Livingston Reporting - page 198

Dreaming of New Construction

It’s not enough to have a house these days. Homeowners must be able to turn a house into a home that reflects them.  Your home speaks of who you are. In your home there are two major areas that stand out, areas people remember more than others they are the kitchen and bathroom.

When you are thinking about your new construction home it is important to not only think about the design of the home but also the design in these two spaces in particular.  More than any other rooms in your home, your kitchen and bathroom areas need to offer be spaces that define you and your family.

Let’s begin with the kitchen.  Why is the kitchen so important?  Every home has a central spot where people gather for most it is the kitchen.  With the kitchen being one of the most frequented spaces in the house it is important that it gets special attention in the construction of your new home.

It is one of the busiest places in the house and often full of people and activity.  It doesn’t only serve to function as an area to prep, cook, and eat food.  It actually services as an additional family room.  Many families find that they spend most of their time hanging out in the kitchen.  It is a central area for conversation and meeting up with one another between tasks.   It is important that this space is easy to use and maintain.  Continuous use of a kitchen space often makes it appear bland.  Permanent stains on cabinets and flooring date the space.  Therefore it is crucial to use materials in the space that are easily cleaned and simple to update as needed.

Next up is the bathroom.  Why is the bathroom so important in new construction?

You can’t prepare for your day or relax after a long day without going into the bathroom. Imagine yourself soaking in the hot tub or taking a bath after a long day. This is only possible because you have a bathroom.

The bathroom is also used constantly with water touching every part. This makes it a habitat for mold, spirogyra or even bacteria which can affect the paint, silicone or tiles.

Although you can clean it up with bleach, in some cases, it is better to remodel the bathroom.

Have an idea of what to do. You need an architect or designer to help you. They have the skill and expertise to counsel you that you are doing the right thing.

I always advise my clients to let the plumbing stay in place. If you move it, you might spend more than what you may ever imagine which can run into thousands of dollars. You can change your toilet seat instead of replacing the position. If you don’t want tile, there are wood panels you can use.

If there are parts of your bathroom you want to keep hidden, use a mirror in an attractive frame.

Creating your dream house doesn’t have to be stressful especially if you’re modelling your kitchen or bathroom. just know what you want and follow these steps.

Learn more about Aspen Construction and the variety of home construction upgrades they provide including: new construction, home additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and finished basements at www.aspencoinc.com.  To contact one of our home construction specialists call 517.404.2176 today.

 

 

 

 

Why You Should Choose Custom Designed Shrink Sleeve Labels

Custom designed shrink labels are changing the way marketers introduce and push new products. Shrink sleeve labels are an effective and inexpensive way to introduce a new product without having to spend heavily on advertisement. Traditionally, rolling a new product out would be very expensive.  It could cost several hundreds of thousands of dollars to get minimal consumer awareness. Some product campaigns even cost millions. This would be a very expensive gamble if the product did not take off as expected.

For your products to be better than the rest, they must be of high-quality and must be labeled in a matter that attracts consumers. Custom designed shrink sleeve labels are a great way to make merchandise more visible to customers. Marketing is a big part of having a successful product. Custom-designed shrink sleeve labels make it easier for companies to improve their sales.  With shrink sleeves, marketers have three hundred and sixty degrees of design area. With consumers attention spaces as limited as they are there is no time to waste when it comes to marketing your product.

Today, marketing via shrink sleeve labels is becoming a staple for marketers for brand appeal and market potential. Shrink sleeves are good for consumers and marketers alike. Consumers will get a more secure product and marketers can introduce new offerings without significant financial risk other than label production and shipping cost. Many shoppers will make unintended purchases just because a label caught their eye.

Shrink sleeve labels even allow for changes that may stimulate the sale of existing store products. Some products even though they are of high quality may become outdated. A custom-designed shrink sleeve label can add spice and appeal. The use of sleeves can stimulate sales and grab an increasing share of the product demand. Statistics show that bright colors with cool designs and short slogans are very effective marketing tools.

