Livingston Reporting - page 232

Considerations In Pool Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our last installment on pool fencing we talked about a few considerations homeowners had when it comes to safety pool fencing.  One of the main points of interest in our last article was the popularity of using aluminum in pool fencing.  Aluminum is popular for many reasons such as its durability, strength and ease of maintenance.  Another point was if a permanent fence was needed or if a removable fencing would be a better option.  In most situations a permanent fence was a better choice to keep children and pets safe whereas a removable fence was better when the space around the pool was limited.

In this installment we will discuss more considerations in pool fencing such as the cost, design, fence color and installation.

1)      How much are you looking to spend on a pool fencing?

Cost is a factor in all home improvement projects including exterior renovations such as installing a pool and fencing.  The budget of the swimming pool should include the cost of the fencing materials and installation.  The cost of the fence is factored by the material chosen, the height and total footage needed for the perimeter of the pool space.  Homeowners will also need to factor in the number of gates desired, the cost of each gate as well as the locking system that is desired.  Higher quality doesn’t always mean more expensive.  Look online for wholesale aluminum fencing dealers for the best quality fencing at the most reasonable expense.

2)      What design are you looking for with the addition of fencing to your pools landscape?

This is one consideration that homeowners should not take lightly when choosing a fence.  The aesthetics of the pool area are important.  The design of the fence will be what you look at for years to come.  Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of styles, designs and features.  It is one of the most customizable fencing materials that can be used around the perimeter of your fence.

3)      Are you looking for colored fencing?

Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of colors; black being the most common color installed around pool areas.  If you are looking to add some color and a bit of pizazz to the pool look into the optional colors that can be found with aluminum fence.  It is amazing how adding a bit of color to the landscape can completely change the look and feel of the pool area.

4)      Would you be installing the fence on your own or having a professional out to install it?

Aluminum fencing can easily be installed by homeowners looking for a simple do it yourself project.  After having the pool installed by professionals some homeowners want to do something themselves where as others want to leave it to the professionals.  If you are doing it yourself, rest assured that aluminum fencing comes with detailed instructions.  Many online aluminum fence manufacturers will also offer online or telephone support throughout the entire process starting with the design ending with installation.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, rust free aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Pool contractor’s, building contractor’s, architect’s, & installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home/business anywhere in America from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Enhance Your Pools Safety With Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In ground backyard pools are an ideal choice for families.  A well kept pool enhances the landscape of any home.  It offers the luxury of staying cool on hot summer days without the hassles involved in backing up and heading for the sandy beach for the day.  Pools create a vacation spot within your own backyard while providing access to the amenities of home.  It is a location that everyone in the family can make use of and creates a space to bond as a family unit.

It is well known that pools offer a family a number of benefits to families all while posing a huge safety risk if not properly secured.  The rules and regulations facing backyard pool owners are tightening up with the recent increase in accidentally drowning.  The last thing any homeowner wishes is an accident that results in the loss of life on their property.  Pool owners are regulated by local, state and federal laws detailing guidelines that must be followed to protect against accidental access to a pool area.  In a desire to protect their family and friends pool owners are investing in perimeter fencing and secure, locking gates.

A pool fence is in no way meant to be the only safety feature for your pool area. It does however add a layer of protection for children and pets when a lapse in adult supervision occurs.  It provides those few extra minutes that could mean the difference between life and death for a young child or pet.  Pool fencing is regulated and must meet the standards set forth by the B.O.C.A.  Perimeter pool fencing must not have foot holds or hand holds that children can use to help them lift over the fence.  It should also stand taller than four feet, with five feet being preferable.  The pool fence should also have a self latching, self locking gate mechanism.

There are a wide variety of materials in which pool fences are available.  Aluminum fencing is the most widely chosen fencing material as it is affordable, easy to maintain and install, is hassle free to order and retains its million dollar look for years without breaking the budget.  The dangers that an aluminum pool fence are safeguarding your family against are worth any amount of money.  The average cost of aluminum pool fencing is around twenty seven hundred dollars.

There is a lot that can be said for the convenience and peace of mind that aluminum pool fencing offers homeowners.  Access to adults is simple with a self latching, self locking gate mechanism while also offering the peace of mind that comes with knowing children are secured away from the water.  Children are quick and like to explore on their own.  It is important to know that in these crucial seconds a head may turn its undivided attention away that children and pets are safe and kept far away from the dangers of unsupervised pool usage.

