Livingston Reporting - page 211

Is Spring The Best Time To Sell or Buy a Home

Popular opinion would have you thinking that the only time your home will sell is during the spring.  Although spring is a super exciting time in real estate, it isn’t necessarily the only time you should consider selling your home.  The spring season is known to bring out buyers and sellers alike.  With the onslaught of buyers and sellers it is important to note that there is more competition.  Note that more sellers’ means more homes to choose from; more buyers mean more competition to get top dollar for available inventory.

In some situations it makes sense to wait until the spring but it isn’t necessarily the only time to consider buying or selling a home.  There are many reasons to consider listing your home right now.  Consider the following:

  • Work Relocations: The first quarter of the year is known for people relocating for work.  Changes are made to adjust for work load, retirements, and such.  Sellers are looking to move their homes quickly while promptly looking to purchase a home.
  • Fewer Homes for Sale: Selling in the winter when there are fewer homes for sale can work in your favor. A smaller inventory of homes means that your home will receive a lot more attention.
  • More Agent Attention: Fewer homes that agents are marketing allow the agent to spend more time on your listing.
  • Fewer Showings: When your home is listed outside of the spring season the number of showings your home will have is sure to be less.  The quality of home buyers is increased during slower times in real estate therefore the quantity of people that will be less.  The benefit to you, less work in keeping your home up to date and clean.
  • Quicker Home Sales: Home buyers that are out searching for their dream home in the winter are motivated.  There is no wasting time going in and out of home after home.  It is cold, buyers are inspired to shop quickly and get into a new home and out of the cold.

If you are thinking about selling your home there is no need to wait until April.  Now is the perfect time to meet with a real estate agent to start discussing what needs to be done to get your home listed.  This will give you ample time to hit the market before the spring rush and hopefully get you out of your home and into a new one just in time to enjoy the nicer weather.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

The Timely Nature Of Purchasing Refurbished Equipment

When facilities are in need of refurbished equipment or parts it usually comes at a crucial time.  Businesses can’t afford downtime.  When equipment fails it is crucial that it gets serviced as soon as possible.  It is important that the parts to service the equipment are available as well.  This is just one of the reasons that refurbished equipment and refurbished machine components popularity has increased.  Another benefit being the cost savings that comes with using refurbished equipment and replacement components.

When equipment breaks down or components fail it is important to remember that these expenses are usually unplanned.  This means that most companies that work within a budget are struggling to find the funds to replace or repair the equipment.  Without allotted resources within the budget it can be difficult to find a reliable replacement on such short notice.  This is one of the reasons that the refurbished equipment and refurbished electrical component industries are booming.

When looking to find dependable refurbished machinery or parts that will aid in production for years to come there are a few things you need to ask when shopping.  When purchasing a refurbished piece of equipment it is important to know what components have been replaced or rebuilt.  Determining when service has been done will give you a better understanding of the care that has been given to the machine.  Vital components that have been recently replaced are also important to note.  It is important to keep accurate records and service reports on any and all equipment within your facility.

Another question you will want to ask when looking to purchase refurbished equipment or components to repair machines is about the warranty. Refurbished machinery is not any more or less susceptible to breakdowns than a new one would be.  Refurbished equipment and components can save companies upwards of fifty percent over new.  This savings is often adjusted when a warranty is offered.

If you find yourself in need of equipment for your facility consider looking into refurbished.  Refurbished equipment and parts can be purchased from both OEM manufacturers and companies specializing in refurbishing.   Working with a reputable company that is well known within the industry is just another way to safeguard you against purchasing a lemon.  It is important to have a solid working relationship with equipment sellers and servicers.  Building a relationship allows you to receive the customer service attention you need when faced with a crisis.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

Installing A Complimentary Roof To Your Home

The exterior features of your home are super important to curb appeal.  Your homes roof contributes to forty percent of the overall look of your home.  When you are having a new roof installed it is important that you choose a wisely.  It is important to have a roof that protect the home for the long term and enhances the aesthetic value as well.

As a homeowner it is important to understand that a sound roof is the key to protecting your investment.  Proper roofing maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your new roof.  Roofing contracts suggest regular roofing maintenance including: removing waste from gutters, repairing missing shingles, fixing leaks as they occur and regular checks to ensure a proper seal around flashing and roofing vents.

With proper maintenance, quality roofing materials and proper installation by a professional roofing contractor your homes new shingle roof can last upwards of twenty plus years.  When installing a new roof there are two options for homeowners: one is to install a new roof over the old one or tear off the old roofing and replace it entirely.  No matter what you choose it is a chance to update and change the exterior look of your home.

