Livingston Reporting - page 241

Getting A Mortgage With Less Than Perfect Credit

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many people seeking to purchase a home think that because of their less than perfect credit score that they are not going to be eligible for a home loan.  This is no longer the case.  With less stringent requirements, more flexible mortgage options and historically low interest rates on home loans getting an affordable home loan even with a low credit score is feasible.  Here are a few things that you will need to take into consideration if you are seeking a mortgage with a low credit score.

  • Be Prepared To Pay More

Although homeowners with bad credit can be approved for mortgages it is important that they realize they will be paying more than those with decent credit scores.  Be careful when seeking out a mortgage broker to be sure you are working with a home loan officer looking to provide you with the best mortgage for you.  Watch out for dodgy characters looking to prey on individuals who they view as less than financially savvy because of their low credit scores.  This is often the perception of buyers with less than perfect credit scores.

  • Refinance As Soon As Possible

Don’t think that a low credit score means you are signing your life away when you purchase a home.  Buying a home should never be viewed as a bad deal.  It does however mean that you need to maintain and improve upon your credit and refinance as soon as you are no longer viewed as a risk to lenders.  This can take as little as two years if you are consciously working to improve your debit to credit ratio.  A home loan when you have a low credit rating should be seen as a short term solution that is used to get you into a home while you work on improving your credit.  It is always a better solution to sock away money into the equity of a home than wasting money on rent payments.

  • Understand Your Options

Work with a mortgage officer that specializes in obtaining mortgages with less than perfect credit.  Ask about the available options.  Although thirty year fixed mortgages are popular this does not mean it is the right option for your situation.  An adjustable rate mortgage may be a better option while you work on fixing your credit score.  Many people fell on hard times during the recent recession that are not typically bill skippers.  Hard-working, responsible people often have legitimate reasons for falling into a vicious cycle of late payments.  Consider all of the options you have when you are looking to become a new home owner.

  • Obtain A Co-Signer

If you have a substantial number of assets with equity you may not need a co-signer even with poor credit.  Items such as motor homes, cars paid in full all work as forms of collateral against default on a mortgage and are seen as beneficial to lenders.  However, if this is not the case you may need to look for a relative who is willing to sign on your behalf.  A co-signer is essentially agreeing to make payments on your behalf if your loan should default at any time.

Although homeowners with credit on margin will pay lower rates than those with less than perfect credit it is possible for most everyone to obtain a mortgage in 2016.

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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Debunking The Myths Surrounding Technology and Computer Networking

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The myths surrounding technology and computer system repairs are plentiful.  In this article we will look to debunk common myths surrounding computer repair, networking and I.T. consultants.

The myth that only a true computer geek can eliminate issues with your computer or network is one that is completely false.  Computers and the systems that surround their effectiveness used to be considered unknown areas where only a technology geek could maneuver.  Now day’s desk top computers are set up so that most anyone can troubleshoot problems and most often fix them.  It is important to understand that to work within the I.T. industry you will need to obtain certain credentials and certifications to be of value to most employers.

The myth that one rate fixes all computers is a complete myth.  Different issues associated with your computer require different amounts of time to repair.  If you see a company offering a one size fits all approach to fixing your computer or charging you to repair your system run the other way.  A flat fee is commonly charged but the overall rate you will be assessed should be determined on a number of items such as techs needed to fix your particular problem, hardware and software needs and time spent to completely resolve your issues.  Many flat fee companies work to temporarily solve your problem without completely fixing all of the issues surrounding your network.

Unless you know what you are doing you should never attempt to defrag your computer at home.    Many people have been told that defrag can be done at home by anyone however this results in a myriad of issues from more sever computer problems, complete system failures and unnecessary hardware replacement.  Although a program to defrag your system may be pre-installed within your computers operating system it is indeed a service that should never be attempted without a good deal of knowledge into exactly what you are doing.

Just because you think your technician is the best does not mean they are equipped to handle every system that is in place.  If the technician that most often works on your computer considers the problem fixed yet you are still having issues with performance it is probable that the problem is something unique that they may have not seen before and therefore are unaware of how to fix.  Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion for another tech within the company.

Just because the company charges a nominal amount more than what others charge does not mean that the service or parts used are of higher quality or greater value.  In computer repair and networking value is seen in the work performed over not the fee paid.  This is one service industry that the old saying you get what you pay for is not always true.  Be prepared to pay a higher fee for companies with more techs that specialize in a variety of services.  Specializing in a number of different areas allows companies to charge more than those that only offer a few basic services.  This is the same concept as you find between an urgent care facility and a doctor that offers services in one unique field.

