Livingston Reporting - page 222

Popular Mortgage Options In 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to mortgage options there are more than a few options to choose from.  In this installment we will look at popular mortgage options from fixed to adjustable, thirty to fifteen years and more.

The first option we will discuss is the most traditional type of mortgage available is the thirty year, fixed rate mortgage.  This option offers a mortgage payment where the interest and mortgage payment stays the same for the entire life of the home loan.  At the end of thirty years you will have completely paid off your home.

Thirty year mortgages are good for individuals who prefer the stability of a fixed monthly payment.  It is important to note that these type of mortgage is often more expensive than their adjustable-rate counterpart.  Homeowners are willing to pay the premium because this home loan is pretty straightforward, easy to understand and provides payment stability.  This option is a solid bet for homeowners that are looking to stay in their homes for more than ten years.

Fifteen year mortgages are the exact same as thirty year mortgages but require less time to pay them back.  The benefit of a fifteen year, fixed mortgage is the rate at which you are able to build equity in your home.   If homeowners can afford the higher monthly payment that comes along with a fifteen year mortgage and they like the stability a fixed mortgage offers than this is a solid mortgage option.

Another popular option in mortgages is known as ARM’s, adjustable-rate mortgage.  This mortgage option adjusts the interest rate that homeowners pay at a given time and frequency.  There are a few ways that an ARM can work.  Most often however the mortgage starts out offering a lower interest rate then what is found with a thirty year fixed rate mortgage and steadily adjusts with the market.   When the initial rate period of the mortgage ends and the ARM adjusts you may end up with a higher payment than you originally started out with.

The major risk involved in an ARM is that there is not a guarantee on what your future payments will be.  ARM’s do have many benefits that homeowners should consider when looking into a mortgage.  For instance, ARM has a lower initial rate over a fixed mortgage.  A lower initial payment allows buyers to afford more house than they would have with a fixed rate mortgage.  It is also advantageous to have an ARM if it is believed that the interest rates will lower in the future.

In our next installment we will look into more popular options in mortgages from interest only to balloon mortgages.

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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Properly Maintaining Industrial Electrical Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In order to keep industrial machinery and equipment in good running order it is important that it is properly maintained and cared for.  When large manufacturing equipment is improperly cared for it not only runs inefficiently but also decreases the safety and reliability of the machine. If a breakdown in machinery occurs it is not only time consuming to correct it is also extremely costly.  Below we will look into how to maintain large industrial equipment to ensure it is kept running efficiently.

Keep On Top Of Operator Training

Equipment in industrial manufacturing settings often has more than a single operator.  With this in mind it is crucial that the equipment is correctly operated and therefore each individual using it is trained accordingly.

When machinery is first purchased and brought into a manufacturing setting it should be thoroughly inspected.  Training should take place not only when new equipment is purchased but should be ongoing in nature.  If the number of operators working on the machine regularly turns over it is easy for important steps in the training process to be overlooked.  To avoid skills from becoming outdated and poor overall operations training on large equipment should be ongoing.

Keep On Top Of Lubricants

Machines with many different moving parts need to remain well lubricated.  Scheduled lubrication helps to extend the lifetime of equipment and the moving electrical components within.  Lubrication is important. Be sure that the correct lubrication for the machine is used.  Special oil needs to be used on each specific machine.  Check the requirements set forth by the manufacturer.  Look for signs of excess oil or grease build up on pistons, check for leaks around the seal.  Analyze the oil.  If containments are found it could indicate components are wearing and breaking down.

Check For Wear

Machinery with moving parts is bound to breakdown.  Carefully check for excess wear.  Look for gears and belts that are out of alignment from machine vibrations.  With extended use, friction, poor lubrication and worn parts comes higher than normal machine temperatures shorting the life span of the machine.  If you become of an unusual amount of wear or a pattern in wear occurring it may be time to look into issue deeper.  It is important that any wear and tear on the moving components within the machine is taken care of immediately.

Keep The Environment and Machinery Clean

A clean environment promotes equipment cleanliness which has a large impact overall on equipment longevity.  As part of equipment maintenance schedules be sure to include thorough cleaning to the work environment and machines.  Fewer contaminations in the space mean less likelihood for them to cause issues with machinery.