Backyard pools are meant to be a safe haven for relaxing, having fun and enjoying one another’s company.  In order to keep it that way for years to come the addition of an aluminum pool safety fence is a priority.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, rust free aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Pool contractor’s, building contractor’s, architect’s, & installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home/business anywhere in America from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Factors When Purchasing Pool Safety Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Summer is upon us and with that comes the season many children and parents alike wait all winter for, swimming pool season!  The time when the sun is shining, kids are outside away from technology and all out relaxation occurs.  With all the benefits pool ownership brings it is easy to forget about the dangers that come along with owning a pool.  It is crucial that homeowners take time to address safety concerns while the pool is being installed and keep up on maintain the safety of the pool and its surroundings throughout the season.

One important safety feature that is a must during the installation of your new pool is a perimeter fence.   Fencing is a feature that protects both homeowners and pool users.  Having a barrier between the pool and the rest of the backyard allows children and pets to freely use the space without being in danger of accessing the pool when not under direct adult supervision.  Selecting the ideal fencing for a backyard pool is a decision that should not be taken lightly.  Below are factors to consider when looking into fencing for your pool’s perimeter.

Considerations to Make When Purchasing Pool Fencing

1)      What material will you choose for your pool fence?

The fencing that you choose for the perimeter of your pool should be strong, durable and easy to maintain.  One of the most popular materials to use when it comes to pool fencing is aluminum.  Aluminum pool fencing is aesthetically pleasing while being durable, easy to maintain and a great protector against inquisitive kids and pets looking to gain access to the pool water.

Whatever material homeowners choose for their pool fencing the most important thing is that they don’t settle or compromise quality over cost or any other variable.  Quality fencing is of most importance to ensure the safety of children and pets.

2)      Should you choose fencing that is removable or one that is permanent?

For most homeowners this is an easy to answer question; the pool is permanent so the fencing should be permanent as well.  This is however not always the case.  Some in-ground pools are built in a small space.  If this is the case it may be that the fencing need to be removable to allow for more space around the area of the pool.  For most homeowners with pools a permanent aluminum pool fence is ideal.

Our next installment on pool fencing considerations we will look into the cost, design, color and installation.

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!

iFenceUSA

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Challenges Marketers Face When Designing New Product Labels

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Marketers face the challenge of creating a product that will compete in an already saturated market of consumer goods.  Products must differentiate themselves from the competition in order to thrive. One opportunity that is not wasted on marketing experts is the ability to transform a products label into something much more than an information gathering tool.  Appealing labels that entice consumers, drawing them from the nearby competition are changing the market place.  Below are some tips from label industry leaders to use whether you are launching a new product into the market place or planning on reinventing a classic.

If your products label is ineffective and doesn’t appeal to your target market then you have wasted one of the last marketing opportunities your product has.  Point of sale marketing is intended to draw attraction to your product using graphics in a different promotional manner.  Using a interactive, themed or other types of display option along with a well designed graphic label is a smart marketing method for new products and/or product reinvention.

In order to create a label that stands above the competition designers work to allow the colors within the label communicate their message to consumers.  Color communicates faster than both the written and spoken word.  The colors within your label should be consistent with your brand. In food product labeling it is important to use color to match the flavor of items as well.  Blue and green labeling on strawberry flavored beverages just isn’t as effective as using red and green.

Images on product labels work similarly to colors in that consumers are quickly influenced by the images message.  Images and colors work together to create a message within consumers faster than text ever can.  Color and graphic design allow for much more effective visualization.  The difficult part for custom product label designers is to balance this with text.

Text is an important part of labeling as well.  In food product labeling certain regulations mandate the information that must be included.  Choose a combination of fonts that speak for the image you are looking to create.  Fonts can say a lot about a product.  Look to use a combination that speaks to what works for your product.  The choice of fonts used for labeling can send their own vibe from classic to artsy; be sure you chose a combination of fonts that creates a clear message for your product.

Colors and images cannot communicate everything; words are essential. Make sure you select a typeface that contributes aesthetically to your brand.  Don’t overwhelm the audience by using too many fonts or a font that is difficult to read or in a type point that is too small for the average consumer.  Nothing turns a purchaser off of your product faster than confusion which is exactly what too many fonts in hard to read sizes does.

