now have the right to purchase a Medigap policy without health screenings or a new waiting period if you no longer have insurance that covers all of the cost of Medicare’s 20% co-insurance
  • Insurance companies cannot request, require or obtain medical information as part of the application process if you are applying under “open enrollment” rights or if you are entitled to “guaranteed issue” coverage
  • “Open enrollment” rights are now extended to include COBRA and CalCOBRA

Regardless of the changes to the law, those who bought their Medigap plans before June 1, 2010, can rest assured that their plan is not only guaranteed renewable every year, but their benefits will remain the same as long as you want to keep it and the premiums are paid.

Bearing in mind that insurance companies are required to offer the same benefits for each lettered plan, but it is your prerogative to shop around and find a Medicare Supplement plan that may fit your medical and financial needs. In essence, insurers have the ability to charge higher premiums for this coverage, they are, after all, trying to make a living too. The following are what they base their costs when they price their plan premiums:

How Premiums Are Priced

Community-rated pricing – also known as No-Age-Rated pricing, the age of the beneficiary does not affect the premium price, but it may still go up due to factors, such as inflation, high deductibles, discounts, and whether you have a guaranteed issue right. Therefore, regardless of your age and overall health condition, the charges are the same premium to all beneficiaries

Attained-age-rated –  they are the most common as they represent the largest group of insured policyholders and the monthly premium rate for this policy is based on your current age at policy start. While they increase gradually over time, they are reasonable increments that must first be approved by the Department of Insurance as a way to keep up with inflation.

Issue-Age-Rated – premiums are priced based on the age at which you bought the policy. Depending on your state of origin, these policies will every so often have much higher premiums to start out and are subject to annual rate increments.

It is, therefore, important to do a little research pertaining to how your state rates this policy and also check an insurer’s rate increase propensities over the years before you purchase an issue-age policy or any other policy for that matter.

Medigap plans cover a range of benefits, with some providing more coverage than others. And while Medigap Supplemental insurance plans are standardized in most states, understanding how they are priced will ensure that you are not paying double for the same basic benefits. You may also be subject to medical underwriting that most insurance companies use to collect detailed information about your health and medical history when evaluating your application. It is during this evaluation process that an insurance company will decide whether or not to accept your application for insurance and how much to charge you. They, however, can’t use your health problems to deny you a policy or charge you more for it during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. Therefore, be extra vigilant not to miss your Open Enrollment Period to avoid medical underwriting and extra costs.

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!

 

Medigap Insurance Plans

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Improvements To Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans are part of a federal health insurance program created for people over the age of 65. It is sold by private companies to supplement Original Medicare benefits. It offers coverage for services such as overseas travel and can be used to help pay some of the costs that are not covered by Original Medicare such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap policies are standardized and are identified in most states by letters A through N to make it easy for consumers to identify the different plans and to ensure that what they purchase meets their needs.

Improvements For Medigap

There are improvements that have been made to Medigap plan for patients and provider including:

  • Two new Plans M and N with new cost-sharing rules have been added
  • Medigap Plans E, H, I, and J, including high-deductible Plan J, has been dropped
  • Preventive Care benefits were dropped from all Plans because Medicare now covers many of these benefits.
  • The in-home recovery benefit was dropped from all Plans due to underuse
  • Hospice benefits have been added to the basic benefits of Plans A through D and Plan F and G
  • Plan E is no longer available
  • Benefits for excess charges in Plan G were increased to 100%

Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans and what they cover:

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan A – you are required to pay all deductibles, skilled nursing coinsurance, Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergency care. This plan covers:

  • 100% of 61 to 90 days of your hospitalization coinsurance including that of the first three pints of blood
  • The cost of 365 extra days of hospital care after Medicare coverage ends
  • Medicare copayment of hospice care

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan B – you will pay your Part B deductibles, all hospitalization costs beyond the additional 365 days after the Lifetime Reserve is used up and costs that are not covered by Medicare after 21 days in a skilled nursing facility. It covers:

  • Part A deductibles
  • Medicare copayment/coinsurance of hospice care
  • The cost of 365 extra days of hospital care after Medicare coverage ends
  • 100% of your hospitalization coinsurance from 61 to 90 days as well as that of cost the first three pints of blood

