Livingston Reporting - page 219

Proper Maintenance and Care For Medical Equipment Part One

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medical equipment is costly and often requires a great deal of budgeting to purchase.  Even if the facility is able to find refurbished medical equipment it should be assumed that it will be rather pricey.  Gently used medical equipment that has gone through stringent refurbishing is one way that facilities can help cut costs.  It is important to remember that proper maintenance and regular care of refurbished medical equipment is as important if not more important than that of brand new equipment for medical use.

Proper maintenance and care is crucial for equipment that is used in the treatment of patients.  Daily use wears equipment down quickly.  In order to achieve the best results for patient care equipment must be kept functioning properly.  If equipment is not maintained facilities run the risk of constant malfunctions and breakdowns leading to a decrease in customer care which makes the practice seem unreliable.  Here are some valuable maintenance and care tips to help get your facility on the right track.

Appropriate Management

The way that facilities care and use medical equipment daily will predict how long the machine will last.  Improper use of sensitive medical equipment on regular basis will set the machine up for malfunction and failure.  Medical equipment should only be used as directed by the original manufacturer.  When medical equipment is used in a way that is not recommended there is a greater risk of harm to the patient as well as to the equipment operator.

Follow Manufacturer Procedures

When medical equipment is purchased, whether it is new or refurbished it is crucial that the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use and maintenance are included.   The manual will show a plan for regular diagnostics, updates to software and will advise facilities on hiring professional technicians to inspect and care for the equipment. It is important that the manufacturer’s guideline is followed. This will ensure that machine failure and snafus are kept to a minimum.

In the next installment on maintenance and care of medical equipment we will discuss contracting medical technicians, in house maintenance and warranties.  It is important to protect your investment.  Medical equipment is expensive and not easily replaced.  With the main objective of medical facilities being reliable, affordable patient care it is crucial that each piece of medical equipment is kept up to date, running as expected, providing proper diagnostics and keeping patient care at the highest level possible.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment.  For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.

RadParts

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Technology Is Changing The Home Improvement Industry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to new construction and home improvements today it is amazing how technology has changed the way professionals work.  Advances have made that make home building techniques of yesterday obsolete.  Homes are made with greener, more sustainable materials as well as being built to fit the way we live today.  Below you will find some of the most popular trends in new construction and home improvement.

As mentioned previously, homes today are built with more sustainable materials than ever before.  Home construction is all about environmental friendliness and green living.  Energy efficient elements are being included in new construction home designs all in an effort to reduce a homeowner’s footprint on the Earth.

Other ways homeowners are changing the construction industry while maintaining the environment is with the use of reclaimed wood.  The use of reclaimed wood is popular in flooring and for accents.  It is a terrific way for homeowners to combine rustic and contemporary styles in their homes.

Technology is being used throughout home design as well to account for the increase in homeowners needs to be connected through their smart phones and tablets.  This is largely developing in modern kitchens as the desire to enhance easy living for busy families on the go.  Smart appliances are also being integrated throughout homes in an effort to augment homes to match the changes in the family climate.

Open shelving throughout the home is another trend that is popular for 2016.  This includes open designs within kitchens and bathrooms as well as shelving throughout the living room and bedroom areas.  Open shelves allow homeowners the ability to showcase more aesthetically pleasing elements.

LED lighting along with the use of colors in lighting are both trends that contractors are seeing in new construction.  Colored lighting controlled by smart phones is a popular way that homeowners can control the ambience of the room without moving.  LED lights are being placed above showerheads to enhance the water stream and in kitchens above the cabinets to increase the visual appeal of the space.  These are all elements in the home improvement industry that are being altered because of advances in technology.

Trends in the home improvement industry are definitely nothing new to most professional contractors that are around today.  From shag orange carpet and plaid couches to refrigerators that allow you to shop directly from them contractors are used to being a part of ever changing trends in the way families interact within their homes.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Trends In Home Improvement and New Construction For 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is amazing what a year does within industries like home improvement and new construction.  In an effort to keep up with changes contractors must stay ahead of the game to continue to inspire homeowners and grow their businesses.  Below are a number of trends that contractors are using to inspire homeowners projects for home improvements in 2016.