When you are considering a new roof there are a number of roofing materials to consider.  The most popular choice for homes here in the north are asphalt shingles and metal roofing but other materials including wood, tile and slate are also available.  Asphalt shingles are a relatively light and flexible option in roofing.  A fiberglass mat is covered in asphalt and then coated with colored mineral granules.  This helps to provide protection from damage from the sun’s rays.

Asphalt shingles also come in a number of styles including a standard three tab shingle, dimensional shingling and artisan crafted shingles.  Homeowners should consider the architectural style of the home before becoming set on a certain style.  It is important to look at your homes specific roof in regards to the surface area to be covered as well as the pitch and angle of the roof.  These factors will all help you determine what style shingle is best for the overall appearance of your home.

Another consideration is the color of the roof.  The roofs coloring should enhance and compliment the home’s exterior palette.  It should create a balance between the colors within the environment.  For instance a brick or stone home that already has a lot of dimension should opt for a subtle roof to enhance an already busy exterior element.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Deciding Factors In Your New Roof

There are many deciding factors when choosing a new roof for your new or current home. A few of these not only look pleasing, but also too are cost, weight, and installation necessities. If building a home from scratch or choosing a roof for an existing home there are many of materials that you can choose from ranging from asphalt, wood, and even composite shingles such as slate, concrete, and clay tiles. Many people are most concerned with style but it is not the only important factor to include. A few other key points are shown below:

The Square

A term that roofing contractors use instead of talking in “square feet” they use is called squares. A square is the basic unit for measuring and is 100 square feet in a given area. For example if a home is 2,500 square feet it would consist of approximately 2,000 square feet of roofing area or by using this new term about 20 squares.

Cost

There are many of factors that will affect what the general cost of a roof will be. The beginning point would be the price on materials. Another factor that would affect cost would be the condition of the existing roof if has one at all. If remodeling a current home and the old materials have to be stripped off sometimes repairs need to be made to the supporting structure. The physical shape of the roof will also contribute to the cost. A house with no breaks in its planes like chimneys, skylights, intersecting rooflines or other structural enhancements will cost less than the house with the additions.

Materials

When deciding on materials, unfortunately not every kind can be used on each roof. Roofs with a flat or low slope may require different materials than one with a steeper pitch. Slate and tile can be very heavy and some homes will not have a structure that will be able to sustain them. Be sure to talk with your designer and get estimates for the job at hand. The most frequently used roof material is asphalt shingles. This is most likely because they are the least expensive choice and does not require as much skill to install. There are two configurations of these to choose from; the standard type and the laminated products. The standard cost half as much but the laminated are more appealing with a texture appearance.

Another choice of material is wood. Through history wood was the main choice and still a good option however fire codes sometime will forbid it. They are typically made form cedar, redwood, or southern pine and have life expectancy in 25- year range but are on pricier side, about double of asphalt shingles. Metal roofs made from aluminum, steel, copper- and- asphalt, and lead are among the most strong and yet very expensive of roof choices. A common style on Spanish Colonial and Mission styles use tile and cement which again is very durable, very heavy, and again a costly decision. Lastly, slate is a great choice and is not all the same and it will outlast the fasteners that hold it in place but will come at a very high price starting $800 a square.

Making a Choice

In most cases, if as person is doing a remodel on the home, the current roof material is the deciding factor of a roofs replacement. If wanting to decide a different material than the existing, keep in mind not only cost but color, weight, durability, texture or each option as well as what other homes in the area have chosen similar to yours.

Installation Notes

After making a decision on material, in most cases you will also need flashing. Flashing is a very important part of any exterior work on both a roof and siding. Flashing is made from metal or plastic film. It is installed in strips to areas where the materials are connected. The main reason for flashing is to keep structure watertight since water is most likely to leak through cracks wear the materials meet just a word of caution when using a contractor who relies on tar for joints.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Save Time and Money Purchasing Refurbished Medical Equipment

Purchasing medical equipment that is used or refurbished is a great way to save money for your facility without sacrificing on quality.   In all actuality, the only real difference between brand new and refurbished medical equipment and parts is the amount of money and time that will be needed to invest in finding an excellent deal.

Many times medical facilities can save upwards of fifty percent off the original cost of equipment by purchasing refurbished over brand new.  It can result in quite a savings for your medical facility when you consider equipment such as linear accelerators which can run around four million dollars.  In a facility that is just getting established this can be a make or break difference.

