Livingston Reporting - page 242

2016 Is The Year Of Bathroom Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

We are almost a month in the New Year and the thoughts of remodeling are still fresh in the air. The New Year is a perfect time to begin making soft plans for complete room renovations or small updates to different spaces within your home.

Contractors are already booking up their spring and summer with major kitchen renovations, porch additions, additions and more.  If you are considering a renovation now is the time to meet with local contractors to establish an action plan.  Now is the time to schedule your remodel to ensure that the contractor that you desire has time booked in to his schedule for your renovation project.

Consider the following trends of 2016

Bathrooms are the big rage of 2016 following the massive trend of kitchen remodeling that 2015 was witness to.  Bathroom renovations will be the top remodeling project for home owners this year.  Homeowners are looking to create a spa getaway in their own homes.  Large soaking and free standing tubs are what is currently trending.

In bathroom spaces, shower surrounds will start to see a decline and a move to large custom showers moves in.  Showers and tubs will be separate features within the bathroom space.  Showers will be extravagant within themselves.  The use of natural materials, larger showers and multiple fixtures will be the trend over the classic minimal cubical style stand up showers of the past.

The colors used within the bathroom space will be muted.  Gray is a continued favorite in 2016 along with the inclusion of darker hues mixed in.  Shades of charcoal mixed with whites and blacks offer a classic, sophisticated look to any space.  Bathrooms tiles are popular in white paired with a gray color pallet with darker accents to create an elegant spa retreat.  Hues of green, beige, blue and gray are nice to give your bathroom a beach like feel.

The bathroom sink trend of 2016 is moving away from the on counter giant bowl sinks and moving towards deep single sinks.  Incorporating a large vanity with lots of storage is a key element in making large, deep sinks look like an attractive accent within the bathroom space.

When choosing faucets heavy metals are still popular, copper is trendy as is muted black.  Replace gold and polished silver with darker faucets.  The darker trend is not only saved for the faucets within the bathroom.  Lighting options throughout the bathroom should include these darker, heavy metal shades to compliment other fixtures throughout the space.

Accent walls are also common in the bathroom of 2016.  Consider using natural elements to bring character to the space.  Accent walls of the past have always been set apart by using a bold color pallet; this is not so with bathroom renovations of today.  Natural, reclaimed materials that add drama, warmth and character.

Statement flooring in the bathroom is not a trend that is letting up.  The floor is a great pallet that provides an ample area to create something unique.  This is extremely popular with spaces that have no clear wall space that offers an accent feature.  Bringing interest to the bathroom can be difficult is such situations which is when the bathroom flooring becomes extremely important.  Statement tiles and engineered hardwood remain popular trends in bathroom flooring.

With February fast approaching now is the perfect time to make an appointment to meet with residential contractors to discuss plan to revamp your homes bathrooms.

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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Added Safety For Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Automatic driveway gates are most often installed because homeowners are looking for a way to create a safe environment that is also convenient to their lifestyle.  When it comes to thieves and tricky characters, an automated driveway gate is a deterrent while allowing the homeowners to still easily access the home.  There are plenty of additional benefits that are added when an automatic driveway is installed.

Not only are driveway gates simple to operate they add security to the area both by keeping children and pets in the yard while keeping others from entering the space.  Another benefit with the addition of an automatic driveway gate is the aesthetic value it offers to the property and the increase in worth to your home’s value.  Increasing the value of your home is as simple as installing a motorized gate operator and decorative gate.

The following options are available depending on the type of gate and operator that is chosen for installation:

Opening and Closing Options – Automatic driveway gates come in two different opening options: swinging and sliding.  The motion is performed at the press of a button.

Another feature that is popular when installing automated driveway gates is the anti-crushing feature.  Infra-red beams send signals to sensors which come standard on both slide and swing gates.  If interrupted the beams will send a signal to the beam preventing them from opening or closing.  This prevents the gate from closing when objects are in its path.

Various Operating Settings – The settings on your driveway gate can be customized.  The settings can be set to allow the gate to open differently based on the traffic that is entering and exiting.  If you are opening the gate for pedestrian entry the automatic gate only needs to open a small bit whereas if a car is entering the gate can be set to open the whole way.

Another option that exists is a free exit loop.  This option offers anyone leaving from the property to do so without remote access or without bothering you to exit the driveway.