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan C – this plan doesn’t cover Medicare Part B excess charges but covers the following:

  • Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
  • Medicare Part B copayments and coinsurance
  • First three pints of blood for a medical procedure
  • Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted
  • Skilled Nursing Facility care coinsurance
  • Medicare Part A deductible
  • Medicare Part B deductible
  • Up to 80% foreign travel emergency coverage

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan F – is the most comprehensive supplement because it pays for all of the gaps in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including both your hospital and outpatient deductible. This plan is not only renewable, but you can see any Medicare specialist of your choosing without any referrals.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance – High Deductible Plan F –  allow you to save on premiums while still receiving the most robust offering of Medicare Supplement but you will pay a higher out-of-pocket amount until a deductible amount is reached then your plan covers the rest of your Medicare-covered health-care costs for the rest of the year.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan G – this plan saves you a little money because it pays Part A deductibles and all coinsurance, which are all of the benefits of Plan F, with the exemption of Part B deductible. You only need to pay the regular yearly Medicare Part B deductible out of pocket.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan K – this plan covers 50% of your Part A deductible, 50% of the cost of the first three pints of blood and of the skilled nursing facility copayment on 21 to 100 days. It also covers Medicare copayment or coinsurance of hospice care, including the cost of 365 extra days of hospital care after Medicare coverage ends.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan L – covers 75% of coinsurance and copayments not covered by Medicare Part B as well as that of hospice care that is not covered by Medicare Part A. It also covers three pints of blood drawn, coinsurance for a skilled nursing care facility and deductibles not covered by Medicare Part A.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan N – has similar benefits as Plan F but you will need to pay Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part B excess charges, and copayments for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission out of pocket.

Contact Us

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!

 

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

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On-demand JIT Logistics Services Is Making the Supply Chain More Manageable Across Industries

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the most important functions of logistics is the transportation of supply goods to production and trading companies, as well as to the customers of eCommerce. With the increase in frequency of these deliverables, the need for more reliable and logic operators is becoming the most preferred choice in various industries.

Just-in-time transport of goods or JIT logistics services are able to avoid the overhauls of late arrivals. Such a concept prevents the rise in overhead expenses for companies caused due to idle periods. Manufacturing enterprises have suffered huge losses in the past, especially due to the delay in delivery to end customers. In this case, the end user does not need to pay for the shipping costs when operators miss delivery timelines.

Benefits of Performance Driven JIT Logistics

Keeping up with queue management was becoming increasingly difficult for various services such as port and freight stations, logistics operators in which slot coordination is the basic means of handling the system. Late service of a specific vehicle would result in increased costs for transport enterprises.

The all in real-time idea of JIT transport makes time to deliver goods by logistics services no more an estimate, thus preventing the client to wait for the delivery. In fact, this model shows the challenges faced by the various services in action immediately, which essentially leads to an increase in performance efficiency with outcome based possibilities.

Actions Taken to Improve JIT Scheduling

The main aspect leading to this approach; however, involves meeting the “just-in-time” delivery condition. This hugely depends on the movement of logistic vehicles depending on the intensity of traffic on city streets. Transport logistic managers and customer support officials often do not take this into account when planning deliveries. The result is an unorchestrated organization of the delivery time without the careful consideration of the actual possibility of goods delivered within the designated time.

The logistics cycle followed by successful companies keeps the just-in-time planning and delivery safety in mind when calculating the time required for delivery from the onset.

  • Solutions in place to improve the quality of planning with adherence to factors such as delivery parameters, compliance and regulatory requirements, more precise understanding of time, and the schedule of the driver.
  • Integration and processing of data from logistic participants, exchange of information on traffic situations and delays.
  • Adjusting solutions for improvement of delivery control by calculating the time required to deliver current orders.

Future of JIT Logistics Services

Major companies today are using JIT as a more cost efficient method of holding and dispatching stock. It reduces the amount of inventory held at a given time and also schedule timely delivery of the goods. When demand is overdrive, it means shipping is overdrive as well. As companies continue to pursue outsourcing and expand their operations internationally, without a doubt jit transport will bring the revenue for the supply chain for a long time as it focuses on only one factor, cost reduction.