Myths are plentiful no matter what industry you are in charge of hiring services to be performed.  Be sure interview several different companies before determining which I.T. consultants best fit your technology needs and goals.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Doing It Yourself Verse Hiring A Professional Contractor

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Doing a bathroom remodel yourself may save you money but at what additional cost?  The cost of course is skill, convenience and every bit of your sanity.  Extensive bathroom remodels should be left up to an experienced contractor.  Hire a remodeling contractor that has experience doing the job right the first time.  A licensed, insured contractor has acquired the skills necessary to ensure the job meets your specifications within an allotted period of time that is contracted between the two of you.

When hiring a contractor it is important that they understand what you are envisioning.  Homeowners come up with a gazillion ideas on remodeling their homes; the problem comes when trying to articulate what you expect out of the completed project.  When you can show your contractor pictures out of magazines or ideas found online it opens the lines of communication.

Your contractor should be able to take ideas from your design concepts to create a visual representation of exactly what you are looking for.  This should be the first step in any home improvement project.  Going into remodeling without a definitive concept in mind is never a good idea for you or the contractor.

When ideas are not set in stone before the job begins a project that should take a few weeks’ turns into a few months.  The fixtures start to change, the color of paint no longer goes well with the tile and cabinet colors and before you know it aspects of the project that were not in the original contract which starts the demise of any time line that was established to begin with.

As new items start to be requested contractors have to halt where they are at in the project to reevaluate and order the homeowners new requests.  When this occurs too often throughout the remodeling process it can really turn into a project that is outside the realm of time the contractor has established for your renovation.  This in turn increases the amount of money the contractor deserves to be compensated, increases in material costs and restocking fees and more.

Professional home remodeling contractor that have established a solid reputation and work history within the industry make for an ease that doesn’t come from contractors who are new to the construction industry.  The best way to find an individual to contract for the home improvement projects around your home is via referral, word of mouth and online reputation.  It is hard for good contractors and their work to go unnoticed in the home remodeling industry.

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 Truth About The Cost Of Aluminum Fencing

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The major concern homeowners have when looking into aluminum fencing is how much it will cost to purchase the materials and have the fence installed.  The truth is that many factors go into the overall cost of a new fence.  It is unreasonable to assume that your fence will cost you the same amount as your neighbor’s fence cost them.  So much goes into the overall cost of designing, ordering and installing a new aluminum fence: fence grades, decorative options, rackability, sizes and more all contribute to the overall expense.

For many DIY it is important to have a ballpark amount in mind before beginning any home improvement project.  The first step to be taken to start calculating the cost of your new aluminum fence is to measure your fence lines.   This will help you determine the number of fence panels and posts that will be needed.  Consider that most aluminum fence panels come in a six foot standard size; aluminum fence posts are almost always two inches square.  It is always better to have more fence than you need than not enough fencing.  You can cut down a fence but you cannot make it grow.

Another factor that is in play is the height of the fence.  Most wholesale aluminum fence suppliers offer three different height options: forty eight inches, fifty four inches and sixty inches.  The taller the panel the more it will cost as it requires more material to be used.

The grade of fencing chosen is also a large factor in the overall cost.  Wholesale aluminum fence comes in four grades: residential, commercial, pool, industrial.  The thicker the fencing the more it will cost.  Residential aluminum fence is the most cost effective and perfect for most homeowner’s applications as perimeter fencing and decorative landscape options.  Pool grade fencing must meet certain standards set for by the B.O.C.A. and can cost more due to these regulations and standards.

Another factor that changes the overall cost of your aluminum fence is the style gate that is chosen.  Not only do gates come in three available heights, homeowners must also decide if they would like a single or double panel gate.  For most residential applications a single gate is all that is needed however if at any point will require a large truck to enter.

One of the last factors in determining the cost of your aluminum fence is the accessories desired.  Extras such as ornamental finials, specific colors, puppy pickets, rackability and more will all go into factoring the overall expense.  Of course the lower you are hoping to keep the overall cost of the fence the fewer options you will want to include when designing your fence.