Countless Control Systems – Homeowners can choose from a variety of control systems when installing an automatic driveway gate.  Wireless keypads, hard wired keypads linked to transmitters, cellular access and manually operated switches are just a few of the most popular options in control systems.

Diverse Powering Systems – Automatic driveway gates can either be ran with electricity, batteries, solar power or a combination of these.  This ensures that the gate has a way of opening even if there is a power failure.

Choosing to install an automatic driveway gate is a smart decision.  Choose the best gate and most superior motor that you can afford.  Cheaper options in driveway gates are available but are not intended for heavy duty, everyday use.  A driveway gate is a convenient way in which to add another level of security to your home environment.

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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Tips For Home Buyers During A Walk-Through

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The home buying process is not always easy.  The troubles however seem to disappear when the walk-through is scheduled.  A walk through happens at the end of the buying process.  The mortgage has been secured, the home inspected and a contract agreed upon; now all that needs to happen is a final walk through and the actual closing.

A walk-through is done by the buyer of the home and the real estate agent representing the buyer.  It is a time to explore the home that is soon to be yours.  You will be looking to make sure that the home is in the condition stated within the agreed upon contract.

When Buyers Should Schedule a Final Walk-Through:  A walk through should be scheduled within the last twenty four hours before closing on the home.  You want to wait until the last possible moment to do a final walk through to ensure that the home is left in the agreed upon condition.

If there is any damage, natural or seller induced, not addressed before closing they become your responsibility.  This is true even if the damage has happened before you technically own the home.  If the damage is not dealt with before you sign on the dotted line it becomes your issue to deal with.

If there were any repairs that were contracted to be made before closing you may want to schedule two walk-through appointments.  This will allow you to look at the repairs that were done and make sure they were done to your specifications.  If something is incorrect with the repairs or the contract isn’t fulfilled as stated it gives the buyer and seller time to resolve the issues.

What Can Home Buyers Expect During the Walk-Through Process:   Often buyers are disappointed at first upon the final walk-through.  Most contracts don’t state that the home must be left pristine.  Most of the time the home is clear of the previous owners mess but not necessarily cleaned to the buyers “deep-clean” specifications.

Regardless of how surface clean the home is here are the things that you should really be examining during the walk-though:

  • Check on all the agreed upon items within the contract that needed to be fixed or left behind for the new buyer. If the swing set, appliances or such are missing and they have been written into the contract that is an issue that needs to be addressed in writing before the home is closed on.
  • Test appliances throughout the home and make sure they are in working order. This also means that you should test the central heating and air conditioning systems to ensure that everything is in working order.
  • Test outlets throughout the home with an inexpensive electrical tester to test for power. Check all flagged items within the home inspection and contract.

If A Problem Is Found What Should Home Buyers Do: If an issue is found and it is outside the normal range of expense excepted when moving into a new home it is time to that you and the buyer’s agent contact the sellers agent to negotiate a proper solution to the problem.  If a solution can’t be found and the problem is extreme you can stop the closing process.  Consider the cost of delaying the closing as well as legal fees to determine if the issue is worth pursuing or if you as the buyer can resolve the issue on their own.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Finding And Financing The Perfect Home For You

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

 

Buying a home is something that requires a lot of time, effort and is simplified when a plan is in place to help manage the process. Below you will find steps that will make your home buying process easier to handle.

Begin Researching Early On: It is never too early to start looking into what is available within the real estate industry.  When you find a home that interests you take notes on how long the home stays on the market, how many times the asking price changes.  This information will give you an idea on what trends are currently happening within the local housing industry.

Establish What You Can Afford To Spend: Most mortgage brokers recommend that homeowners look for homes that are no more than three to five times what their annual household income is. A down payment of twenty percent os recommended as is decreasing the amount of debt you are carrying.  These determinations should be based on your personal financial status and what you feel comfortable with.  It is not as important to focus on the three time your annual income and twenty percent down payment rules but more your personal comfort.

Obtain Prequalification On A Mortgage: Meet with a mortgage broker to determine exactly how much you can qualify for.  As a preapproved or prequalified buyer, sellers are more likely to consider your offer.  The mortgage officer will obtain a credit report, information on your income and debt ratio and other crucial financial information.

Locate A Local Real Estate Agent: Partnering with the right real estate agent whether looking to buy or sell a home is crucial.  Local realtors are the best source of information on the area and can be extremely valuable in helping you find the home of your dreams.