A routine maintenance schedule, performed on a regular schedule will increase the longevity of equipment, cut costs as well as increasing productivity & safety.

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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Important Industrial Equipment Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In order to keep your business running smoothly it is important to keep industrial equipment well maintained.  In many industrial settings equipment maintenance is an afterthought instead of forethought.  Preventative maintenance in the workplace saves a company more than it costs in the long run.  Spending just a small amount of time to create a reasonable maintenance schedule for large scaled equipment and components can save a company a lot of time and money in the long run.

Prevention verse Rectification

There is little to do other than to repair a piece of equipment once is stops working correctly.  It doesn’t matter if a professional has to be called in or if someone within the company can make the repair it has to be done and the time the equipment is down is costing the company money in both lost production and employee productivity.  Corrective maintenance may get the equipment up and running eventually but at the cost of missed revenue.

Whereas scheduled preventative and regular maintenance can help to prevent against the devastation down equipment can have on a company.  When a maintenance schedule is stuck with catastrophic problems can be caught and corrected before they begin thus helping to stay ahead of issues before they become devastating.

Regular machine maintenance allows machine operators to spot potential problems with equipment before it results in a break down or worse, an injury.  Technicians running large scaled equipment should be trained to spot issues before they shut down machinery.  If this can be achieved companies can save on lost revenues, expedited repair costs, losses in production, employee safety and more.

Maintaining industrial equipment saves money.  Companies that use refurbished components in the maintenance of their machinery save even more.  Make sure to keep a detailed record on repairs to machines.  Analysis should be done regularly on this information as it can offer a lot of insight into a proper maintenance schedule.  If companies see that the same part always needs to be replaced on equipment after certain periods of time then they can adjust the maintenance schedule to correct the issue before it occurs.

Maintenance extends the life span of most everything in life including electrical components that run your business.  Think about it in another way.  If this was your car and you never took it in for oil and filter changes it probably won’t last for as long as if you had done the proper maintenance.   Car manufacturers have guidelines in place regarding the maintenance on your vehicle based on years of analyzed data and records from other vehicle owners.  This process allows updates to be made to the maintenance schedule as time goes on.  For instance, an oil change used to be recommended every three thousand miles but now based on new technology and data analysis oil changes on certain makes and models of cars has been expanded up to six thousand miles.

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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Narrowing Down The Causes Of A Leaky Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Your roof is one of the most important elements of your home.  It is crucial that it remains on the top of the list of items that need to be regularly maintained.  Your roof helps to protect your home from the elements. It keeps the warm heat in during the cold winter months and the brisk air in during the hot months of summer.  Damage to the homes roof should immediately be repaired to avoid having to later replace the entire roof or worse yet damage to the structural integrity of the home itself.

When a home experiences a leak in the roof the root of the issue isn’t always easily narrowed in on.  There are a few common problems to look for if you notice a leak in your homes roof.

Missing Shingles

No matter what material your roof is made from it is susceptible to damage during inclement weather.  Shingling that blows off your homes roof leaves underlayment exposed.  If left exposed to the elements the underlayment material will quickly deteriorate and cause water leakage.

Issues with Pipe Flashing

There are several vent pipes that sit directly underneath your roof material.  Most often these vents are sealed well but occasionally corrosion occurs or the sealant is damaged and allows for a leak to occur.

Skylight and Chimney Flashing

The flashing around your chimney can leak if it becomes pulled away from the roof or if perhaps the sealant becomes worn.  Skylight leaks require a bit more troubleshooting as sometimes the leaks that occur are because of condensation.  Other times however, a leak may occur because of a crack in the skylight or worn out seal.

Valleys

The little gutters that run down the interior angles of your roof line are known as valleys. When the little gutter flashings are damaged by weather, fungus or are improperly maintained they can lift away from the roofing and allow water to seep through the channel and into the home.  It is crucial to make sure that these valleys are properly cared for and kept intact to avoid leaks.

Ice Dams

During the winter months it is common to have snow melt and refreeze on the roof.  When this happens and ice dam occurs that does not allow the water to runoff into the gutter.  The water is then left backing up under the shingles and the process of freezing and refreezing is allowed to continue causing damage to the underlayment of the roofing.