Out with the wallpaper of the nineties and shag carpet of the eighties and in with the bold accented walls.  The trend for 2016 is the use of bold accent walls; the use of colors and unique materials to accent one or two of the walls in a space is what is popular today.  Popular materials that homeowners are using include reclaimed barn wood, metal tiles, stone and combinations of natural, rustic materials and metals.  Fireplaces are also in on this trend.  Full wall fireplace surrounds are a must in new construction to allow for a central focal point.

Every year there are new colors that hit the market and are instant hits.  This year reports of pale pink and purple-blue are popular like the colored pegs in the popular board game Life.   As always white continues to be a staple and popular in 2016 as an accent color as well as for trim throughout the home.

Another trend that is prevalent in home renovations is open layouts verse closed up floor plans.  In primary locations such as the kitchen and living room are being updated.  Instead of being enclosed separate spaces contractors are creating open layouts that work to cohesion to one general space.  Contractors are making better use of the space homeowners have and are safely opening up walls and allowing for more functional joint spaces.

A trend in home improvement that is changing because of the way we are changing as a society is the addition of space in our own homes that is specifically designed for our aging parents.  More and more society is walking away from the idea of placing elderly parents into long term care facilities and instead allowing them to move in.  Project contractors are seeing range from adding wheelchair accessibility and small safety upgrades to adding additional space onto the home in the form of a suite.

Homeowners are always seeking renovations that will return money on their initial outlay in the form of increased equity in the home.  The most valuable renovations to homeowners will forever be within kitchens and bathrooms.  It is important in any improvement that you take into consideration the neighborhood that you live in.  Don’t over upgrade your home as this will only work to make your house seem overpriced to the market.  If your neighbors all have kitchens with laminate flooring and counter tops it is likely that more sophisticated upgrades will price your home over the subdivision average.

The main aspect of any home improvement project is to keep up with the ever changing trends while staying true to your own style.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Considerations In Financing Your New Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Before you purchase your first home and finance your very first mortgage there are a few things to consider.  Consider the following as you embark on your new life journey into homeownership.
Before you hire a realtor or start looking at homes it is important to meet with a mortgage broker.  Once you have met with a mortgage officer you can determine if you have credit problems that need to be solved prior to looking for a home.  This meeting will also allow you to know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a house and an estimate of your monthly payment.
It is also important to pay off as much debt as you can before embarking into the great wide open of homeownership.  It is important to get a grip on your income to debt ratio.  Take into account all of the money that is coming in and the debts that you have going out.  Make sure to consider all forms of income and debt.  If the monthly house payment is more than forty three percent it is unlikely to get a mortgage.  It is best to keep the monthly payment to thirty percent of your monthly income.  The lower your debt to income ratio the more likely you will be approved for a mortgage and a lower interest rate then borrowers with a higher debt to income ratio.
It is important to get into good credit habits before you purchase a home.  If you find that you are constantly missing payments on student loans or constantly paying bills late it will lower your credit score and hurt your chances at obtaining a home loan.  When bills end up going into collections it can take months to clear up the mess.
Before you look into finding your first home take time to look into consolidating student loans.  Refinancing student loans can decrease the monthly payment.  It may make sense to increase the length of time you pay on your student loans in order to buy a home sooner.
It is important to present work history that shows consistency.  If you have just graduated from college it may be best to take some time and establish yourself in your career before you look into purchasing a home.   After you establish a pattern of working for two or more years you will look more appealing to home loan lenders.
When you apply for your first mortgage be prepared to document your finances.  You will need to have copies of the past two years tax returns, bank statements, brokerage account documentation and documents that verify all sources of money that you have coming in.  Mortgage brokers will verify employment, income and debt.   This will occur at the beginning of the home loan process as well as a few days before the closing.
While you are applying for a home loan avoid putting anything on credit or applying for any new credit.  Don’t start buying things for a new home until you have the home.  Once the process begins don’t spend a dime on anything you don’t have to.  Avoid adding to your debt as any added expenses can jeopardize the process.
Meet with a mortgage broker that is willing to shop around for lenders that are offering the best rates, loan options and more.  Work with brokers that present you with all of your options including loans where you pay fees upfront in the form of points, interest rates, no closing costs and more.
Before you buy a home or consider meeting with a mortgage broker be sure you have enough cash on hand to cover all of your costs.  You will want to have enough money to cover the fees charged by the lender and closing agent as well as the expense of having the home inspected, appraised and surveyed.  It is also important to note that most lenders require the first years home insurance and property taxes to be paid up front.
As a first time home buyer you may also consider looking into an FHA mortgage.  When looking into this type of loan option it is important to understand that not only will you have to qualify so will the home.  The house will need to meet certain criteria to get approved for a FHA mortgage as well.
It is important to be open throughout the process of getting a mortgage and buying a home.  The process is not simple and will have bumps along the road but the journey will be well worth it when you walk through that open door into your brand new home.
Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Tips For First Time Home Buyers

