Livingston Reporting - page 236

Trends In Roofing For Spring of 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A trend is defines as a general direction in which something is developing or changing.  In roofing we often see trends come and go right along with new the movement in home designs.  If you are looking to replace your homes roof in 2016 roofing contractors suggest that you make the most out of your investment by looking at styles that are popular amongst homes currently being built.  Leave the past in the past with home improvement on the interior and exterior of your home.  As for a new roof take a look into the following fads that roofing contractors are seeing this spring.

  • Roofing that is Environmentally Friendly: It is very clear that eco friendly home improvements are selling homes. The more efficient and environmentally friendly your house is the more attractive it is to buyers.  Environmentally friendly roofing reduces the carbon footprint you leave along with lowering utility bills.  When replacing your roof look for an efficient design, using eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction practices.
  • Lighter Colors In Asphalt Shingle Roofing: Traditionally roofs have been designed using darker color shingling; this is all about to change. Lighter shades of roofing are popular options in 2016.  Consider shades in white, gray, beige and light blue all of which are popular trends within the roofing industry.  Lighter shades of shingling give a soft, warm look to the exterior of your home while also attracting less sunlight.  This helps keep your home cooler during the heat of summer.
  • Reflective Roofing: Some homeowners still prefer the look achieved with darker roofing. If this is more your style consider reflective roofing.  Darker roofs that use reflective materials help increase your homes efficiency.  Consider coatings that make use of latex, silicone, acrylic or polyurethane which all work to keep the roof cooler.
  • Roofs That Are Flat: Another trend that is popular with roofs for 2016 is flat roofs. This was a popular option for homes during the midcentury, modern design era.  Flat roofs offered clean lines which are once again becoming popular in modern home design.  A flat roof offers a bit of nostalgia and a nod to current styles.
  • Sheet Metal Roofs: For both commercial and residential buildings sheet metal roofing is becoming more and more popular. Sheet metal roofs offer homeowners a roof that will last two times longer than that of traditional roofs. Sheet metal offers a low carbon footprint, the eco-friendliness that was mentioned earlier which will make your home popular when you go to sell it.

Contact local roofing contractors to determine the roofing trend that meets your needs and adds to the overall aesthetic value of the exterior of your home.

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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Collecting Antique Canes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to collections it is possible that antique canes, walking sticks and gadget umbrellas might just be the most interesting collections of all.  There was a time in history where you the streets were lined with well dressed ladies and gentlemen all carrying a cane, umbrella or walking stick of one kind or another.  In times of yesteryear it was not for support that these devices were used but instead to accentuate an outfit, show a level of status and wealth.

Antique canes, from the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s were often made from rare and unique materials.  Materials like ivory, tortoiseshell, enamel, porcelain, gold, silver, various precious and semi precious stones were used to create rare walking sticks, unique antique canes and unusual gadget canes.

These items often told a story.  The materials that were used, the carvings that were engraved and materials that were blended together all were used to express the history of the time.  The events of the time were chronicled within these unpretentious accessories.

“Shadow canes” are a prime example of this.  Upon first glance shadow canes look to be a simple stick in which the handle top is designed with concentric rings.  When a light is cast upon the cane it reveals a shadow.  The silhouette tended to be of a controversial figure of the time.  Also known as the Napoleon Shadow Cane, as supporters of the dynasty used them to pledge their allegiance during his infamous exile.

Canes come from three basic categories: decorative, gadget and weapon canes.  The most intriguing element of antique canes is that there is one that matches any interest the collector may have.  A Faberge Cane is a style of cane that uses a combination of elegant materials including precious stones to create an accessorial piece.  When it comes to those that are interested in music there are Dulcimer and Flute canes.  This style of cane is incredibly rare and includes a system of working systems built directly into the canes shaft to create music.

A rare type of weapon cane that is familiar to most collectors is the La Diabolique.  These canes were eventually outlawed.  The stealthy sticks were used by wealthy Protestants during the Revolution.  When someone in the crowd would grab the piece, the force would release little metal spikes along the shaft and would shred the attacker’s hand.  The owner of the cane could release the spikes by simply tapping the cane quickly on the ground.