Learn more about Matrix Transportation and the transportation services they offer including: dedicated truckloads, JIT truckloads, less than truckload (LTL), same day expedited FTL and LTL, full truckload, warehousing, cross-docking, and trailer rentals at www.matrixtransportation.com  To contact one of our trucking experts call toll free 888.896.2405 today.

Matrix Transportation

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Factors to Consider before Hiring a Commercial Roof Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Hiring a roofing contractor, especially when it comes to commercial roofing, is a decision that must be taken after thorough consideration. Proper research needs to be done before selecting one. The major reason behind this recommendation is that commercial roofing is a costly affair. If a company has hired inexperienced commercial roofing contractors, it can add to their woes and prove to be even more costly for them.

Let’s have a look at some of the factors to consider before hiring a commercial roof contractor.

Licensed and Insured

To begin with, you must ensure that the contractors you are hiring have obtained the license to offer their services. Moreover, they must also be insured. This ensures enhanced peace of mind of clients.

Committed to Excellence

Look for the commercial roofing contractors who are committed to providing exceptional services. You must do a background check and read reviews on their services. This will give you an idea of their expertise.

Extensive Experience

It is important to know about the experience of a particular contractor before hiring them. Relying on new contractors in the market solely because they are charging less than others may prove to be even more costly for you.

Proven Techniques

Ask about the techniques and strategies that will be used by contractors before hiring them. Make sure they are in accordance with the international standards. Furthermore, you must also be aware of the material used by contractors for efficiently performing the job at hand. It should be of high quality if you want to attain better results. Inferior quality results will do the opposite effect and you will have to frequently spend on money for roof repair services.

Qualified Employees

Employees hired by contractors must be qualified. Moreover, they must follow workplace health and safety standards in order to avoid landing in difficult situations.

Use of Cutting-edge Technology

Hire a commercial roof contractor that make efficient use of state of the art technology for repairing or building a commercial roof. Use of the cutting-edge technology increases efficiency, reduces cost, and produce reliable results.

Cost

While it is important to consider cost but it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when it comes to hiring a contractor for the commercial roof. The best idea is to compare prices of different top rated commercial roofing contractors before taking the final call. This practice will help you to get the best deal.

As mentioned above, the selection process of a roofing contractor can prove to be a daunting phase. To take a decision that is in the best interest of your organization, it is recommended to go online and check profiles of different contractors that offer services you require. Shortlist the profiles of companies that meet the criteria you have set, compare their prices, and communicate your requirements to them. This whole process will help you to select the best roofing contractor.

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.

 

 

Kearns Brothers

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Significant Savings Seen Using Refurbished Electrical Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In order to be successful in business, we need to be a tad prudent with how money is spent or re-invested into the business and purchasing. Is purchasing a new piece of electrical equipment the best investment, or does capitalizing on an opportunity to purchase quality refurbished electrical components at a significant savings make a viable economic sense?

Pros and Cons

Buying refurbished electrical components has its pros and cons. The pros, it is a great way to save money and in most cases the brand name equipment are built to last. Cons, it can mean money down the drain only when you don’t buy the electrical component from a reputable source and you could end up with an item that is even more damaged or missing integral parts.

Surplus electrical components can come from a few locations:

  • Assets are recovered from manufacturing plants that are closing. The surplus electrical components are then refurbished and sold at a discount.
  • Assets can be recovered from machines that are being disposed of but still have working components. Resulting in one of two situations, the components are refurbished and resold or the entire machine is refurbished.

While one of the benefits of buying reconditioned electrical components is that the items are generally set at a significantly lower price and some equipment contractors will accept returns if an item is ‘defective,’ the down side to this is that you will not get a manufacturer’s warranty.

What Does Reconditioned Mean?

Reconditioned electrical are components that are being repurposed.  They can’t be passed or sold as brand-new products but are instead reconditioned. Whether they are damaged or not, reconditioned electrical components also known as ‘remanufactured’ electrical components are completely disassembled and restored if need be in order to ensure that they perform as expected.

Therefore, before bidding on refurbished electrical components online, there are a few things to keep in mind and if possible ask questions about the item on sale. If it’s a refurbished electrical component be sure to ask about the companies return policies.

