Livingston Reporting - page 286

Increasing The Value Of Your Home

When it comes to home improvement and remodeling projects there are certain projects that actually improve the value of your home.  Below you will find home renovations that will bring you at least a ten percent return on your investment if executed correctly.

A Kitchen Update

When purchasing a house people immediately seek out the kitchen area to see if it is a space they could see their family.  When remodeling your kitchen think about what you want that would also be desirable to the homes next owners.  Solid counter tops, high-quality flooring, upgraded appliances and new kitchen cabinets are all desirable. It is also important that the space opens into the home which makes the space seem inviting and full of entertaining possibilities.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom upgrades are important whether they are master baths, half baths or second bathrooms.  When remodeling your bathroom add space to the shower.  Large stand up showers increase the home’s value.  Also consider adding in double sinks and an extra area for a commode. Another great feature is within the hot water heater and adding an on demand system so that hot water to the space is abundant and plentiful.

A Master Suite

Buyers love an area that they can call their own away from the main home and the hustle bustle of kids.  A master suite is a bedroom, lounge and spa area that creates a space that is away from the rest of the world that is a home in its own.

Upgraded Natural Materials

This integrates into the entire home.  Natural countertops and flooring are things that all new home buyers are looking for.  When thinking in terms of flooring renovations look into ceramic or hardwood instead of carpet and linoleum.   Counter tops out of granite, marble and even colored concrete are what buyers are interested in as well.

Curb Appeal

Your homes outside appearance is the most important factor in your homes appeal to the rest of the world.  It is the first impression that anyone has that visits your home.  Spend time on landscaping and lawn care as well as the home’s exterior features such as roofing and siding. When it comes to curb appeal and landscaping remember that mature trees increase the value of your home $1,000 per tree.  To keep your older trees looking top notch hire tree trimmers to regularly trim dead branches and keeping them looking their best.

Solid, Energy Efficient Windows

When updating your home add light via windows.  Natural light is the greatest selling point for homes.  Energy efficient windows and door walls add appeal to your home.  Home improvements that bring in natural light to rooms throughout the home are ideal.

Look into hiring a contractor to ease the hassles involved with your next home improvement project whether it is a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, master suite, counter top upgrade or new windows.  Contractors work efficiently and bring harmony to your space without the disruption brought on by handling larger renovations alone.

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 all of your home renovating needs.

A Guide To Understanding Your Eyes

To understand the LASIK procedure it is crucial to understand your eyes.  How do we see?  What takes place within your eye to allow it to process images and give us the gift sight?  They eye is made up of several different parts, one being the cornea.  The cornea, together with the lens refracts light rays so that they focus on the retina.  The retina is a layer of light-sensing cells that line the back part of the eye.  It is the job of the retina to take the light rays and convert them into little impulses that are sent to the brain to create images. Any light rays that don’t focus on the retina give you blurry vision and are known as refractive errors.  This refractive error is what is corrected to bring you better sight with glasses, contacts or eye surgery.

When the eye has imperfections to the shape within the eyeball itself, the cornea or the lens a refractive error will occur.  The four basic refractive errors are:

1)      Myopia:  The term that is commonly used for Myopia is nearsightedness.  This means that only objects that are close are clear.

2)      Hyperopia: The term that is commonly used for Hyperopia is farsightedness.  This means that only objects that are far are clear.

3)      Astigmatism: Astigmatism causes the images to be blurry no matter if they are close or far away.

4)      Presbyopia: The term that is commonly used for Presbyopia is aging eye.  This usually occurs to the adult population between forty and fifty making it difficult to see things that are close.  Reading glasses help.  This is a condition that cannot be treated using LASIK.

Now that you know more about the eye and the different ailments that can affect them it is time to consider if you are a candidate for LASIK.