If at any time you notice the above damage occurring within your homes roof it is time to call in a professional roof contractor to repair the damaged area.  The cost of repairing a roof is significantly lower than the cost of replacing a roof hence it is far more cost effective to preserve the roofs integrity for as long as possible.

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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Common Issues To Look For When Your Roof Is Leaking

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are looking to find where a leak is coming from on your homes roof you may be overwhelmed at first.  Although know two roofs are alike there are still some commonalities when it comes to leakage issues.  There are a few common places that roofing contractor’s checkout first when homeowners mention that their roofs are leaking.  Below we will discuss what to look for if you should experience a leak in your roof.

Flashing

Flashing is an essential element in roofing.  It is the metal piece that is used to attach vents and other ducting on the surface of the roof.  The metal flashing will most likely need to be replaced before the homes roof because as it ages it can crack and corrode.  Roof flashing is the number one point of failure on a roof and therefore should be the first place you inspect you suspect your roof is leaking.  Normal repair costs for flashing repairs on your homes roof usually range between ten and twenty dollars.

Vertical Slits

Another common place to look when you are experiencing a leak in your homes roof is the vertical slit between the shingles.  Water freely flows between the vertical slits in the shingles and thus causes corrosion.  This in turn can lead to a leak in the roof.

Missing Granules

All shingling is covered with an exterior stony coating.  This extra layer of coating on the shingle adds protection against ultra-violet rays.  When the stony coating starts to wear off the asphalt shingle it becomes exposed to the elements.  If you begin to notice bare spots in the shingling it is important to replace them before it becomes a problem.  If the bare spots in the shingling are left untreated water can start to cause water to pool and a leak to occur.

Skylights

Skylights are a great way to let in the natural daylight however they are also a major contributor to leaks.  Water is allowed to run down the slop of the roof hitting the flat upper edge of the skylight getting trapped in there.  Another thing that can occur is cracking in the skylight.    Sealant to correct the issue costs about five dollars.  If the flashing is the cause of the leak it can cost anywhere between twenty five to eight dollars to replace.

If there is a leak it is important to address the cause of the problem before fixing the effects of the leak.    Chimneys are also another source of where leaks occur as well as the valleys in the roof.  If you are unable to locate the leak on your own call in a professional roofer to assist you evaluate the problem before the roof repair turns into roof replacement.

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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The Challenges In Home Remodeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many challenges that homeowners face when doing remodeling whether it is a big renovation like the kitchen or something smaller like painting a room.  Avoid allowing your home improvements to become an emotional or financial burden for you or your family.  Below are the top stressors to both contractors and homeowners when it comes to taking on any sized home improvement project.

Making Too Many Changes To The Original Plan

It is important to understand that every time a contractor needs to make an adjustment to the original renovation plan that it will increase the time and money that is being spent on the project.  After the construction process has begun, any change in the materials, design or such will lead to longer lead times and increases in costs.

Miscommunication

Miscommunication can occur at a multitude of levels during home improvement projects.  Whether it is between a couple, the material supplier, the contractor or a combination of the three, a failure to communicate can cause a great deal of stress.  Prior to beginning any home improvement projects discuss the chain of command for the renovation.  Clearly set up a path that communication should follow and adhere to it in order to avoid confusion and delay with the project.

Not Following A Budget and Ignoring The Cost Of Materials

Before beginning any renovation have a set budget that clearly defines the amount of money that is to be spent on materials and labor.  Without a set budget in place contractors do not know the limitations to put on material costs and such.  This leaves a lot of room for error between the amounts that the homeowner wanted to spend verse what the contractor is expecting.  One way around this is to define a budget and meet weekly to ensure that expenses are staying in line with expectations.

Lacking a Timeline

Frustration often occurs when a timeline for the project’s completion is not in place.  An experienced contractor should have a solid idea of how long a renovation should take to complete.  When there is a delay in the project it is important that the line of communication is kept open to avoid any resentment about the changing time frame.