Be Cautious Where You Get Refurb Parts From

For a refurbished electrical component, beware of as it may arrive in worse conditions than the actual online photos however you are guaranteed of its safety and reliability. With most resellers and reconditioning companies, you will not be stuck with a defective refurbished electrical component if it is in fact not the right component to fix your machines issue.  An ad may give you all the specifics about the item you are about to purchase and check the seller’s feedback and buyers’ recommendations.  It is important to buy from reputable companies.  This helps to ensure that the reconditioned components that you are purchasing are as good as brand-new OEM electrical parts.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

 

J & P Electrical Company

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Exploring Options In Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you have never had the experience of installing a residential aluminum fence, then you are missing out on the most popular if not the fastest growing of all fencing types in modern architecture. Not only is this fencing material weather resistant and preserves its beauty even when exposed to extremely low or high temperatures, it also comes in a beautiful selection of colors, textures, and standard finishes.

Qualities Of Aluminum

One of the best-known properties of aluminum is its durability, low maintenance, lightweight, high strength, superior pliability, easy machining, zero toxicity, and excellent corrosion resistance making it the best fencing option for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

As you explore your options when customizing your high-quality residential aluminum fence, it is important to know that in addition to the variety of styles, some simple, others ornate, aluminum fencing also comes in different grades that vary in weight. Some specifically designed for residential-grade fencing adequate for most homes and others that require heftier products for heavy-duty applications.

The Use Of Powder Coating

A specialized powder coating technology to keep a residential aluminum fence looking fresh and new as the day it was it installed means that you will never need to repaint it. This durable and maintenance-free innovation also seals and protects the metal against corrosion and rust because once the powder is applied onto the metal, it is treated under heat to meld it and form a coating that is more robust than regular paint.

A residential aluminum fence can be prefabricated to fit even the hilliest of landscapes and designs. Aluminum fences are also available in standard colors such as white, beige, brown, black, and green that come with either a glossy, lustrous, textured and beautiful metallic finishes that will compliment architectural style home and its overall surroundings.

While installing a residential aluminum fence is mostly easy, it is important to follow the installation instructions as to avoid various mishaps such as accidentally cutting any underground cables or telephone lines while digging holes for the posts or miscalculating the spacing needed for the end posts.

Hiring a Professional

It can be cost-effective to have your residential aluminum fence installed by professional because, in addition to having all the installation gear and aluminum fencing products handy, a professional installer will keep in mind various pertinent matters. They include the local zoning laws, the layout of your landscape, the posts, rails, or pickets to be used and much more before they begin digging.

Aluminum fencing has a lot of benefits and in addition to being one of the most versatile fencing materials that can be custom-made to fit most spatial needs.  When compared to steel and wrought iron, residential aluminum fences are surprisingly affordable and readily available. Because of their durability, having an aluminum fence is a long-term investment in your property that will not only be aesthetically pleasing, but will also serve a vital utilitarian purpose in regards to safety, especially securing swimming pools as well as in keeping children and pets safely contained.

Learn more about iFence USA and their vast line of custom aluminum fencing options with various grades of aluminum fence to choose from including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing at http://ifenceusa.com/residential.php.  To contact one of our aluminum fence experts call toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

iFenceUSA

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Support Local Roofing Contractors With Your Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the best ways of supporting your local economy is by supporting local, independent businesses. This not only ensures that more money stays within your community, but also local businesses are more accountable to their local communities and in one way or another, they create employment opportunities and are invested in the well-being of the community and its future.

Choosing A Local Roofing Company

Can you say the same about your local roofing company? Are they knowledgeable about your home’s specific requirements? Do you trust them to undertake a major roofing project and deliver on time and in a professional manner? The main advantage of using your local roofing company, as opposed to a nationally owned business, is that your local contractor needs your business and wants to earn your trust and will provide you with local references so that you can see for yourself the nature of their workmanship and how well they relate to other customers.

A local roofing company with bad credibility will give you the run around until the soles of your feet are sore. A proactive local roofing contractor will always be looking around the neighborhood to assess damages or roofs that need repairs and will offer sound advice to the local community on popular architectural styles, color schemes, affordable yet durable roofing materials and much more, whether or not he or she gets the roofing job.