  • LASIK can only be performed on patients over eighteen years old.  People younger than eighteen still have changing vision.  Some ophthalmologists prefer to operate on patients over twenty one.
  • Patients that are pregnant or nursing are not candidates for LASIK. Pregnancy changes some women’s vision.
  • Check out the list of medications that you cannot take if you are considering LASIK eye surgery.  Some drugs like Accutane and oral Prednisone are not to be taken if you are considering eye surgery.
  • You must have good eye health and your eye prescription should have been stable for awhile.
  • Your personal health should be good.  If you have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, retinal diseases or cornea disorders your eye doctor may recommend that you don’t have Laser eye surgery.
  • If you have dry eye from wearing contact lenses, medications or some other reason your eye doctor may also recommend that you forgo LASIK eye surgery.

To better understand your vision issues as well as the risks and rewards involved in LASIK it is important that you meet with a local eye surgeon.  They will provide valuable information that can help you determine if you are a proper candidate for LASIK.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center out of Grand Blanc, Michigan offers the most advanced technology in eye surgery available to suit your lifestyle.  To see what the leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery has to offer you can find more information at http://www.michiganlasik.com.

Considering Lasik Eye Surgery

Perfect vision is something we all wish for.  Wearing contacts and eye glasses are an inconvenience.  They tend to get in the way while pursuing sports and many recreational activities.  This is the reason many people seek LASIK treatment.  With LASIK eye surgery the patient has surgery using a laser to reshape the eyes cornea.  The cornea is the clear dome that makes up the front of your eye.  The cornea is shaped to improve your focus of light rays sent to the retina.

With any surgery there are risks to way in connection with the rewards that you will receive.  Before you meet with a LASIK eye doctor here are some things to consider.  When initially meeting with your ophthalmologist make sure to get clear answers to all of your questions and concerns.  This list of things to think about before LASIK surgery will hopefully lead to meaningful conversation between you and your eye surgeon.

  • LASIK eye surgery is not reversible.  It is also surgery to a very sensitive part of you, your eyes.
  • With LASIK there are serious risks and complications involved.  This is true for any surgery no matter how minor it may seem.
  • LASIK is not for everyone.  It is however a surgery that offers freedom from eye glasses and contacts to millions of people.
  • It is a misconception that LASIK provides perfect vision for everyone.  Nine out of ten patients have vision ranging between twenty-twenty and twenty-forty.  Twenty-forty may not always be crisp enough for detailed work or recreational activities.  Be sure to ask what type of results are expected for you personally.
  • After LASIK eye surgery that corrects distance vision, reading glasses could still be needed.  Age-related loss of sight cannot prevent further aging of the eye.  It corrects the vision problems that you are dealing with currently.  The loss of focusing within the eye happens as we age.  This is not something that we can correct with LASIK.
  • Another thing to consider is needing reading glasses sooner that you may have after LASIK.  This is a possible side effect of using laser eye surgery to correct nearsightedness.  This could be the case even if you previously did not have to wear reading glasses.
  • Again, as you age your eyes will age as well.  There is nothing that can be done to cure the aging process.  Even after LASIK eye surgery is performed your eyesight and focus may start to decrease.  The thing to think about is that it is now decreasing from perfection.  Without LASIK your eyes continue to diminish from the sight point where you are at.
  • It should also be noted that laser eye vision surgery is not covered by most major insurance plans.  The procedure is seen as elective and therefore as something that does not have to be done but rather is done as a convenience. For you this means that the expense will be out of pocket.  You will want to talk with your LASIK provider about the costs associated with the surgery as a whole including care before and after the surgery.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center out of Grand Blanc, Michigan offers the most advanced technology in eye surgery available to suit your lifestyle.  To see what the leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery has to offer you can find more information at http://www.michiganlasik.com.

Caring For Your In Ground Swimming Pool Through The Seasons

Owning an in ground gunite swimming pool requires a certain degree of upkeep.  Below is a brief overview on what you can except in season and off season for pool care.