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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Create A Product Label That Increases Sales

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The launch of a new product is an exciting time for a company.  Introducing a product to the world can be made a little bit easier by designing an appealing label that really grabs the attention of consumers.  The label design that is created for your product will represent it to consumers around the world.  The old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” is never truer than in labeling and product marketing.  The label must be notable from the shelf while providing something that moves the customer to make a purchase.

Guidelines in Creating a Label That Brings In Sales

Color: Color is used everywhere in the world to influence people.  Certain colors can influence how we feel.  Using colors in labeling has significance because of the effects they have on people’s emotions; purchasing consumer goods and services is an emotional process.  The use of the right colors together increases the emotional appeal of your product.  The colors in your label should allow your product to stand out when shelved next to competing products.

Font: Another major consideration in label design is the font that is used.  The use of font to reflect the personality of your product is important to increase appeal.  Avoid using fonts that are generic such as Times New Roman and Arial.  Along with using a font that adds appeal to your label it is important that the information contained within the label is readable.  Text needs to be easy to read whether consumers are near or far.  There are only seconds to catch the buyer’s attention, be sure the label is using a font that can be read upon first glance.

Name: This is pretty much a no brainer but here it goes anyhow; the label that you design must include the product, company and/or brand name.  Top brands will use this to their advantage as buyers remain consistent and loyal when they have found one that remains consistent.

Size:  The size of the label will depend a lot on the size of the packaging or container.  Do you want to use one label or multiple labels for one product? There are differences in designing a label that wraps around a product verse a product label that will be separately placed on the front and back of the product.  The front label may be used for designing and branding whereas the back label can be used for informative elements.

Barcode: A product barcode is used to convey a great deal of product information with the use of electronic scanning devices.  A Universal Product Code, otherwise known as a UPC is used to keep track of product inventory as well as to increase the safety of products.  This one manufacturer number offers a great deal of information to manufacturers.

Contact: A product label is not only good for grabbing the attention of consumers; it also gives consumers company contact information.  This info is used to foster communication between buyers and manufacturer’s, promotes the company and creates trust for the brand.  The contact information most helpful to consumers is the company’s telephone number, physical address, website and social media outlets.

Use the factors above to help create a label that is not only eye catching but leads to an increase in sales for your company and brands.

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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Create A Custom Product Label That Draws Attention

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How many times have you heard the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Yet, time and time again isn’t it true that you find yourself doing just that. It isn’t just the cover of a book we judge; its people, places, and products. If the outside isn’t what we visually expect we usually don’t take the time to explore any further. As consumers it is natural to only explore the familiar. This is why it is crucial when designing a label for your product that it is designed in a manner that commands attention and seeks to build a visual connection with consumers.

There are a number of labeling options available to product manufacturers from shrink sleeves to flexible packaging; the material used in labeling is important in delivering the products message. The label must match your brand on all levels to retain the company’s integrity. For instance, a company that specializes in environmental awareness and promotes recyclability will want to ensure that the labeling material that is chosen represents this objective as well.

The label needs to be designed in a manner that draws attention. Bold fonts, vibrant colors, familiar images and other emotion evoking techniques should be employed to maximize the visual nature of your label. Remember that when a product is on a stores shelf it is surrounded by the competition. It is crucial that for your product to be selected that is appeals to the emotions of the buyer. The shape and size of the labels itself must be in line with the packaging of the product. Consider if you desire the focus to be on the product itself or if you wish to give a smaller package a larger shelf appearance. The label size used has a lot to do with how the company wishes to market the product.

Don’t under estimate the usage of fonts in creating a brand image. The use of a variety of typography is a tool many marketers use to engage consumers visual senses. It is amazing the volume different fonts speak when setting the tone of your product. When you are considering font styles ask yourself what the font represents and match this with the target you wish to market your product to. The numbers of fonts available are endless. Whether you are going for genuine, creative, original, old school, fun, vibrant, spacey or more there is a font that will represent the image you are seeking for your product. Remember combinations of fonts, as long as they are clear and easy to read, are a great way to help set the product apart from its competition.

