Livingston Reporting - page 276

Updates To Consider In Your Bathroom Renovations

When it comes to bathroom renovations there are a number of trends that have come and went.  How do you make sure that when you are updating your bathroom that you don’t fall victim to the latest fad?  While it basically comes down to installing updates that you desire there are some renovations that will fare better than others when it comes to the resale value of your home.  Below you will find some tips on where it makes sense to spend your bathroom renovation dollars.

One of the most overlooked part of the bathroom space is the medicine cabinet.  To me this is a travesty.  A major focal point in your bathroom should not have to vie for attention over fancy imported tile.  The medicine cabinet should be one item that is picked out at the beginning of the renovation and used to create and design your dream space.  When it comes to sacrifices in your bathroom renovation the cabinetry should not be where the sacrifice is.

Another area that should be invested in is bathroom storage.  Utilize the space you have by adding storage that fades into the space.  This can be done in a variety of ways.  One way is to take space that is normally wasted such as the area above the toilet or under the sink and installing additional storage.  It is possible to add attraction with function.  Instead of shelving for knick-knacks above the toilet or a picture add cabinets or shelving that include storage baskets.  Baskets add to the look of the room while adding additional space to hide the things you need and use within the space.

Bathroom renovations most often include a new toilet.  Adding a dual-flush toilet is the most economical and practical addition to the bathroom.  If you have never seen a dual flush toilet it is important to understand the benefits of how they work.  There are two buttons on the toilet tank.  One button will allow only a small amount of water to be used, for instance when only urine is present.  The other button is for solid waste and allows you to shoot a larger amount of water in the toilet.  This is the perfect addition to any bathroom renovation.

Another addition that is ideal in bathroom renovations is touchless systems including lighting, faucets and soap dispensers.  The benefits are obvious in that without having to touch anything you keep the spread of germs to a minimum.  The use of automatic fixtures promote safety, environmental friendliness and are economical.  The extra cost upfront for automatic, or touchless features will come back to tenfold in other savings.

As with any space in your home you have to live in it and it has to function for your family.  When considering any renovation list the goals you have with the space.  What do you want the renovation to accomplish?  Some spaces are renovated only to improve upon the aesthetics of the space while others are based on improve the functionality of the space.  Think about what you want out of the end result and work from there to design a space that is perfect for your home and family.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Perfect Home Renovations To Do During Fall

Fall is the perfect time of year to complete home improvement projects.  It is not too hot or too cold to be working either on the interior or exterior of your home.  If you are looking to improve your home or to make the home more energy efficient for the winter; fall is the perfect season to work around your home.

Fall home improvements are popular not only because of the perfect weather to complete tem in but also the timing is ideal with the holiday’s right around the corner.  Consider improvements to your kitchen.  This is the gathering spot for many occasions from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas brunch.  With all the cooking and entertaining that will take place kitchen renovations including a double oven and additional seating will sure to be crowd pleasers.  Minor kitchen updates like new cabinet hardware are also a great way to update the space.

Another home update that is ideal to accomplish in the fall is replacing older windows with new energy efficient ones.  Old windows tend to be the biggest source of lost heat within the home.  Cold air easily enters and hot air escapes through the cracks in the window frames.  If new windows are outside your budget consider caulking window sill and adding plastic overlay to window in the areas with the greatest heat loss present.  This simple renovation to your home can save you hundreds of dollars in utility costs.

Fall is the perfect time to evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic.  Too little or too much ventilation can be problematic when it comes your homes attic.  The addition of insulation to your home can be done in a variety of ways.  The two most common are for insulation to be blown in or to use rolled insulation.  This is a simple home renovation that can really make a different during the cold winter months.

Another repair or renovation that is wise in the fall is roof repairs or the installation of a new roof.  Roofers are often less busy then they are in the summer months during the fall season.  Now is the perfect time to have a new roof installed.  You can negotiated a better price on labor as well as roofing materials.  Fall is when they start to move last year’s stock so many contractors will offer specials on fall roofing projects.  Just remember that you have to live with your roofing choice for the next fifteen to twenty years.

Fall is also the best time of year for exterior painting.  Summer weather has a negative effect on the paint.  The hot temperatures and direct sunlight all expose the paint to elements that don’t allow for it to properly adhere.  The fall temperatures make is ideal to add a fresh coat of paint on to the exterior of your home.