With most online wholesale aluminum fence manufactures there is an option online to add and subtract extra accessories when designing your fence to create the aluminum fence of your dreams within your desired budget.

iFenceUSA offers a 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 value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Key Factors In Preventative Maintenance Programs

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many important factors to consider when working within a manufacturing setting.  One of the most important aspects arguably is preventative maintenance.  When electrical equipment doesn’t include a variety of moving components many industrial managers overlook machinery maintenance; this is however the incorrect thought process is.  All electrical equipment requires regular maintenance to be scheduled.  In fact when electrical systems lack moving parts they report a failure rate of up to three times more than systems with preventative maintenance programs in place.

When discussing the failures in electrical distribution it is important to remember the two culprits responsible for about half of all failures.  Loose wiring and part connections as well as exposure to moisture are both major issues that cause equipment failure.  Both issues can be managed with a comprehensive electrical preventative maintenance program in place.

There are five key factors that are relevant when introducing such a program to your team and facility.  An established electrical maintenance program can benefit a manufacturing facility in a number of ways including increased employee safety, increased production, decreased down time, increased customer service and so many more benefits that come with equipment throughout the facility running as expected.

Important Preventative Maintenance Factors

  • Employees Qualified to Oversee and Execute your Preventative Maintenance Program

It is important to hire or train employees that are in charge of the preventative program.  Each piece of equipment requires specific testing and maintenance.  Employees should be thoroughly trained to ensure electrical safety practices and procedures are followed.

  • Regularly Scheduled Equipment Maintenance

It is crucial that components in machinery are inspected, tested and serviced on a regular basis.  With regular record keeping manufacturers will be able to develop a detailed plan based on component failure.  This will allow for a detailed maintenance program to be established.

The only way that informed decisions can be made is with proper information and understanding of the problem that exists.   This requires education and information on the current electrical systems currently in place.  Employees responsible for preventative maintenance should have access to testing reports and educational material.

  • Maintenance Performance

There does come a time that schedule performance will require a machine to be shut down.  The nice thing about doing it in this manner, rather than waiting for it to break is that you can control the timing.   Scheduled outages can be done when production is low during holiday breaks or decreased production.

  • Clear Concise Methods in Record Keeping

In order to track the work that is done and the timing of break downs a plan can be established to prevent equipment failure during peak manufacturing times.  Work should be performed and electrical components replaced when needed.  Tracking the results will lead to identifying problem areas so that they can be corrected before the problem occurs.

Preventative maintenance is a cost effective way that improves the efficiency of both employees and equipment.  Neglecting electrical machinery is costly.  A program that is in place to establish guidelines on maintenance helps with this.

JP 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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Decreasing Energy Usage Within Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As a homeowner we often use an extreme amount of energy without even considering where it is all going to.  In this article we will look into the ways in which we use energy throughout our homes on a daily basis and how you may be able to address the largest areas of waste within your home.

Appliances and electrical components that use a lot of power are often referred to as electrical vampires.  These appliances rack up high energy bills not only when they are being used but as they are plugged in and sit waiting to be used.  This wastes energy and increases home energy bills.  To avoid the extra expense consider using power savers on the following pieces of electrical equipment within your home.

Video Game Consoles

Who doesn’t enjoy unwinding at the end of the day with a game shared with the family on a video console?  Although video game consoles are a great way to unwind they are a huge draw on the energy within your home.  If the console is plugged in it is drawing energy.  So even if you are not enjoying the console it is using energy.  Even when a console is turned off if it plugged in it is expending approximately one watt of energy.

Laptop Computers

It is almost impossible to believe but a laptop uses more energy than a desktop computer.  Laptops have many different components that are running within together in one place.  This means that the system need additional energy over that off a desk top computer to function.  A desktop, on average, uses about three watts of energy whereas a laptop runs on about nine watts while it is turned off.  Consider though that a desktop also uses electricity to run speakers, monitors, scanners, modems and USB hubs.  When deciding which source is a better use of energy for your home consider the entire system as a whole and not each component separately.

Cable Boxes

Cable boxes may seem completely innocent as they sit on top of the television console waiting to be used however they are one of the worst electrical component offenders when it comes to energy usage in your home.  When off, on average a cable box uses about twenty eight watts of power.   While in use a cable box uses about thirty watts.

If you are concerned with the amount of energy that various electrical components are using while plugged in and turned off or turned on there is only one way to eliminate the issue and that is to unplug it.  As a homeowner you may be looking for a solution that does not require you to unplug and plug in appliances as they are used within the home.  In this case an easy, straightforward solution is the addition of power strips.  A power strip in the off position only uses about a single watt of electricity which is far less than any of the above components.