The most obvious advantage to buying used or refurbished is the reduced price of the equipment.  For every piece of new equipment facilities look to purchase it is possible to find something similar for a reduced price.  Equipment that you can find at a lower price used or refurbished varies from intravenous poles to CT scanners.

It is important to remember that when you buy equipment that has been refurbished you are buying a device that has been restored to its original state.  The refurbishing process is completed by highly skilled medical technician that specialize in restoring medical equipment to almost new condition before it can be resold.

Refurbished devices have been restored to their original state.  This means that any part that was worn out has been replaced and that the device is comparable to one that is brand new.  When you decide to look into refurbished medical equipment and supplies you will be able to find high end devices that are durable at a substantial discount.

Many companies that refurbish medical equipment offer their own warranty and guhttp://www.acceletronics.comarantee to protect the purchaser for faulty equipment.  The policies will differ from company to company so it is important to know exactly what type of warranty or guarantee comes with your purchase.

To get a better idea of exactly who you are purchasing equipment from take time to do a little research.  Before making a final buying decisions check out the companies background information.  Has the company been in business long?  What type of reputation do they have regarding their services after a purchase has been made?  What about their quality standards and customer service?  As important as it is to buy a quality piece of refurbished equipment it is as equally crucial to be sure that they will be able to offer you support after the purchase.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Purchasing Large Scaled Medical Equipment

One of the biggest obstacles faced in running a medical facility is the expense of purchasing equipment and supplies.  It is a struggle to stay within the allotted budget while continuing to offer the highest quality treatment to patients.   The ability to scale back on expenses in the medical field is far more difficult than in many other areas of business.  To save money while continuing to provide top notch care, medical facilities must plan ahead and make smart business purchasing decisions.

One way facilities work to achieve this is to purchase refurbished medical equipment instead of purchasing brand new.  There are a number of advantages involved in purchasing refurbished medical equipment including: cost, quality, environmental, service, and reliability.

Cost

The most obvious benefit of buying refurbished medical equipment is the cost advantage.  Medical facilities can cut a lot of excess out of their allotment for medical equipment by purchasing equipment and supplies that have been refurbished.  Inpatient care is one of the highest costs in the industry with most of the expense coming from basic supplies and equipment use.

Quality

When the choice is made to purchase an item that is refurbished from a reputable medical equipment supplier, you can rest assured that the piece has been thoroughly tested.  In order to be sold, refurbished equipment must go through a stringent examination to test that it is both safe and reliable.

Environmental 

Think of refurbishing in the same way that you think about recycling.  It is all about using something again over buying something new in order to prevent waste. Purchasing refurbished medical equipment like linear accelerators and ct scanners help in reducing the carbon footprint that that the medical industry is leaving.  Finding eco-friendly medical supplies and equipment can often be difficult.  Buying refurbished medical equipment is a safe manner in which to bring eco-friendliness to your medical practice.

Service

There are a number of benefits to working with a refurbished medical equipment supplier.  One of the main perks is the detailed customer service you will receive.  With knowledgeable support people at the helm you can rest assured that all of your needs will be taken care of.

Reliability

There are a variety of reasons to buy a product that has been on the market.  When buying new you are buying a product that has yet to stand the test of time.  With a refurbished model, the equipment has had time to be tested and all of the kinks worked out.  Think about it, if the model is unsafe for any reason it will be off the market by the time you are searching for a refurbished model.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Designing Product Labels When Space Is Limited

In label design space is limited.  It is important that designers deliver their message in a clear and concise manner within the limited space available on the label.  This needs to occur while making sure that key elements are not left out.  When designing a label, the graphic designer must work in conjunction with the manufacturer and design team to create something visually appealing and effective at marketing the product.

The product label holds a variety of information that is important to consumers.  Some key information that is needed on the label includes:

  • The product/brand name
  • A product logo if it is applicable
  • The size, quantity or weight of the product
  • A description of the product
  • Product tag line
  • Ingredient lists
  • Direction on using the product
  • Item barcode

Two of these items, the product story and directions tend to be longer and may need to be edited to avoid becoming too wordy.  If you want to have more product information available to consumers put it online or on the outside of the packages case.

With custom product labeling it is important that it is easily read.  Designers need to make sure that the label is clearly legible.  The font size and color are crucial elements.  For really important information designers should strive to use font that is ten points or larger.  Text that is not crucial should be no less than six points.  The color of the font is also significant.  It should contrast with the background color.   A bright font is often good because it is thought to entice people into making a purchase.  The color font that is used may also depend on the product and its existing aesthetic appeal.