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As a first time home buyer you often don’t have any idea what to expect.  In this installment we will establish steps to take in order to determine if you are ready to take the plunge into home ownership.
Consider the area that you are looking at buying.  Check out the selling price of comparable homes in the area.  You can do this by looking at the MLS listings in the area or on a number of online real estate websites.
Find an online mortgage calculator to determine your monthly mortgage payments.  Many realtors have bankrate home loan calculators on their sites in order to allow clients to estimate the payment they can expect monthly on various mortgage amounts.
After you have determined an approximate monthly mortgage payment it is important to look into the total monthly costs to operate the home including taxes and insurance.  In some situations homeowners have found that the money going into escrow can often double the monthly payment amount.
Determine how much your mortgage lender requires in closing costs.  The upfront expenses of the home loan should never be overlooked.  Closing costs can include a variety of fees including: origination fees, title fees, settlement fees, taxes, homeowner association fees and other prepaid expenses.
Consider your budget and consider how the house fits into the puzzle.  Most lenders recommend that homebuyers spend no more than twenty eight percent of their take home income on the cost of housing.  When buyers move upwards to thirty percent they take a chance on being house poor.  Being house poor means that you no longer have extra funds to spend on anything other than your home.  This is a risky spot to be in and should not be considered a way of life for the long term.
Talk to a local realtor to discuss the climate of real estate within the area that you are interested.  Do they believe that the area and housing prices will continue to increase, will the decrease or will they stabilize?  There is no guarantees on the housing market but the trends of the past can help indicate future behavior.
Consider the larger picture of homeownership.  Buying a home is a super investment and great way to build wealth.  First time homebuyers need to understand that maintaining this investment can be not only be intensive labor wise but also on your budget.  It is important to remember that no longer can expenses be passed off to the landlord.  When something breaks down it is yours and yours alone to fix.
These are just a few of the things for first time homebuyers to look at before they buy a home.
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.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Hot Trends When Purchasing a Home In 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is important for both buyers and sellers to keep up with the latest trends in home improvements.  What was popular a year ago, let alone ten years ago may drastically change the way a home is viewed within the game of real estate.  Really think about the trends that were present in homes we were raised in verse what is popular now.

Shag carpeting, colored appliances, laminate flooring, formica countertops and gold fixtures were all the rage and a house with all five of these hot button trends would fly off the market.  Try to sell that same house now and it would sit forever waiting for the right buyer to come along only after the seller had dropped the asking price significantly.  This is just one of the many reasons it is important to keep up on the trends present within the home improvement and real estate arenas.

Trendy Kitchen Ideas

In real estate the kitchen is arguably the most important room within a home.  In order to get top dollar from the sale of your home it is important to keep up on popular upgrades to the space.  The following are just a few things that are trending in kitchen designs and upgrades for 2016:

  • Kitchen islands with additional work space and seating.
  • Dark cabinetry that are enhanced with other materials such as glass and metal.
  • Uncommon countertop materials like exotic stones, hand poured cement or granite.
  • Wine coolers that are built in.
  • Stainless steel, top of the line appliances that include all the bells and whistles.
  • Double ovens, convection ovens and unconventional, six burner stove tops are incredibly trend with the increased popularity in preparing culinary delights at home.