There are so many stories to be told through collecting especially when it comes to antique canes, gadget canes, and weapon canes.  To view more on cane collections check out antique cane collections online today.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

 

Antique Cane World

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Trends in Product Labeling and Packaging 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Trends run the marketplace.  It doesn’t matter what avenue we are discussing, if something is trending market popularity will latch on to it until it over saturates the marketplace.  As the trend fades only those brands that have successfully integrated will stay to compete while others will follow what’s new.  With any luck the new niche will be exactly what their brand and product was looking for.

Trends occur everywhere from home designs to car colors to custom product labeling.  Below are some popular trends in package and labeling to hit the scene in 2016.  What trend will catch and bring success to your brand and new products hitting the market?

Popular Package and Labeling Options For 2016

  • In-Mold Labels: In-mold labels are just finding their way to the United States package and label market. Injection molded cups, tubs and such offer complete graphic coverage.  Graphics can cover all sides as well as the top and bottom of molded containers.
  • Thinner Labels: Thinner labels are trendy in 2016. This trend has been brought about because of consumer’s desire for eco-friendly labeling options along with manufactures desire to reduce costs.  Thinner labeling without changes in the labels performance is a win for consumers and producers alike.
  • Shrink-Film Labels: Shrink film labeling has been trendy for awhile now but what is new for 2016 is a white pigmented shrink sleeve film. The white pigment provides a barrier to light and can also yield more film per square inch.  Shrink sleeves offer a great deal of tamper proof protection verse other options in labeling.
  • Curved Containers With Flexibility: Contouring labels to product packaging continues to be a popular option. Shaped containers have been labeled using shrink sleeves as one of the only options for years.  A new pressure sensitive label is being introduced in 2016 to add another option to labeling curved product packages.
  • A “No Label” Label: This is a fad that is sure to take hold within the product labeling industry.  Pressure sensitive labeling manufacturers have identified and eliminated clear-film applicator enemies: static and dust.  This allows the label to be installed in a fashion that allows it to look like no label exists at all.
  • Labels without Liners: This is a trend that is slow in taking its hold on the marketplace.  The cost of labeling without liners is still at a peak without performing at the highest level possible.  Thus making it slow to emerge.  Over time it is thought that technology will catch on and that liner-less labels will be something that is a viable option for print and apply labels.

Our next article will continue to focus on trends that are impacting the package and labeling marketplace in 2016.

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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Critical Elements In Product Labeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the more critical elements when it comes to establishing a brand or product lies within labeling.  There are many important functions of product labeling. Not only do consumers use this as a way of identifying a product or brand they also look to the label for a variety of other purposes.  In the article below we will dive into the various ways that labeling affects the success or failure of a product or brand.

Labels Offer a Detailed Description of the Product and Its Contents

Consumers looking for information about a product go straight to the label.  The label is designed to include a detailed list of ingredients along with a description on proper use.  Many labels also specifics such as product precautions, product care, use by dates and identifying batch numbers.

Labels Are Used to Identify Brands and Products

Product identification is made simpler with the help of product labeling.  When a consumer is looking for a specific product they simply look for the familiar label amongst the contenders that line the shelf.  Tomato paste is just tomato paste without the label.  The label distinguishes the special features of each unique brand which allows it to stick out from the others.  Most consumers can be shown a blank label with just the basic design and colors to determine the name brand of the item.  That is the power off proper labeling.

Labels Present Insight on the Products Grade or Quality

Products offering several qualities or grades use labeling to differentiate amongst themselves.  The label itself may be similar however distinct.  A grade A product may come with a green label where as lower grade product may be red.  Companies use colors, numbers, and alphabetic order amongst other ways to separate different grades amongst products.

Labels Work to Promote and Market Brands and Products

Another operation of the label is to promote and market the products with their brand.  An attractive label can often entice consumers to purchase a product.  The labels design is often the first element of the product to draw customer’s attention.  Therefore making it important especially when it comes to new products and impulse purchase; items where the brands history is insignificant hence not the guiding factor in purchasing.

Labels Provide Information Required By Law

Another role that product labels play is to include any and all legal warnings that are required by law.  This is common in products that are known to cause ill effects such as tobacco, alcohol, over the counter medications and more.