Shop For And Make An Offer On A Home: Your real estate agent will get a list of homes available that meet your wants and needs while being within your budget and locations of interest.  When look at a lot of houses all within a short period of time you can become quiet overwhelmed.  Be sure to take pictures and videos as you go; make notes on as you go as it will help you remember each home and what features you like and don’t like about certain homes.

Home Inspections Are Important:  Any home that you are serious in should be inspected by a professional home inspector.  Before you spend money on hiring an inspector there are a few items that can you can inspect on your own:

  • Turn all of the plumbing on throughout the home to test for water pressure. Identify how long it takes for the water to get warm and how long the hot water lasts.
  • Test the electrical systems on within the home. Turn the lights on and off in each room while also testing ceiling fans and more.
  • The windows need to be tested as well. Open and close them to see if they work properly while checking out the seal and caulking around the windows.

Evaluate the Neighborhood:

  • How are other homes within the neighborhood maintained? Are they well landscaped; does it look like people take care of the exteriors of their home?
  • Is there a lot of traffic on the streets outside of and around the home?
  • What is the parking like around the home?
  • Is the home located near places of interest to you? Are you able to get to and from places you need and want to go without trouble.

Work With A Mortgage Loan Officer To Get The Right Mortgage: Mortgage lenders have a wide variety of loan options that they can offer to perspective home buyers.  Depending on the type of home, your military background, home buying status, your credit rating and more will influence the type of mortgages that you qualify for.

Coordinate Paperwork and Closing:  Last but not least get ready to close on your home loan and move into the home of your dreams.

The home buying process is something that can be managed with the right people and steps in place.  Be sure to surround yourself with people that have the same goals and objectives in your home buying process in order to ensure successful transactions throughout the process.

 

 

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Bonds Regularly Used Within The Construction Industry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Within the construction industry bonds are frequently used to help reinforce industry regulations and contractor/client relationships.  Many of us outside the construction and bonding issue are at a loss when trying to understand the purpose of construction bonds as well as how they work to benefit each individual in the process.  Don’t worry though because this article will shed some light on the different bonds needed when working within the construction industry.

Below, we will offer a detailed look into the four most common surety bonds that construction professionals should familiarize themselves with.  The most frequently requested contract bonds that help to regulate the construction industry are as follows:

Contractor license bonds are purchase by a contractor in order for them to become licensed within the state to work within the construction industry as a legitimate business entity.  Different states, counties, cities and subdivisions often require their own license bond.  Without the necessary paperwork filed contractors will not be able to obtain the proper licenses.  If a contractor does not have the proper licenses they will be faced with penalties, fines, legal action and license revocation.

A bid bond is not always necessary but frequently requested when a contractor is submitting a financial proposal on a project to the owner.  The project owner may require a contractor to obtain a bid bond before accepting the contract that is being proposed.  A bid bond offers a guarantee that the contractor enters into the contract in good faith.  This means that the services and materials can all be provided per the terms of the contract.

Payment bonds are required for all jobs over $100,000 under the federal Miller Act.  A payment bond helps to ensure that all subcontractors and suppliers of materials get paid for their contributions to the project.  This type of bond protects a project owner from assuming these expenses if the contractor fails to pay them.  Payment bonds ensure that unpaid parties are paid through the liability of the payment bond.  The contractor is ultimately responsible to reimburse the surety company if payment to subcontractors or material suppliers if the payment bond is required.

Performance bonds are often paired with payment bonds as they both offer protection to the owner of the project against any loss because of shortcomings of the contractor.  A performance bond ensures that the project is completed as stated it should be in contract.  It also states that the project will be performed on time as stated.  If the projected is not performed, the owner can make a claim against the bond if unsatisfactory work is performed or the work is not done on time.  If the claim is valid the bond is paid by the bond company the contractor has to pay bond.

A bond company tries to only issue surety bonds to those contractors believed to be worthy of upholding their contractual obligations.   The process of qualifying for surety bonds can be a difficult process for construction professional.  Understanding how surety bonds work and working with a company that specializes in issuing bonds can help for a smoother process overall.

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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Key Factors In Preventative Maintenance Programs

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

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.

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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Stay Ahead Of Major Roofing Concerns With Regular Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Preventative maintenance is crucial when it comes to staying ahead of major problems that can arise around your home.  It is easy to overlook simple safeguards when your home is functioning properly.  An easy way to ensure that your home is cared for on a regular basis is to create a weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly plan of action to anticipate problems before they occur.   A roof inspection is one of the most important yearly inspections that you can do for your homes well being.