In custom product labeling it is best to use a solid color for the background.  A pattern or photo when used for the background really affects the readability of the label.  Both options, a pattern or a photo, are not conducive to the readability and presentation of text.   It is important to have blank space, otherwise known as white space within your label.  This is favorable as it separates information and creates a visual distinction within the label as well.  White space within a label is an understated minimalist way to state what needs to be stated without being overwhelming.  It offers a calm and open feel to the label design.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Steps To Take When Installing Aluminum Fencing

There are many decisions to make when deciding on what type of fence you would like to install at your home.  A fence’s main purpose is to add security but won’t cost a fortune for your improvement budget. One of those many choices is an aluminum fence which can offer many styles and colors that can fit your unique vision of a design. Once deciding on an aluminum fence, learn some pointers on the best tips to use in order to have a successful fencing install.

Talk To Local Zoning Officials

No matter where you are located, each area has its own type of fencing that is permitted. Make sure to check that you are in the boundaries for height restrictions and if there are any boundary regulations. Depending on the location, some locations require you to offset the fence post away from the property line by a certain distance but others can allow the post on the property line. If you are uncertain where your property line exists, you can have a survey done for you to help understand where the line exists. Also, another set of information to verify not only with local zoning is with your Homeowner’s Association (HOA). Some of them may have very strict regulations as to what type or color of fence is installed on your property.

Call Miss Dig For Underground Utilities

Before starting your project it is of high importance to always call “Miss Utility” before you begin digging. Many do- it-yourselfers do not remember to take this precaution and end up in trouble during the install. In many cases, one third of a fence height has to be dug underground. With an aluminum fence, gate posts should be at least 30 inches below ground. There are many hazards beneath the ground that you do not want to take the chance of hitting a pipe or wire. To save yourself from one large headache, please take the time to make one quick phone call that could save you a lot of stress in the long run.

Keep In Mind The Fence Rating

There are three types of ratings for aluminum fences that many are not aware of. It is important to decide between the strength of residential, commercial, or industrial. In special cases, there has even been ‘Heavy Industrial’ design created. If you would like to learn more about these three ratings you can view Alumni-Guard’s website, which provides great information about the Cads and Specs for each rating separately.  The consumer must think hard about what the purpose of this fence will be used for, a residential fence for example may not be the best option if the fence will be heavily “used” by a person’s animals and kids.

Layout The Fence Perimeter

Before beginning to build the actual fence, make sure to lay out your plan for the fence physically on the ground so that you can see what the fence will look like when completed. We recommend using inexpensive string and use stakes for the corners to remember where you will have to dig holes at for posts of the fence. Many of people forget to do this step and will come across larger obstacles than they had imagined because someone forgot for example about a big rock or tree that is in the way of where fence wanted to be installed.

Mark Off Pole Locations

It is very important to designate a place for each of the fence posts. The simplest way of doing this would be to place a “X” using paint but be sure to measure your placement and spacing correctly. Many people make the mistake of just eye-balling pole locations and this error will cause further problems including further expenses and time when it’s time to actually install the fence. When using the paint mark, it will need to show the actual center of where the fence post will be so it is helpful to know the post measurements before placing the paint mark on ground.  Being cautious to not mix and match the posts because Aluminum fence posts are pre-punched to be a certain type such as corner, in-line or end posts for the gate.

Start With The Gate

The first thing to do in the project is the gate posts. When building wood fences, you have the ability to make alterations during the installation but because when installing aluminum fences, the posts are pre-punched and the rails fit tightly together. By starting with the gate posts it will help eliminate problems with measuring or strange entry locations. Also when installing an aluminum fence the gate posts need to be dug deeper than a different type of fence post because the posts have quite a bit of weight attached to the post compared to other fences. If making the mistake of digging the hole for the post to shallow, the process and maintenance in years to come will have to be repeated frequently so it is best to do it right the first time and dig the hole appropriately in depth. A suggestion from aluminum fence specialist is to dig a depth of 30″ for gates over 96″. With smaller gates you may only have to dig a depth of 24″.

Concrete and Aluminum Fence

Aluminum fences can be mounted to concrete however; there are things to remember when working with concrete. First, your fence posts need to be anchored properly because normal wear and tear on daily basis could lead the fence to weaken and sag overtime. To install aluminum fence to a concrete surface the simplest way is to use a floor flange for each post. A person can bolt down into the concrete, add the post and then finish securing it. Secondly, keep in mind to allow the concrete to dry completely before ongoing your installation. It is key to be patient when installing an aluminum fence, rushing the process will only make things worse. It may take up to three days for the concrete to dry completely but that is much less time than it will take to redo sections of the fence or possibly even having to redo the whole thing!