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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The Benefits Of Aluminum Driveway Entry Gates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Installing an aluminum driveway gate is a cost effective way to create a safe protective barrier between your home and the rest of the world.  Although driveway gates come in a variety of materials aluminum tends to be the most popular option.  Wood tends to require a great deal of maintenance while wrought iron tends to be heavy and expensive.  Aluminum electric driveway gates give you the same look and feel of wrought iron without breaking the bank.

Electronic Aluminum Driveway Gates Offer You Many Options

As with aluminum fencing, electronic aluminum driveway gates offer a variety of options to homeowners.  They come in a various colors and styles.  A custom driveway gate can be designed to match or compliment your homes primary fence while adding an additional decorative and ornamental flair.  The customization of your driveway fence allows your fence to standout from others in the neighborhood.  Clean lines are popular when it comes to installing a new driveway gate.

Aluminum Driveway Gates are Practically Maintenance Free

Aluminum gates are covered in the same protective powered coating that is used on aluminum fencing.  This prevents them from chipping, rusting and cracking as you would see if you installed an iron gate.  The aluminum material does not rust therefore it does not require the upkeep of most other gate materials.  Iron gates require sanding, cleaning, staining or repainting over time.  With an aluminum driveway gate and the warranty offered by many wholesale gate suppliers the finish is guaranteed not to chip, crack or flake.

Electronic Entry Gates Designed From Aluminum Are The Ideal Weight

Iron gates are quite heavy and require specialized gate operators.  Aluminum gates open using a standard slide or swing gate operator.  When an electronic driveway gate is installed homeowners get to choose an automatic control system to open and close the gate.  The control system can be operated using electricity, battery power, solar power or a combination.  If ever the fence needs to be manually opened and closed aluminum gates are perfect for that as well.  Iron gates often take more than one person to be able to open and close them if the gate operator fails.  The weight of the aluminum fence causes less wear and tear on the tracks and rollers of sliding gates or the hinges of swing gates.  The weight of the aluminum allows the gate operator to last longer because it is so much lighter in weight than materials such as iron.

When you are beginning to consider the installation of a driveway entry gate look into aluminum because it truly offers a lightweight gate option that is maintenance free with several customizable options to chose from.

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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Suggestions For Plastering In-Ground Pools

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There are many different materials for in-ground swimming pool surfaces.  Fiberglass, vinyl and plaster are all popular with pool owners.  Plaster remains the most common interior finish used when installing an in-ground pool.  You can choose from a variety of colors and additives to create a unique, durable surface.  When including additives into the plaster finish the pool surface is able to hide minor imperfections that can be found.  To ensure properly applied, cured and cared for plaster pool surfaces follow the suggestions below.

  • Apply Pool Plaster During The Cooler Months

It is in the best interest of your new pool plaster not to be installed during the hot months of summer.  If you know that your pool is due for new plaster be sure to schedule the job to be completed before you open your pool in the cool spring months or before closing the pool in the cooler months of fall.

If plaster is applied to a pool during hot months it can prematurely dry out causing tiny cracks throughout the plaster surface.  Plastering a pool in cooler months allows the air to suck out the moisture slowly.  The perfect temperature to install plaster is between fifty and seventy degrees with above average humidity.

  • Add Water To Your Freshly Plastered Pool Without Stopping

When a pool is freshly plastered it is best to call in a company that can bring in enough water to fill the pool all at one time.  The pool plaster will cure better then it is underwater.  Filling the pool slowly or is able to standstill for any amount of time you risk a line of dirt forming around the new pool plaster at the level the water has stopped.

  • Keep The Pool Water Clean

While filling the freshly plastered pool and throughout the swimming season do your best to keep the water clean.  Leaves and dirt that is left to build up on the fresh plaster it will stain.  When cleaning the new plaster choose to brush the pool by hand daily.  For a few weeks after automatic pool cleaners can leave marks on the plaster.

  • Maintain The Chemicals In The Pool Water

New plaster creates a water environment with higher than normal pH conditions.  During the first year with new plaster it is essential that you check the pH balance daily and add a pH reducer regularly as needed to keep the total alkalinity.  The calcium hardness should range between two hundred and four hundred ppm to prevent the calcium from being pulled out of the plaster.

  • Acid Start The Pool After New Plaster Is Installed:

An acid start procedure is a method that lowers the total alkalinity level in the pool to as near as 0 as possible.  This helps the water to absorb all of the dust leftover by the plaster and cures the plaster quicker.