Taking On Too Much At One Time

Some homeowners try to take on too many projects at one time.  If at all possible don’t take on a number of renovations all at once.  It is difficult enough to manage one at a time let alone multiple different projects.  Take your time when it comes to home improvement projects and don’t take on too much.  Even when you hire a professional contractor, taking on more than one project can lead to big problems.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Caring For A Plaster Pool Surface

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The initial period after pool plaster has been applied is the most critical time for the pools surface.  In the first twenty eight days the pools plaster surface cures approximately sixty percent.  The surface will take the next eight to ten months to finish the curing process.  During the curing process the pools water is known to increase the alkalinity, pH and calcium levels.  If this is left untreated the chemical imbalance could cause issues with the pools plaster including rough texturing, pitting and streaking.  In order to prevent this from occurring it is crucial to maintain the pools chemical balance.

Pool plaster that is in the process of curing will increase the pH balance of the water quickly.  Keeping the pool water in balance should be of the utmost important to prevent scaling and hydration problems.  If the waters chemical balance is properly handled the pH and alkalinity should stabilize in about thirty days.  Test and adjust the chemical balance of the water a few times per week for the first few weeks the new pool plaster is in place.  After that the pools water can be tested every week to be sure it is staying within the limits.

Pool Water Tips

  • All pool chemicals should be pre-dissolved before being added to the pool water. The chemicals should always be added to water.  Don’t ever mix the chemicals and then add the water into it.
  • Chlorine and other pool sanitizers should not be added to the pool water, after plastering, until the water has been tested and seventy two hours has past. The personnel at the pool store will give you instructions on any additional testing that should be done.
  • Make sure that you get the pools alkalinity is in check and then adjust the pH. The alkalinity should be between eighty and one hundred and twenty PPM and the pH should be lowered to around seven point two.
  • Replenish the sequestering agent that was added to the pool on start up that took metallic contaminates that are un-filterable and made them able to be filtered. This will help to prevent staining and scaling.
  • Remember not to swim in the pool until the chlorine level drops below three ppm.

The pool should be gently brushed twice a day for the first two weeks after the plaster has been applied.  It is important that the pools pores are kept open to allow for proper curing and helps loosen any plaster dust from settling in on the plaster surface.  The water may become dusty after the brushing is done but will eventually go away.

With some simple maintenance and care you can extend the lifetime of your pools plaster.

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/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Choose Between Sliding and Swinging Driveway Gates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many reasons that homeowners decide to install an automatic driveway gate.  Whether you are looking to increase the security of your property or the aesthetics choosing the correct gate, gate operator and automatic opener from the get go can save you a lot of time and money.

There are two basic styles of automatic entry gates: slide gates and swing gates.   A slide gate is normally best installed on a level driveway.  Slide gates are able to be track mounted.  The track is installed to the surface of the driveway and the gate will run on this track.  A swing gate is best used when the surface of the driveway is uneven.  A cantilever gate can be installed.  This style of gate is designed to pivot near the motor suspending the gate over the driveway.

When installing a driveway entry gate you have two choices when it comes to gate operators: gate mounted or underground.  Gate mounted operators tend to be a bit less expensive because they don’t require extensive ground work.  Underground gate operators have an enclosed motor that is flush with the ground and out of site.  It is important to note that an underground gate operator is not suitable for use in areas that are susceptible to flooding or those without proper drainage.

Aluminum, wrought iron, steel and wood are all common materials that are used when installing driveway gates.  Aluminum gates are becoming popular because of how easy they are to maintain.  The material that is chosen for your gate significantly affects the overall budget of the project.  Solid hardwood gates cost more in materials as well as labor to install them and energy to keep them running; it is feasible to pay almost double the for a solid fence and gate operator that can sustain it then an aluminum gate.

The number of times a gate is going to be used as well as the type and weight of the gate should all be taken into consideration when choosing a gate operator.  Your gate installer should always specify the materials to be used when quoting your gate installation.  When you get this information take time to research the gate mechanism that they are recommending to ensure that the quality you are being quoted is in direct correlation with the amount being quoted.

Another consideration that needs to be made when installing a new driveway gate is the access entry system.  There are a few popular options including remote control key fobs, wireless key pads, cellular access and manually operated switches.  Keypad entry with an intercom tends to be the most popular option with GSM intercoms narrowing in quickly because of the flexibility they afford clients.