In Season Care Of Your In Ground Gunite Swimming Pool

1)      Check the pools chemical levels.   Your pools pH and chlorine should be checked at least twice a week.  The pool should maintain a chlorine level of one to three parts per million and chlorine ph of at least seven point four to seven point six. Always check the water towards dusk after swimmers are done swimming for the night and the water has had time to settle.  Follow all directions on pool testing kits and chemical additions.

2)      The pool should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week if not more. This will depend on use as well as the local weather. Cleaning the pool consists of skimming the debris from the top, brush the pools plaster in a circular motion loosening dirt and debris and running a vacuum to suck the dirt up after it has settled on the pools floor.  Cleaner can be used and applied if necessary.  Be sure to also check all filtrations systems and clean them out as well.

3)      Shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine every few weeks. Allow the pump and filter to run all night.  Swimming should be avoided for twenty four hours to allow the chemicals to run through the pools systems.

4)      The more the pools filter is run, while the pool is being actively used, the cleaner your pool will remain.  This is true throughout the summer swimming season.  It the water is in constant motion the dirt, debris, body oils and algae will have a hard time settling on the pool sides and floor.

Off Season Care Of Your In Ground Gunite Swimming Pool

1)      The pool should be inspected completely before you close the pool for the season. Check the pools plaster for cracks and imperfections that will need to be addressed before re-opening the opening the pool during the next swimming season.

2)      Adjust the chemicals in the water to perfection before completely closing the pool.

3)      All objects should be taken out of the pool.  Do not leave in ladders, diving boards, slides, pool toys, skimming baskets or any other pool accessory.  All items should be removed, dried and stored in a safe, dry environment throughout the winter season.

4)      Drain all of the water from the pool pumps, pipes and filtration systems.  Water that remains in the pools systems will likely freeze over the winter and could potentially cause expensive damage.  If you need help draining water from tubing a shop vacuum used on the lowest setting is gentle enough to assist in this.

5)      The pools water level should be lowered to just below the lowest pool return.  If you have any decorative tile on the pool walls it is important that the water is left below the tiles during the off season.

6)      Cover the pool with a safety cover throughout the winter season.  Secure it tightly and fix any obvious tears, rips or gaps.  A pool cover protects the pool from debris that is shed throughout the winter.

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/.

Every Business Needs Commercial Insurance

Without a doubt the most important investment you can make for yourself and your business is to meet with a professional insurance agent to properly insurance your company.  Commercial business insurance helps to protect owners against financial loss that in turn could make the difference between bankruptcy and staying in business. One lawsuit can end your business and entrepreneurial dreams without the proper insurance coverage.

No matter how small or large your business is, adequate commercial coverage is crucial.  A solid insurance policy and plan can prevent financial loss due to a myriad of issues that can arise within your business and industry.  Some of the most common losses that business experience are from theft, natural disasters, lawsuits and employee injuries.  All of which have specific policies that can be purchase to cover losses to your business.  Adequate insurance coverage allows business owners to regain their footing after a claim is made against the business.

When looking into business insurance coverage it is important to a have a basic knowledge of what there is available.  The three basic insurance policies that most businesses have are liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance and property insurance.  Liability insurance helps to cover loss due to any damages that are inflicted on someone else from the actions of your employees, products or business in general.  This type of policy will cover expenses and cost related to personal injury, property damage, customer injury and the lawsuits arising from such.

Worker’s compensation is required to own and operate a business.  This type of coverage protects the business and the employee if an injury or illness occurs on the job or from the job you are pursuing. This can be anything from covering medical related to expenses from an injury to an employee’s lost wages during an extended leave of absence.  This policy requires proof that the injury or illness sustained comes from the work that was done on the job or from the job.

When it comes to considering an insurance agent for your commercial business insurance needs you it is important that you work with someone with extensive experience.  As a new business owner you will not necessarily be able to know or predict the risks involved with your specific industry.  Working with an insurance agent that specializes in commercial insurance will aim to help you have coverage that meets your every business need.