Now is a perfect time to set up a meeting to meet with pool plaster companies and choose one to schedule your pool plaster revival for the spring.

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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Common Myths About Aluminum Fencing Debunked

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Overall when it comes to fencing for your home or business nothing beats the overall value that aluminum fencing offers.  It is the best value in fencing that money can buy.  As with any large investment that is made around your home there are misconceptions that arise on the journey to making a final decision.  In the article below we will address several commonly heard falsehoods surrounding aluminum fencing.

The first and most common error when discussing aluminum fencing is the strength of aluminum in comparison to steel.  It is true that aluminum is a lighter weight material than steel however this does not mean that steel is stronger than aluminum.  In fact when comparing the weight ratio between them aluminum is equivalent to the same density as steel.  The truth is that aluminum creates a highly durable, strong fence as does steel; the difference being the abundant advantages of aluminum over steel as a whole.

Maintaining aluminum fencing is perhaps one of the most beneficial advantages over other fencing materials.  Aluminum fence does not rust in fact it cannot rust due to the powder-coating used.  The truth is that aluminum may oxidize but never will it rust.  Oxidization of aluminum fencing can easily be prevented with a general cleaning once a year using a solution of mild soap and water.  That is correct aluminum does not require staining, painting, stripping or any of those other bi-yearly maintenance requirements of other fencing materials.

Many homeowners believe that because of their hilly landscape that aluminum will not properly rack.  This however is a misconception as well.  Even on the hilliest of landscapes aluminum panels can be installed.  New technology within the wholesale aluminum fencing industry allow for aluminum fence panels to be constructed in a variety of sizes as well as allowing the railing to follow the ground while keeping pickets vertical.

There is a myth that states there are a limited number of styles available in aluminum fencing.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Depending on the wholesale aluminum fence supplier the design options are endless.  Most online suppliers of aluminum fencing offer four different grades of fencing: residential, commercial, pool and industrial.   Not only are there a variety of grade but different styles, colors and extra features are endless.  Aluminum fencing is highly customizable making it the perfect addition to any style home from classic to country.  Aluminum gates can also be ordered specifically designed to complement the style of fencing that has been chosen.

If you are looking for a fence material that offers you the unique advantage of customization without maintenance that is highly durable you will get that out of aluminum fencing plus a whole lot more.

FenceUSA offers a 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 value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Is Your Pool In Need Of New Plaster

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to how often a pool should be re-plastered the time frame varies between residential and commercial swimming pools.  There are telltale signs that your pool may be in need of new plaster.  The pools plaster protects the structural soundness while maintaining the look of the pool.  Most pool plastering companies recommend that commercial pools be plastered once every ten years.  However with residential pool plaster it is more important to look for the signs below as a signal that it is time to call in the professionals.

Mineral Stains

Pool water contains many different chemicals to balance the water.  If the water becomes unbalanced you will start to see stains appear on the plaster finish.  If the stains are appearing on a newly plastered pool surface you need to determine what chemical balance is off.  This way the issue can be fixed without the stain becoming permanent.  Most newly acquired stains can easily be scrubbed clean.

Exposed Gunite

In ground pools are constructed from a variety of materials.  Many residential pools are made from Gunite.  This is a material that is similar to concrete.  It is a strong material that forms the structural walls of the pool basin.  The pools plaster sits on top of the Gunite and acts as the waterproof barrier while also adding aesthetic appeal.  If you begin to see darker structural spots appear that is a sure sign that the plaster surface needs to be re-done.

Course Surface

A rough surface is the first thing most residential Gunite pool owners notice when they begin to suspect that the pool may need some attention.  If the pool surface is unpleasant to the touch or starts to snag your swimsuit the plaster is telling you it is time for you to call in the professionals to resurface your pool.

The cost of resurfacing a pool ranges between three to five dollars per square foot.  Different pool plastering companies charge different rates based on the plaster material used as well as the size of the pool.  Average residential pools are about four feet deep in the shallow end and eight feet in the deep end.  On average the pool will be about sixteen by thirty two feet.  Assuming the contractor charges you four dollars per square foot to replace the plaster of your pool, the entire job should cost right around forty five hundred dollars.

Summertime appointments for pool plastering fill up quickly.  If you know that your residential Gunite pool needs to be freshly plastered this year now is the time to get with pool plastering professionals to access what will need to be done and schedule an appointment to have the plaster redone.

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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