There are many reasons homeowners have for installing automatic driveway gates.  The most important factor is that you start with the right materials in place from the start to save you on both time and money.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic driveway gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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Choosing Between Rigid and Flexible Packaging

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Have you ever taken a really good look into how much the industry of product packaging has changed in the last decade?   Look at the products sitting on your shelves right now.  What do you see?  My guess is that you will see a variety of different packages from paper packets to plastic pouches.  This is a significant change from years past when rigid packaging options were the norm.  A decade ago consumer’s shelves were stacked to the hilt with cans and hard plastic containers. Why the change?

There are a number of reasons that manufacturers choose to switch from rigid packaging to flexible packaging. Just because flexible pouch packaging is a good choice for the competition or one subset within your brand does not mean it meets the needs of all of your products.  There are many benefits of both rigid and flexible packaging.  It is up to you as a manufacturer to determine which option best meets the needs of both the product and consumer’s needs.

One of the main benefits of flexible packaging over rigid packaging options is its durability.  Pouches are far less likely to be damaged upon impact over several options in rigid packaging.   During shipping solid containers such as glass or aluminum are more likely to be damaged during shipping then flexible plastic pouches.

At first this might not sound like it’s a big deal but consider the last time you choose to buy a product in a package that was damaged.  If you do how many times are you likely to ask the retailer to offer the item at a discount?  It is just a simple fact that damaged products are less likely to be purchased than those without.  This is just one reason why manufacturers find flexible packaging desirable.

Another benefit of flexible packaging comes from the materials that are used to create the pouches.  Most flexible packaging is created from a laminated plastic.  The laminated plastic helps to strengthen the barrier characteristic of the package.  The design options with flexible packaging are also fairly unlimited including: laminated sacks, pouches, plastic form fill and seal film, bags and more.  Manufacturers can also choose from a variety of options including: velcro sliders, hooded sliders, top sliders, face zippers, re-sealable zippers and sliders.  The re-sealable nature of flexible packaging is what makes it of utmost attractiveness to most manufactures and consumers alike.

Choosing between rigid and flexible packaging should come down to each individual product within your company line.  What is right for one product may not be for another.

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.

Anchor Printing

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Connecting With Your Clients Through Labeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the most difficult things about being a business owner is finding ways to attract and connect with customers.  Reaching clients is made simpler by using techniques that appeal to their emotions.  One way manufacturers can achieve this is to utilize proper product packaging and custom labeling techniques.  A main aspect in labeling and packaging is color.  It is ideal that designers to correlate colors, fonts, images and materials that work to connect consumers to the product in order to achieve success.  Understanding the psychology of color is crucial in label design.  The guide below will allow you to see how color is used to convey emotion and the manufacturer’s message.

There are many classes that can be taken to help custom label designers understand color psychology.  Color on labeling is utilized to allow products to stand out from the competition when on display.  It is important that a product speak for itself when there is not a company representative speaking on its behalf; a properly designed product label does just that.

Start by examining the ideals of the color graphic wheel when beginning to consider color options to represent your company brand and product lines.  The color wheel is a visual aide that shows how complementary colors create a dramatic contrast and offer the pop element to wow consumers.  This is ideal when it comes to graphic imaging and elements within the content just be careful of using this technique in large quantities as that may overpower the product.  That is the exact opposite of what manufacturers are looking to accomplish.

Looking for a relaxed vibe where the color flows naturally together; consider analogous colors.  Unlike complimentary colors which stand out these colors when used in conjunction of one another blend together and appeal to more subdued feelings.  They work well for the label background to help create a differential between the text and design.

Label designers should seek to follow the rule of threes when choosing a color palette off of the color wheel.  It has been researched that groups of three are perceived in a more positive light.  Jokes are funnier when said in threes, foods are more tasteful in threes and colors are more effective in threes.

In our next installment on the affects of color in labeling we will discuss different colors and textures affect the look and feel of your product label.  It is amazing the difference in customer perception between brown craft paper differs from metallic paper in labeling.

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.

Anchor Printing

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