Remain informed throughout the process of purchasing coverage and policies. Ask your agent any and all questions before the need arises for you to make a claim.  You will want to make sure that you understand your insurance coverage so that you can comprehend what you are covered for as well as exactly what you are paying for.  If a claim is made against the policy you will want to be able to contact your agent immediately so that it can be looked into and processed as soon as possible.  When it comes to commercial business claims you will find that it is more complex than making individual claims and can take a bit longer to process.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com/business.php.

 

Help Assessing Business Risk

No one dreams of the day they can pay insurance.  It is especially true when starting a business when your financial resources are at their tightest.  When your business ownership dreams come true you are dazed with all the bewilderment, excitement and anticipation that comes with any new adventure. The last thing business owners want to think about is the chance of failure or harm that could come to their business. The problem with all the optimism is that is can blind you from reality.  The reality of owning your own business is the risk involved.  The risks come with great rewards. Those rewards can be properly insured with the right commercial business insurance policy preventing the promise of success from being eliminated from a lawsuit or natural disaster.

When it comes to insurance coverage for your business don’t asses the risk on your own.  It is incredibly blinding at the start of any new adventure and the risks cannot properly be assessed without insight from a professional commercial business insurance agent.  When looking into insurance coverage for your business have at least two different insurance companies come in and address your insurance needs.  A risk analysis of your business by at least two outside parties will help to create awareness of what assets need coverage as well as what policies should be obtained.

Insurance needs will vary greatly from one industry to another, one business to another and one entrepreneur to another. Here are a few different types of polices that can be offered to help cover all of your business needs and to prevent the financial demise of business.

One type of insurance coverage that is often seen in business is business owner coverage.  This policy is often referred to as a catch all policy.  The plan covers protection of damages caused from fires and other mishaps.  This policy offers a narrow degree of coverage in liability protection.

Business owners can also purchase additional property insurance that offers protection above and beyond regular business owner protections.  Property insurance covers damage to the building that encompasses your business as well as the assets inside including the inventory, furniture and equipment needed to run the business.

In our society lawsuits come about for the most insignificant of reasons.  This is why it is so important that businesses cover additions liability insurance.  This policy will be the coverage that is needed to prevent financial ruin that comes from litigation over property, injuries that your product is held accountable for.  This is the policy that covers business owners from litigation against things such as a coffee that scorches a client or fan blade that cuts a babies finger.

Insurance against errors and omission is another part of business insurance coverage that is important.  This covers all service based industries against mistakes or harm caused from advice given.  Good examples of people that need this coverage are lawyers and doctors.

When it comes to insurance for your business it is important to take the time to understand what is being offered and the reason the coverage is critical for your business.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com/business.php.

Protect Your Business Risks With Commercial Insurance

When it comes to protecting yourself and your business against the uncertainties in life it is good to know you can rely on commercial business insurance.  As the owner of any business no matter how big or small you will face risks that you didn’t even know existed before becoming an entrepreneur.  Before cutting the ribbon on your new business it is imperative that you meet with an insurance agent that specializes in commercial insurance coverage.  They will be able to help you identify and define the risks within your industry as well as your specific needs.

Insurance for your business takes the risks involved and transfers them to a third party that you pay for.  It works just like insurance policies that you have on your home and automobiles. The insurance company chooses a set amount of money to charge for policies depending on the amount of coverage that is needed and the determined likelihood that it will be needed. Business insurance is risk management for owners.  If a loss occurs the business owner will establish a claim with the insurance company and their losses will be covered.  Without this coverage a business owner would be on their own to cover the loss occurred which could possibly bankrupt your business.

When it comes to insurance for your business there are several types of policies to consider.  An insurance agent will help you determine exactly which insurance policies are specific to your business.  From commercial property damage to professional liability this article will provide you with a brief description on what each does to support your business.

Worker’s Compensation

A worker’s compensation policy covers lost income as well as medical expenses to an employee if they sustain an injury or work related illness.  This policy pays to sustain the employee while hiring someone to cover the work that is in need of being done while the employee is healing.