Proper Licensing

Contrary to popular belief, not all local roofing contractors are ‘cowboy builders’ who are only after your hard earned money and end up doing a substandard job and taking off on you. In fact, most of make it a point to get a certified roofing license. This means that they have taken the time and money to undergo industry-specific training and meet safety standards just to prove to their clients that they are experienced and knowledgeable in their field.

Depending on the state, local roofing contractors are required to submit various documents such as proof of identity, background and credit checks, education, experience, test results, etc. They also must pay a licensing fee to the state licensing board to prove that they indeed have an actual job experience; they are safe and financially responsible.

Things To Look For When Interviewing

With this in mind, it is, however, important to become a discerning customer before hiring a local roofing company because failure to do so, a poor job can mean costly roof repairs and leaks in the future. Move on to the next roofing company if the one you are interviewing does not address the following concerns:

  • It is a definite cause for concern if they do not provide their company’s full name, contacts, and address
  • They do not have a workman’s compensation and liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident
  • Your local council does not recognize their license
  • They do not have references from other homeowners that you can visit and check their previous work
  • They do not have a valid roofing company warranty that guarantees their work

 

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.  To contact one of our roofing contractors, call 810.225.9080 today.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Local Trends in Bathroom Renovations For 2018

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Now that it is a new year it is time to get started on those bathroom renovations you have been considering. Start by hiring a remodeling contractor, as they’ll be able to assist you through every step of the process. Otherwise, your bathroom renovations will likely remain a fantasy.

There are many different looks and styles for bathrooms. If you examine some of the local trends in bathroom renovations for 2018, it will help to narrow down your options.

Freestanding Bathtubs

This was a common feature of Victorian homes, but is making a comeback.  Don’t expect tacky or cumbersome stylings, the new freestanding bathtubs are both modern and compact for the 2018 bathroom. A wide range of faucets can be installed too. Choices go beyond your standard chrome and stainless steel to rose gold and dark brass. Homeowners with free standing tubs in their bathroom designs are considering the addition of a rain shower head so they can still take a shower in the immense bathtub.

Granite or Quartz Countertops

Many people choose to match bathroom countertop with kitchen countertop. It doesn’t have to be the exact same color; you can opt for a similar veined pattern for a cohesive look. These types of countertops are considered permanent and are the perfect choice for a bathroom that can suffer moisture or water damage. Now you’ll never have to worry again. Bathroom countertops can also wrapped behind the toilet, giving you more space for cosmetics or decorative objects.

LED Mirrored Lights

Not only are LED lamps low in energy consumption, but they can be extremely bright so you can put on your makeup or do your hair easily. If you’re worried they’re too bright, consider adding a dimmer switch in your bathroom. In the morning you can have a minimum of light while you wake up, then when it’s time to carefully apply your makeup you can increase the lighting levels.

Vessel or Bowl Sinks

Bathroom sinks no longer have to be boring white porcelain or ceramic models. The new style of vessel or bowl sinks not only gives your bathroom a touch of style, but also functionality too. The sinks can be as small or as large as you like. Its original function is realized for people who like to put the stopper in and splash around to wash. A wide variety of faucets can be added too. These need not be boring either. Faucets come in every color of the rainbow, and can be one or two handled.

Hardwood or Wood Laminate Flooring

In the past, wood or laminate floors were frowned upon, as the moisture and water from the tub could quickly erode away at surfaces. Today’s engineered flooring panels have protective layers that are suitable for the bathroom. They come in every color of wood you can imagine.

There are many local trends in bathroom renovations for 2018. Your remodeling contractor will be able to assist you with the above choices and more. Soon you’ll have a beautiful but highly functional bathroom that you can enjoy several times a day!

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Top Five Stages of Pursuing Effective IT Services from IT Consultants

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you’ve been of late thinking about IT services for your needs, you may wonder what exactly happens during the session with an IT consultant. IT consulting is geared towards customers that are already aware about their need of an IT expert, but aren’t quite sure about what kind of assistance that is required.

In fact, you may have realized the potential impact of consulting an IT service provider for your business; however, it always helps to have a basic understanding of how these specialists benefit your business. The following lists out the sequential phases of IT consulting on a macro level.