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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Creating A Life After Bankruptcy

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Bankruptcy can literally throw a curveball into your life when you really need a fastball up the middle.  It may look like a dead end at the end of a long bumpy road but in reality bankruptcy is the yellow brick road to getting your financial life back on track.  When you go through with a bankruptcy no matter if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy there is a process in which to get back on your financial feet.

It is crucial that you begin by creating a budget.  Take into consideration the source and amounts of income coming in verse the debt source and amount of debt going out each month.  When creating a budget it is crucial to set a realistic goal of saving and spending.  The most important piece in any budget is saving as much as you can and decrease the number of disposable expenses that is feasible.

After bankruptcy you learn that cash is actually the best method of spending that you can use.  Paying with cash allows you to only purchase those things that you absolutely need.  It allows you to save for those items that aren’t necessary; allowing you time to really consider the purchase.  It isn’t that credit needs to be feared, as eventually you will need to rebuild your credit in order to purchase a home or car, credit is not necessary to live on a daily basis.

After bankruptcy it is vital that you pay all of your bills on time.  Even the smallest of bills, including utilities should always be paid on time.  Overdraft fees and bounced checks show up on your credit report and affect your overall credit rating.

Keep a constant eye on your credit report.  Equate it to being on a diet.  When you are on a diet it is crucial you check in on your weight regularly the same is true of your credit.  As you are building your credit it is important to see the increase in your score on a regular basis.  The numbers increasing will only help to boost your pride exactly like seeing the scale decrease increases your ability to continue to lose weight.

This may seem like an oxymoron but apply for a credit card to help you establish your credit.  There are a few options: a secured credit card which works like a debit card or an unsecured card however get one where you only are approved for a very small credit line.  Don’t accept credit line increases until you are one hundred percent sure that your budgeting skills are on track.

This is just the beginning.  In our next installment we will continue exploring rebuilding your financial life after bankruptcy.

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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Tips On Purchasing New Construction

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The main piece of advice anyone can give homeowners looking into new construction is to be sure everything from even the smallest changes is in writing. When you preview the model make sure you note all of the things that you like within the home. The model isn’t ever the base model; the model always includes upgrades that are not included in the base price of the home. Builders can customize the models available to meet your needs and wants. This is one of the great reasons to purchase a new construction home. It is however not without costs and additional time to complete the overall job.

A realtor is needed even when purchasing a new construction home. Strong realtors will guarantee to guarantee that you are covering the entire base. Realtors that specialize in new construction homes are familiar with working with builders and contractors. They understand the intricacies of negotiating add-ons and ensure that the buyer gets all changes in writing. A completion date on the initial contract becomes null and void when changes are continually made. It is impractical to add on customizations without adding time to the completion date. When the contract changes make sure that the contract gives you a new completion date.

A new home also needs a final home inspection as does a used home. Everyone makes mistakes. It is important to be sure that that a professional new home construction inspector does a final inspection on the home before you close on your new home. Inspectors find things that were not done or done incorrectly that could eventually cause bigger problems down the road for you as new home owners. An inspector is hired to do a final review over the work that has been completed. It is the largest single financial purchase you will make so be sure to have it inspected with a fine tooth comb before you sign on the dotted line making it officially yours.

Newly constructed homes often come with a new home warranty. Typically a third party will offer a home warranties for new home builders. Each builder will determine what they will cover in a warranty verse what they won’t. Negotiate a warranty in to your deal with the builder to ensure that your new construction home is covered in all ways possible.

New construction is a perfect way to ensure you are getting the home of your dreams down to the most minor details. Look to friends and family when considering a realtor and builder to assist in bringing the new construction home of your dreams into reality.

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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Aluminum Fencing Adds Property Value

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the best purchases a home owner can make to add to the aesthetics and value of their property is the installation of a fence.  Fences are installed for any number of reasons.  Pet containment, pool safety and landscape detailing are three of the most popular reasons that homeowners give when looking to add a fence to their homes.  Installing your own fence can be as easy as 1-2-3 if you take into consideration the tips listed within this article.