Trending Designs For Bathrooms

  • Glass and stone are both popular material choices in bathroom updates in 2016. Consider a blend of natural, raw materials when upgrading bathroom spaces.
  • Vessel sinks, paired with antique inspired vanities are offering a classically, modern spin on creating a retreat in your very own home.
  • Chrome fixtures are being replaced for brushed nickel.
  • Showers are a more popular option then bathtubs. Deck out your extended shower space with multiple faucets, dual showerheads and hand held sprayers.  Upgraded fixtures and faucets are attractive to homeowners that are ready to move into a space without any DIY updates to contend with.
  • Another popular feature in bathrooms to consider in upgrades is the installation of automatic lighting.

Trends in home improvements aren’t anything new.  It is important to follow up with trends in the housing market especially if you are a seller looking to sell your homewithin the next five years.  You can never go wrong in home improvement with simple, classic updates enhanced with easily replaceable accessories that follow trends.

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.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

Debunking Myths Surrounding The Refurbished Electrical Component Industry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are several myths that surround the refurbished electrical component industry. Opinions differ on when to use them and how to ensure they are consistent and dependable.  In truth refurbished electrical components are as safe and reliable as original electrical manufactured parts.  Some within the industry even believe that refurbished parts may be of higher quality than their OEM counterparts due to the intense testing and rigorous tests they must go through before they can be sold.

Most sellers of refurbished electrical parts follow a detailed plan when preparing them.  It begins with the component being thoroughly taken apart, cleaned and inspected.  After this process is complete each part is painted with paint chosen based on its durability.  The process is complete when the part is assembled and thoroughly tested.

Manufacturer’s purchase and use reconditioned electrical products for a variety of reasons.  In order for manufacturer’s to purchase reconditioned products they must trust in the products ability to perform when necessary.  As do OEM parts, refurbished parts help to keep the number of unintentional outages while working to keep workers productive and safe.  The one main difference is the difference in cost between the two.  Whenever older, worn components are being replaced the equipment will be more dependable and consistent.

There is a myth in that there is a risk involved in trying to save a few bucks with refurbished parts. Although many times the old adage that there is no reward without risk is not true when it comes to purchasing and using refurbished electrical components.  More often than not high quality refurbished electrical parts will outlast their OEM counterparts at a fraction of the expense.

It is important to purchase refurbished parts for a company with a substantial reputation within the industry.  A proven track record of providing quality new and refurbished components is a must.  Not all company’s and suppliers are the same.    Choose a company that involved in several different variations of the electrical component industry including asset recovery, equipment and product reconditioning as well new part sales.

In order to be certain the company you are buying from is offering you what you need be sure to ask about their refurbishing policy.  Only components that are quality refurbished components that have been cleaned, analyzed, reassembled, tested and passed rigorous inspections should be available for sale.  Pricing varies between companies that offer refurbished components for sale.  Some companies will even loan you a replacement part while they get to work refurbishing yours. This allows your company to keep production running without a hiccup while refurbishing your part.  It’s a win-win for both parties.

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.

J & P Electrical Company

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Benefits of Refurbished Equipment and Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There is an entire industry built around refurbished and reconditioned manufacturing equipment and parts.  This industry is growing in popularity for a variety of reasons.  In this installment we will look into why the refurbished part industry is preferred to OEM parts.

The most notable difference between new and refurbished components is the cost.  There is no denying that OEM parts are significantly more expensive than their identical refurbished counterpart.  It will always save your company money to purchase a refurbished component over an original.  The amount you save will depend on a number of things one being the electrical component company that you make purchases from.  At a minimum expect to pay at least twenty percent less but expect the savings to be upwards of forty percent over OEM parts.

Another reason that people choose refurbished over new is that it often allows them to buy a higher quality component or piece of equipment then they could afford if they needed to buy it new.  Consider the last time you looked at cars.  Twelve thousand dollars buys an economy car brand new while that same twelve thousand dollars buys a used luxury coupe.  You can get a higher end part or piece of equipment for the same price as a lower quality new product.

When purchasing refurbished components you are more likely than not to find what you need even after your equipment is considered obsolete.  This is incredibly important in the manufacturing sector.  When you buy refurbished you are hedging against obsolescence.  When looking at refurbished equipment you can upgrade more frequently because of the lower expense which allows you to stay up to date on advancements in technology without breaking the bank.

Software licensing is another area where savings and upgrades are maximized.  For instance, you may be currently using a server that is running older version software.  Upgrading the software can cost upwards of three hundred dollars which is often the cost of a refurbished server with the newer operating system installed.  Not only do you get an upgrade in software but an all around upgrade in equipment.