Home improvements can be done throughout the year.  The fall weather is ideal for many different renovations that are difficult to do in summer temperatures. Space out renovations in a manner that allows you to take advantage of the seasonal temperature benefits.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Understanding Bus Ducts and Bus Plugs

When it comes to electrical equipment many of us non-electricians have no idea what a product is or what it does for us.  Electrical components are a mystery.  The mystery doesn’t ever come into question until an issue within the power system occurs and we non-electricians are left scrambling over what needs to be done.  That is why we have decided over the next few months to give a brief overview into all the different areas within the electrical equipment industry, starting today with bus plug and duct systems.

In order to understand the basic purpose of bus plug and duct systems you need to know about how power can be delivered.  In most buildings we are familiar with such as most commercial and residential settings power is sent through hard wires within the walls of the building.  We gain access to the electricity through power outlets.  It is pretty simple concept to understand.

This is not so true when looking at the electrical distribution needed within a manufacturing plant or other industrial settings.  In facilities that operate with an open floor plan you will have a variety of machines throughout the building.  Many times the machines need to be able to move to other areas within the facility to allow for other pieces of machinery to be used.  Take for instance a fabricating plant.  The same space on the floor will be used for a variety of tasks that need to be accomplished with a piece.

For power to be run to different areas of the facility while being able to accommodate different sized pieces of equipment bus duct and plugs are used. This allows the most freedom with plant layout and alleviates the need for stationary power supplies.  In order to achieve power throughout the open floor plan ducts are installed throughout the facilities ceiling area.

Bus ducts can be ran wherever power is needed and are simple enough to add to if needed in the future.  The power is transferred from the bus duct using a giant industrial electrical plug called a bus plug.  Each bus plug connects to the overhead bus duct feeding electricity where it is needed.  Bus duct and plug systems can be used for anything from overhead lighting to heavy machinery.

This system allows for flexibility in manufacturing.  It allows large industrial plants the ability to change the amount of power, electricity, to different areas within a large open space.  With this type of system there is no need to hard wiring so as the plant grows or equipment needs increase the power system can change and grow with the need.

That is really all there is to bus ducts and plugs.  For options in new, reconditioned or obsolete bus plugs are sure to check for an electrical equipment distributor online today.

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.

 

Added Benefits Of Using Bus Plugs and Bus Ducts

When it comes to many pieces of electrical equipment there are questions that surround what each component offers to the bigger picture.  Take for instance bus ducts and bus plugs; how many people could pin point what this exact component within the electrical equipment puzzle?

This line of questioning often comes from personnel working within a commercial facility, office work space or processing company where pipes and wire are used to distribute electrical power within the building.  Often times bus ducts and bus plugs are used in spaces other that large open manufacturing centers.  Here are some facilities that distribute power using bus plugs and bus ducts throughout their work place environment.

One such place that bus plugs and bus ducts are used to distribute power is a fabricating facility.  A bus duct is used to distribute power throughout the open areas of the plant.  The bus duct helps ease the use of machinery that needs to be moved around often.  Depending on the product that is being manufactured the distribution of power can be rearranged to fit the need at that moment without worry about where the electricity is coming from.

You can easily add too or change up the bus plugs in use to accommodate different machines with varied amp requirements.  It is possible that at any given moment you can have twenty plus bus plugs on the bus duct.  It is simple to add additional bus ducts to accommodate more bus plugs thus more equipment to be powered.

A system using bus ducts and bus plugs is one of the most efficient manners in which to provide power to a manufacturing setting.  Bus plugs provide power to process and production equipment as well as to power and lighting panels.  Using bus ducts allows a lot of power to be spread across a larger area where the power requirements often change.  This happens in many manufacturing facilities where the power to run one piece of equipment in a space is different that another piece of equipment that also needs to be run within that space.  Different power requirements at different times within the same space are issues that are prevented when manufacturing plants use bus ducts.

Commercial facilities and offices are powered through fixed units of electricity through pipe and wire.  These facilities rarely require a change in the amount of electricity within a certain area.  If you are looking to add flexibility to your manufacturing facilities power capabilities look into adding a bud duct and bus plug system.

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.

Aluminum Fencing For A Variety Of Landscapes

When you are looking to enhance your home and property value it is worthwhile to check into updated fencing for your yard. Many homeowners start out with cheap chain link fencing believing that in time they will change it up for something more attractive. As time goes on things come up and a new fence goes down on the list of priorities. When it is time to put a new fence back on the top of your list of concerns look into updated fencing to replace that old, beat up chain link fence that is making your house look homely.