General Liability

General business liability insurance provides coverage against negligence, product defects, and damage to property.  General liability is important in today’s lawsuit happy climate.  The protection provided to the business is to cover lawsuit expenses, medical payment and any other expense occurred in preventing loss to your business.

Commercial Property Damage

Property damage insurance provides coverage and compensation to business owners in case of loss due to natural causes including from weather created issues, fire damage as well as theft.  The coverage not only covers the physical business property and structure but also loss of equipment and materials that allow your business to function and exist.

Professional Liability

When it comes to certain professions professional liability is a must.  This type of insurance is provided for consultants, attorneys, tax advisors and other service industries. If you give advice or offer services of technical advice professional insurance protects you and your business against lawsuits stemming from that advice.

These are the four most basic types of coverage offered to business owners.  More in depth coverage may be needed or wanted.  This can be determined by consulting a local commercial business insurance agent.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com/business.php.

Learning More About The Perfect Pocket Knife

In the latest pocket knife installment we talked about the different blade types available on pocket knives including the plain edge, the serrated edge and the combo.  When it comes to choosing a pocket knife the sky is the limit when it comes to combining your favorite aspects into one perfect knife.  Today we will talk more about the blade lengths available for pocket knives.

There are a wide range of pocket knife blade lengths from big, seven and a half inch blades to small, two inch blades.  It may seem insignificant when talking about a few inches but when it comes to a pocket knife blade it can make a colossal difference in what it can do for you.

A small pocket knife is classified by a blade that is less than 2.75 inches in length. A small blade is advantageous for many reasons.  The first is that they are small and not cumbersome to carry.  They are also widely acceptable to carry without having to worry about knife laws.  The problem with the small blade is that it can tend to be a bit weaker than larger blades.  Another issue is that due to their small size the locking mechanism is often left off of these knives.  Small pocket knives are perfect for everyday light use.

A pocket knife with a medium blade ranges between 2.75 inches in length and 4 inches.   This is where the average length of pocket knives most Americans carry falls. A medium size pocket knife is easy to carry and provides the benefits of a versatile larger knife blade.  The blades in this range also have the best options in locking mechanisms when it comes to pocket knives.  The locking mechanism promotes safety when doing more strenuous activities; helping to assure the blade doesn’t accidentally shut. Knives this size is more difficult to find than their smaller counterparts due to restrict knife laws that ban their use in certain areas.

Larger pocket knives with blades over 4 inches are also available.  Larger blades in pocket knives are more convenient to carry than their larger counter, the fixed blade.  A large pocket knife is mainly used for self-defense and tends to be impractical for everyday. The large blade tends to make the knives heavier which can make them cumbersome to carry in your pocket all the time.  You will also need to look into local knife laws that regulate the size of a knife blade that can be concealed within your pocket.

In our series so far on the pocket knife we have taken an in-depth look into the number of blades, the edge of the blade and now the blade length.  In our next edition we will look into the cost of pocket knives and the differences between the knives and brands at each price point. We will also look in greater detail into the blade type and what each is used for.  From there we will look at the different options in materials to create the ideal knife blade.  Be sure to check it out.

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.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Pocket Knife Prices and Blade Types

In our series on pocket knives so far we have explored a great deal about the common pocket knife; the number of blades, the pocket knife edge varieties, and the different blade lengths available.  In this installment we will talk about the different price point options available as well as the different blade types and their ideal uses.

When it comes to price point and pocket knives they can range anywhere from a few dollars upwards into the hundreds.  Pocket knives that are in the price point under thirty dollars are considered to be economical pocket knives.  Some common brands in economical pocket knives include Colt Knives, Schrade Old Timer and Gerber Knives.  Economical pocket knives are limited in some of the extra bells and whistles of more expensive brands however they are good enough to get the job done.