Some industries require that equipment thorough maintains the same specifications and remains compatible to the systems used throughout.    If one of the devices fails or a new employee is hired it may be near impossible to find equipment that meets with the standards already in place.  Buying from a supplier of refurbished equipment allows you to find exact matches most of the time and will probably be less expensive then the purchase of the original equipment.

For more information or to find a company that specializes in refurbished equipment, parts and electrical components look online today.

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.

J & P Electrical Company

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Updates In Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Over the past few decades the home improvement industry has changed at a rapid pace.  As far as individual sectors that have evolved the most is the roofing industry.  Homeowners have come to expect a lot out of their homes roof and the market has answered.  The latest trends in roofing range from increasing energy efficiency to the overall life span of the roof.

Environmentally Safe Roofing Solutions

The world that we live in has become more concerned than ever before about the stability of the environment.  As our society starts to be less more aware of the instability and damage facing Earth it becomes evident that we need to step up to protect it.  The family home is a great place to start and there are several ways to do this within your own home starting with your homes roof.

One way that we can achieve eco-friendly goals in roofing is by using recycled, natural or eco-friendly materials for new roofs or replacement roofs.  Some people choose to go even more hard-core with green roofing.  Roofs can literally be created using grass or gardens growing on their roof.  Another popular option in environmentally friendly is solar paneling which helps the environment and your finances.

Energy Efficiency  

Roofing protects your home and family from the elements.  The roof also plays an integral role in helping with insulation and boosting eco-friendly aspects.  A solid roof and proper insulation helps keep a home warm in the winter and cold in the summer without wasting energy.  Good ventilation in your roof is also important as it helps to regulate the temperature.

Life Span

With the steady exposure to the elements it means that your homes roof will need to be repaired, replaced, and update more often than other element on your home.  This is one of the main reasons that the material that your roofing contractor chooses is meant to last.  Metal roofing is known for its longevity, aesthetic value and ability to hold up under substantial climate changes.

Regardless of the material that you decide to use on your new roof the most important factor in roofing is that it is installed by a professional roofing contractor.  Once an expert roofer has installed your new roof it is important that you as a homeowner take the time twice yearly, once in the spring and once in the fall, for repairs, maintenance and upkeep.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Trends in Roofing 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are replacing your homes roof or repair an existing roof you may be interested in the latest industry trends.  You might not expect to see much change from year to year in an industry such as roofing however with advances in technology and a push to be more consciences of the environment a lot is changing.

One of the biggest changes that we are seeing is in the most tried and true roofing material of them all, the shingle.  Asphalt shingles are the number one choice for roofing contractors and homeowners because of their durability, availability and cost.  Asphalt shingling is an industry leading material in durability and environmentally friendly technology.  One way that technology is changing asphalt shingling is with the use of cooling granules to help make homes more energy efficient.

Another trend or change in roofing is color options available.  Lighter roofing materials are being used as they lessen the extreme costs of cooling a home during the winter months.  Expect to see a growth in gray and blues for rooftops this year.

As a society we are becoming more and more environmentally friendly.  We are moving past just the simple everyday such as separating plastic and paper and turning eco-friendly as a complete lifestyle.  More and more green building materials are available on the market including roofing.  Solar panels that convert the sun’s power into electricity are more prevalent as they cost effective and reduce the negative effects roofing has on the environment.

When you are picking out a roofing material for your home it is important to consider more than just industry trends.  You need to take into account the homes style, the neighborhood and numerous additional items.  Answer the following questions when working with your roofing contractor to determine the best roofing materials for your new or replacement roof.

  • What type of weight can your existing roof framing hold? Are you prepared to add special framing if the material you want to use outweighs the existing frame source?
  • Is the material you are considering available in multiple colors and style that will ultimately compliment your home?
  • Do the materials meet local area fire specifications?
  • Are there special requirements in maintenance or installation to consider?
  • Is the material good for the climate that the home is located in? Will it offer peak performance for the weather?  If you have changing seasons will it adjust to each?
  • Also compare the material cost, life span, warranty, and labor expense; is one roofing material clearly better than all the rest?

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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