As a homeowner there are a variety of options to choose from when considering to build a new fence.  The first and most important is how the fence you pick will meet the needs of your family and the look of your home.  What is your goal with your fence?  Are you looking to provide safety for a pool area, to keep kids and pets contained or simply to add to the value of your property?  Another consideration to think about with fencing is the amount of maintenance needed as well as the restrictions that are laid out with your homeowners association.

Below are some tips that professional fence installation companies have shared.

  • Choose the best fence for your home, landscape and yard.

Homeowners are looking for something in particular with the installation of fencing.   It is important to prioritize the need the fencing is going to fulfill when choosing the material for your fence.   You may love the look of a privacy fence but in reality a picket fence will better serve your need.  Choose what you need over what you want.  In the long run this is the most viable option for permanent fixtures around your home.

If you are considering privacy fencing be ready to answer questions when you go to sell your home.  Many people looking to buy a home with privacy fencing want to know what was being hidden or what you are hiding from.  Wooden fencing is the most widely used style of fencing when looking for privacy.

If you are looking for containment consider adding an aluminum fence to your landscape. A fence used for containment can be made from any type of material however aluminum fencing is the most accepted type of fencing when it comes to homeowners associations.  This type of fence adds to the overall look of the landscape; essentially turning a dull yard or ordinary home into something that is classy and sophisticated.

  • Choose fencing based on the amount of maintenance your willing to do to keep up on it.

Visually wooden fencing offers a uniqueness to the landscaping that is hard to get with other types of fencing.  The disadvantage to wood however is the amount of yearly maintenance required to keep the fencing looking as you desire.  Wood fences left unsealed will eventually stain and rot.  It requires yearly washing and sealing to keep it fresh.  This is often more maintenance then homeowners are willing to spend on the upkeep of a fence. Vinyl and aluminum fencing require little upkeep adding to their appeal with homeowners.

As with all home improvements it is necessary to look into the options available to you.  This will help in creating a list of pros and cons that go along with each option.  If you are set on the look of wood but can’t imagine dealing with the maintenance on a yearly basis then reconsider which is more important to you; is it the look of the fence or the amount of work that you will need to put into it that will help you make the ultimate decision.

iFence USA 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 http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

Options in Pool Fencing

Why do homeowners with in-ground pools need pool fencing?  One of the main reasons that pool fencing is installed is to keep animals and children away from the pool area when no one is watching.  The most common reason is to install a fence around your swimming pool is to prevent children from entering the pool when adult supervision is not around.  The fence provides a barrier to prevent the children from gaining access to the water where the potential exists for accidental drowning.  Consider the following option in pool fencing when looking to enclose your pool area.

Mesh Pool Safety Fence

A mesh pool safety fence is convenient for small in ground pool.  Often times they surround pools that are inside an enclosed area because they are removable.  For instance, many homeowners in warmer climates have pools that are kept enclosed inside a patio type area.  A mesh pool safety fence is perfect for this area as it is removable. It is also convenient because the pool is already in doors so the mesh will keep children out but doesn’t need to be permanent because the structure enclosing the pool is already permanent.

Mesh is easy to remove and store when you are ready to use the pool.  It is also less expensive than other options in pool fencing.  The one disadvantage is that it does require you to remove the fence and install the fence before and after each use.  Another disadvantage with mesh pool fencing is that the material is installed right at the edge of the pool.  This makes the pool feel tiny and closed in when the fence is left up.

Aluminum Pool Fencing

Aluminum pool fencing is one of the most popular option in swimming pool fences.  Aluminum fencing is a basically maintenance free type of fence that is durable and can be customized to fit into any backyard landscape.  The fence looks the same on the inside and outside of the pool area; this makes the sight of the fence enjoyable no matter whether you are in or out of the pool.  The maintenance free aspect of the fencing leaves you more time to enjoy the actual pool than worrying about making sure the fence is left looking as fresh as the day you bought it.  Aluminum swimming pool fencing is easily customized to any color and style to fit into any backyard.

Alternatives to Mesh and Aluminum Pool Fencing

There are two other options that are available when it comes to pool fencing, they are glass and wood.  Both are incredibly difficult to maintain and require maintenance on a regular schedule.  Although they are both options that can be installed to protect your pool area they aren’t really viable for most pool owners.  You aren’t really able to sit back and able to enjoy their pools throughout the season without the concern of fence maintenance.