Another great thing about custom-designed shrink sleeve labels is that the customer takes the advertising home with them on the packaging rather than leaving the advertising on the display shelf at the store. When one looks at the same packaging over and over every time they open their cabinet, they become familiar with the looks of that particular product. Take a guess at which product stands out the most the next time they are shopping? It is the same one that they have stared at day in and day out in their own cabinet. It makes sense to find the right shrink sleeve manufacturer to make your product look the best that it can.

Marketing is a major cornerstone of success. Make sure when looking for a shrink or stretch sleeve manufacturer to look for one who takes pride in what they offer. It’s a common practice for a leader in the business to put customer satisfaction first. Without it, the sales seem impersonal, and it’s hard to build a working relationship. You can always require a company for references to make sure they provide the quality they advertise and that they deliver your product on time. Deadlines are crucial since we all know that “time is money.”

Learn more about Anchor Printing and their vast line of custom product label & packaging options including: Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Roll-Fed Labeling, Pressure Sensitive and Cut & Stack Labels at www.anchorprinting.com.  To contact one of our label specialists call toll free at 800.748.0209 or via email at info@anchorprinting.com.

Guide to Installing Aluminum Fencing

An aluminum residential fence is a galvanized fence system with a hard wearing powder coat finish. An aluminum residential fence is designed to add value to residential homes. A selection of styles and colors are available to complement any home and landscape environment. Aluminum fence is engineered for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.  Quality aluminum fences provide the level of quality and resilience consumers expect out.

Several companies offer aluminum residential fencing online.   One of the benefits that is received from choosing aluminum is that the panels have a powder coat finish that has been specially formulated for durability, with ultra-violet inhibitors to endure the elements. This installment will serve as an installation guide.

Check Neighborhood Rules and Regulations

It’s better to check neighborhood rules and local regulations before ordering and installing your new aluminum fence.  It is crucial that you make sure if you are allowed to install the type of fencing you are looking at otherwise you will be throwing money away. If you build one without considering the rules it is likely you will be required to dismantle it. If in any case you are told that you do need a permit to install a fence ignore that advice!  It’s better to get one before starting any construction process to avoid hiccups down the road.

Decide the Location

When you have checked the rules and regulations and obtained the necessary permits the preparation for the installation of the fence can begin. You have to ascertain your corner and end stakes locations first since they make the foundation of the entire layout and have to be predetermined. Mark out the fence with wooden stakes and run a string along them to mark the line of the fence.   You can then show the end post positions and “on center” corner. Then pinpoint your intermediate postings.

Dig Holes

The holes for the fence posts should be dug to 24 inches by 18 inches round holes. Gate posts must be set in larger and deeper footings because they are subjected to great force on a regular basis.

Place Your Posts

Place your posts into their holes, one after the other. Then place an aluminum fence panel on the ground between every two posts as you move along,.  This will help you to make sure that the posts are set at the proper interval.  If your panels are not available yet find a piece of wood that is the same size as they will be and use that as a guide to help in visualizing the correct fit.

When placing your posts, use fast-setting concrete to fill up the hole to about 4″ below the edge. This will provide adequate space to spread dirt on the concrete and cover it up later. Use a magnetic spirit level to measure and level all the posts.

Check The Installed Posts

Go back to your previously installed posts to check that they are plumb and level.  Straighten them if necessary before the concrete is completely set. Repeat this all the time so that the concrete does not set with posts that are neither plumb nor level.

Install Aluminum Fence Panels

When the concrete is set and dry, put the aluminum panels one after the other. This process is quick because installation only requires the nuts, screws, and bolts that fencing company provides. At this stage, you will be able to see the form and shape of your aluminum fence.  When all parts of the aluminum fence are installed, install the aluminum fence gates to completely surround your home; after which you can invite your friends over to admire your new aluminum fence!

Learn more about iFenceUSA 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 www.ifenceusa.com.  To contact one of our aluminum fence experts call toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

 

What You Should Know About Medicare Supplement Plans in Texas

If you live in Texas, it is important that you find a Medicare coverage that fits your life and your lifestyle. However, some Texas beneficiaries of the Medicare insurance may find that their out-of-pocket expenses as well as the monthly premiums associated with the original Medicare, Part A, and Part B, tend to high and don’t offer the needed coverage. Medicare supplement plans in Texas help in covering these expenses and make your health-care coverage more affordable. Here are some of the things you should know about Medicare Supplement Plans in Texas:

Initial Enrollment Period

In Texas, the initial enrollment period for Parts A and B Original Medicare holders is seven months during a period surrounding their sixty-fifth birthday. This period starts three months prior to the month of your birthday and ends three months after. In other words, you are advised to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan for three months before and after your birthday.  This is your own personal open enrollment plan.