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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Surety Bond Use In Everyday Life

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Surety bonds are a part of everyday life.  Many individuals don’t understand the concept of bonds and how they are used to protect parties entering into a contract with one another.  In basic terms a surety bonds are a binding legal agreement that offer financial guarantees to the parties involved in a multitude of contracts.  Surety bonds state that one party, known as the surety is obligated to a second party, the obligee , in case of a default by the third party, the principal.

Various categories of surety bonds:

Contract surety bonds offer both financial security and construction assurance on projects both building and construction.  Contract surety bonds assure the project owner that the contractor will meet the requirements set forth in the contract.  If the contractor fails the project owner the surety company will cover the contract requirements so that the project owner is not at risk of loss.  The surety offers a guarantee that the contractor will perform the job stated while meeting their financial obligations to subcontractors, material providers and employees.

Bid bonds ensure that a contractor submits a bid that is intended to meet the needs of the contract.  The price of the bid that is submitted covers the financial obligations of performing the work as stated in the contract while covering the expenses on their end.

Performance bonds ensure the project owner is covered from loss if the contractor fails to perform the contract as stated and agreed upon.

Payment bonds are in place to make sure that the contractor is liable for the expenses to subcontractors, laborers and materials related to the contract that was entered into.

Maintenance bonds protect project owners against defects in materials or workmanship for a specific, agreed upon period of time.

Subdivision bonds ensure cities, counties and states that the principal, contractor of a subdivision, will financially cover and construct improvements within the sub like streets, sidewalks, curbs, street gutters, and more to make sure the sub meets stated requirements.

License and permit bonds are obtained to allow certain businesses to do business. An example of these bonds include: construction bonds, motor vehicle bonds, employment agency bonds and more.

Fiduciary bonds secure that administrators, executors, guardians and such will perform duties in line with court stated orders.

Different bonds are used in special situations to guarantee that contracts or duties are performed as contracted.  Many people confuse insurance and bond however they are completely different.  Insurance is used to protect individuals or businesses from themselves or others where as bonds are used to make sure expectations are met by others.  Both protect against loss of finances.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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Mistakes To Avoid When Filing For Bankruptcy

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If you are contemplating the need to file for bankruptcy then it is important to avoid these common pitfalls that can affect the success of your bankruptcy.  Some of the financial actions and various behavioral actions can affect your ability in achieving a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge.

By providing erroneous, partial or deceitful information on either your bankruptcy paperwork or at your 341 Meeting of Creditors you will be charged with perjury.  Misrepresenting the information that will be used in the judgement of your discharge can lead to criminal prosecution.  You also need to make sure that all of your bankruptcy paperwork is filled out correctly.  The bankruptcy attorney that is representing your needs to make sure that the paperwork is complete in full.  If any of the boxes are left empty you will need to make sure that amendments and additional paperwork is done to correct the issue.

Make sure to list all of the creditors and debt that you wish to discharge.  If at some point it is realized that an asset is not included a Chapter 7 trustee make choose to repossess the property.  The case may be dismissed if you forget any of the much needed schedules or forms that are needed.  If you forget a debt then this debt will not be considered in the discharge agreement.  Similarly if you forget to list an asset it may be taken away from you.  The process of completely filling out paperwork for your bankruptcy is needed to guarantee a smooth bankruptcy proceeding.

Next you must make sure that you have filed tax returns for the two years prior to filing for bankruptcy.  Better yet make sure you are up to date in filing all of your federal and state tax returns to ensure proper processing.  You will not be able to move forward with the bankruptcy proceedings unless you file the past tax returns.

You should also never continue to rack up new debt when you are about to file for bankruptcy.  Any debt that is racked up between seventy and ninety days prior to filing for bankruptcy this debt may be denied in the discharge of your bankruptcy.  Any luxury item that is bought on credit within ninety days of filing for bankruptcy in an amount greater than six hundred dollars may also be denied discharge as well.  Creditors may claim that there was an intention to deceive and that there was no intent to repay the debt.