Three quarters of inspecting your homes roof can be done from the ground.  In fact the less you walk around on the shingles the better for your roof and the safer you will be.  Work around the home from the ground; grab a pair of binoculars to help view potential problems without ever getting on a ladder.

Here is what to look for:

–          Worn caulking that appears to be cracking

–          Rust build up or spots starting to show on flashing

–          Buckling, curling, cracking or blistered asphalt shingle materials

–          Shingles that are missing or broken

–          Rubber boots around vent pipes that are worn or cracking

–          Damage to the chimney cap

–          A build up of moss, algae or lichen as this can signal roof decay (It is important to note that black algae is cosmetic)

At any point if you see asphalt grit in the gutters it is a bad sign.  The granules from the asphalt protect the roofing shingles from the ultraviolet rays that can cause extreme damage.  If you begin to see your shingles are losing granolas it is a sure signal that you roof is aging and is close to the end of its life cycle.

Not all roofing problems require a professional roofing contractor to fix them.  However, if the homeowner is unsure of heights or has an issue with getting on the roof it is advisable that a roofing contractor is called in to repair even the most minor of issues.

Most homeowners can fix loose, damaged or missing shingles or replace cracked caulking around flashing.  Nails on the roof that have popped out of place can easily be tapped back into place by even novice do it yourselfers.  Simple roofing repairs require about half a day and can be done for around thirty dollars.  A bundle of asphalt shingles is about twenty four dollars and roofing caulk and tar costs around six dollars per tube.

If you notice that the caulk around the metal or vinyl flashing, chimneys, sky lights or attic vents is separating the old caulk should be removed, the area cleaned and new caulk installed.   If the vent boot or flashing itself has begun to visually deteriorate it is important that the piece itself is replaced.

When repairs are beyond what homeowners feel comfortable tackling on their own a professional should be called in.  When hiring a professional roofing contractor it is best to seek bids from at least two roofing companies.  Minor repairs can be done by most handymen inexpensively if you are in a hurry. It is best however to establish a relationship with a roofing contractor as you never know when an emergency is going to strike and you will need more than just an ordinary, everyday handyman.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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The Meaning of Colors When Used In Custom Labeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As product manufacturers the concept of outsourcing is nothing new.  This is so true when it comes to all of the activities outside of product development such as packaging, labeling, marketing, distribution and the list goes on and on. Our focus in this article will be on custom product labeling.  Although manufacturers are able to outsource the designing and manufacturing of the label they need to have the final say.  It is crucial that product manufacturers have a basic understanding of these key elements even down to the affects color has on consumers.

Choosing a combination of colors to create the identity of your brand is vital to its success.  The colors chosen will continue to represent your brand and product lines for years and years to come.  It is essential that the colors used function to create the emotion and feelings that you expect consumers to have when making a purchase.  When this process is done effectively your brand will be recognized by the products label without the use of any words or information; the colors and graphics alone will be enough for people to recognize your brand.

The Symbolism of Color in Custom Labeling

Red is color that represents feelings of passion, love, excitement.  It is a color that attracts consumers and is in fact one of the most popular colors used in custom labeling.  Think about products that incorporate the color red in them.  How do you feel when you see these products?  Whether I am thinking about food or places I enjoy visiting the color red is abundant.  In the restaurants I like the interiors are red, my favorite foods and drinks all red.  Pasta sauces, wines, apples, peppers and more all make me feel new, whole and full of vigor.  This is what the color red does when used within custom labels.

The color blue is often used when trying to create a sense of authority, professionalism and dominance.  This is why many corporate logos use the color blue.  Consider businesses that you consider to be powerful.  What color do you see?  Most likely it is a shade of blue.  From financial institutions to pharmaceutical companies blue signifies trust and control.  It is a color that you can lead and therefore allowing consumers to have the confidence to follow.

If you are looking to represent your product in the most environmentally friendly light possible the color green is your best bet.  The color green offers visualizations of nature and therefore invokes the splendor, lightness and freedom consumers seek when surrounded by the elements of nature.  Calm and growth, if this is the image you seek for your product be sure to use the color green, in a variety of shades within your products label.