Special Enrollment Period

You can enroll in a Medigap insurance plan without medical underwriting for any of the following reasons:

  • Loss of coverage
  • If you moved to a new area or state
  • If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during the right eligibility period (with Medicare Part A and B and at the age of 65), and within the first year of joining the plan, you decide that you want to switch to the Original Medicare Plan.

Renewable At Any Time

Any standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance policy in Texas is renewable at any time whether you have a health condition or not. The plan cannot be canceled as long as you are paying the monthly premium to your insurance service provider.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Insurance plans sold in Texas after 1st January 2016 are not allowed to include prescription drug coverage. This means that if you want to cover prescription drugs, you will have to join the Medicare prescription plan, Plan D.

Eligibility with Medicare Advantage Plan

If you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you are eligible for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. However, you should make sure that you leave the Advantage Plan before your Medicare supplemental plan starts. You must also be a holder of the Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Insurance firms offering Medicare supplement plans in Texas may offer one or more of the ten different Medigap policies. Make it your responsibility to compare the different Medicare supplement policies available and choose one that meets your financial and health care needs.

Learn more about Texas Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/Texas.  Our Texas Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Texas.  To talk to an expert in Texas Medicare coverage toll free 888.404.5049 today!

What Should You Know About Medicare Supplemental Insurance In Tennessee?

As a retiree, you are eligible for Medicare in Tennessee including additional supplemental insurance plans. The Medicare plan is designed specifically for individuals who have reached sixty five years of age or that are covered due to special circumstances.  Individuals with Medicare in Tennessee often need additional coverage in the form of supplemental insurance to help cover charges that Medicare does not.  For example:

  • Out of pocket deductible after hospitalization
  • A twenty percent deductible charge for approved doctors’ bills and outpatient expenses
  • Amounts over the approved Medicare amount from providers that do not participate in Medicare

Medicare supplement insurance plans in Tennessee cover many of the expenses that are not paid for by Original Medicare which consists of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  Copayments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses are the individual participant’s responsibility.  Additional coverage in the form of supplemental insurance plans can be purchased to work in conjunction with Original Medicare.

Each plan offers its own unique set of benefits.  Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B offer the most basic health care coverage for retirees.  Basically Medicare is responsible for eighty percent of all medical bills from physicians and hospitals that work in conjunction with the Medicare program.  The participant is then required to cover the remaining twenty percent out of their own pocket or with additional insurance coverage such as one of the ten Medicare supplemental insurance plans that can be found in Tennessee.  This additional coverage can be purchased through a number of private insurance companies and is strictly regulated by the Federal government.

Choices in Medicare Supplement plans in Tennessee

There are ten different Medicare supplemental insurance plans available in Tennessee.  Each is represented by a letter, A through N.  The plans are standardized by Medicare.  What this means it that that every plan that falls under a specific letter type will offer identical coverage.  Supplement Plan D in Anderson County is the same as Bedford County.  The same is true of each state.  Coverage is identical throughout the United States.

Each plan offers something different.  The plan you choose could cover any or all of the following:

  • Plan C or F will differ from Plan A in terms of both coverage and costs.
  • Plan F is a high-deductible plan. This means the participant must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount before their supplemental insurance will cover anything.
  • Plan N pays one hundred percent of the Medicare Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 copayment for emergency room visits without admission

Some of the healthcare benefits that are not covered by Tennessee Medicare Supplements include:

  • Vision and dental care
  • Hearing aids and tests
  • Eyeglasses and contacts
  • Private Nursing
  • Long term care

If you are interested in comparing Medicare supplement plans and rates with in Tennessee, it is helpful to contact a Medicare supplemental insurance broker.  This information can be provided by Tennessee Medicare supplemental insurance brokers who will then help you choose the best Tennessee Medicare supplemental insurance plan to meet your healthcare and budget needs.