There are several other unique situations your bankruptcy attorney will advise you to stay away from in the months before you begin the process of filing for divorce such as: moving assets around, selectively repaying only certain loans, ignoring impending collection actions or file for bankruptcy just before you are about to get a substantial payout or asset.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

Dickron Bohikian Law Group

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What Makes Sense For You New Construction or Home Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Should you renovate the current space you are living in or go out and purchase a new construction home that has everything you could want?  This question doesn’t have a one size fits all answer for all homeowners.  One of the most important issues that plagues many homeowners the issue of location.  Do you love the neighborhood you are in?  What are the other homes like?  Can you create the home of your dream within the neighborhood or do you risk pricing your home out of the area? Also consider if it makes economic sense to renovate over buying new.

Four Questions To Ask Yourself Before Committing to Renovations or New Construction

Can the desired updates occur within the current home?

Home renovations using the homes original footprint can cost up to fifty percent less than renovations that require a change in the structure of the home.  If you are looking to convert or add on a garage check out the neighborhood.  Are you sure that this will be viewed as an improvement within the space or a detriment? Sometimes an addition to an older home makes better sense economically as renovating an older space within the home means that you will need correct problems that currently exist.

Will you and your family be able to live through a major home renovation?

Home remodeling can wreak havoc on the normalcy that your family is familiar with.  Can you live through the construction of your space?  There will be lots of noise, a variety of contractors and disruptions.  If you are redoing your kitchen; how long can you live without a sink?  These are important considerations before renovating an existing home.

Are the renovations that you hope to perform legal?

Check with the local H.O.A. and municipality to determine if the renovations you are looking to perform are legal.  Are their requirements on how many stories a home can have?  Do you need to be a certain number of feet from the property line?  Do new renovations trigger requirements on existing elements in the home?  Usually this occurs within the homes electrical systems.

Does the renovation make sense for the home’s value?

This is a major issue for many homeowners.  Will you over value your home for the area you are in with the renovation you are looking to perform.  Adding a custo9m kitchen in a neighborhood filled with starter homes really doesn’t make a lot of sense.  The customization of a home’s kitchen can cost upwards of a hundred thousand dollars.  This is not necessarily beneficial in a place where the most expensive home sells for a hundred and fifty thousand.

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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Challenges Involving Aging Equipment Part Two

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our previous article we discussed the impact that aging equipment has on running a business.  We talked in-depth about how proper maintenance and regular electrical component part replacement, electrical equipment can continue to function properly.

Power circuit breakers require regular maintenance to guarantee accurate function while sustaining equipment warranties.  The scale of maintenance recommended on power circuit breakers includes the following:

  • Regular physical assessments
  • Ongoing cleaning and lubrication
  • Consistent equipment adjustments
  • Examination of overcurrent protective devices
  • Routine circuit testing
  • Dielectric testing
  • Speed and time assessment

New surplus or reconditioned electrical components are often needed to be installed to restore circuit breakers to like new operating condition.

Some facilities choose to recondition electrical components on their equipment in house.  In order to refurbish a circuit breaker they are tested in comparison to ANSI standards and then disassembled from top to bottom, scoured and examined.  All damaged parts are then repaired, refurbished or replaced.  After this step is performed the points of pivot are all scrubbed and lubed.  The circuit breaker is then reassembled and retested.

Additional repairs may be needed depending on a number of things such as how old the equipment is, the location it is being used in, how readily replacement components can be found, cost associated with the ongoing upkeep and new technology becoming available.

The dependability of electrical equipment comes down to this; it isn’t a question of if there will be a failure or malfunction it is a question of when it will occur.  Plant managers need to consider the cost of maintaining aging or obsolete equipment verse replacing equipment that takes advantage of updates in technology.

One such update in electrical circuit breakers comes with the addition of switchgear.  Switchgear is a combination of electrical components such as disconnect switches, fuses and circuit breakers.  The switchgear is used similarly to the main disconnect in a circuit breaker box; the switchgear will energize and de-energize electrical equipment.

The current of electricity needs to be controlled in electrical equipment for a multitude of reasons.  Whether upgrading to switchgears or staying the course, maintain the current electrical circuit breaker it is crucial that the component continues to function properly to maintain the safety of equipment.  When performing maintenance on electrical equipment or replacing refurbished electrical components within commercial equipment the electrical power flowing to the machine must be completely shut off.  To avoid electrocution the current of electricity needs to be completely shut off.  The equipment and maintenance personal should also take safety precautions to ensure that they are properly grounded in case even the slightest current is still stored within the circuit.

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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