Consider all the pros and cons when choosing a fence for your home.  You will not be disappointed with a top quality, brand name aluminum fence that’s for sure!

iFence USA 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!

Benefits Of Installing Aluminum Fencing

One of the most common types of fencing material used today is aluminum fencing.  Aluminum fencing is a popular options because of the many benefits it provides to homeowners looking to protect and enhance their homes and landscape.  It is a popular option amongst pool owners as well as it meets the safety guidelines set forth by legislators. Below is a list of reasons why choosing aluminum fencing is the best choice when it comes to installing a fence for your home.

  • Cost:  When it comes to the cost of fencing there are options in a variety of price points.  Aluminum is a cost effective way to get the look of traditional wrought iron without breaking the bank.  Aluminum fencing is affordable and can be purchased in quantities specific to your custom order.  This ensures that you are not paying for materials that will not be used.
  • Rust Proof: Aluminum fencing is rust resistant.  Unlike iron aluminum is not created out of ferric metal and therefore will not oxidize or rust.  It has been said that it can take up to ten thousand years for aluminum to disintegrate.
  • Low Maintenance:  Aluminum fence is the simplest material in fencing to care for.  It does not require yearly maintenance to keep it look fresh and up to date like wooden fences.  Nor does it require regular power washing to keep it clean as does vinyl.  Aluminum fencing is basically maintenance free.  It is sprayed with several layers of protective coating including a powder paint coating that stays looking as new as the day it was installed for the life of the fence.
  • Esthetics:  Aluminum fencing can be manufactured in just about any color.  The most popular option being black aluminum fencing.  It is the most appealing type of fencing while also providing security and containment.  Not only does aluminum come in a large selection of colors you can also find it in a variety of styles.  One that is sure to make your home and landscape stand out.
  • Security:  It is near impossible to scale over aluminum fence.  This is especially true when your fence is decorated with spears point finnels.  Think about how simple it is to climb a chain link fence.  That ease allows your home to become an easy target.
  • Rakability:  When you are purchasing fencing it is important to find a material that will easily adjust to the slope of your yard.  You will find this feature in most every quality aluminum fence panels for purchase today.  Without this feature unsightly gaps can be left with uneven landscape which makes containment of small animals and children less reliable.
  • Warranty: The warranty that comes along with aluminum fencing is unbeatable.  The material is so tough and rigid, standing up to a variety of climates and uses that a lifetime warranty is easy to offer for most manufacturers.  The warranty of the style of aluminum fence you choose will come down to the manufacture.  Be sure to find a warranty that fits your need which shouldn’t be difficult when looking into aluminum fencing.

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!

 

Tips On Finding A Tactical Fixed Blade Knife

Every task in life needs special tools unique for the duties they perform.  This could never be truer than when it comes to hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or other outdoor activities.  With the right tools and equipment tasks becomes safer and easier to accomplish.  A tactical fixed blade knife is one of those tools that makes every outdoor chore simpler.  When it comes to hunting choosing the right knife can mean the difference between an enjoyable excursion and one in which you will be doing a whole lot of unnecessary work.   Here are some things to take into account when adding to your outdoor tool box.

When you are looking into purchasing tools for your next adventure consider what you will be use the tactical fixed blade knife for.  If you are looking for a knife to assist in preparing your game while in the field you will be do best choosing one with a very sharp, serrated blade.  Look for a long, thick blade when making your purchase because they work well and work to easily process game.

If you are looking for a tactical fixed blade knife to add to your camping and outdoor survival pack look for one with a smooth blade or one that is partially serrated.  A knife blade with a smooth edge is ideal for cutting ropes while the serrated blade will make slicing meat into easy to cook pieces.  On a camping trip you are looking for a knife that is versatile. Purchasing one perfect knife will help to keep your packing to a minimum.

Another thing to consider when you are looking to purchase a fixed blade knife is the handle.  You will want to find a knife with a handle that fits comfortably into the palm of your hand.  This may not be something you will necessarily think about when sitting around the campfire but it is essential when you are field dressing game.

Think about giving a fixed blade tactical knife as a gift.  How often does it happen that you don’t know what to purchase the man that has everything?  If you are looking for a great gift idea for the hunter, fisherman or camping guru look into purchasing a fixed blade knife.  It is truly one gift that you can take on any outdoor travels that will actually be put to good use on each and every adventure.

Whether purchasing a knife for yourself or as a gift looking into purchasing top brand name knife with a proven track record.  Purchasing knives and outdoor gear online is one way to save yourself a bunch of money when looking to improve upon your survival tool box.