Learn more about Tennessee Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/Tennessee.  Our Tennessee Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Tennessee.  To talk to an expert in Tennessee Medicare coverage toll free 888.404.5049 today!

Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan

Medicare is a benefit millions of people take advantage of, but it can be confusing to figure out which one is best for you and your loved ones. Medicare continues to cover hospital and doctor’s visits for older Americans and includes preventative care and prescription drugs, but many people do not know what is covered by their Medicare or how much they are paying in.  Expenses such as out-of-pocket costs, premium amounts, prescription drugs coverage or if they qualify for free services are benefits that Medicare enrollees are unsure about.

Medicare supplement insurance plans in Michigan

There are several types of Medicare plans that are available to participants in Michigan:  Original Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B as well as the Medicare Advantage Plan.  When a Medicare enrollee chooses Original Medicare Part A and Part B, they also have the option of choosing a supplement plan to cover the costs not covered.

Medicare beneficiaries in Michigan may enroll one of the ten plans that enhance the coverage that they receive with Medicare Part A and Part B as it stands alone.

Coverage is as follows:

  • Original Medicare, Part A and Part B are offered and administered by the federal government. They are available to eligible beneficiaries in every state in the country.
  • Medicare Part A provides inpatient hospital,  nursing home care, skilled nursing facility, home health, and hospice care
  • Medicare Part B covers physician visits, medical services, and durable medical equipment.
  • Medicare Advantage Plans cover all the services except for hospice care but may offer extra coverage such as vision, hearing, dental, wellness programs, and potentially prescription drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement insurance, otherwise known as Medigap, covers a percentage of deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and in certain cases foreign travel emergency health care.

In order to qualify for Medicare you need to be a United States citizen or legal, permanent resident of at least five continuous years to qualify for Medicare or meet additional requirements set forth by the federal government.  You can also qualify for Medicare if you have end-stage renal disease or you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease where your disability benefits begin regardless of age from the first month you enroll.

Selecting your Medical coverage should be a simple and easy process, but unfortunately in most cases, it’s not. Everyone may not have the same needs or wants when it comes to picking the right Medicare supplement insurance plan. If you are uncertain which Michigan Medicare supplemental insurance plan to choose from contact a Michigan Medicare supplemental insurance broker as they are nationally-licensed agents ready to help you shop for Medicare supplement plans at the best possible rates.  This will make a very complex process as easy as possible. Medicare supplemental insurance brokers will also assist you in completing an application to enroll in Medicare supplement coverage.

Learn more about Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/michigan.  Our Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Michigan.  To talk to an expert in Michigan Medicare coverage toll free 888.404.5049 today!

All You Need To Understanding on Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Medigap plans helps to take care of the costs that basic Medicare plans fail to cover. This is why most people refer to it as Medicare supplemental insurance plans. Medicare supplemental insurance brokers offer services that help individuals find the plan with the best coverage for them as well at the best rate.  Most people tend to confuse Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplemental insurance plans. Medicare supplemental insurance plans supplements your present Medicare insurance Part A and Part B; while Medicare Advantage is a complete Medicare package and does not require supplemental insurance.

How are Medicare supplemental insurance plans Unique?

  • For one to qualify for Medicare supplemental insurance plan, they have to have enrolled for the basic Part A and Part B Medicare insurance cover.
  • Medicare policies only cover one person. To cater to the needs of multiple people separate insurance policies must be purchased.
  • Before you procure this type of insurance from an insurance company, make sure that they are indeed licensed Medicare supplemental insurance providers. This will save you from any fraudulent future issues.
  • You will pay Medicare insurance companies a monthly premium for coverage. Take note that this premium is separate from what you pay for Medicare. Failure of payment of this premium leads to the cancellation of the supplemental insurance plan.
  • A person cannot be a holder of both a Medicare supplemental insurance plan and Medicare Advantage. Enrollees will have to choose between the two. If you are already a holder of the advantage plan, then it would be advisable to go ahead and apply for the supplemental services, but make sure that the Medicare Advantage plan is not in existence when the supplemental insurance plan begins.
  • As long as you pay your premium, the Medicare supplemental insurance plans will renew annually, regardless of your health issues.
  • You can legally appeal if you fail to agree with the terms of the Medicare plan.
  • The more you earn the more premium you pay. Medicare Plan B and Medicare Plan D of the supplemental plan offer higher premiums for people whose income is above a certain threshold. This means that the payment of premiums does not apply holistically; this is due to its analysis of your tax exemption interests.
  • Medicare supplemental insurance plans fail to cover a few medical issues such as private-duty nursing, long-term care, procurement of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental or vision care.
  • For those who have a Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA), they should not be holders of the supplemental plan. Any broker, who opts to sell to you this plan while your MSA plan is still in existence, is liable under the law.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates, and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Our expert Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to a Medicare expert call toll free 888.404.5049 today!