Knives that fall in the thirty to seventy dollar range where you will find most anything you want when looking for a pocket knife.  The sky is the limit and the variety is plentiful.  The majority of pocket knives will fall into the price point.  Although the dent in your pocket book will be small the jobs that can be done with these knives is not.  When looking for a mid range knife to purchase look for top brands such as Buck Knives, SOG Knives and Ka-Bar Knives.

Between seventy and a hundred dollars you are looking at top brand name pocket knives such as Spyderco Knives and Kershaw Knives.  The higher end price tag comes with better materials than the mid-range price point.  You can find a deal of knives at this price point.  The difference between these knives and the ones at the price point above is that these will cost you more to replace when they are in need of replacement.  The better materials are really the only difference besides the price.

Pocket knives upwards of a hundred dollars are considered premium knives.  The blade may be etched with a design; the details will be more intricate.  These knives are more of a piece of art then other pocket knives.  Boker brand knives carry a great deal of high end quality knives.

There are a number of blade types to choose from including: clip point, drop point, tanto point, spear point, trailing point, hawkbill, straight back, sheepfoot, wharncliffe, needle point, pen and spey.  The most popular options in blade types is the clip point, the drop point and the straight-back blade.  These are all ideal for everyday uses including piercing, skinning and slicing.

A needle point is really only useful for piercing, spear knives are good for piercing and slicing and the tanto point blade is the perfect design for piercing tougher materials and push cuts.  Sheepfoot blades are good for carving wood and cutting where as the spey point is great for skinning and gets its name from old times and being used to castrate animals.

The hawkbill is very distinct in design and is not a wonderful everyday pocket knife but is useful when opening boxes, stripping wires and cutting cords.  The point in discussing the different blades available is that a blade type perfect for one person may not serve the needs of another.  Consider what you are looking to do with the pocket knife before picking a blade type.  A pen knife is not a good survival pocket knife.

When we continue on our series about knives we will look into the steel options for the blade, the knife handle materials, and the different option in opening and locking mechanisms.

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.

Buying a Pocket Knife Part Two

We left off our last installment on choosing the perfect pocket knife looking at the options available in blades for your new pocket knife.  As mentioned pocket knives are sold with single blades, two blades and multi-blade often referred to as a Swiss Army Knife.   In this installment on the pocket knife we will look deeper into the edge of the blade you are looking for in a pocket knife.

The great debate continues on the edge that makes up the perfect pocket knife.  There are three main types of blades to choose from including: fully serrated, partially serrated as well as plain. In understanding the type of blade that you will use the most it is important to also be familiar with the two basic cuts that a knife will perform; the push cut and the pull cut.  A push cut is used to shave wood or peel an apple where as the pull cut is used for cutting rope or bread.

First we will look into the plain edge pocket knife. The advantage of owning this type of blade is that is performs clean, precise push cuts.  The sharp edge allows you control and accuracy within your cuts.  The plain edge is also easier to sharpen and can be done at home.  With a plain edge blade you will not be able to perform any pull cuts which makes it unable to use it to saw.  If you are in need of a knife to cut through wood or rope a plain edge is not for you. If you will be using the knife to shave or skin this is perfect for you.

When it comes to the fully serrated edge of a pocket knife you will find it is perfect for cutting through the tough materials that a straight edge blade would never be able to get through. A fully serrated edge gives strength to the blade from the serrations.  All of this working together provides a pocket knife that functions well as a saw blade.  This blade however does not provide clean, precision cuts and requires sharpening that can only be done through the factory.

Another option in pocket knife blades is the partially serrated edge, partial straight edge.  This blade offers you both options in one.  The combo knife blade is growing in popularity because it gives you the advantages of both knives.  The one thing to consider is the placement of the serrated edge on the blade to ensure the tasks you need it for can be accomplished.  The other thing to consider is that you will have to send it in to the factory to have the serrated edge sharpened.  Pocket knives with the combination straight edge and saw are becoming more and more popular every day.  It is the perfect tool for camping, hiking and is an all around solid survival pocket knife.

In our next installment on pocket knives we will explore the different blade size options along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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.