KnifeMule.com is an online knife retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Choosing Between A Fixed Blade and Locking Knife

There are two main types of knives that everyday people need. It doesn’t matter if you are out on a hunting adventure, a camping excursion or simply taking on day to day chores a quality, well-constructed knife is not only convenient but necessary. The two main types of knives have nothing else in common with one another except that they both have the capability to cut. Fixed blade knives and folding knives are completely different in the tasks that they perform.

Depending on what you are looking for and what the knife will be used for will decide what type of knife you choose. If you are looking for a one piece tool that will last a lifetime consider the purchase of a fixed blade knife. You will find that fixed blade knives come in a variety of sizes as well as with an assortment of blade lengths. With a fixed blade there are no folding parts to concern yourself with. The only issue is that in order to safely transport the blade it must rest in a sturdy sheath.

The benefits of purchasing a fixed blade knife are plentiful. One obvious advantage is the ease of cleaning. The knife is one continuous piece, this is helpful in preventing debris from being tangled with in the folding handle. The blade strength of a fixed blade knife is stronger than that of folding knives as well. With fixed blade knives it is also possible to interchange the blades in order to perform a variety of functions.

There are also major benefits that come along with purchasing and carrying a folding knife. The most obvious being that folding knives are convenient to take with you in a pocket or actually anywhere for that matter. The blade flips to store directly inside the knives handle. This is the most common type of knife that people own today. It cannot only be used as a self-defense weapon when needed but most commonly a usable tool.

There are also options within the category of folding knives including lockback knives, linerlocking knives and pocket knives. Lock-back and liner-lock knives are made for easy one handed use. The knife offers additional safety with the locking mechanism that holds the blade in place while it is in use. Pocket knives are more compact then other types of locking knives. They also tend to be more functional for everyday use.

No matter what type of knife you choose to carry with you or to use as your tool of choice it is important that you choose one made from quality materials. Spend time looking at the mechanics of a locking knife, if this is the type you choose. This is the point at which many folding knives fail to compare with the strength that is provided with a fixed blade knife.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more. For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Essential Survival Gear For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

When it comes to packing for your next outdoor adventure what will be the first thing you add to your backpack?  No matter what type of adventure I am about to embark upon be it camping, hunting, fishing or just a good long hike there are a few essentials I look to carry with me.  It never ceases to amaze me when people are sharing their stories of survival how quick an innocent journey turned into a fight for life.

The first and most essential item that I pack no matter how short or long my expedition is planned for I take a solid knife, actually knives.  I always pack a solid fixed blade knife along with a multi-tool pocket knife.  For any outdoorsman it is crucial to have a tool that can cut anything and everything from string to sticks.  It is important to take more than a simple pocket knife on any voyage because a pocket knife is not strong enough for all that will need to be tackled if you are in survival mode.

There are several types of outdoor knives including fixed blade knives of all sizes, pocket knives with a variety of blade types and sizes and large chopping and slicing blades.  All play a different role in their ability to assist in surviving the great wilderness.  Consider the quest you are on and packing accordingly.  An outdoor hike with the family might be the perfect place to only pack a small to medium size pocket knife.  If you are going on an exciting quest set to send you in a remote area that you have not traveled before take a large fixed blade knife and a medium sized multi-tool pocket knife.

Besides packing a knife or two I always pack paracord.  It is the perfect tool to allow you to make emergency repairs, rough it in the great wilderness, fishing and most importantly first aid.  Emergency repairs such as replacing a shoelace, creating a tow rope, tying up your kayak, or keeping your food up off the ground away from bears.

Paracord is a useful tool when roughing it outdoors.  It allows a simple tarp or poncho to be tied up creating a canopy that will keep you dry.  The cord is also useful in creating traps to help hunt food or even to weave together logs and sticks to create a raft if the environment calls for it.  Paracord can help outdoorsman of a variety of skill levels to create fire when used to create a bow drill.  You can also use paracord to make snow shoes.  It is a jack of all trades type of tool when exploring the outdoors.

Something many people forget about is that the need for first aid can arise at any time.  Paracord can be used to tie two straight sticks around a broken arm or leg to create a splint or even to tie a sling to keep your arm in place.   If you are losing blood, paracord is a great tool for creating a tourniquet.

It is obvious why paracord, a fixed knife and a multi-tool pocket knife are the first things I like to pack in my pouch to carry with me on all of my great outdoor adventures.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.