All There Is To Know About Arizona Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

Arizona Medicare supplemental insurance has proved to be very beneficial to senior citizens. Many Medicare plans fail to cater to all the bills associated with medical and hospital care so most people opt to purchase additional coverage in the form of Medicare supplemental insurance to cater for their other healthcare needs. Supplement plans allow seniors to take full advantage of the benefits provided by the Federal government.

Basic Medicare in Arizona

Medicare is a federally sponsored health insurance plan that targets seniors who are sixty-five and above.  The goal of this federal plan was to benefit seniors during their retirement.  The Medicare plan is also available for some individuals who are disabled who have yet to attain the age of sixty-five with certain disabilities.

Basic Medicare in Arizona Entails:

  • Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A was established to cater to in-patient hospital insurance care.  This insurance provided by Medicare Part A covers overnight hospital stays of more than seventy-two hours, home health care, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.  The federal government specifies exactly how much people will pay for a monthly premium for this coverage based on their tax bracket.

  • Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B was established to cater to outpatient insurance.   This insurance coverage caters to overnight stays in the hospital that are less than seventy-two hours, home health care services, doctor’s visits, and disease prevention services including flu shots.  There is a monthly premium, coinsurance, and deductible that is the responsibility of the participant.

Individual Medicare supplemental insurance Plans, A through N, offers its own unique set of benefits.  For example:

  • Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan D

Medicare supplemental insurance plan D caters to prescription drug coverage.

The expenses left by Medicare Part A and Medicare Par t B are what drive people to purchase additional coverage through the Arizona Medicare supplemental insurance plans.  There are ten fully functional federal government approved supplemental insurance plans labeled A to N (this is with an exception to E, J, H, and b). Holders of plans E, H, J, and I get to keep them, since they were plans previously obtained. Medicare plan A is the most basic plan and the law outlines that all Arizona Medicare supplemental insurance plans brokers offer it. Different companies have different pricing and offer different plans.  It is important to note that plan A in Arizona is the same as plan A in any other state.  Coverage remains the same in each plan no matter where it is purchased.

Finding the best Medicare supplement plan for your healthcare and budget is not easy. Arizona Medicare supplemental insurance brokers provide the same ten plans for sale.  Before you start searching for a Medicare insurance company that caters to your needs it is important to consider the following:

Ascertain your main interest. Is it to find a company that offers low premium or to attain wide scale health coverage?

Enroll for Arizona Medicare supplemental insurance plans within the first six months after signing up for your basic Medicare insurance plan. The aim of this is to select the insurance plan of your choice without having to undergo a physical scan.

Consult the company of choice about any possible delays with regards to any present health conditions, and lifestyle needs.

Learn more about Arizona Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/Arizona.  Our Arizona Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Arizona.  To talk to an expert in Arizona Medicare coverage toll free 888.404.5049 today!

Materials Involved In Pool Plastering

There are many materials that go into building an in-ground pool.  Few materials get as much attention as the pools plaster surface.  Plaster is the exterior shell of the pool.  It is the part that everyone sees and feels.  It is also the first place that people usually notice when it starts to deteriorate, cracks become noticeable and discoloration is visible.  Over the years we have learned some important tips regarding the maintenance and care for the pool’s plaster to keep it in top condition.

Fresh Plaster Maintenance

Your swimming pool installer will add chemicals that are required to initially balance the pools water.  They will then brush the plaster with a nylon-bristle brush which improves the quality of the plaster as well.  This will also prevent the buildup of calcium and other minerals within the pools water.