  • When installing a fence it is important to follow your H.O.A, local, state and federal regulations. For homeowners within a subdivision most H.O.A.’s require unity throughout the neighborhood.  Before you order fencing online check into all of the regulations that are guiding your purchase.  For homeowners looking to their swimming pool it is crucial that the fence that is installed meets B.O.C.A. regulations.  The codes will dictate the height, picket widths, gate style and more that can be used.  It is crucial to follow the rules and regulations in place to ensure that your pool area is safe and that your fencing will pass inspection.
  • Another important feature to take note of when installing a fence is the landscapes elevation. With many fencing materials changes in the slope of the yard are difficult to navigate.  This is not the case with aluminum fencing.  If the perimeter of the yard or pool area has multiple areas of elevation change, aluminum fencing is the best option for you.  Aluminum fences offer two options for transitioning aluminum fence panels: stepping and racking.  Stepping involves attaching the fence panels to different height posts.  The fence remains level.  In racking the fence is designed to follow the slope of the yard.  Transitional height fence panels are ordered to create a fence that does not gap at the bottom and that naturally follows the land.
  • Spacing is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the fence. Aluminum fence panels come in a variety of heights and widths.  However, the standard width recommended in maintaining the strength of the fence is six feet wide.  Any longer than this and the fence supports are more susceptible to weather related issues.
  • When setting fence posts many homeowners use the method in which dry cement is poured into a hole and water from the garden hose is added. This method is the easiest way but not the recommended way to increase the longevity of your fence.  Take the time to mix the concrete before adding it in around the fence post.  This allows it to dry and become one unit which adds to the stability of the fence posts.

Installing an aluminum fence does not take a professional.  Any do it yourself homeowner with the ability to read and follow directions that has a free weekend can handle the job.

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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Protection With Electronic Entry Gates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to home security nothing beats installing an electronic driveway gate.  They are aesthetically pleasing while deterring thieves and protecting your most valuable belongings.

It is possible that you have seen an electronic driveway gate and consider installing one in your driveway.  It is possible you hesitated because you wondered if the benefits of installing an entry gate were really worth the cost and wonder exactly how you would go about getting one installed.

In this article we will discuss both.  Installing a driveway entry gate is so worth the cost of both installing and operating the gate.  Not only does the entry gate increase protection from thieves, an electronic entry gate is perfect for keeping children and pets contained.  It is a win-win, your home is safe from outsiders and your family is protected from outside dangers.

If installing an entrance gate is not enough security for you consider additional features such as electronic entry, automatic cameras and an intercom system.  These features allow homeowners to not only keep individuals from entering they also allow you to let them in as well.

Another benefit to electronic entrance driveway gates is that they enhance the curb appeal of your home thus increasing the overall value.  Driveway gates are one of the few home improvements that not only hold their value but work to increase the equity in the home.

Another benefit of electronic entry gates is that they are customizable to compliment your family’s lifestyle.   There are an overwhelming abundance of features to choose from to ensure that you install a gate that works perfectly with your unique situation.  Consider pulling into your drive each and every day.  How will you feel knowing your home is secure, aesthetically welcoming and customized to your needs?   How does it make you feel knowing that this one home improvement can increase the value of your home over five percent?

Security within your home environment is priceless. Not only does an electronic entry gate keep predators out it also keeps your children, pets and family within the safety of the boundaries you have put into place.   It can be difficult to let our kids play outside without adult supervision but an electronic driveway gate can help ease your fears.   Your children and pets will be safe from the dangerous that lie outside the boundaries of your home environment; safe from traffic, safe from predators and safe from danger.

With the installation of an electronic driveway security gate comes a great deal of benefits.  Not only are homeowners protected from criminals, they have a barrier to keep loved ones in all while increasing the value of their homes.

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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Spring Home Improvements

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is official; winter has ended and spring is here.  Homeowners often find the spring a perfect time to begin the home improvements they have planned over the previous months.  Below you will find the top spring home improvement projects to add to the resale value of your home.