In our next installment on custom labeling we will look into the appeal of other popular colors often used in labeling.  Orange, purple, black, white and combinations of colors all say something unique about your brand.  The key to brand success is the understanding of what feelings and images are perceived when using them in custom labeling.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Ornamental Options In Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a variety of decorative styles of aluminum fencing.  On top of choosing the ornamental options you desire homeowners also get to choose the color of the fence, the size and height of the aluminum fence panels along with special features such as puppy pickets.  Aluminum fencing is like a buffet of fencing options.  Below you will find a guide on styles and options to look for when choosing wholesale aluminum fencing for your home or business.

Flat Top, Spear Top or Both

There are several options within flat top styles of aluminum fencing.  A traditional flat top rail fence is an incredibly classic option in aluminum fence.  The top of the fence is flat however the actual spaces between the pickets and horizontal rails within the fence are spread out to offer a unique look and feel between the styles.

The San Marino Classic is what homeowners would consider classic aluminum fencing.  It is a stunning aluminum fence option with a contemporary three-rail design.  This style of aluminum fencing is a top selling style and is seen as the perfect accent to landscapes and outdoor living spaces.

Spear top fencing options seem almost endless.  When looking at spear top options homeowners can choose from pressed point spear top options, historic Fleur de Lis finials and Excelsior finial peaks.  Aluminum fencing featuring spear tops is considered decorative aluminum fencing.  Not only can you choose the style of spear there are options to consider within the pickets themselves.  The spacing between the horizontal pickets and ornamental add-ons make spear top fencing look like a piece of art within your landscape.

Older more historic homes often choose the Charlemagne spear top fence.  This style offers old world charm and tradition to landscapes.  Accented with historic Fleur de Lis Finials, the Charlemagne is the ideal option for decorative aluminum fencing.

If you are look for an option that includes both the flat top and spear points look no further the New Orleans Classic.  This style of aluminum fence, as well as many others, can be customized with additional touches such as ornamental finials.  The look combines traditional with contemporary favorites.  The comfort of the flat top with the elegance of a spear top design is used to transform your landscape into a visual masterpiece.

Choosing a style of aluminum fence is not a simple task.  With endless options it can actually be a bit overwhelming.  Let the online fencing experts assist you throughout the entire process.  Working directly with online customer service specialists will ease the task.  Don’t be surprised when asked to send pictures of your home, landscape and fence layout in order to ensure a complete customer service experience when choosing a wholesale aluminum fence for your home or business.

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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Home Trends In 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Home trends change with the tides; from one year to another what is popular in home improvements evolve.  In 2016 trends for the home improvement industry look to include smaller homes with the addition of tech savvy features; homes that appeal to younger families who live the on the go life style.  Home purchasers are more intuitive than ever before. They know exactly what they are looking for n a home.  Whether the homes on the market are move in ready or ready for renovation eager first time home buyers are ready to change the direction of home improvements.

One trend in home improvements that is changing the way homeowners manage their homes revolves around smartphones.  Homeowners are eager to take advantage of the easy to use apps now available to manage their homes.  With the possibility of home management being at their finger tips homebuyers are looking to upgrade their homes for convenience. Smart apps make daily household chores less time-consuming while also creating an environment that reduces energy consumption and allows homeowners to live green.

Another popular trend in home improvement include open floor plans that allow the kitchen, dining and living room areas to flow into one another without the distraction of walls and barriers. What occurs when homes are renovated in this fashion is an area that creates a large gathering space.  IT is no secret that the kitchen space is the gathering hot spot in most homes.  While the homeowner/hostess is busy in the kitchen space they can continue to enjoy the presence of their other guests.  Open floor plans are the must have renovation of 2016.

An exterior trend in roofing that is sure to top the most popular home improvement projects of 2016 is incorporating solar energy.  Roofing contractors believe that this is the year that homeowners embrace the trend of harnessing the power of the sun to use that energy to run their homes.  This would reduce the cost of utilities while decreasing the negative effects on the environment.  Roofing contractor’s suggesting that the future of roofing is all about longevity, recyclability and what the roofing offers to the homeowner.

2016 is the year for homeowners to not only consider the environment in their home improvement projects but also themselves.  The get-away-room is a popular concept with the arrival of the open floor plan. Everyone needs a minute alone. Some homeowners choose a spa like bathroom for their retreat but this is not always optimal.  A space that is created to invite homeowners to relax and enjoy their homes alone is a popular home renovation in 2016; this includes small cozy reading nooks to recreation spaces.  Whatever space is assured to offer the homeowner peace and tranquility is a popular home improvement option in 2016.

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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