If you notice that you have fine sand grains deposited on the bottom of the pool this is more likely “precipitation” which is common with a newly installed pool or fresh plaster.  Our recommendation is to continue brushing the pool twice a day for the first seven days.

Your pool water and pH levels affect plaster.  It is crucial to the longevity and health of your pools plaster.  Pool water below 7.0 tends to erode & remove the smooth plaster surface.  Water that is above 8.0 contributes to the formation of scale and stains.

Calcium is another one of the key elements found in both your pool water and in your plaster.  A proper calcium balance is 250 ppm.  Too much calcium will cause deposits on the plaster of your pool.  Not enough calcium in the water may weaken the plaster.

Other Water Related Concerns

Dissolved Metal: Stains that cannot be removed with bleach are generally stains caused by metal.  When the water becomes saturated with any metal, like copper or iron, it will generally “precipitate” or fall out of solution in the form of a metal stain.  Copper stains usually reveal themselves as blue or blue-green splotches or streaks.  Iron will usually appear brown to black.  Check with your local pool specialist to purchase chemicals to help prevent these types of stains.

Mottling: Mottling can occur naturally in pools.  It is more evident in pools with colored plaster but not more prevalent.  There are strategies that can be put into place to lessen mottling including sequestering, chelating, or pH and calcium reduction.

Organic Stains: Plants that are near the pool area can often cause your plaster to become stained with tannic acid, which are brown, and chlorophyll stains, which are green.  Organic stains will not remain long due to the Chlorine bleaching them out.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential Gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Hiring a Licensed Contractor for Home Renovations

When it comes to renovations around your home it is important to hire a licensed contractor to perform the work that is needed.  The benefits of working with a professional that is not only licensed, but also insured and qualified are plentiful.  Your home is the biggest investment that you will ever make in your lifetime.  It is important that you are careful when hiring someone as you want to be sure you are careful not to employ an individual who will cut corners.

Everyone likes to save money, especially when it comes to services performed around their homes.  When it comes to renovations and home remodeling you will get what you pay for.  Many times it is not worth haggling with a contractor as they set their prices based on the number of hours they believe the project will take and the materials used.  Haggling may lead to lower quality materials being used.  This is not what you want when it comes to saving a few bucks here and there on your homes renovation project.

Depending on where you live the rules for obtaining a builders license differ slightly.  This is done for the benefit of the consumer.  Some states, such as California, have frequent earthquakes thus building codes are updated to include extra elements of safety when building a home.

In order to get a license, a building contractor must prove that they are qualified to perform the work and may also be asked to undergo testing, fingerprinting, background checks and bonding requirements.  Some states only require specialty contractors such as plumbers and electricians to be licensed however if you are looking for quality craftsmanship in your home improvement projects it is best to look into hiring a licensed contractor even if it is not required by your state.  Working with a licensed builder often gives homeowners extra peace of mind.

Below are just a few of the many benefits you can expect when working with a licensed general contractor for renovation projects around the home.

  • A licensed general contractor will control, synchronize, and oversee a complete renovation. This involves scheduling with multiple subcontractors within different trades to work together on your remodeling project.  This is especially important for home remodeling that involves moving electrical outlets or plumbing.
  • A contractor saves both time and money. Many homeowners mention that at the end of a renovation they have spent just as much on materials alone than they would have spent on hiring a contractor to perform the work in the first place.
  • Contractors have connections and often have a great pull for the urgency of your renovation. It is much easier to get one of their own to help them with a deadline because next time they might be the one needing the favor.
  • A licensed contractor will pull all of the necessary permits and call on inspections when needed. This keeps the project moving along.
  • When working with a licensed contractor, financing becomes a bit easier to obtain from lending institutions. There is an aura of completion when individuals hire a professional.
  • Not only is it important that the contractor that you work with on projects within your home is licensed it is crucial that they are also insured. This holds their company liable for any damage that is done to your home while they are performing repairs, as well as the liability if someone gets injured while working on your home.

For most homeowners hiring an experienced, licensed and insured general contractor will help to ensure a headache free renovation on their home.

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.