  • Repair Roofing and Update Gutters: The structure of your home only functions properly when it is cared for.  Roofing repairs should be done twice a year.  Shingles replaced, flashing caulked and gutters put back in place.   When the gutters around our home are not correctly placed the rain water can leak into the cement foundation and erode the soil surrounding the foundation causing major issues.  Your homes main structure comes from the foundation and trusses.  Proper care of these main components revolves around professional roof and gutter maintenance.
  • Put A Deck On: Homeowners looking to socialize, dine and enjoy the sunshine should consider adding on a deck.  A deck can come in any size.  Consider building a deck with pre-treated wood to ensure that it survives the harsh weather winter will bring.
  • Update Your Home’s Exterior: Inspect the exterior of your home.  Does your current exterior look like it has barely survived the winter?  Spring is the perfect time to update the siding on your home.  Vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of good looking, energy efficient, high performance varieties.  Look into exterior options that best meet the need of your homes climate.
  • Heat and Air Conditioning Inspections: Homeowners should have their heating and cooling systems inspected yearly.  Before it gets hot it is crucial to make sure the air conditioning system is running properly and that vents are properly clean. If possible install a dehumidifier that runs along with the air conditioning system.  This will prevent mold build up from occurring within the walls of your home.
  • Roof Repair: Heavy snow fall in the North is tough on a home’s single roofing.  To ensure that damage to your roof is kept to a minimum inspect the roof for any moisture seepage.  Check in the cracks, creases, loose roofing tiles and such on the roof.  Any curling, peeling or shingle disintegration should be repaired to avoid considerable structural damage to the roofing.
  • Kitchen Upgrades: The number one home improvements that consumers should take to increase the value of their homes come from the kitchen.  You don’t have to do a full kitchen makeover to increase the value of your home; consider new cabinets, updated hardware and add an island.  This will help make the kitchen the gathering place you have always wanted.
  • Increase Curb Appeal: The first thing that people see is the exterior of your home.  The outside should accurately represent the inside in order to attract the attention of future buyers.  This can be done by updating the landscaping, adding an entry gate, updated roofing, adding on a patio and more.  When you enjoy the outside of your home as much as the inside you have succeeded!

Home improvements that increase the value of your home are always the first to consider.  Whenever you can improve the environment for your enjoyment in a way that will also add to the equity of the home it is a win-win.

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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The Critical Period With The Installation Of Fresh Pool Plaster

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The first twenty eight days after your in-ground swimming pool has been freshly plastered are the most critical.  The pool plaster finish cures at sixty percent within the first twenty eight days of installation and continues to mature over the next ten months.  In order for the pools plaster to completely mature the pH, calcium levels and alkalinity must rise.  This must be checked regularly by the pool owner.  If these levels are kept properly the plaster will cure improperly.  The pools plaster will be rough, pitted and streaky.  In order to ensure the finish of your pools plaster is ideal homeowners need to be thorough when it comes to the maintenance and follow up while the pools plaster seals completely.

Pool plaster naturally drives the pH balance of the pool up.  In order to avoid problems it with scaling and hydration it is crucial that the chemicals in the pool water are kept in balance.  Most often the pools water will become stable about thirty days after the pool has been freshly plastered.  Homeowners must regularly test and adjust the chemistry of the pools water daily for the first few weeks after fresh pool plaster is installed.  After the water chemistry has become stable it is okay for pool owners to test the water weekly.

Proper Chemical Maintenance

  • Before adding chemicals to the pool water make sure they are completely dissolved.
  • It is important that you have a professional test the water before adding chlorine of sanitizers. Test the water within seventy two hours of the water being added to the fresh pool plaster.
  • Alkalinity then pH: the waters alkalinity should be between eighty and one hundred twenty ppm while the pH is lowered to around seven point two.
  • After the Alkalinity and pH are in check homeowners can add mineral cartridges and chlorine packs. It is crucial that homeowners shock the pool at the same time the mineral pack is added.  The pool should not be swum in until the pools chlorine level is below three point zero ppm after the water has been shocked.

While the plaster cures the pH levels in the water will rise. Be sure to test and maintain the proper water chemistry in the pools water throughout this period of time.   Clean the pool frequently by gently brushing the surface twice a day for the first two weeks after the plaster is applied.  Brushing the sides allows the plaster to mature properly while removing any loose plaster dust from the newly installed surface. With proper brushing and water chemistry the water will go from dusty to clear.

This process may seem like a lot of work however over the lifetime of the pool plaster it truly is a drop in the bucket.  Minutes a day for the first few weeks after the plaster is installed is nothing when it comes to the lifespan 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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