If you follow these simple seven steps, your installation should hopefully go fairly smooth.

 iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Crucial Steps Involved In Aluminum Fence Installation

In our last installment on aluminum fencing we began to discuss crucial steps to take before plunging into the installation process.  We previously discussed why it is important, even ordering a new fence, to find out regulations placed on fencing by your local government and HOA.  This will prevent you from ordering a material, height or color fencing that doesn’t meet the regulations set forth.  Verifying underground utilities and choosing the correct grade of fence for your installation are both other suggestions that were made to ensure success.

Here are a few more pieces of advice and tips to ensure success when installing aluminum fencing.

Map Out The Perimeter Of The Fence

Before you start digging any holes map out the perimeter of the fence.  This will allow you a visual map of the perimeter of the fence.  Take time to stake off where the holes for the fence posts need to be even better prepared come time for the actual installation.  This process helps prevent odd fencing configurations.  It allows you to account for the big tree or huge rock that is in the way of the fencing before you find yourself having to make last minute changes to account for them.

Mark Off Pole Locations

As previously mentioned, it can save a ton of time if you stake off the location of the fence posts prior to installing your aluminum fence.  During this process, before digging any holes, you can measure the space between the poles a number of times to ensure accuracy.  There isn’t room for error when measuring out the location of aluminum fencing posts simply because the posts come pre-punched and the fence panels come in specific, pre-assembled sizes.

Begin Installation With The Gate Posts

When installing an aluminum fence it is important to begin the installation with the gate posts.  The gate posts are pre-drilled as are the fence posts and the rails are meant to fit sung.  The margin for error in this process is small.  It is crucial to measure and then re-measure to guarantee accuracy.  Remember that the gate posts must also be dug further down into the ground then regular fence posts.

When installing an aluminum fence, patience is needed.  Don’t try to cut corners or rush through the installation process.  If you use concrete when setting the posts it is crucial that it has time to thoroughly dry.  This will help prevent any give the fence may have as it settles.  Too much give will impact the performance of the fence.  The installation of your aluminum fence is sure to be successful if you follow the advice above.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Enhancing Your Landscape With Aluminum Fencing

Homeowners are always looking for a way to improve their homes while adding value and security.  Installing an attractive, durable aluminum fence is just one home improvement method in which both can be achieved.  Without breaking the homeowner’s budget aluminum fencing can be installed to enhance the visual appeal of the landscape, increase safety and increase the market value of the home.

There are numerous aluminum fencing styles, colors and enhanced features to choose from.  This allows homeowners the ability to find the perfect combination for their home and landscape.  It is important to fully understand the scope of any home improvement project before you begin.  In order to ensure your success when installing aluminum fencing it is crucial to consider the following tips.

Check Local Government and HOA Zoning Laws

The requirements for aluminum fence installation can vary a great deal from one local municipality to another.  It is crucial that the requirements limiting your installation are accounted for before installation.  From materials to boundary requirements understand the limitations you are up against even before placing an order for fencing.  Check into requirements that your HOA has in place considering the material, height, color and boundary placement of aluminum fencing as well.

 Verify Underground Utilities

This is an important step that many times is overlooked.  It is crucial that you call “Miss Dig” before you start digging.  The last thing that a homeowner needs is the hassle that comes along with breaking an underground utility.  Most posts need to have at least one third of their height underground while gate posts should a minimum of thirty inches deep.  With these depths you can see how it would be easy to nic a utility line.  It is also important not to place the fence over a utility line in case underground repairs need to be made at a later date.

Choose An Appropriate Grade of Fencing 

Many consumers are unaware that aluminum fencing comes in a variety of grades.  The location and use of the fence will allow you to determine the grade of fencing you should choose.  For instance, to enclose a backyard residential grade fencing is a reasonable choice.  If you live in an area that incurs a lot of windy weather you may consider the next step up to commercial fencing.  For heavy duty use there is an industrial grade option.  For use around commercial and residential pools there is also a pool grade aluminum fencing that can be installed and meets the standards set forth by the B.O.C.A., Business Officials and Codes.

In our next blog post we will continue the discussion on aluminum fencing and mistakes to avoid in order guaranteeing success during the installation process.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!