Contracting Phase

During the contracting phase, you work with an IT consultant to understand the necessary groundwork required to assist your company with IT services and how it should be carried out. At first, IT consultants discuss about the challenges faced by the client and whether they can help find solutions for the problems.

This initial stage or the entry phase is basically a discussion carried out between the customer and the IT services provider. The expectations of either side are brought to notice, thereby arriving at a plan as to how to start with the implementation.

Data Collection Phase

Once the terms are discussed and the initial session is complete, the consultant will gather all relevant data necessary to find out the best possible solution. The stage involves understanding and requesting for the information that will help in diagnosing the present turmoil faced by the business. This is a crucial stage and the effectiveness of the next stage, the diagnosis phase is based on the outcome of proper data collection.

Diagnostics Phase

With proper data accumulation, the IT consultant now proceeds to the key stage of the service, the diagnosis. A specialized consultant will design the methodologies and best practices incorporated to discover the most effective solution.

Planning Phase

For IT services, the planning phase is the most stressful of all stages of their consulting. The consultant will find out exactly what must be done and the cost incurred. Companies often want a cheaper solution, whereas the professional solutions provider will strive to propose the most beneficial way to tackle the problem.

Companies often think that IT consultants are charging more for their services, which is not true in most cases. The fact that cheap solutions will always jeopardize the reputation of the service is a vital aspect that customers must try to understand. If you find that a consultant is dedicated to a specific solution, consider this as a sign of quality and not a means to quote more money.

Implementation Phase 

The final and actionable part of the five stages of IT consulting is the implementation. In this phase, companies may want to utilize the report designed by the solutions provider so far in two ways. One, companies may decide to use the help of the consultant to carry out the implementation, or the service will only preside over the progress as IT leaders might be trained to begin implementing the solution from there.

In most cases, IT services remain involved in the process until the final outcome of the implementation is reached and periodically for maintenance after.

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.

 

 

Creative Programs and Systems

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Are You Cut Out For Real Estate?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

According to the Top National Workplaces survey, real estate was the second happiest industry to work in 2016, and most people tend to agree with these findings. Imagine making a living by looking at houses all day long, having more wiggle room in your schedules than other professionals, where you are in a nutshell, self-employed, you are free to set your working hours, and your salary has no cap.

Qualities To Have As a Real Estate Agent

Real estate professionals have the propensity to inspire trust thanks to their excellent communication skills. They are not only sensitive and mature, but they also can give and receive constructive criticism and feedback, all the while staying calm during a crisis. What’s not to love about this line of work?

Mastering tactics to get more real estate listings, listing leads, and ultimately more money in real estate can prove challenging to a novice let alone a savvy realtor. The idea is to nurture potential buyers along and get them excited about the prospects of owning a home.

There are three known types of real estate listings:

1) Open Listing – allows a homeowner to sell his or her house by themselves and only pay 1 ½ of the selling broker’s commission

2) Exclusive Agency Listing – while the owner can still assert their rights to self-sell their home, in some cases the owner pays a broker to represent them

3) Exclusive Right-to-Sell Listing – this listing is the most commonly used ways where the broker has the exclusive rights to earn a commission by representing the owner and bringing potential buyer

While listing agreements are negotiable, the most common terms and conditions in regards to the length of listing can range from 30 days, 90 days, six months, one year or more. Selling commissions can be dictated by how fast a homeowner wants their house sold.

However, it is advisable that if the owner wants the agent to generate buzz and attract potential buyers, then he or she must up the total commission. The owner and real estate agent must also agree on the conditions of contract cancellation and expiration. All monies owed to the broker must be paid in full, and the broker should be willing to let the owner cancel the contract at any time if they (the homeowner) are is not satisfied with the overall real estate listing process or with the broker’s services.

The following are various ways that one can get potential real estate listings:

  • Partner with local banks, builders, mortgage providers, plumbers, electricians, marriage counselors, or dentists. They always have a good lead
  • Start advertising your services online
  • Send for sale by owner (FSOB) mail to your client list
  • Checkout vacant, inherited, or divorce homes. Unless an inherited home is in a pristine condition, most people do not want to incur renovations or building cost and are looking for a quick sale. Additionally, most divorcees that list their homes is because they are mandated to do so by the judge to sell their property

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.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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